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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Monterey Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of booking a charter bus in Monterey depends on your exact trip details, but you can generally expect to pay $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. Our instant online quote tool is the quickest way to get a 30-second estimate tailored to your unique itinerary and passenger count. If you prefer to talk it through, call our team at 831-747-3980 for all-inclusive pricing on any bus type! Below, we’ve included estimated rates and explained the factors that impact your price.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of a Charter Bus Rental?
When you request a quote from us, the price you see will be based on several key factors, including the dates of your trip, how many passengers are riding, the distance you plan to travel, and your pickup/drop-off locations. Different types of buses have different base costs — a 56-passenger charter bus will cost more than a smaller minibus rental. Keep in mind that spring and summer tend to be busier seasons in Monterey due to events like the Monterey Jazz Festival, Car Week, and local graduations, which may cause rates to increase during those times.
Your itinerary also matters. A multi-day tour along Highway 1 with stops in Carmel, Big Sur, and San Simeon will be priced differently than a single-day shuttle between downtown Monterey hotels and the Monterey Conference Center. The longer the duration and greater the mileage, the higher the overall cost. For overnight trips, you’ll need to budget for lodging as well. Additionally, if your group requires multiple pickups or drop-offs across different cities—for example, shuttling wedding guests between venues in Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Pebble Beach—this can also affect your final quote.
Onboard amenities such as WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, and entertainment systems come standard on most full-size charter buses, while minibuses offer basic comforts like reclining seats and climate control. If you have specific requests—such as an ADA-accessible vehicle for a school field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium—let us know so we can pair you with the right option. We’re here 24/7 to help customize the perfect solution for your group’s needs and budget!
What Is Included In My Quote?
Your quote includes the cost of the bus, tolls, mileage, fuel, and insurance. However, certain expenses are not included, such as parking passes, hotel rooms for overnight trips, and gratuity. For example, parking at the Cannery Row Parking Garage in Monterey typically costs $15 per day for oversized vehicles, while the Custom House Plaza lot near Fisherman’s Wharf charges around $20 per day. Hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the customer, with rates varying by location and season—expect to pay $150-$300 per night at popular hotels like the Portola Hotel & Spa or Hyatt Regency Monterey. Gratuity is optional but appreciated, with 10%-20% being customary.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Monterey, CA and around California. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium
Ms. Thompson is organizing a field trip for her 6th grade class of 28 students from Salinas to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The group plans to leave Salinas at 8:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM the same day. Their itinerary includes guided tours of the aquarium’s marine exhibits, lunch at the picnic area outside, and a stop at San Carlos Beach Park for outdoor activities. The quote for this local, full-day trip was $1,950. With 28 students, 2 teachers, and 3 parent chaperones, Ms. Thompson booked a 35-passenger minibus, bringing the average cost to about $62 per person.
Carmel Valley Winery Tour
Samantha is planning a bachelorette party for her sister with 16 friends and family members. They’ve scheduled private tastings at three Carmel Valley wineries: Folktale Winery, Bernardus Winery, and Cowgirl Winery. The group will depart from a central pickup point in downtown Monterey at 11:00 AM and return by 7:00 PM. Samantha’s reservation specialist recommended a 20-passenger minibus to comfortably accommodate everyone and their purchases. After factoring in eight hours of service and a mileage charge for the round-trip to Carmel Valley, the total cost came to $1,850, or about $116 per person.
Shuttle Service for Corporate Retreat
A tech company is hosting a three-day corporate retreat at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove. To ensure smooth transportation, the event coordinator arranged a continuous shuttle loop between the conference venue and two partner hotels in downtown Monterey. The retreat spans three days, with daily service running from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The coordinator chose two 25-passenger minibuses for guest shuttling. With an average daily rate of $1,200 per minibus, the base rental cost totals $7,200 for both vehicles over three days. The coordinator also budgeted $600 for two nights of hotel accommodations. At the end of the event, a 15% gratuity ($1,080) brought the total to $8,880.
Sports Team Charter to State Tournament
The Monterey High School varsity soccer team qualified for the state tournament in Sacramento. Coach Rivera needs transportation for 38 players, 4 coaches, and 2 athletic trainers. The team will depart Monterey at noon, arrive in Sacramento by 5:00 PM, play their match, and return home after the game concludes at 9:00 PM. Since this is an out-of-town, full-day trip with a late-night return, the reservation agent advised booking a 40-passenger charter bus. The total cost for the round trip, including highway mileage and a driver’s meal stipend, was $3,250.
