Lakeland Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $500+ | $1,800 – $3,800 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $170 – $480+ | $1,700 – $3,565 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $450+ | $1,610 – $3,465 | $4.00 – $9.95 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $440+ | $1,610 – $3,365 | $4.00 – $8.95 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $430+ | $1,520 – $3,255 | $4.00 – $7.95 |
| Entertainer Coach | $315 – $550+ | $3,000 – $5,000+ | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| Yellow School Bus | $145 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| Shuttle Bus | $155 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
Lakeland 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) | $180 - $450+ | $200 - $470+ | $1,000 - $2,900+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $200 - $500+ | $220 - $500+ | $1,200 - $3,500+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $250 - $500+ | $240 - $520+ | $1,500 - $3,900+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $160 - $400+ | $180 - $450+ | $1,000 - $3,900+ |
* 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 863-343-7210 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rentals in Lakeland typically cost between $1,800 and $3,800 per day or $225 to $350 per hour, depending on the size, features, and duration of your trip. These full-size motorcoaches can seat anywhere from 40 to 56 passengers and are ideal for large groups traveling long distances. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, and luggage bays might be quoted at $2,400 for a round trip from Lakeland to Orlando’s theme parks, while a multi-day tour across Florida could cost $3,200 to $3,800 per day. Shorter, local trips (such as shuttling wedding guests between venues in downtown Lakeland and nearby hotels) can often be booked at hourly rates starting around $225 per hour with a 5-hour minimum.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?
A party bus rental in Lakeland costs about $1,000 to $4,000+ depending on the size, features, and length of your trip. Small party buses that seat 10 to 20 people are usually $1,100 to $1,700 for a 5-hour package, perfect for bar crawls in downtown Lakeland, prom night transportation, or celebrating a birthday on the town. Larger party buses holding 25 to 35 passengers with premium features like wraparound leather seating, LED lighting, a dance pole, flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth sound systems, and a wet bar will run $2,000 to $3,600+ for a 6-hour evening rental. If you want the party to last all night, expect to pay $240 to $475 per hour for extended service. Party buses are in high demand on weekends, so book early for the best rates.
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Call Now: 863-343-7210What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing?
There are several factors that can influence the cost of your charter bus rental in Lakeland, FL. These include the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year you’re traveling, the day of the week, your starting and ending locations, the type and size of bus you choose, tolls and parking fees, and when you book your reservation. Let’s break down each of these factors below so you can better understand how pricing works and how to get the best deal on your next group transportation package.
Distance and Duration of Your Trip
The biggest factor affecting your charter bus rental price is how far and how long you plan to travel. For local trips within Lakeland or nearby cities like Winter Haven, Bartow, or Plant City, you’ll likely be quoted an hourly rate with a 4- or 5-hour minimum. For example, a 5-hour rental might cost $1,250 to $1,750 for a minibus or $1,500 to $2,250 for a full-size charter bus. Longer trips (such as a weekend getaway to Clearwater Beach or a multi-day tour across Florida) are usually priced by the day at $1,900 to $3,800 per day. If you’re traveling a significant distance (like from Lakeland to Miami or Atlanta), you might receive a mileage-based quote instead, typically ranging from $5.50 to $8.00 per mile. The more miles and hours your bus is on the road, the higher the overall cost will be.
The Time of Year
The time of year you’re traveling can also impact your charter bus rental price. Peak season for bus rentals in Lakeland is during the spring and early summer months (March through June), when schools are booking field trips to places like LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Kennedy Space Center. Wedding season also peaks during these months, increasing demand for guest shuttles between venues like Haus 820, Bonnet Springs Park, and local hotels. If you’re planning a trip during major events like Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, Mayfaire by-the-Lake, or college graduations at Florida Southern College, expect prices to be higher due to increased demand. Off-peak months in late summer and winter may offer lower rates, especially if you book midweek.
The Day of the Week
Charter bus pricing in Lakeland can vary depending on the day of the week you need service. Weekends (Friday through Sunday) are the most popular days for bus rentals, especially for weddings, sporting events, and nightlife shuttles. Because demand is higher on weekends, prices tend to be 10-20% higher than weekday rates. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider booking your trip on a Monday through Thursday to save money. For example, a 5-hour party bus rental for a Saturday night bachelorette party on Munn Park bars might cost $1,600, while the same package on a Wednesday could be quoted at $1,350.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Where your trip starts and ends can also influence your charter bus rental price. If you’re based in Lakeland and traveling to nearby destinations within Polk County or Central Florida, your quote will be lower than if your itinerary requires the bus to travel outside the region. For example, a round-trip from Lakeland to Orlando International Airport (MCO) will cost less than a one-way drop-off in Miami, since the bus will have to deadhead (return empty) back to its home base. To avoid extra charges, try to keep your pickup and drop-off locations within the same general area. If you need transportation across multiple cities or states, let us know so we can find the most efficient routing for your group.
Bus Type and Size
The type and size of bus you choose will impact your rental price as well. Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans, but they can transport more people in a single trip. If you have a small group of 12-28 passengers, a minibus rental is the most cost-effective option, with rates starting at $175 per hour or $1,300 per day. For larger groups of 40-56 people, a full-size charter bus is the way to go, with prices ranging from $250 per hour to $3,800 per day. If you’re looking for something upscale and fun, a party bus rental with luxury features will be priced higher than a standard shuttle bus. Be sure to choose a vehicle that fits your group size comfortably without paying for unused seats.
