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Charter Bus Prices in Ames

One of the first questions people ask when booking a bus is: “How much does it cost to rent a charter bus?” And the answer is—it depends! Pricing is affected by the time of year, the type of bus, the number of passengers, the distance traveled, and more. That’s why the best way to get an accurate estimate is to call our 24-hour team at 515-425-4750. We’ll quickly run the numbers and give you a personalized quote in minutes. Then we’ll stick around to help you book the perfect bus for your group!

Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common factors that will influence the price of your Ames charter bus rental. We’ve also included real pricing examples from recent trips to help you budget for your next event. If you have any questions, just give us a call! We’re always happy to help.

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 Ames?

Charter bus rental rates in Ames typically range from $1,100 to $3,500+ for local single-day trips and $3,000 to $10,000+ for multi-day or long-distance packages, but the best way to get an exact price is to call Charter Bus Rental Ames at 515-425-4750 and request a custom quote. We use your exact itinerary, passenger count, and vehicle type to calculate an all-inclusive price that covers the bus, driver, mileage, tolls, and standard amenities. You can get a quote in minutes, and we’ll even break down the cost per person so you can compare options. Call us anytime at 515-425-4750 to speak with a specialist and get an instant quote on your next bus rental.

Once you receive a quote, you can book your bus immediately by putting down a deposit. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, compare options, and help you find the best value for your trip.

What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing in Ames?

Several key factors influence the cost of renting a charter bus in Ames, making each trip’s pricing unique:

  • Type and Size of Bus: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses generally cost more than smaller 18-, 20-, or 25-passenger minibuses. Specialty vehicles with luxury amenities (leather seats, onboard restrooms, PA systems, WiFi) also command higher rates. Smaller vehicles (minibuses) are less expensive but may lack certain amenities.
  • Trip Duration and Distance: Local trips within Ames—such as shuttles between Iowa State University, downtown, and area hotels—are typically billed by the hour. Longer journeys (to Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or out of state) are charged by the mile or by the day. Multi-day trips incur higher overall costs but may have lower daily rates.
  • Season and Date: Peak demand periods—such as ISU football weekends, graduation, and spring/fall event seasons—drive up prices due to limited bus availability. Off-peak rentals (winter months, midweek days) are more affordable.
  • Itinerary Details: Complex itineraries with multiple stops (e.g., wedding shuttles between venues), tight schedules, or downtown pickups may increase costs due to additional driver time and coordination.
  • Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees (at Jack Trice Stadium, Hilton Coliseum, or hotel lots), and lodging for the driver (on overnight trips) are typically not included in the base rate and are billed separately.
  • Advance Booking: Booking several months ahead ensures better rates and vehicle selection. Last-minute rentals may incur premium pricing.

For the most accurate pricing, contact Charter Bus Rental Ames at 515-425-4750 with your trip details. We provide fast, all-inclusive quotes tailored to your exact needs.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are real examples of what it might cost to rent a bus for popular routes and events in Ames. Use these as a ballpark estimate, but remember that your exact price may vary based on the time of year, current fuel prices, and vehicle availability. For the most accurate pricing, call Charter Bus Rental Ames at 515-425-4750 and request an instant quote.

Example #1

18 passenger minibus rental

Trip Details: Local shuttle between Iowa State University campus, Jack Trice Stadium, and downtown Ames hotels for a Cyclones football game. Single-day event, 6 hours total.
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Price: $2,400 ($400/hour x 6 hours)

Example #2

56 passenger charter bus

Trip Details: One-way transfer from Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), approximately 40 miles. Single-day trip.
Vehicle: 25-passenger minibus
Price: $1,600 ($40/mile x 40 miles)

Example #3

56 passenger coach bus

Trip Details: Local wedding shuttle between ceremony and reception venues in Ames. Single-day event, 5 hours total.
Vehicle: 20-passenger minibus
Price: $1,250 ($250/hour x 5 hours)

Example #4

18 passenger minibus

Trip Details: Three-day school trip from Ames to Cedar Rapids, approximately 110 miles each way. Includes local travel in Cedar Rapids.
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Price: $6,600 ($2,200/day x 3 days)

Example #5

20 passenger minibus

Trip Details: Full-day corporate event shuttle between Iowa State University Research Park and downtown Ames. 8-hour continuous service.
Vehicle: 18-passenger minibus
Price: $2,000 ($250/hour x 8 hours)

Example #6

25 passenger minibus

Trip Details: Two-day fan trip from Ames to Chicago for a professional sports game, approximately 350 miles each way.
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Price: $9,800 ($4,900/day x 2 days)

Ready to get an exact price for your next trip? Call Charter Bus Rental Ames anytime at 515-425-4750. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, compare vehicles, and help you find the best value on your next Ames bus rental. We proudly serve Story County, Boone County, Polk County, and groups traveling anywhere across Iowa or out of state.

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