Charter Bus Prices in Cedar Rapids
Getting a charter bus rental cost in Cedar Rapids is simple when you work with Cedar Rapids Coach Bus Service! We know every trip is different, so we quickly break down what goes into your price, show real examples of local and out-of-town trips, and explain exactly how to get an instant quote. Whether you're organizing a wedding shuttle to DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, a corporate event at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, a school field trip to the Indian Creek Nature Center, or a Hawkeye game day trip to Iowa City, we've handled it before and can help you lock in the best rate fast. Call our team anytime at 319-900-8960, and we'll get you a bus, answer your questions, and make sure your next event runs smoothly from start to finish!
| 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 Cedar Rapids?
The cost of a charter bus rental in Cedar Rapids typically ranges from $1,600 to $5,200+ for multi-day and longer-distance trips, while local single-day rentals usually fall between $1,500 and $4,000+, depending on the exact vehicle size, trip duration, mileage, and other key factors. Minibuses generally run $1,200–$3,500 per day or $150–$400 per hour. Larger 56-passenger coaches average $2,800–$6,000+ per day or $350–$700 per hour.
You'll pay either an hourly rate (common for local in-town shuttles), a daily rate (for multi-day events), or a per-mile rate (for longer one-way or round-trip journeys), plus additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and optional driver hotel/lodging if required. The final price depends on your exact itinerary, including pickup location, destination, number of days/hours, and type of bus selected. For the most accurate pricing, contact Cedar Rapids Coach Bus Service with your trip details to receive a personalized, all-inclusive quote.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Cedar Rapids?
Several variables affect the final price of your Cedar Rapids bus rental:
- Trip Duration ∓ Distance: Longer trips covering more miles cost more due to increased fuel consumption, wear-and-tear, and additional driving hours. Multi-day itineraries incur higher fees than single-day outings.
 - Type ∓ Size of Vehicle: Larger buses with greater seating capacity command higher rates than smaller minibuses. Full-size charter buses (up to 56 passengers) are more expensive than compact models (18–35 seats).
 - Number of Passengers: While you don't pay per person, the size of your group determines the size of the vehicle needed. A larger group requires a bigger (and more expensive) bus.
 - Time of Year/Seasonality: Demand for charter buses spikes during peak seasons such as spring (April–June) for school trips and weddings, and fall weekends for college football games. Renting during these times can increase prices due to limited availability.
 - Day of the Week: Weekday trips often cost less than weekend rentals because demand is lower. If your schedule is flexible, consider booking your trip on a weekday to save money.
 - Start/End Location: Trips beginning outside major metropolitan areas may include an extra charge for "deadhead" mileage—the distance the bus travels from the depot to your pickup point.
 - Special Events ∓ High-Demand Dates: Major events like University of Iowa football games, RAGBRAI, CRANDIC races, or large conventions at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex can drive up demand and prices. Book well in advance if your trip coincides with these events.
 - Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees, and lodging for the driver (if required) are typically not included in the base rate. You'll need to budget for these extra costs separately.
 
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus quotes for trips starting in Cedar Rapids:
- Example 1: Local In-Town Shuttle
A corporate client needed a 25-passenger minibus to provide employee shuttles between downtown offices and a satellite parking lot near Coe College. The service ran for 8 hours with multiple loops around the city. Final cost: $2,200 (charged at $275/hour). - Example 2: School Field Trip to Des Moines
An elementary school booked a 56-passenger charter bus for a day trip to the Iowa State Capitol and Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines. The itinerary included a round trip of 240 miles plus 4 hours of wait time in Des Moines. Final cost: $3,100 (charged per mile). - Example 3: Wedding Shuttle Service
A bride and groom hired two 20-passenger minibuses to transport guests between their hotel in Coralville and the wedding venue at Celebration Farm. The shuttle operated continuously for 6 hours. Final cost: $3,000 ($1,500 per minibus, charged per day). - Example 4: Multi-Day Sports Team Travel
A college basketball team required a 56-passenger charter bus for a three-day tournament in Chicago. The package included 800 miles of travel and two nights of hotel accommodation for the driver. Final cost: $7,800 ($2,600 per day, plus driver lodging reimbursement). - Example 5: Airport Transfer to Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
A corporate group booked a 25-passenger minibus for a one-way transfer from a downtown hotel to Eastern Iowa Airport. The trip covered 10 miles and took 30 minutes. Final cost: $650 (minimum charge applied). - Example 6: Church Retreat to Dubuque
A local church organized a weekend retreat and rented a 35-passenger minibus for two days. The destination was a retreat center in Dubuque, 90 miles away. Final cost: $3,800 ($1,900 per day). 
These examples illustrate the range of pricing you might encounter based on different types of trips. For the most accurate estimate, contact Cedar Rapids Coach Bus Service with your specific itinerary and passenger count.
Example #1
                                  A tech company in downtown Cedar Rapids needs a daily employee shuttle to their new office in Hiawatha Business Park, about 7 miles away. They request a 25-passenger minibus running two round trips each morning and evening, five days a week. With an hourly rate of $250 and each shift lasting 3 hours, the daily cost is $750. Over a 22-day work month, the total comes to $16,500. This fixed-route shuttle keeps their team moving efficiently between locations.
Example #2
                                  A couple is hosting their wedding at a rural venue outside Cedar Rapids and books a 20-passenger minibus to shuttle guests between the hotel and venue. The shuttle runs continuously for 6 hours at an hourly rate of $200, totaling $1,200 for the day. This ensures guests can celebrate without worrying about transportation.
Example #3
                                  A group of Hawkeye fans charters a 56-passenger bus to Iowa City for a Saturday football game, with the bus waiting 5 hours during the event. At $4 per mile for a 60-mile round trip plus a $500 wait-time fee, the total comes to $740. Splitting the cost among passengers makes this an affordable and convenient option for attending the big game.
Example #4
                                  A Cedar Rapids company sends 15 employees to a three-day conference in Chicago, 220 miles away. They book a 25-passenger minibus at $3 per mile, totaling $1,320 round trip, plus a $900 daily rate for two additional days, and $300 for driver lodging. The final bill is $3,420, providing comfortable and cost-effective transportation for the entire team.
Example #5
                                  An elementary school books a 56-passenger charter bus for a field trip to the Capitol Building and Science Center in Des Moines. With a 240-mile round trip at $4 per mile and a $400 wait-time fee, the total cost is $1,360. Divided among students and chaperones, this provides safe and reliable transportation for the educational outing.
Example #6
                                  A youth soccer team qualifies for a weekend tournament in Minneapolis and rents a 35-passenger minibus for two days. The 500-mile round trip at $3 per mile totals $1,500, plus a $1,800 daily rate and $150 for driver accommodation. The grand total is $3,450, allowing the team to travel together and focus on bringing home the trophy.
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