Ames Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $191 – $511+ | $1,815 – $3,815 | $6.13 – $10.08 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $182 – $492+ | $1,687 – $3,552 | $6.13 – $10.08 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $161 – $461+ | $1,620 – $3,475 | $4.11 – $10.06 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $159 – $449+ | $1,592 – $3,347 | $4.05 – $9.00 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $131 – $411+ | $1,528 – $3,263 | $4.13 – $8.08 |
| Entertainer Coach | $310 – $545+ | $2,983 – $4,983+ | $6.14 – $10.09 |
| Yellow School Bus | $164 – $469+ | $1,502 – $3,637 | $6.15 – $10.10 |
| Shuttle Bus | $155 – $450+ | $1,533 – $3,668 | $6.05 – $10.00 |
Ames Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $198 – $468+ | $211 – $481+ | $980 – $2,880+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $210 – $510+ | $212 – $492+ | $1,196 – $3,496+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $263 – $513+ | $259 – $539+ | $1,500 – $3,900+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $147 – $387+ | $187 – $457+ | $991 – $3,891+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 515-815-6330 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental rates in Iowa generally cost between $1,800 and $3,800 per day depending on the length of your trip, the size of your group, and the time of year you’re traveling. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus rental in Ames might cost around $2,200 for an 8-hour local trip, while a multi-day trip to Chicago could cost $3,000 to $4,500 total. If you only need transportation for a few hours, you can also rent a charter bus by the hour—with prices ranging from $225 to $350 per hour with a 5-hour minimum. This is a great option for shuttling wedding guests between venues in Downtown Des Moines or providing transportation for a corporate event at the Iowa Events Center.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?
Party bus rentals in Iowa typically cost between $1,200 and $2,400 for a full day of service, or $200 to $350 per hour with a 5-hour minimum. The exact price will depend on the size of the party bus (we offer models that can seat 10 to 40 passengers), the features you want on board (like wraparound seating, color-changing lights, or hardwood floors), and how far you plan to travel. For example, a 20-passenger party bus rental in Ames might cost $1,000 for a 6-hour night out visiting bars on Welch Avenue, while a larger 30-passenger party bus could cost $1,500 to $1,800 for the same itinerary.
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Call Now: 515-815-6330What Factors Affect the Cost of a Charter Bus Rental?
There are several factors that go into the price of your charter bus rental, including the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year you’re traveling, the size and type of bus you choose, and any additional amenities or requests you have. Below, we’ll break down each of these factors in detail so you can understand exactly what you’re paying for when you rent a bus from Charter Bus Company Ames.
Distance and Duration
The biggest factor in determining the cost of your bus rental is how far you’re traveling and how long you need the bus. Local trips within the same city or metro area (like shuttling between Iowa State University and Jack Trice Stadium) are usually billed by the hour, with a 5-hour minimum. Longer trips that cover more distance (such as an overnight trip to Minneapolis or Kansas City) are billed by the day or by the mile. The more miles you put on the bus, the higher the cost will be—so keep that in mind when planning your route.
The Time of Year
Bus rental prices in Iowa are subject to seasonal demand, with the highest rates occurring during peak travel seasons. Spring and early summer (April through June) are especially busy due to graduations at Iowa State University, high school proms, and the start of wedding season. Fall (September through November) is another high-demand period, particularly on weekends when college football games at Jack Trice Stadium, Kinnick Stadium, and other venues draw large crowds. If you’re planning a trip during these months, expect to pay higher rates and book your bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Conversely, winter months (December through February) tend to have lower demand and more affordable pricing—unless you’re booking around major holidays like Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
The Day of the Week
Weekend rentals (Friday through Sunday) are generally more expensive than weekday rentals (Monday through Thursday) because that’s when most people are traveling for weddings, sporting events, and social gatherings. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider booking your bus on a weekday to save money. This is especially true for local shuttle services in downtown Ames or Des Moines, where traffic is lighter and parking is easier to find during the workweek.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Where your trip starts and ends can also impact the cost of your bus rental. If you’re departing from a major city like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Iowa City, you’ll have access to more buses and more competitive pricing. However, if you’re starting in a smaller town or rural area (such as Boone County, Story City, or Nevada), we may need to send a bus from a larger hub—which can add “deadhead” fees to cover the extra mileage. To avoid these charges, try to start and end your trip in a central location with easy highway access, like along I-35 or US-30.
Your Bus Type and Size
We offer several different types of buses to suit groups of all sizes and budgets, including full-size charter buses, minibuses, school buses, and party buses. Larger buses with more seats generally cost more to rent than smaller ones, but they also offer more comfort and storage space. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus is ideal for transporting a high school marching band to a competition in Des Moines, while a 25-passenger minibus is perfect for shuttling wedding guests between venues in downtown Ames. Party buses with luxury features like wraparound seating and LED lighting are priced similarly to charter buses of the same size, but may have higher demand on weekends and holidays.
