While the numbers above provide a general estimate, the best way to get an accurate quote tailored to your unique trip is to give us a call. Just give us a call at 813-280-7525 or request a quick quote online.
How are Bus Prices Determined?
Unlike a city bus or public transportation with fixed, one-size-fits-all pricing, charter bus rates are tailored to each unique trip. There are several factors that come into play when our team calculates your customized price quote. These include details like:
When and where you’re traveling. How many passengers are in your group. What size and type of bus you need. How far you’re traveling. Length of your trip and rental time needed. Amenities and features requested for your bus.
To determine the best rate and bus rental package for your Tampa trip, our team will gather details on all of these factors. It’s important to have your trip details finalized when you call, so we can give you the most accurate price estimate possible.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Charter Bus?
Wondering what goes into calculating your quote? While each bus rental quote is unique, there are several universal factors that impact the final pricing. Keep reading for a deeper look into what makes Seattle bus rental costs fluctuate.
When you want to travel
Like hotels and flights, charter bus prices fluctuate based on the time of year you’re booking. Seasonality affects pricing in a few key ways: Peak travel seasons mean higher demand. For Tampa, winter and spring breaks are busy rental times when prices are higher. Major holidays also boost demand. Prices tend to increase around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and other holidays when group travel is popular. Summer is considered the high season for bus rentals across most of the U.S. Tampa’s warm weather and school breaks make it a popular summer destination. Booking 6-12 months in advance when possible can help you secure the best rates for your Tampa bus, especially for peak dates. Last-minute rentals typically cost more.
Where you’re going and how long you’ll be there
Whether you need a bus to shuttle across Tampa for the day or you’re planning a long weekend road trip to Orlando, mileage is a major cost factor. Your bus rental rate may be: Hourly, for shorter in-town trips. Daily, for same-day trips to cities within 150-250 miles. By mile, for longer trips. Multi-day trips also incur accommodation costs for your driver. Their meals and lodging must be covered when trips require overnight stays.
The number of people in your group
The passenger capacity you need is a big deciding factor for which type of bus we rent. Smaller groups of 15-30 passengers can opt for more affordable minibuses, while groups of 40-50+ will need a full-size motorcoach. Make sure to give our team an accurate headcount!
Where you depart
Your starting point also affects cost. We have charter buses based across Tampa, but for out-of-town groups we may need to bring a bus from another Florida city like Orlando. Any deadhead miles to your departure location will impact pricing.
Whether you’re traveling round-trip or one-way
Round-trip rentals are more common, but one-way trips are possible for an added cost. For a Tampa to Orlando bus rental, pricing will be higher if the bus does not return to Tampa afterwards.
Determining the Cost of a Charter Bus Trip
As you can see, there are a variety of factors that determine the overall charter bus rental cost for your Tampa trip. The only way to get an accurate, all-inclusive estimate is to speak with a Charter Bus Company Tampa representative. Our team will collect the key trip details and generate a custom quote. To get started, call our 24/7 reservations line at (813) 280-7525 with your best estimate for: Dates of travel. Pickup and drop off addresses. Total passengers. Any special bus features or amenities your group would like. With your Tampa itinerary in hand, one of our charter bus rental experts can provide a free, no-obligation quote in minutes. We look forward to helping with your transportation plans!
Time of the year
Due to the laws of supply and demand, bus prices are significantly higher during peak charter bus rental seasons in Tampa. Winter and spring breaks, for example, are very popular times for group trips when demand is high. Similarly, summertime rates tend to increase as well. To get the best possible rate, we always recommend booking as far in advance as you can, especially if traveling during peak seasons. The most availability and best prices are typically 6-12 months out.
The day of the week
Weekends, especially Saturdays, are prime charter bus rental days in most cities. With schools and businesses closed, weekends offer more flexibility for group trips and events. Due to higher demand on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, prices may be higher than weekdays. If your trip dates are flexible, traveling midweek can save you money. Mondays-Thursdays tend to have the most availability and lowest rates (outside of major holidays and events).
The size of your coach
Larger coaches cost more overall, but are better value when filled with riders. So a 56-passenger bus is more affordable than two minibuses if you have at least 40 people. Make sure to finalize your passenger count when requesting a quote.
The impact of being gone overnight
Quick round-trips for a single event or day trip are common, but overnight and multi-day trips are possible too. The costs added for overnight bus rentals in Tampa include: Your driver’s hotel room (paid for by the renter). Per diem for your driver’s meals. Potential loss of bus rental revenue for the company. To cover these costs, overnight Tampa bus rentals may have an associated surcharge or higher mileage rate.
The distance you travel
Trips inside Tampa city limits may be charged at an hourly rate, but all other destinations are priced by mileage. Longer distances equal higher costs. Some common ranges: Within 100 miles: Lower per-mile cost. 100-250 miles: Moderate per-mile cost. 250+ miles: Higher per-mile rates. Your destination also affects the number of travel hours in a day. Our drivers are limited by federal regulations.
