St Paul Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a St Paul Bus Rental Cost?
The cost to rent a charter bus in St. Paul typically ranges from $170 to $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day depending on the size of the bus, length of your trip, and time of year. You can get an instant quote in less than 30 seconds by using our online booking tool or calling our team at 612-509-7380. We’ll just need a few details about your trip (date, pickup/drop-off location, passenger count) and we’ll send you a personalized quote right away! Below, we’ve provided some estimated rates and explained what factors go into your final price.
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| 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?
Most St. Paul charter bus rentals cost between $1,600 and $3,800+ per day depending on the size and type of vehicle. For example, a 56-passenger motorcoach typically ranges from $197 to $519 per hour, $1,600 to $3,800 per day, or $5.00 to $8.00 per mile. Smaller minibuses (18-25 passengers) are slightly less expensive, averaging $145-$428 per hour, $1,300-$3,200 per day, or $4.00-$7.00 per mile. Party buses and sprinter vans generally fall within the same range as minibuses. Remember, these are just averages—your exact quote will depend on your trip details!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in St. Paul?
Several key factors determine the total cost of your charter bus rental in St. Paul:
- Type and Size of Bus: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses generally cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans. Specialty vehicles such as party buses may also have different pricing structures.
- Trip Duration: Most rentals are priced by the hour, day, or mile. Local trips within St. Paul (downtown, Highland Park, Midway) are often charged hourly (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while longer trips to places like Duluth, Rochester, or Chicago may be quoted by the day or mile.
- Distance Traveled: The farther you travel, the higher the price. Trips staying within Ramsey County will generally cost less than those crossing into Wisconsin or heading north to the Iron Range.
- Time of Year: Charter bus rates are typically higher during peak season (April-June and September-December) when there’s high demand for proms, graduations, weddings, and fall sports. Summer rates may also spike due to tourism and festival schedules (Grand Old Day, Pride, Irish Fair).
- Itinerary Details: Multiple stops, layovers, or multi-day schedules (such as a weeklong tour of Minnesota colleges) can increase the total cost. Be sure to include all planned destinations like Allianz Field, Xcel Energy Center, Como Zoo, or MSP Airport when requesting a quote.
- Special Requests: Buses with premium amenities—WiFi, power outlets, TVs, PA systems, or onboard restrooms—may come at a higher rate. ADA-accessible vehicles should be requested at least two weeks in advance but do not usually affect the base price.
- Driver Lodging (for Overnight Trips): If your itinerary requires the driver to stay overnight outside the Twin Cities metro, you’ll need to cover the cost of their hotel room.
- Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any tolls (I-94, I-35E), parking fees (downtown ramps, State Capitol, RiverCentre), or special permits (Mall of America, MSP charter lot) incurred during the trip are typically the customer’s responsibility.
- Gratuity: While not always required, it’s customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost for excellent service.
If you have questions about what’s included in your quote, just ask our team! We’re available 24/7 and happy to help you find the best bus at the best price.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in St. Paul, MN and around Minnesota. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
St. Paul School Field Trip to Como Zoo
A middle school in the West Side neighborhood is planning a spring field trip for 120 students and 10 chaperones to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. They’ll need two 56-passenger charter buses to pick up at the school by 9:00 AM, spend the day touring the zoo and conservatory, and return by 3:00 PM. The school received a quote of $2,400 ($1,200 per bus) for this full-day local charter. With three classes sharing each bus, the cost averages out to just $20 per person for safe, direct transportation with onboard WiFi and DVD monitors for an educational video en route.
Wedding Shuttle From Hotel to Harriet Island Pavilion
A couple is hosting their summer wedding at Harriet Island Pavilion and wants to provide continuous shuttle service between the venue and two hotels in downtown St. Paul (InterContinental and Hyatt Place). They book a 25-passenger minibus for 8 hours to run loops before and after the ceremony/reception. Their quote comes to $2,000 for the day. This covers all guest transfers, eliminates parking headaches at the venue, and keeps the schedule running smoothly. The couple customizes the bus with a playlist and decor, making it both practical and festive while giving guests peace of mind for the ride home.
Corporate Day Trip to Mystic Lake Casino
A small business in Lowertown is rewarding employees with a day trip to Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake. They charter a 20-passenger minibus for a round trip: departing St. Paul at 10:00 AM, spending six hours at the casino, and returning by 7:00 PM. The total cost is $1,700, which the company covers as part of the outing budget. Employees appreciate traveling together without needing to carpool or designate drivers, and the minibus provides comfortable seating and storage for any winnings or personal items. This arrangement makes for a stress-free and enjoyable group excursion.
Sports Team Travel to Rochester Tournament
A youth hockey team based in Highland Park is competing in a weekend tournament in Rochester. They book a 56-passenger charter bus to transport 18 players, coaches, and family members, plus gear bags and coolers. The itinerary includes a Friday evening departure, two nights at a hotel, multiple games Saturday and Sunday, and a return after the final match. The quote comes to $4,500, which covers all mileage, driver’s hotel room, and use of the bus for local shuttles between the rink and restaurants. Families split the cost across the roster, making it affordable and ensuring everyone arrives together and on time.
Concert Group Trip to Xcel Energy Center
A group of friends from Maplewood wants to attend a major concert at Xcel Energy Center without worrying about downtown parking or rideshares. They hire an 18-passenger minibus for a simple evening charter: pick up at a designated house, drop off near the arena before the show, wait nearby, and return everyone home afterward. The flat-rate quote is $900 for the night. Riders enjoy pre-gaming on the way in, skipping traffic jams after the encore, and having a private ride dedicated to their schedule. It’s a convenient and cost-effective option for groups catching big events together.
Multi-day College Tour Across Minnesota
A guidance counselor at a St. Paul high school is organizing a spring break college tour for 30 juniors and seniors to visit campuses in Duluth, Moorhead, and Mankato over four days. They rent a 35-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, WiFi, power outlets, and restroom. The itinerary includes daily departures, campus visits, hotel overnights, and meals. The total package price is $7,200, which includes all driving hours, layover fees, and the driver’s lodging. Students benefit from structured group travel, chaperones appreciate having everyone in one vehicle, and the school gets a turnkey solution for long-distance touring.
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