1. St Paul Minibus Company /
  2. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in St Paul

FAQS

St Paul Minibus Company is one of the best bus companies in St Paul because we offer a huge selection of vehicles, great customer service, and some of the most competitive rates in the industry. We’ve been helping groups travel across Minnesota since 2011, so we know how to handle any type of trip—from school field trips to corporate events to weddings and more. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, provide instant quotes, and make sure your reservation goes smoothly from start to finish. When you book with us, you can expect reliable transportation, modern amenities, and a stress-free experience every time.

We provide charter bus rentals for all types of groups and events in St Paul and throughout Minnesota. Some of our most popular services include wedding shuttles, corporate transportation, sports team buses, school field trip charters, and private party buses. We also help with government and military moves, emergency evacuations, and long-distance trips to cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, or Kansas City. No matter what kind of group you’re traveling with—students, employees, fans, tourists, or family members—we’ll make sure everyone gets to their destination safely and comfortably.

A charter bus (also called a motorcoach or coach bus) is a large vehicle designed to transport groups of people over long distances. These buses typically seat 40 to 56 passengers and come equipped with comfortable reclining seats, overhead storage bins, undercarriage luggage bays, restrooms, air conditioning, and entertainment systems like TVs and DVD players. Charter buses are ideal for moving large groups efficiently and comfortably, whether you’re traveling across town or across state lines. They’re commonly used for school trips, sports teams, corporate events, and tours.

A minibus is a smaller version of a charter bus that usually seats between 18 and 35 passengers. Minibuses are perfect for shuttling small groups around town, such as wedding parties, airport transfers, or corporate commuters. While they don’t have as much storage space as full-size coaches, minibuses still offer many of the same amenities like cushioned seats, climate control, and audio/video equipment. They’re easy to maneuver through city streets and can be a more affordable option for groups who don’t need a large bus.

Most charter buses in our fleet have either 47, 54, or 56 seats. The exact number depends on the make and model of the bus. For example, a Van Hool CX45 or Prevost H3-45 typically has 56 seats, while a MCI J4500 might have 54. We also have some mid-size coaches with 40 or 44 seats if you need something slightly smaller. All of our charter buses feature high-back reclining seats with armrests, footrests, and plenty of legroom for long-distance travel.

Our minibuses come in several different sizes ranging from 18 to 35 seats. Common configurations include 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, and 33-passenger models. If you’re not sure what size you need, just tell us how many people you’re traveling with and we’ll match you with the perfect vehicle. Minibuses are great for moving small groups around town without having to split up into multiple cars or pay for expensive rideshares.

We have one of the largest fleets in Minnesota with vehicles available in St Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Eagan, Woodbury, Maplewood, Roseville, and more. Our lineup includes full-size charter buses (47-56 seats), minibuses (18-35 seats), party buses (10-40 seats), sprinter vans (10-15 seats), and even school buses (44-48 seats). Specific models include the MCI J4500, Prevost H3-45, Van Hool CX45, Setra S417, Temsa TS35E, Grech Motors GM33, Turtle Top Odyssey XL, and Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. If you need something specific, just ask!

Our charter buses and minibuses come equipped with a variety of amenities to keep passengers comfortable and entertained. Standard features include cushioned reclining seats, individual reading lights, climate control, overhead parcel racks, and large tinted windows. Most vehicles also have flat-screen monitors, DVD/Blu-ray players, PA systems, and Bluetooth/AUX inputs for music. WiFi and power outlets/USB ports are available on many models so you can stay connected and charge devices during the trip. Full-size coaches have onboard restrooms, and there is plenty of storage space for luggage, coolers, or equipment. If you need something specific like tables, leather seats, or extra monitors, let us know when booking.

Yes! Most of our charter buses and minibuses are equipped with sound systems that allow you to play your own music through AUX or Bluetooth connections. This is perfect for setting the mood on a wedding shuttle, pumping up a sports team before a game, or just enjoying your favorite playlists during the ride. If having this feature is important to you, please mention it when booking so we can confirm that your vehicle has the right setup.