Tolls and Parking Fees
While Iowa doesn’t have any toll roads, you may encounter tolls if your trip takes you out of state—such as crossing into Illinois via I-80 or heading to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. These tolls are not included in your initial quote and will need to be paid separately, either in cash or reimbursed to the driver. Parking fees are another additional expense to consider, especially if you’re visiting busy downtown areas or major event venues. For example, parking a charter bus near Jack Trice Stadium during an Iowa State football game can cost $40 to $60 per bus, while downtown Des Moines garages may charge $20 to $30 for oversized vehicles. Be sure to research parking options at your destination and budget accordingly.
Booking Timing
When you book your bus can have a big impact on the price you pay. As a general rule, the earlier you book, the better the rate—especially if you’re traveling during peak season or planning a large event. We recommend reserving your bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance for the best selection and pricing. Last-minute bookings (less than 4 weeks before departure) may be subject to higher rates and limited availability, particularly for popular dates like homecoming weekend at Iowa State or major concerts at Wells Fargo Arena. If you need to cancel or change your reservation, be sure to review our company’s policy regarding refunds and rebooking fees.
Cost-saving Tips
If you’re looking to save money on your next charter bus rental, there are several strategies you can try. First, choose the smallest bus that will comfortably fit your group—there’s no need to pay for extra seats you won’t use. Second, consolidate your itinerary to minimize idle time and unnecessary mileage; for example, schedule all your pickups and drop-offs in the same area rather than crisscrossing the city. Third, avoid traveling during peak seasons or high-demand weekends if possible. Fourth, split the cost among all passengers to make it more affordable per person. Finally, book early to lock in the best rates and ensure availability.
Get an Instant Quote Online
The fastest way to find out how much it will cost to rent a charter bus in Ames is to use our online quote tool. Just enter your trip details—such as date, time, pickup location, destination, and number of passengers—and you’ll receive a personalized quote in less than 30 seconds. There’s no obligation to book, and you can compare prices for different types of buses before making a decision. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, our reservation specialists are available 24/7 at 515-815-6330 to answer any questions and help you plan the perfect trip.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Ames, IA and around Iowa. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Day Trip to Adventureland Park
A local church youth group is planning a day trip to Adventureland Park in Altoona. They have 40 participants and want to leave Ames at 9:00 AM, spend the whole day at the amusement park, and return by 8:00 PM. Their quote comes to $2,250 for a 56-passenger charter bus, which includes enough undercarriage storage for coolers, backpacks, and picnic blankets. With 40 riders, that’s about $56 per person—less than the cost of a single-day admission ticket.
Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Ames
A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and their reception at the ISU Alumni Center. To keep guests comfortable and on schedule, they book a 25-passenger minibus to run continuous loops between both venues and a nearby hotel block for six hours. Their total cost is $1,450, which they split with another couple getting married the same weekend.
Field Trip to the Science Center of Iowa
An elementary school in Gilbert is taking 75 fourth graders on a field trip to the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines. They need two 47-passenger school buses for a full day (8:00 AM to 3:30 PM). The quote comes to $1,900 total ($950 per bus), which the PTA covers through fundraising and a small student activity fee.
Bachelorette Party in Downtown Des Moines
A group of 15 friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with dinner in the East Village, drinks on Court Avenue, and dancing at a West Glen nightclub. They rent a 20-passenger party bus for seven hours (7:00 PM to 2:00 AM) at a cost of $1,600. Features include perimeter seating, Bluetooth audio, and built-in cupholders. After tipping the driver 10%, the total comes to $1,760, or about $117 per person.
Multi-day College Tour Across Iowa
A high school guidance counselor is organizing a three-day college tour for 30 juniors and seniors to visit the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, and Grinnell College. They book a 36-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, WiFi, and power outlets for $3,900 ($1,300 per day). The school also pays for two nights of hotel accommodations for the driver at $110 per night, bringing the total to $4,120. Students are responsible for their own meals and campus bookstore purchases.
Corporate Shuttle Between Ames and Ankeny
An engineering firm has multiple employees commuting between its main office in Ames and a satellite location in Ankeny. To reduce individual car trips and foster team collaboration, the company rents a 14-passenger minibus to run morning and evening shuttles Monday through Friday for one month. The negotiated rate is $1,100 per week, or $4,400 for the month—significantly less than reimbursing mileage for 10+ separate vehicles.
Football Game Transportation to Kinnick Stadium
A group of Iowa State fans wants to cheer on the Cyclones during an away game against the Hawkeyes in Iowa City. They charter a 56-passenger bus for a round-trip journey that departs Ames four hours before kickoff and returns immediately after the game. The quote is $2,600, not including the $50 parking pass required for oversized vehicles near Kinnick Stadium. Riders bring their own snacks, beverages, and tailgating gear to store in the luggage bays.
