Columbia Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Columbia Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus prices in Columbia, SC, typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day, depending on the size of the bus and details of your trip. You can get an instant quote online using our online quote tool or by calling our team at 839-895-4850. Below, we have estimated rates for different types of buses and go over the factors that affect your trip cost, like the time of year you’re traveling, your itinerary, and what kind of amenities you need onboard. If you have any questions about our pricing, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help you figure out the best option for your group!
| 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 Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost of renting a bus in Columbia depends on several factors, but you can generally expect to pay between $145 and $519 per hour. Here’s a quick breakdown of our estimated prices:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
These are general estimates, and your actual price may vary based on your specific itinerary and needs. For example, if you’re booking transportation during a busy season like football season at Williams-Brice Stadium or graduation at the University of South Carolina, rates may be higher due to increased demand.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Columbia?
Several factors can influence the cost of your charter bus rental in Columbia. One of the biggest is the time of year you’re traveling. During peak seasons—like spring and fall when there are lots of weddings at venues like 701 Whaley or sporting events at Founders Park—prices tend to be higher due to increased demand. Similarly, major events such as the South Carolina State Fair or large conventions at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center can also drive up costs.
Your itinerary will also play a big role in determining your final price. The distance you’re traveling, the number of stops you’re making, and the duration of your trip all factor into the overall cost. For example, a simple round-trip transfer from downtown Columbia to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will likely cost less than an all-day shuttle service running between multiple hotels and the Colonial Life Arena.
Another important consideration is the type of bus you choose. Larger vehicles like a 56-passenger charter bus are more expensive than smaller options like an 18-passenger minibus, but they offer more seating and amenities. Speaking of amenities, if you require special features such as WiFi, power outlets, or ADA-accessible buses, this can also affect your quote.
Finally, don’t forget about additional expenses like parking fees, tolls, and overnight accommodations for your driver if you’re planning a multi-day trip. Popular destinations for overnight trips might include Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, or Atlanta. It’s always a good idea to discuss these details with our team so we can provide you with the most accurate quote possible.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Columbia, SC, and around South Carolina. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Exploring Congaree National Park
Mrs. Jenkins is planning a field trip for her 6th grade class of 22 students from Rosewood Elementary. They’ll leave Columbia at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring Congaree National Park’s boardwalks and visitor center, and return to school by 3:30 PM. This six-hour outing was quoted at $1,350 for a 25-passenger minibus, which comes out to about $55 per person including two teachers and three parent chaperones. The minibus provides plenty of room for backpacks and picnic coolers, and keeps the group together for easy headcounts. This option offers a safe, comfortable way to introduce students to one of South Carolina’s natural treasures without breaking the PTA budget.
Bachelor Party to Myrtle Beach
Chris is organizing a bachelor party weekend for his friend Nick with 14 guys heading from Columbia to Myrtle Beach. They’ll depart Friday afternoon, hit Broadway at the Beach and local golf courses, and return Sunday evening. He booked a 20-passenger minibus for the entire weekend, totaling about $3,900. This covers the round-trip to Myrtle Beach, keeping the bus on-call for bar crawls and excursions, and waiting while the group enjoys the nightlife. Splitting the cost among 15 riders makes it $260 each, which is cheaper than renting multiple cars and dealing with parking. Plus, everyone can relax and have fun knowing they have private transportation for the whole trip.
Shuttle for Usc Football Game Day
A University of South Carolina alumni group wants to run a game day shuttle for fans staying at hotels along Two Notch Road. They book a 56-passenger charter bus to run continuous loops between the hotels and Williams-Brice Stadium before and after Saturday’s home game. With eight hours of service, the quote comes to $2,800. The large bus ensures there’s enough room for coolers, folding chairs, and tailgate supplies, and keeps traffic flowing smoothly by reducing the number of vehicles near the stadium. This is an affordable, convenient way for fans to support the Gamecocks without worrying about parking or rideshares on busy game days.
Corporate Retreat to Lake Murray
A small law firm is hosting a corporate retreat at a lakeside house rental on Lake Murray. They need round-trip transportation for 18 employees from their downtown Columbia office to the lake house, plus a dinner outing to a restaurant in Irmo. An 18-passenger minibus for the full day costs $1,650. The minibus stays with the group, providing flexible scheduling for team-building activities and meal breaks. This setup allows everyone to participate in workshops and social events without needing designated drivers or coordinating carpools. The firm values the convenience and camaraderie of traveling together, making the retreat more productive and enjoyable for all staff members.
Wedding Shuttle Between Ceremony and Reception
Emily is getting married at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, with the reception at Stone River in West Columbia. She arranges a continuous shuttle for 100 guests using two 25-passenger minibuses to run loops between the venues and nearby hotel blocks for five hours. The total quote is $2,700, which includes unlimited trips across the river and standby time during the ceremony and dinner. The shuttle ensures guests don’t have to worry about driving or parking downtown, especially those unfamiliar with Columbia’s one-way streets. Emily appreciates how easy it is to keep her wedding timeline on track, and guests enjoy the stress-free ride between locations.
Day Trip to Charleston for Church Group
Pastor Williams is taking his congregation of 40 adults and teens on a day trip from Columbia to Charleston to tour historic churches and visit the South Carolina Aquarium. They leave at 7:00 AM, spend the day sightseeing, and return home by 10:00 PM. A 56-passenger charter bus for the 15-hour excursion costs $3,400. The large bus accommodates everyone comfortably, with reclining seats, restrooms, and space for coolers and snacks. Having private transportation allows the group to stick to their itinerary without relying on public transit or splitting into smaller vehicles. The church finds this option both economical and efficient for fostering fellowship during long-distance outings.