Full-size charter buses offer the most luggage space, with large undercarriage bays that can hold up to 200 cubic feet of baggage—enough for each passenger to bring a full-size suitcase plus carry-ons. Overhead racks inside the cabin are great for smaller items like backpacks, purses, or jackets. Minibuses have limited storage, usually a rear compartment or small luggage area that fits several duffel bags or rollerboards. If your group is bringing oversized items like skis, bikes, or band equipment, let us know so we can arrange a vehicle with adequate capacity.

Absolutely! We believe everyone should have access to safe and reliable transportation, which is why we offer ADA-compliant charter buses and minibuses in St Paul. These vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps, wider aisles, priority seating, and accessible restrooms. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know when booking so we can provide a bus that meets all requirements. We regularly work with schools, senior centers, and disability advocacy groups to ensure inclusive travel for all passengers.

Yes, you can wrap your charter bus with custom graphics, branding, or advertisements. This is a popular option for corporate events, political campaigns, sports teams, or marketing tours. Full wraps cover the entire exterior of the bus, while partial wraps or decals can be applied to specific areas. You will need to provide the artwork and cover the cost of printing and installation. Please contact us for specifications and guidelines on wrapping your bus rental.

We will do our best to accommodate requests for specific bus models, makes, or colors based on availability. Our fleet includes vehicles from top manufacturers like MCI, Prevost, Van Hool, Setra, Grech Motors, Turtle Top, and more. Common colors are white, black, silver, and blue. If you need a particular model for branding, photography, or personal preference, please let us know when booking. We recommend reserving early for the best selection.

The cost of renting a charter bus in St Paul depends on several factors including the size of the bus, duration of the trip, distance traveled, and time of year. Local trips within the Twin Cities may be priced by the hour (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while longer journeys are quoted by the day or mile. For example, a full-day rental of a 56-passenger coach might range from $1,400 to $2,200 depending on the itinerary. The best way to get an accurate price is to call us at 612-509-7380 or fill out our online form with your trip details. We offer instant quotes with no hidden fees.

Minibus rentals generally cost less than full-size charter buses, making them a budget-friendly option for smaller groups. Rates vary based on the number of seats, length of the charter, and mileage, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,200 for a local day trip. Weekend rates and peak seasons may be higher. Contact us with your itinerary and passenger count for a personalized quote tailored to your needs.

Several factors influence the price of a charter bus rental in St Paul: type and size of vehicle, trip duration (hours or days), total distance/mileage, time of year (peak season vs. off-peak), and any special requests such as luxury upgrades or out-of-state travel. Additional charges may apply for tolls, parking, driver lodging on overnight trips, or custom wraps. Booking early and providing a detailed itinerary will help us give you the most accurate and competitive quote.

Your quote includes the use of the bus, driver’s time, fuel, standard amenities, and basic insurance coverage. It does not include gratuity for the driver (usually 10-20% recommended), hotel accommodations for the driver on multi-day trips, tolls, parking fees, or optional add-ons like WiFi upgrades or custom wraps. We will clearly itemize all costs in your contract so there are no surprises. If you have a budget to meet, let us know and we’ll work with you to find the best solution.

We recommend booking your charter bus as early as possible—ideally 3 to 6 months in advance—to ensure the best availability and rates. Spring and summer are peak seasons for graduations, weddings, and tourism, so buses fill up quickly during these months. Last-minute reservations can sometimes be accommodated, but options may be limited. For major events like the Minnesota State Fair, sports playoffs, or large conventions, securing transportation 9 to 12 months ahead is advisable.

Yes, we offer flexible charter packages to suit any itinerary: one-way transfers, round trips, and multi-day charters are all available. Whether you need a single drop-off at MSP Airport, daily shuttles for a week-long conference at Saint Paul RiverCentre, or a cross-country tour spanning several states, we can customize the schedule to fit your needs. Just provide the pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times when requesting a quote.

Absolutely! Our charter buses regularly travel to destinations across Minnesota and beyond, including Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Des Moines, Omaha, Fargo, Sioux Falls, and more. Long-distance trips are a comfortable and cost-effective alternative to flying or caravanning in multiple vehicles. Passengers can relax, watch movies, socialize, or sleep while the driver handles the road. Rest stops and meal breaks can be scheduled as needed. Contact us for a quote on your specific route.

