Charter Bus Prices in Santa Maria
Curious about Santa Maria charter bus prices for your next trip? You’re not alone! At Charter Bus Rental Santa Maria, we get tons of questions every day about how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, or anywhere in northern Santa Barbara County. The short answer is: it depends on several factors like bus size, trip length, time of year, and more. But don’t worry—we’re here to break it all down for you so you can budget your trip with confidence.
Call our team anytime at 820-899-2540 to get an instant, all-inclusive quote on your next Santa Maria bus rental! We operate 24/7 and can quickly give you an estimate over the phone!
| 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 Santa Maria?
The cost of a charter bus rental in Santa Maria typically ranges from $1,400 to $5,500 or more, depending on the size of the vehicle, length of the trip, and specific itinerary details. Smaller vehicles like 18-passenger minibuses generally cost between $1,400 and $3,000 for a local, full-day rental, while larger 56-passenger charter buses can range from $2,500 to $5,500 or more for similar trips. Multi-day or long-distance rentals—such as trips to Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Fresno—will increase the total cost, as most companies charge by the hour, day, or mile. Peak seasons, such as spring and summer when school and wine tours are common, can also raise prices due to higher demand.
For the most accurate pricing, contact Charter Bus Rental Santa Maria at 820-899-2540 to get an instant, personalized quote. We’ll factor in your exact passenger count, itinerary, and any special requests to give you a precise estimate.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing in Santa Maria?
Several key factors influence the final price of a charter bus rental in Santa Maria:
- Vehicle Type and Size: Larger buses (50–56 passengers) cost more than smaller minibuses (18–35 passengers). Specialty vehicles like party buses or entertainer coaches may also carry premium rates.
- Trip Duration and Distance: Local trips are often billed hourly (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while longer trips are charged by the day or mile. Multi-day and out-of-town itineraries increase the total cost.
- Time of Year: Spring and summer are peak seasons due to school events, sports, and wine tours, leading to higher rates. Booking during off-peak months can save money.
- Pickup and Drop-Off Locations: Additional fees may apply if the trip starts or ends far from the operator’s base, such as in remote areas or different counties.
- Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Bridge tolls, venue parking fees, and special permits (e.g., for the Santa Maria Fairpark) are usually not included in the base price.
- Driver Expenses: For multi-day trips, the client must cover the driver’s hotel and meals. Single-day trips may include a standard gratuity, but additional tips are appreciated.
- Optional Amenities: Buses with WiFi, power outlets, leather seats, or onboard restrooms may cost more than basic models.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you estimate your budget, here are several real-world examples of charter bus pricing for common trips in and around Santa Maria. These examples cover a range of group sizes, vehicle types, and itineraries to give you a clear picture of what to expect. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, call Charter Bus Rental Santa Maria at 820-899-2540. Our team is available 24/7 to provide instant quotes and answer any questions you have about booking a charter bus in Santa Maria or anywhere in California.
Example #1
Itinerary: Santa Maria High School to Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum and back
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Duration: 5 hours
Price: $1,700
Details: This is a typical half-day school field trip within city limits. The price includes pickup, drop-off, and waiting time at the venue.
Example #2
Itinerary: Multiple pickups from Betteravia Business Park to Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX)
Vehicle: 25-passenger minibus
Duration: 4 hours
Price: $1,400
Details: Short airport transfers are billed hourly with a minimum. Includes several runs between office buildings and the airport terminal.
Example #3
Itinerary: Hotel block on South Broadway to Presqu’ile Winery wedding venue, then back after reception
Vehicle: 32-passenger minibus
Duration: 6 hours
Price: $2,100
Details: Includes pre-ceremony shuttles, standby during the event, and post-reception return trips.
Example #4
Itinerary: Allan Hancock College Bulldogs to Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Duration: 8 hours
Price: $2,800
Details: Includes transportation for players and coaches, equipment storage, and waiting during the game.
Example #5
Itinerary: Pickup in Santa Maria, visits to three wineries in Santa Ynez Valley, return to Santa Maria
Vehicle: 20-passenger minibus
Duration: 10 hours
Price: $2,500
Details: Custom wine tour with multiple stops and rural driving. Includes wait time at each winery.
Example #6
Itinerary: Santa Maria to Pismo Beach resort, two-day stay, return to Santa Maria
Vehicle: 40-passenger charter bus
Duration: 2 days
Price: $4,200
Details: Includes round-trip transportation, local shuttles during the retreat, and overnight driver accommodations.
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