Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Erie
FAQS
Erie Minibus Company is one of the top charter bus companies in Erie because we offer a huge fleet of vehicles, 24/7 customer service, and some of the best prices in the industry. We have over 3,000 buses across the country, so we can always find the perfect vehicle for your group. Our team is available around the clock to answer any questions you have, help you make changes to your reservation, or provide support during your trip. And with our instant online quoting tool, you can get a price estimate in just 30 seconds!
We serve all kinds of groups in Erie and throughout Pennsylvania! Whether you’re planning a wedding at the Bayfront Convention Center, a field trip to the Erie Zoo, a corporate event at Waldameer Park, or a sporting event at UPMC Park, we’ve got you covered. We also work with schools, religious organizations, government agencies, tour operators, and more. No group is too big or too small for us!
A charter bus is a large motorcoach designed to transport groups of people over long distances. These buses typically seat between 40 and 56 passengers and come equipped with amenities like reclining seats, air conditioning, overhead storage, undercarriage luggage bays, restrooms, and entertainment systems. Charter buses are ideal for long-distance travel, such as trips from Erie to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Buffalo.
A minibus is a smaller version of a charter bus that usually seats between 18 and 35 passengers. Minibuses are perfect for short-distance travel within Erie or nearby cities like Meadville, Ashtabula, or Jamestown. They offer many of the same amenities as larger buses, including comfortable seating, climate control, and audio/visual equipment, but they are more compact and easier to maneuver in urban environments.
Our charter buses come in several different sizes, but most of them seat between 40 and 56 passengers. The most common size is a 56-passenger motorcoach, which is perfect for large groups traveling long distances. We also have 47-passenger and 52-passenger models if you need something slightly smaller.
Our mini buses can seat anywhere from 18 to 35 passengers, depending on the model. The most popular sizes are 25-passenger and 28-passenger minibuses, which are great for medium-sized groups traveling around town. If you have a smaller group, we also offer 18-passenger and 20-passenger options.
We offer a wide variety of buses in Erie to accommodate groups of all sizes. Our fleet includes 56-passenger charter buses, 47-passenger motorcoaches, 35-passenger minibuses, 28-passenger minibuses, 25-passenger minibuses, and 18-passenger minibuses. We also have sprinter vans that seat up to 15 passengers for smaller groups. If you need something specific, just let us know and we’ll find it for you!
All of our buses come equipped with comfortable seating, climate control, and plenty of storage space for luggage or equipment. Most of our larger buses also feature onboard restrooms, free WiFi, power outlets, USB ports, PA systems, DVD players, and flat-screen TVs. If you have any special requests—like leather seats, hardwood floors, or extra luggage space—just ask!
Yes, most of our buses have either an AUX input or Bluetooth connectivity so you can play your own music through the sound system. Just bring your phone, tablet, or laptop and connect it to the bus’s audio system. If you have a specific request, let us know when you book and we’ll make sure your bus has the right setup.
Our 56-passenger charter buses have the most luggage space, with large undercarriage bays that can hold up to 15-20 suitcases plus additional overhead storage inside the cabin. Minibuses have less storage, usually enough for 5-10 small bags in the rear compartment or overhead racks. If your group has a lot of luggage, sports equipment, or musical instruments, please let us know so we can recommend the best option.
Yes, we offer ADA-accessible buses with features like wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and designated securement areas. If you need an accessible vehicle, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements. We are committed to providing safe and comfortable transportation for all passengers.
Yes, you can wrap your charter bus with custom graphics, logos, or advertisements. This is a popular option for political campaigns, sports teams, and corporate events. Please note that wrapping a bus requires additional time and cost, so be sure to discuss your plans with us well in advance. We can provide the exact dimensions of your bus to your graphic designer or printer.
We will do our best to accommodate requests for specific bus models, brands, or colors. Our fleet includes vehicles from top manufacturers like Prevost, MCI, Van Hool, Temsa, Grech Motors, Turtle Top, and Executive Coach Builders. If you have a preference for a certain make, model year, or exterior color (white, black, blue, etc.), please let us know when booking. We cannot guarantee availability of a particular vehicle, but we will match your request as closely as possible.
The cost of renting a charter bus in Erie depends on several factors, including the size of the bus, the length of the trip, and the time of year. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 per hour for a full-size charter bus. For a more accurate quote, fill out our online form or call us at 814-616-3990 with your trip details.