If your trip itinerary requires an overnight stay, you will need to provide hotel accommodations for the driver. The hotel should offer free parking for the bus and be rated at least 2 or 3 stars for comfort and safety. If you need help finding suitable lodging, our team can make recommendations. For extended trips exceeding 10 hours of driving per day, a second driver may be required to comply with federal hours-of-service regulations.

Getting a quote is fast and easy! Simply call our office at 612-509-7380 or fill out the online form on our website with your trip details: date(s), pick-up and drop-off locations, number of passengers, and any special requests. One of our representatives will send you a personalized quote within minutes. There is no obligation to book, and you can compare options before making a decision. Once you’re ready, we’ll finalize the reservation and send you a contract for review.

Plan your itinerary with exact addresses and schedules, inform us of special needs like ADA access or extra luggage, book early for busy seasons, budget for extras like tolls and driver tips, and communicate any changes promptly. Prepare passengers with pickup times and rules, and relax knowing we’ll handle the logistics.

We provide charter bus services to and from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), as well as regional airports like St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field), Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, and Anoka County–Blaine Airport. Whether you’re arranging a pickup for an arriving group or need a drop-off for a departing flight, we’ll get you there on time. Buses are great for moving airline crews, student travel groups, or corporate teams catching the same flight.

St Paul Minibus Company provides transportation to all major sports venues in St Paul and Minneapolis, including Xcel Energy Center (Minnesota Wild hockey), Allianz Field (Minnesota United FC soccer), Target Field (Minnesota Twins baseball), U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings football), Target Center (Minnesota Timberwolves basketball), CHS Field (St. Paul Saints baseball), and Huntington Bank Stadium (University of Minnesota Gophers football). Avoid the hassle of parking and traffic by booking a charter bus for your next game day. We also serve smaller arenas like Roy Wilkins Auditorium, TRIA Rink, and local high school or college sports facilities.

Catch your favorite artists live without worrying about parking or rideshares by taking a charter bus to concerts at venues like Xcel Energy Center, Palace Theatre, The Fitzgerald Theater, Amsterdam Bar & Hall, Turf Club, or outdoor festivals at Harriet Island Regional Park. In Minneapolis, we serve First Avenue, The Armory, Orpheum Theatre, and Varsity Theater. Enjoy the show and let us handle the transportation.

Make your special day run smoothly by providing guests with a shuttle to and from popular wedding venues such as Landmark Center, James J. Hill Center, Union Depot, Minnesota History Center, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Harriet Island Pavilion, A’BULAE, The Saint Paul Hotel, and Wabasha Street Caves. We also serve churches, banquet halls, hotels, and outdoor locations along the Mississippi River. Keep your itinerary on track and ensure everyone arrives safely.

St Paul Minibus Company operates throughout the Twin Cities metro area and beyond, serving nearby communities like Minneapolis, Bloomington, Eagan, Burnsville, Roseville, Maplewood, Woodbury, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, West St Paul, South St Paul, Shoreview, Arden Hills, Little Canada, White Bear Lake, and Cottage Grove. We also provide statewide service to Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St Cloud, Moorhead, and more. No matter where your group needs to go, we’ve got you covered.

We provide transportation to major annual events like the Minnesota State Fair, Winter Carnival, Grand Old Day, Irish Fair of Minnesota, Twin Cities Pride, and Ecolab Ice Palace. Groups attending art crawls, food festivals, holiday parades, and cultural celebrations can count on us for convenient and timely shuttles. Avoid crowded parking lots and enjoy the festivities while we handle the logistics.

Business travelers will appreciate direct service to Saint Paul RiverCentre, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and nearby hotels hosting conferences and trade shows. We also serve the Minneapolis Convention Center and smaller meeting spaces throughout the region. Stay productive on the road with WiFi and power outlets, and impress your colleagues by arriving together and on schedule.

We regularly transport students, faculty, and staff to campuses such as University of St. Thomas, Hamline University, Macalester College, Concordia University, Metropolitan State University, and St. Catherine University. Charter buses are ideal for campus tours, academic competitions, athletic travel, and study abroad departures. K-12 schools rely on us for field trips to museums, zoos, theaters, and historic sites across the Twin Cities.