Charter Bus Prices in Appleton
One of the first questions many people have when considering a bus rental is: “How much does a charter bus cost?” That’s why the team at Charter Bus Rental Appleton put together this comprehensive pricing guide to help you budget for your next group trip.
If you’re looking for a more accurate estimate for your next trip, just call our 24-hour team at 920-806-6230! We’ll be more than happy to walk through the bus rental quote process with you and provide a personalized estimate within minutes.
Now, without further ado, let’s talk numbers!
| 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 Appleton?
Most Appleton charter bus rentals cost between $400 and $900 per day—but that’s just a ballpark figure. If you need a bus for multiple days or are traveling long distances, your price could be higher. The only way to get an accurate quote is to call us at 920-806-6230 and speak with one of our experts. We’re available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
When you call, be ready to share your travel dates, pickup and drop-off locations, group size, and any special requests. We’ll quickly calculate a quote and can even send photos of the exact buses available. If you’re happy with the price, you can book your bus right away with a deposit—otherwise, your quote will remain valid while you decide.
Below, you’ll find real-world pricing examples and a breakdown of the factors that affect bus rental rates in Appleton and beyond.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing in Appleton?
1. The Type of Bus
Just like renting a car, what size of bus you rent will affect how much you pay. Bigger buses tend to cost more, while smaller buses are more affordable. Below are some common types of buses you can book with Charter Bus Rental Appleton and their average prices:
- 56-passenger motorcoach: $250 per hour
- 25-passenger minibus: $200 per hour
- 18-passenger minibus: $180 per hour
2. The Time of Year
Bus rates fluctuate depending on the season. If demand is high, so are the prices. In Appleton, April, May, and June are busy months because of events like proms, graduations, and end-of-year school trips. Fall can also be busy due to sports and weddings. If you can, try to plan your trip during the off-season to save money.
3. The Length of Your Trip
Bus companies typically charge by the hour for local trips and by the mile or day for longer trips. If your trip covers a lot of ground or spans multiple days, expect to pay more. For example, a quick shuttle from Lawrence University to downtown Appleton will cost less than a multi-day excursion to Chicago or Minneapolis.
4. The Pick-Up Location
Charter bus pricing can also depend on the pick-up location of your trip. That’s because your bus rental begins accruing fees as soon as it leaves the bus company lot, not when your passengers board the bus. If your trip is starting in a city that’s far from the bus company’s headquarters, you will likely need to pay a “deadhead” fee to cover the extra miles it takes to get your bus to and from your starting location.
That’s why it’s important to work with a company like Charter Bus Rental Appleton, which has access to buses in cities across the U.S. We strive to find the closest available bus to your starting location to help save you money.
5. Tolls and Additional Fees
Your quote will include most expenses, but there are some additional costs to keep in mind:
- Tolls: You’re responsible for any tolls along your route.
- Parking: Many venues, like the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center or Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, charge for bus parking.
- Driver Lodging: For overnight trips, you must provide a hotel room for the driver.
- Gratuity: A tip of 10–20% is customary and appreciated.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some sample Appleton bus rental quotes for common trips in the area. Remember, these are just estimates—your actual price may vary. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call Charter Bus Rental Appleton at 920-806-6230 with your trip details.
Example #1
A couple is getting married at The 513 in downtown Appleton, with their reception at Poplar Hall along the riverfront. They want a shuttle to run guests between local hotels, the ceremony, and the reception venue. The entire event will last about eight hours.
- Bus: 25-passenger minibus
- Duration: 8 hours
- Hourly rate: $200
- Total: $1,600
Additional costs: Venue parking fee ($50), driver tip ($200)
Example #2
A high school is taking 40 students and 4 chaperones on a two-day field trip to Madison to visit the State Capitol and UW-Madison. They need a bus to stay with them overnight.
- Bus: 56-passenger motorcoach
- Distance: 100 miles each way (200 miles total)
- Daily rate: $2,200
- Number of days: 2
- Total: $4,400
Additional costs: Driver’s hotel ($150), tolls ($20), driver tip ($440)
Example #3
A downtown Appleton business is hosting clients during the Mile of Music festival and wants a private shuttle to run between their office, hotel, and festival venues for three days.
- Bus: 18-passenger minibus
- Daily rate: $1,500
- Number of days: 3
- Total: $4,500
Additional costs: Downtown parking ($75), driver tip ($450)
Example #4
A local youth hockey team needs transportation for 20 players and 5 coaches to a tournament in Green Bay. The trip will be a single day, with the bus staying at the rink between games.
- Bus: 25-passenger minibus
- Hourly rate: $200
- Duration: 10 hours
- Total: $2,000
Additional costs: Arena parking ($30), driver tip ($200)
Example #5
A family of 15 is flying out of Appleton International Airport (ATW) for vacation and wants a private shuttle to the terminal. The trip will take about 30 minutes.
- Bus: 18-passenger minibus
- Hourly rate: $180
- Duration: 1 hour
- Total: $180
Additional costs: Airport curb fee ($25), driver tip ($36)
Example #6
A local church is planning a weekend retreat to Door County for 30 members. They need a bus to transport everyone to the retreat center and provide local shuttles during the stay.
- Bus: 35-passenger minibus
- Daily rate: $1,800
- Number of days: 3
- Total: $5,400
Additional costs: Driver’s lodging ($300), tolls ($15), driver tip ($540)
Ready to get a quote for your own trip? Call Charter Bus Rental Appleton anytime at 920-806-6230. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide custom pricing, and help you find the perfect bus for your group. We proudly serve Appleton and the entire Fox Cities region, including Neenah, Menasha, Kaukauna, and more.
Get live availability & our best deals by calling or using our online quote tool. We're here 24/7/365 and would love to earn your business!