Minibus rentals in Erie generally cost less than full-size charter buses, ranging from $125 to $250 per hour depending on the size and amenities. Daily rates typically fall between $1,200 and $2,500. The final price will depend on your itinerary, group size, and any special requests.
Several factors can affect the price of your bus rental, including the distance traveled, duration of the trip, number of passengers, type of vehicle, and time of year. Additional services like multiple stops, overnight stays, or special amenities may also impact the cost. To get the best rate, try to book early and provide as much information as possible about your trip.
Your quote will include the cost of the bus, driver’s wages, fuel, tolls, and standard amenities. It does not cover optional expenses like parking fees, hotel rooms for the driver (if applicable), or gratuity. We recommend budgeting an extra 10-15% for unexpected costs or last-minute changes.
We recommend booking your bus rental at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (spring/summer) or around major holidays. For large events like weddings, festivals, or conventions, it’s best to reserve your bus as soon as you have a date and headcount. Last-minute bookings are possible but may be subject to limited availability and higher prices.
Yes, we offer flexible packages to suit your needs, including one-way transfers, round-trip service, and multi-day charters. Whether you’re planning a day trip to Presque Isle State Park or a week-long tour of Pennsylvania, we can customize your itinerary and pricing accordingly.
Absolutely! We can take you anywhere you need to go, whether it’s across the state or across the country. Popular long-distance routes from Erie include trips to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, and Washington DC. Just let us know where you’re headed and we’ll get you there safely and comfortably.
If your trip involves overnight travel or multiple days on the road, you will need to provide a separate hotel room for your driver. Drivers are required by law to rest for a certain number of hours between shifts, so having a comfortable place to sleep is essential. Most hotels in Erie offer discounted rates for bus drivers when booked as part of a group block.
Getting a quote is easy! Just fill out our online form with your trip details (date, destination, group size, etc.) or call us at 814-616-3990 to speak with a representative. We’ll send you a personalized quote within minutes. There’s no obligation to book, and you can request as many quotes as you need until you find the perfect option.
Here are a few tips to make your bus rental experience smooth and stress-free: Plan your itinerary in advance and share it with us, including all pickup/drop-off locations and timing. Communicate any special requirements (ADA access, extra luggage, A/V equipment) upfront. Confirm headcount before departure to ensure everyone has a seat. Pack snacks, drinks, and entertainment for the ride. Exchange contact information with your driver and designate a group leader to coordinate logistics.
We provide airport transfers to and from Erie International Airport (ERI), as well as regional hubs like Cleveland Hopkins (CLE), Pittsburgh International (PIT), Buffalo Niagara (BUF), and even Toronto Pearson (YYZ) for international flights. Our buses can accommodate flight crews, tour groups, and oversized luggage with ease.
We regularly transport fans and athletes to sporting venues such as UPMC Park (home of the Erie SeaWolves), Erie Insurance Arena (hockey, basketball, concerts), Veterans Memorial Stadium (high school football), and Mercyhurst University Ice Center. Out-of-town trips to PNC Park, Heinz Field, FirstEnergy Stadium, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and KeyBank Center are also available.
Catch a show at popular venues like the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Presque Isle Downs & Casino Event Center, Basement Transmissions, or CelebrateErie festival grounds with hassle-free group transportation. We also serve Blossom Music Center, Darien Lake Amphitheater, Stage AE, and other major concert destinations within a few hours’ drive.
Make your special day unforgettable with shuttle service to top wedding venues such as the Bayfront Convention Center, Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center, Masonic Temple Ballroom, Peek’n Peak Resort, Lake Shore Country Club, and various wineries/breweries along the Lake Erie Wine Trail. We’ll keep your guests on schedule from ceremony to reception to after-party.
In addition to Erie, we serve nearby cities like Meadville, Edinboro, Corry, North East, Fairview, Girard, Harborcreek, and Millcreek Township. We also provide service to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and other major cities within a few hours’ drive.
We provide transportation for major events and festivals in Erie, including CelebrateErie, Roar on the Shore, Erie County Fair, Tall Ships Festival, and Presque Isle Poker Paddle. We also serve smaller community events, parades, and holiday celebrations throughout the region.
We provide transportation to the Bayfront Convention Center, Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, and other conference venues in the area. Whether you’re attending a trade show, corporate meeting, or industry summit, we’ll get your group there on time and ready to network.
We work with local colleges and universities such as Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, Penn State Behrend, and Edinboro University for campus tours, athletic events, and student organization trips. K-12 schools in the Erie City School District, Millcreek Township School District, and surrounding areas also rely on us for field trips, band competitions, and graduation ceremonies.