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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Erie Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental costs in Erie can vary depending on the specifics of your trip, but you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. The best way to get an accurate price for your upcoming group transportation is to call 814-960-6650 or use our online quote tool. Our team will create a quote based on your needs and budget in about 30 seconds. Keep reading below to see estimated prices for different bus types and factors that can affect your total cost.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of a Charter Bus Rental?
The price of your charter bus rental depends on several important factors, including the time of year, the duration of your trip, the type of bus you choose, and how far you travel. Trips during peak travel seasons like spring and summer may be more expensive, especially if you're booking a bus for a popular event such as Roar on the Shore or CelebrateErie. Off-peak times, like winter months, tend to offer more competitive rates. The length and distance of your trip also play a significant role; local trips within Erie might be charged by the hour, while longer journeys to destinations like Pittsburgh or Cleveland are typically priced by the day or mile. The type of bus you select will further influence your cost. Full-size charter buses with amenities such as reclining seats, WiFi, and onboard restrooms generally cost more than smaller options like minibuses or sprinter vans, which are ideal for shorter, local routes or shuttle services. The size and features of the bus should match your group's needs—a large school field trip to the Erie Maritime Museum might require a 56-passenger charter bus, while a corporate outing to Presque Isle State Park could be served by a 20-passenger minibus. Additional expenses not included in your initial quote may also impact your total cost. These can include tolls on highways like I-90, parking fees at venues such as the Bayfront Convention Center (which often range from $25 to $50 per day), and any required overnight accommodations if your itinerary spans multiple days. Planning ahead and providing detailed trip information will help us give you the most accurate, all-inclusive quote possible, ensuring there are no surprises when it comes to budgeting your group transportation in Erie.
What is include in my quote?
Your quote includes the base rental fee for the bus, mileage, fuel, and the cost of any special amenities you request, such as WiFi, power outlets, or onboard restrooms. It also covers insurance and taxes so you don’t have to worry about hidden charges. However, some expenses are not included—you’ll need to plan for tolls, parking passes, and tips for your driver. For example, daily bus parking at Presque Isle State Park typically costs around $20, while downtown Erie lots near the Bayfront Convention Center may charge $25 to $50 per day. If your trip requires overnight stays, you’ll also need to cover hotel accommodations for your driver, usually at a mid-range hotel. Factoring these additional costs into your budget ensures a smooth and well-prepared trip, allowing your group to enjoy everything Erie has to offer without unexpected expenses.
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.
Field Trip to the Erie Maritime Museum
Ms. Thompson is organizing a field trip for her 7th grade class of 48 students from a local middle school in Erie. The plan is to leave the school at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring the exhibits at the Erie Maritime Museum and touring the U.S. Brig Niagara, then return by 3:30 PM. To accommodate the entire group, including six chaperones, she reserves a 56-passenger charter bus with climate control and onboard WiFi for students to complete their assignments en route. The quote for this six-hour local trip is $1,350, which averages out to about $25 per person. Since the museum offers free bus parking, there are no additional parking fees, making this an affordable option for educational outings within the city.
Corporate Retreat Shuttle to Peek’n Peak Resort
An Erie-based tech company is planning a two-day corporate retreat at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, New York, located about 35 miles from downtown Erie. The itinerary includes team-building activities, meetings, and recreational time. To transport 32 employees comfortably, the HR manager books a 35-passenger minibus equipped with leather seats and power outlets. The shuttle will depart from the company headquarters at 8:00 AM, stay overnight at the resort, and return the following afternoon after lunch. The total quoted price for the two-day service is $2,800, which includes round-trip mileage and all-day availability for offsite dinner shuttles. The company budgets an extra $150 for overnight parking at the resort and allocates $200 per night for the driver’s hotel room, bringing the total transportation cost to $3,150.
Bachelorette Party Around Downtown Erie
Samantha is hosting a bachelorette party for her best friend and wants to ensure everyone has a safe, fun night out in downtown Erie. She invites 14 friends and plans an evening that starts with dinner at a waterfront restaurant, followed by stops at several bars along State Street, and ends with late-night dancing at a club. To keep the group together and avoid the hassle of multiple cars or rideshares, Samantha books a 15-passenger party bus featuring wraparound seating, LED lighting, and a Bluetooth sound system. The reservation is for five hours, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and the quote comes to $950. Since the bus will only make short stops and there’s minimal parking involved, the only additional expense is a customary tip for the driver, which Samantha adds to the total, making it a convenient and memorable night for everyone.
Day Trip to Pittsburgh Pirates Game
A local youth baseball league in Erie wants to reward its players with a day trip to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates play at PNC Park. The group consists of 54 people, including players, coaches, and family members. They schedule the trip to depart Erie at 8:00 AM, arrive in Pittsburgh by noon for a pre-game tailgate, enjoy the afternoon game, and return home by 10:00 PM. To ensure comfort on the two-hour drive each way, the organizer selects a 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats and an onboard restroom. The quote for this full-day, 260-mile round trip is $2,400. Parking for the bus near PNC Park is estimated at $40, and the group also plans to tip the driver at the end of the long day. This package provides an easy, cost-effective way to give young athletes an unforgettable Major League Baseball experience without the stress of coordinating individual transportation.
