1. Durham Minibus Company /
  2. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Durham

FAQS

Durham Minibus Company is one of the best charter bus companies in Durham because we have a huge fleet of buses and minibuses that can handle any trip. We’ve been helping groups travel across North Carolina since 2011, and our team is here 24/7 to answer questions, help with last-minute changes, and make sure your trip goes smoothly. Whether you’re planning a Duke University campus tour, shuttling wedding guests to The Cookery, or taking students to the Museum of Life and Science, we’ll get you there on time and stress-free. Call us anytime at 984-380-0870 to see why so many people choose us for their group transportation needs!

We work with all kinds of groups in Durham! That includes school field trips to the Museum of Life and Science, corporate shuttles between RTP offices, wedding transportation for venues like The Cotton Room and The Cookery, sports teams heading to Duke games, church retreats to Falls Lake, and more. We also help with airport transfers to RDU, concerts at DPAC, private tours of Eno River State Park, and long-distance trips to Charlotte, Asheville, or even out of state. No matter what kind of group you have or where you need to go, we have a bus that’s perfect for the job.

A charter bus (also called a motorcoach) is a large vehicle built to transport groups of people over long distances. These buses usually seat 40-56 passengers and come with lots of storage space for luggage, coolers, or equipment. Most charter buses have onboard restrooms, TVs with DVD players, WiFi, power outlets, and comfortable reclining seats. They’re great for big groups traveling together—like school field trips, sports teams, corporate outings, or wedding guest shuttles.

A minibus is a smaller version of a charter bus, usually seating between 18 and 35 passengers. It’s perfect for short trips around Durham, like shuttling employees from downtown parking lots to RTP offices, moving wedding guests between hotels and venues, or taking small groups to local attractions. Minibuses have many of the same amenities as larger buses (WiFi, power outlets, comfy seats), but they’re easier to maneuver on city streets and can fit into tighter spaces.

Most full-size charter buses in our fleet have between 40 and 56 seats. The exact number depends on the manufacturer and model, but common sizes include 47-passenger, 50-passenger, and 56-passenger buses. If you need something bigger, we can send multiple buses or help you build a custom fleet. For smaller groups, we also have minibuses that seat anywhere from 18 to 35 people.

Minibuses typically seat anywhere from 18 to 35 passengers. Our most popular sizes are 20-passenger, 25-passenger, and 28-passenger minibuses. These are great for small corporate teams, wedding parties, church groups, or anyone who doesn’t need a full-size charter bus. If you’re not sure what size you need, just call us at 984-380-0870 and we’ll help you figure it out.

We have one of the largest fleets in North Carolina! Our lineup includes 56-passenger charter buses, 47-passenger charter buses, 35-passenger minibuses, 28-passenger minibuses, 25-passenger minibuses, 20-passenger minibuses, and even smaller options like 15-passenger sprinter vans. Each type of bus comes with its own set of features and amenities, so you can pick exactly what your group needs. Need something ADA-accessible? We can do that too!

Our buses come loaded with features to keep your group comfortable and entertained. Standard amenities include cushioned seats, air conditioning, overhead storage racks, and plenty of legroom. Most buses also have free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and Bluetooth sound systems so you can play music or movies during the ride. Larger charter buses often have onboard restrooms and extra luggage bays underneath. If you need something special—like leather seats, tables for working, or an ADA lift—just ask!

Yes! Most of our buses are equipped with either an AUX input or Bluetooth connectivity so you can play your own playlists through the speakers. Just bring your phone or device and connect it to the sound system. If you have specific audio/video needs (like HDMI inputs for presentations), let us know when you book so we can match you with the right bus.

Full-size charter buses have the most storage, with large undercarriage bays that can hold multiple suitcases, coolers, or equipment cases. There are also overhead racks inside for smaller bags and personal items. Minibuses have less space but still offer room for backpacks or briefcases. If your group has a lot of gear (like sports teams or musicians), tell us ahead of time and we’ll make sure you have enough room.

Absolutely! We have several ADA-accessible buses in our fleet, including both charter buses and minibuses. These vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and designated seating areas to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please let us know when you book so we can provide the right bus for your group.

Yes, you can! We offer full and partial bus wraps for groups that want to display custom branding, logos, or artwork on their vehicle. This is popular with corporate clients, sports teams, political campaigns, and event organizers who want to make a big impression. You’ll need to provide the design files in advance so we can arrange installation before your trip. Additional fees apply for wrapping and removal.

We’ll do our best to accommodate requests for specific models, brands, or colors, but availability depends on what’s in our fleet at the time of booking. If you have a preference (like a white minibus for a wedding or a black charter bus for a corporate event), mention it when you call and we’ll try to match it. For special cases (like film shoots or VIP transport), we can sometimes source custom vehicles with enough notice.

