Erie Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Erie Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Erie will depend on several factors unique to your trip, including the time of year you’re traveling, your group size, and how far you plan to travel. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a bus rental in Erie. The best way to get an accurate price is to call our team at 814-616-3990 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask about your itinerary and send you a personalized estimate in minutes. Below, we’ve outlined average rates for different types of buses and explained what goes into determining the final price.
| 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?
Our fleet includes a variety of bus sizes and models to fit any budget. Here are some average rates to help you plan:
- 56-passenger charter 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
Keep in mind that these are just estimates. Your actual price may be higher or lower depending on your specific needs. For example, if you’re booking during a busy season like summer or around major events like CelebrateErie or Tall Ships Festival, rates may be higher due to increased demand. Similarly, long-distance trips to cities like Pittsburgh or Buffalo will cost more than local shuttles within Erie County.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Erie?
Several factors can affect the cost of your charter bus rental in Erie. Here’s what we consider when calculating your quote:
- Travel dates: Rates are typically higher during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) and around major holidays or events. For example, booking a bus during Presque Isle’s DiscoverE Days or Erie Insurance Arena concerts may cost more than traveling in January or February.
- Trip distance and duration: Local trips within Erie are usually billed by the hour, while longer journeys to places like Cleveland or Niagara Falls are priced by the day or mile. The farther you go, the more you’ll pay.
- Group size: Larger buses cost more than smaller ones, but they also offer more seats and amenities. If you have a small group, consider a minibus instead of a full-size coach to save money.
- Itinerary details: Multiple stops, layovers, or special requests (like ADA-accessible vehicles) can impact the price. Be sure to share your full itinerary with us so we can give you an accurate quote.
- Amenities: Buses with premium features like Wi-Fi, power outlets, reclining seats, and onboard restrooms may cost more than basic models. Let us know what’s important to your group.
- Additional costs: Don’t forget to budget for tolls (like I-90 or Bayfront Parkway), parking fees at venues like UPMC Park or Splash Lagoon, and gratuity.
If you’re splitting the cost among passengers, divide the total price by the number of people in your group to get an individual rate. For example, a $2,000 bus split between 40 riders comes out to $50 each—often cheaper than other forms of transportation.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Erie, PA and around Pennsylvania. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Presque Isle State Park Field Trip
Mrs. Thompson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 22 students from Belle Valley Elementary. They plan to leave the school at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, hiking the trails at Presque Isle State Park, and return by 3:30 PM. Since the group includes students, teachers, and two parent chaperones, they booked a 25-passenger minibus with plenty of storage for backpacks and lunches. The quote came to $1,650 for the day, which averages out to about $70 per person—an affordable option for a safe and comfortable educational outing.
Wedding Shuttle to Peek’n Peak Resort
Sarah is getting married at Peek’n Peak Resort and wants to provide transportation for her 45 guests staying at downtown Erie hotels. She arranged for a 56-passenger charter bus to pick up guests at the Sheraton Bayfront Hotel, shuttle them to the ceremony and reception in Clymer, NY, and bring everyone back at the end of the night. The package includes 10 hours of service, with multiple trips between the venue and hotels. The total cost was $3,300, which the couple considered well worth it for ensuring their guests could celebrate without worrying about driving or parking.
Corporate Retreat in Pittsburgh
An Erie-based tech company is sending 30 employees to a two-day corporate retreat in downtown Pittsburgh. They need round-trip transportation from their office near Peach Street to the hotel, plus daily shuttles to various team-building activities around the city. The company booked a 35-passenger minibus with Wi-Fi and power outlets so employees could work en route. The total cost for three days of service was $4,600, which included mileage, driver accommodations, and tolls along I-79. The HR manager appreciated the convenience of having everyone travel together and arrive on time for each scheduled event.
Church Youth Group Trip to Cedar Point
First Baptist Church is taking 40 teenagers and adult leaders to Cedar Point amusement park for a weekend retreat. They chose a 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, TV monitors, and an onboard restroom for the 3-hour drive each way. The itinerary includes two full days at the park and one night at a nearby hotel. The quote for the entire trip was $3,900, which the church covered through fundraising and ticket sales. Parents felt reassured knowing their kids would be supervised and traveling together in a single vehicle.
Senior Outing to Chautauqua Institution
A local senior center is planning a day trip to the Chautauqua Institution for a group of 18 members. They requested an 18-passenger minibus with ADA accessibility features to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs. The bus will depart Erie at 8:00 AM, spend the day attending lectures and concerts, and return by early evening. The cost for the outing was $1,400, making it an affordable option for retirees on a fixed income. Participants enjoyed the freedom to socialize and relax without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.
Sports Team Travel to State Championships
The Erie High School basketball team qualified for the state championships in Hershey, PA. The athletic director booked a 56-passenger charter bus to transport players, coaches, and equipment across the state. The package includes two days of travel, hotel transfers, and standby service during the tournament. The total price was $5,200, which the school district covered as part of its athletics budget. Having a private bus allowed the team to stick to a tight schedule and focus on winning the title.