Tolls and Parking
While Bus Rental Company Lakeland provides all-inclusive quotes with no additional fees, there are a few additional costs you should budget for that are not included in your estimate. Any tolls incurred during your trip (such as on Florida’s Turnpike or Polk Parkway/SR 570) will be your responsibility to pay. Most toll roads in Florida accept SunPass transponders or cash payment. You’ll also need to cover any parking fees at your destinations, such as $125 for oversized vehicle parking at Amalie Arena in Tampa, $100 daily parking at Walt Disney World Resort, or $25 bus parking at Joker Marchant Stadium for Detroit Tigers spring training games. Check with your venue ahead of time to see if bus parking is available and what the rates are. If your trip requires overnight travel, you’ll need to book a hotel room for your driver as well.
Booking Timing
When you book your charter bus rental can make a difference in how much you pay. As a general rule, the earlier you reserve your bus, the better rate you’ll receive. We recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance for the best availability and pricing, especially if your trip falls during peak season or coincides with major events in Lakeland. Last-minute bookings within 30 days of departure may be subject to surge pricing due to limited fleet inventory. If you know your travel dates and itinerary, lock in your reservation early to secure the best deal. If your plans are flexible, ask about off-peak discounts or special promotions for midweek travel.
Cost-Saving Tips to Consider
Here are a few ways you can save money on your next charter bus rental in Lakeland:
- Travel during off-peak months or midweek days for lower rates
- Choose a bus size that matches your group without excess capacity
- Consolidate pickup and drop-off locations to minimize deadhead miles
- Split the cost among all passengers to reduce individual expense
- Book your reservation as early as possible for the best availability
- Limit paid parking stops and opt for free or street parking when available
- Bring your own food and drinks instead of stopping at restaurants
- Request only the amenities you need to avoid paying for extras
Get an Instant Quote from Bus Rental Company Lakeland
Ready to see how much your charter bus rental will cost? Call Bus Rental Company Lakeland at 863-343-7210 or use our online quote tool to get an instant price in 30 seconds or less. Simply enter your trip details (date, pickup location, destination, passenger count, and any special requests) and our system will generate a custom quote based on current fleet availability and pricing. We’ll show you photos and features of each bus option so you can compare rates and amenities side by side. Once you’re ready to book, you can secure your reservation with a deposit and manage your trip details online. Our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions and help you find the perfect transportation solution for your group.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Lakeland, FL and around Polk County. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to LEGOLAND Florida Resort
A 5th grade class of 48 students and 6 teachers is planning a field trip from Lakeland to LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. They will depart from their elementary school at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring the theme park, and return by 4:30 PM. Since the group size is too large for a single bus, the school books two 25-passenger minibuses so everyone can ride together comfortably. Each minibus costs $1,400 for the day, making the total rental $2,800. With 54 passengers, this comes out to about $52 per person for round-trip transportation.
Wedding Shuttle Between Downtown Lakeland and Bonnet Springs Park
A couple is getting married at Bonnet Springs Park and wants to provide a continuous shuttle for their 150 guests between the reception venue and two nearby hotels in downtown Lakeland (the Terrace Hotel and Hyatt Place). The shuttle will run from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, making loops every 30 minutes so guests can come and go as they please. To accommodate the large group, the couple books three 40-passenger charter buses at $2,200 each for the 7-hour service, totaling $6,600. The cost is split among the wedding budget, with each bus averaging $31 per guest for comfortable, convenient transportation.
Bachelorette Party on a 20-Passenger Party Bus
A group of 16 friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with a night out on the town. They want to hit several bars and clubs in downtown Lakeland, then head to Ybor City in Tampa for dancing, before returning home together at the end of the night. They book a 20-passenger party bus with LED lighting, a Bluetooth sound system, and coolers for drinks. The rental is for 6 hours (7:00 PM to 1:00 AM) at $250 per hour, totaling $1,500. Split among 16 passengers, the cost is just $94 each for private transportation and a designated ride all night.
Corporate Retreat to Streamsong Resort
A Lakeland-based company is hosting an executive retreat at Streamsong Resort, located about 45 minutes south in Bowling Green. They need transportation for 24 employees, departing from their office at 8:00 AM and returning by 6:00 PM. The itinerary includes team-building activities, lunch, and a spa session before heading back. The company books a 28-passenger minibus for $1,700 for the day, which includes comfortable seating, WiFi, and power outlets for working en route. With 24 riders, the cost is $71 per person for round-trip service.
High School Football Game in Orlando
The Lakeland High School football team has an away game against Jones High School in Orlando. The team consists of 55 players, 8 coaches, and 5 band members, requiring a full-size 56-passenger charter bus. They depart the school at 2:00 PM, arrive at the stadium by 4:00 PM, and return after the game ends at 10:00 PM. The rental is for 8 hours at $275 per hour, totaling $2,200. The school covers the transportation cost as part of the athletics budget.
Senior Citizen Trip to Bok Tower Gardens
An assisted living community organizes a day trip for 18 residents and 3 staff members to visit Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. The itinerary includes a guided garden tour, lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café, and a carillon concert before returning in the afternoon. The group books a 20-passenger minibus with an ADA-accessible lift for $1,250 for the 6-hour outing. The cost is covered by the facility’s recreation fund, providing seniors with accessible, comfortable transportation for the day.
Shuttle Service for Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo
During the annual Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo at Lakeland Linder International Airport, an event organizer needs to provide continuous shuttle service for attendees between the airport, designated parking lots, and off-site hotels. They contract three 35-passenger minibuses to run 12 hours per day for four days of the event. Each minibus costs $2,400 per day, for a total of $28,800 for the entire expo. The expense is built into the overall event logistics budget to ensure smooth, efficient transportation for thousands of visitors.