The price of a charter bus rental in Durham depends on several factors: the size of the bus, length of the trip, time of year, and any special requests. To get an accurate quote, call our team at 984-380-0870 with your trip details. We’ll give you a custom price in minutes based on your exact needs. There are no hidden fees—just one simple rate that covers everything.

Minibus rentals are usually cheaper than full-size charter buses, but the exact cost depends on how many people you’re moving and how far you’re going. Local trips around Durham might only cost a few hundred dollars, while longer routes to Charlotte or Wilmington will be more. The best way to get a price is to call us at 984-380-0870 and tell us about your trip. We’ll give you a quote right away.

Several things influence the cost of renting a bus: the type and size of vehicle, distance traveled, duration of the trip, time of year, and any optional extras (like ADA accessibility or custom wraps). Peak seasons (spring graduations, fall football games) tend to be more expensive due to high demand. Last-minute bookings may also cost more than reservations made weeks in advance. For the most accurate pricing, contact us with your itinerary and we’ll break down all the costs.

Your quote covers the bus, driver, fuel, insurance, and standard amenities (WiFi, power outlets, etc.). It does NOT include parking fees, tolls, hotel rooms for the driver (if needed), or optional extras like bus wraps. We’ll explain exactly what’s covered when you book so there are no surprises later.

We recommend booking your bus as early as possible—ideally 3-6 months before your trip, especially if you’re traveling during busy seasons like spring break, summer weddings, or college football weekends. Last-minute rentals are sometimes available, but your options may be limited. The sooner you reserve, the better your chances of getting the exact bus and amenities you want.

Yes! We can handle any type of itinerary: one-way transfers (like airport pickups), round-trip service (to and from a concert or game), or multi-day packages for conferences, tours, or retreats. Just tell us your schedule and we’ll build a custom plan that fits your needs. If you have multiple stops or need continuous shuttle service, we can arrange that too.

Absolutely! We regularly send buses from Durham to destinations all over the Southeast, including Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington, Asheville, Atlanta, Richmond, and Washington DC. Long-distance trips are no problem—we’ll get you there safely and comfortably. If you’re planning an overnight journey, we may need to schedule driver changeovers to comply with federal regulations. Call us for details.

If your trip requires an overnight stay, you’ll need to book a hotel room for your driver. The room should be clean, safe, and located near your group’s accommodations. If you’re not sure how to arrange this, our team can help you find suitable lodging. For day trips or local shuttles, no accommodations are necessary.

Getting a quote is easy! Just call our office at 984-380-0870 or fill out the online form on our website. Be ready to provide details like your travel dates, pickup/dropoff locations, number of passengers, and any special requests. We’ll send you a personalized quote within minutes. If you like what you see, you can book your bus right away.

Plan your itinerary carefully and share it with us in advance so we can schedule everything properly. Make sure your pickup and dropoff locations are accessible for large vehicles (some downtown streets are tight). Budget extra time for traffic delays, especially around rush hour or major events. Pack snacks, water, and entertainment for the ride. And don’t forget to tip your driver—they work hard to keep your group safe and comfortable!

We provide charter bus service to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), as well as smaller regional airports like Horace Williams Airport in Chapel Hill and Person County Airport in Roxboro. Whether you’re flying in a corporate team, a sports roster, or a tour group, we’ll get you to your terminal on time and pick you up when you land. Curbside pickups, hotel shuttles, and baggage claim assistance are all available.

We regularly transport groups to Durham Bulls Athletic Park (home of the minor league baseball team), Wallace Wade Stadium (Duke football), Cameron Indoor Stadium (Duke basketball), and nearby venues like PNC Arena in Raleigh (Carolina Hurricanes hockey) and Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill (UNC football). Whether you’re cheering from the stands or playing on the field, we’ll get you there.

Popular music destinations we serve include Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), Motorco Music Hall, Carolina Theatre, Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, and Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Avoid the hassle of parking and rideshares by booking a private bus to your next show.

We provide wedding shuttles to venues across Durham, including The Cotton Room, The Cookery, Duke Gardens, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, The Rickhouse, 21c Museum Hotel, and Fearrington Village in Pittsboro. Keep your guests moving smoothly between hotels, ceremony sites, and reception halls with a dedicated bus.

In addition to Durham, we operate in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Hillsborough, Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Charlotte, and more. No matter where your group is headed in North Carolina, we have you covered.

We provide transportation for major Durham events like the American Dance Festival, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Art of Cool Fest, Bull City Food & Beer Experience, CenterFest Arts Festival, and Moogfest. For large gatherings, consider booking multiple buses or a continuous shuttle loop to keep attendees moving safely.

We serve the Durham Convention Center, Raleigh Convention Center, McKimmon Center at NC State, and other meeting spaces throughout the Triangle. Arrive on time and ready to network with a charter bus tailored to your company’s needs.

We work with Duke University, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, Durham Technical Community College, and K-12 schools across Durham Public Schools. From campus tours to athletic travel to academic competitions, we support student mobility at every level.