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Charter Bus Prices in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Coach Bus Service is here to help you find the exact price of your next charter bus rental in Santa Cruz! We have years of experience helping groups of all sizes and industries book reliable transportation for events big and small. Whether you're planning a field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a corporate retreat at Chaminade Resort & Spa, or a wedding at one of Santa Cruz's beautiful coastal venues, we can help you secure the perfect bus at the perfect price. Call our team anytime at 831-888-8650 to get an instant quote on your next charter bus rental in Santa Cruz!

Keep reading to learn how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Santa Cruz and what factors will impact your final price.

Vehicle Type Per Hour* Per Day* Per Mile*
56-Passenger Coach Bus $197 – $519 $1,600 – $3,800 $5.00 – $8.00
25-Passenger Minibus $165 – $428 $1,300 – $3,200 $4.00 – $7.00
20-Passenger Minibus $157 – $414 $1,300 – $3,100 $4.00 – $7.00
18-Passenger Minibus $145 – $404 $1,300 – $3,000 $4.00 – $7.00

*Prices vary and fluctuate with fuel costs, holidays, and availability. Booking early usually secures the lowest rate. For exact pricing, please call our reservations team.

How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Santa Cruz?

The cost of renting a charter bus in Santa Cruz typically ranges from $1,625 to $4,215+ per day or $185 to $575+ per hour, depending on the size of the vehicle, length of the trip, and other factors. Minibuses generally cost $1,505–$3,665 per day or $165–$485 per hour, while larger full-size charter buses run $1,965–$4,215 per day or $255–$575 per hour. Most trips are billed either by the hour (for local service) or by the day (for longer or multi-day trips). Additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and driver hotel/lodging are not included in the base rate.

To get exact pricing for your trip, call our team at 831-888-8650 with your itinerary details. We'll give you an instant quote in about 30 seconds!

What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Santa Cruz?

Several factors influence the final price of your charter bus rental, including:

  • Number of passengers: Larger buses cost more but have a lower cost per seat.
  • Type of vehicle: Minibuses are less expensive than full-size coaches.
  • Trip duration: Longer trips cost more; multi-day trips are billed by the day.
  • Time of year: Peak demand months (April–June) may have higher rates.
  • Pickup location: Trips starting outside major metro areas may incur deadhead fees.
  • Itinerary complexity: Multiple stops or layovers can affect pricing.
  • Additional amenities: Buses with restrooms, WiFi, or premium seating may cost extra.

When you call for a quote, be sure to provide your exact pickup and drop-off locations, travel dates, number of passengers, and any special requests so we can give you the most accurate price.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

To help you budget for your next event, we've put together several real-world charter bus pricing examples based on recent trips we've booked in and around Santa Cruz County. These examples cover a range of common itineraries, including local shuttles, school field trips, corporate outings, and multi-day excursions. If you don't see your exact route listed, just give us a call—we're happy to provide a custom quote tailored to your needs!

Example #1

18 passenger minibus rental

A student organization at UC Santa Cruz needed a minibus to shuttle 20 members from the campus to downtown Santa Cruz for a weekend event. The trip was 5 miles each way, with two round trips scheduled over one day. They booked a 28-passenger minibus for 6 hours at $225 per hour. Total cost: $1,350.

Example #2

56 passenger charter bus

A couple getting married at Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos arranged a shuttle for guests staying at hotels in Capitola. They rented a 56-passenger charter bus for 8 hours to run continuous loops between the venues. The bus was priced at $510 per hour. Total cost: $4,080.

Example #3

56 passenger coach bus

An elementary school in Watsonville organized a field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They needed two full-size charter buses to transport 90 students and chaperones. The aquarium is 45 miles from Watsonville, and the trip lasted 10 hours including travel and visit time. Each bus was rented for $2,150 per day. Total cost: $4,300.

Example #4

18 passenger minibus

A tech company from Silicon Valley hosted a two-day retreat at a lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They hired a 40-passenger mid-size coach to bring employees from San Jose to the venue, with the bus staying overnight. The package rate was $3,700 for the two-day charter.

Example #5

20 passenger minibus

An indie band based in Santa Cruz booked a 15-passenger minibus for a four-day tour with stops in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno. The minibus was rented at $1,650 per day. Total cost: $6,600.

Example #6

25 passenger minibus

A high school football team in Scotts Valley needed transportation to an away game in Salinas. They reserved a 56-passenger charter bus for a 7-hour round trip. At $475 per hour, the total came to $3,325.

Ready to get started? Call Santa Cruz Coach Bus Service anytime at 831-888-8650 for a fast, friendly quote on your next charter bus rental in Santa Cruz!

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