Durham Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Durham Bus Rental Cost?
Durham Minibus Company makes it easy to rent a bus in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond—but how much does it cost? The truth is, bus rentals can vary widely depending on your needs. On average, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a charter bus in Durham. The best way to get an exact price is to call our team at 984-380-0870 or use our online quote tool. Below, we’ve broken down estimated rates and the factors that affect your trip cost so you can plan your next event with confidence.
| 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?
Our pricing is simple and transparent. When you book with Durham Minibus Company, you’ll get an instant quote in less than 30 seconds—and that quote will be tailored to your specific trip details. Here are some average rates to help you budget:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
These prices include everything you need for a smooth ride: driver, fuel, mileage, and standard amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and reclining seats. If you have special requests—like ADA-accessible features, extra luggage space, or onboard restrooms—just let us know!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Durham?
Several key factors influence the cost of your bus rental in Durham:
- Trip Duration and Distance: Longer trips and multi-day itineraries generally cost more. Short local shuttles (like between Duke University and downtown Durham) may be billed hourly, while longer routes (such as to Charlotte or Asheville) are often priced per mile.
- Time of Year: Peak seasons—like spring graduation at UNC Chapel Hill or fall football at Carter-Finley Stadium—can drive up demand and prices. Booking during off-peak months may save money.
- Bus Size and Type: Larger vehicles (56-passenger coaches) cost more than smaller minibuses, but consolidating groups into fewer buses can reduce overall costs. Premium features (leather seats, restrooms) also affect pricing.
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, layovers, or extended wait times (like wedding shuttles at The Cotton Room or corporate routes between RDU Airport and Research Triangle Park) may increase your quote.
- Special Requests: ADA-accessible vehicles, luxury interiors, or extra storage for sports equipment (for games at Durham County Memorial Stadium or tournaments at Twin Lakes Park) should be specified when booking.
- Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees (at PNC Arena or Raleigh Convention Center), overnight accommodations for drivers on long trips, and optional gratuities are typically not included in the base rate.
For example, a daily shuttle between downtown Durham hotels and a conference at the Durham Convention Center will have a different cost structure than a one-way charter to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Providing detailed information upfront ensures the most accurate quote.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Durham, NC and around North Carolina. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip From Durham to the North Carolina Zoo
A middle school teacher is organizing a field trip for 50 students and 5 chaperones from Durham to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. They plan to leave at 8:00 AM, spend the day exploring exhibits, and return by 5:00 PM. For this full-day excursion, they booked a 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, WiFi, and DVD players for student entertainment. The total cost for the round-trip journey was $2,400, which included all mileage, driver’s time, and onboard amenities. With 55 people sharing the expense, the price came out to about $44 per person—a practical and affordable option for large school groups.
Wedding Shuttle Between Downtown Durham and Fearrington Village
A bride and groom needed transportation for 80 guests between two hotels in downtown Durham and their wedding venue at Fearrington Village in Pittsboro. Their planner reserved two 40-passenger minibuses to run continuous shuttles before and after the ceremony. Each bus made three round trips over an 8-hour period, with plenty of room for formal wear and coolers of refreshments. The package included late-night pickups to ensure everyone returned safely to their accommodations. Total cost for the day was $3,200, averaging $40 per guest. This seamless shuttle service allowed guests to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about driving or parking.
Corporate Shuttle From Rtp to Raleigh-durham International Airport
A tech company based in Research Triangle Park arranged daily airport transfers for a team of 15 employees commuting to Raleigh-Durham International Airport over the course of a week. They selected a 20-passenger minibus equipped with power outlets, WiFi, and comfortable seating for working en route. The shuttle ran twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—to accommodate varying flight schedules. For five consecutive days of service, the total cost was $3,000, or $200 per round-trip transfer. This efficient corporate shuttle kept their team on schedule while eliminating the hassle and expense of individual rideshares or long-term airport parking.
Sports Team Charter to Charlotte for State Championship
A high school football team in Durham qualified for the state championship game in Charlotte and needed group transportation for 45 players, 6 coaches, and equipment. They booked a single 56-passenger charter bus with undercarriage storage for gear bags and coolers. The itinerary included an early morning departure, afternoon arrival in Charlotte, and return trip immediately following the evening game. The all-inclusive price for this long-distance charter was $3,600, covering approximately 300 miles round-trip plus wait time at the stadium. By traveling together, the team arrived rested and ready to compete, while coaches appreciated the convenience and camaraderie of moving as one unit.
College Campus Tour Circuit Across North Carolina
A community youth organization planned a week-long college tour for 30 high school juniors to visit multiple campuses across North Carolina, including Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, and Wake Forest. They rented a 35-passenger mid-size bus featuring reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, and an onboard restroom. The itinerary covered six cities over seven days, with daily mileage ranging from short hops to several hours on the highway. The flat-rate package price was $7,500 for the entire week, which included all driving, fuel, and overnight accommodations for the driver. This comprehensive charter allowed students to experience a variety of universities without the stress of coordinating separate carpools or public transit.
Bachelorette Party Bus Around Downtown Durham
A group of 12 friends organized a bachelorette party with stops at restaurants, bars, and music venues throughout downtown Durham. They chose a 15-passenger minibus with wraparound seating, Bluetooth sound system, and space for coolers and snacks. The rental was booked for a 6-hour evening window, providing unlimited pick-ups and drop-offs between locations such as the American Tobacco Campus, Brightleaf Square, and Ninth Street. The total cost for the night was $900, or $75 per person. Having a private party bus allowed the group to celebrate safely and stylishly, with door-to-door service and no need for designated drivers.