Chapel Hill Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $200 – $520+ | $1,790 – $3,790 | $6.13 – $10.08 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $185 – $495+ | $1,686 – $3,551 | $6.13 – $10.08 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $142 – $442+ | $1,596 – $3,451 | $4.06 – $10.01 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $135 – $425+ | $1,627 – $3,382 | $4.09 – $9.04 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $152 – $432+ | $1,525 – $3,260 | $4.07 – $8.02 |
| Entertainer Coach | $307 – $542+ | $3,015 – $5,015+ | $6.07 – $10.02 |
| Yellow School Bus | $156 – $461+ | $1,514 – $3,649 | $6.10 – $10.05 |
| Shuttle Bus | $146 – $441+ | $1,507 – $3,642 | $6.12 – $10.07 |
Chapel Hill 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) | $187 – $457+ | $218 – $488+ | $1,008 – $2,908+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $211 – $511+ | $209 – $489+ | $1,212 – $3,512+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $257 – $507+ | $242 – $522+ | $1,481 – $3,881+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $155 – $395+ | $183 – $453+ | $1,013 – $3,913+ |
* 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 984-336-6860 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Chapel Hill?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Chapel Hill varies widely based on the size of the vehicle, length of the trip, and time of year. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,500+ for a full-day (8-12 hour) local rental. Smaller 25- 35 passenger minibuses are slightly less expensive, usually between $2,200 and $4,000+ per day. If you’re traveling out of state or planning a multi-day itinerary, rates will be quoted by the mile—anywhere from $4.50 to $8.00+ per mile depending on the season and demand. Shorter trips within Orange County, Durham, or Raleigh may be priced by the hour, with a 4- or 5-hour minimum. Call Charter Bus Company Chapel Hill at 984-336-6860 for a fast, personalized quote tailored to your exact needs.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Chapel Hill?
Party bus rental prices in Chapel Hill generally range from $250 to $500+ per hour depending on the size of the bus, the day of the week, and the length of the rental. Smaller party buses that hold 15 to 20 passengers are on the lower end of that range, while larger party buses that can accommodate 30 to 40 people are on the higher end. For example, a 20-passenger party bus might cost around $300 per hour with a 4-hour minimum, while a 35-passenger party bus could be $400 to $500 per hour. Rates are often lower on weekdays and higher on Saturdays. For the most accurate pricing, call Charter Bus Company Chapel Hill at 984-336-6860 with your headcount and itinerary details.
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Call Now: 984-336-6860What Factors Affect the Cost of Your Chapel Hill Bus Rental?
Several key factors influence the total price of a charter bus rental in Chapel Hill: the type and size of vehicle, trip duration and distance, time of year, and any special amenities requested. Larger vehicles like a 56-passenger charter bus generally cost more than smaller minibuses or party buses. Trips during peak seasons—such as spring and fall for school events or college sports—may have higher rates due to increased demand. Multi-day or long-distance itineraries will increase the total cost, as will requests for premium features like onboard restrooms, WiFi, or custom wraps. Starting and ending your trip outside the immediate Chapel Hill area (e.g., in Raleigh or Greensboro) can also affect pricing. Additional expenses not included in the base quote may include parking fees, tolls, and driver accommodations for overnight trips. Booking well in advance can help secure the best rates, especially for large events or busy weekends.
Distance and Duration of Your Trip
One of the biggest factors affecting charter bus pricing is the length of your trip—both in terms of mileage and hours. Local trips within Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or Durham are often billed hourly, with a typical minimum of 4 or 5 hours. If you’re heading to Raleigh for a corporate event or making a day trip to Charlotte, Greensboro, or Wilmington, your rate may be calculated by the mile instead. Multi-day itineraries—such as an overnight school trip to Washington, D.C., or a weekend wedding in Asheville—will include additional hours for driver lodging and per diem. The farther and longer you travel, the higher the total cost. Be sure to provide an accurate itinerary with all pickup and drop-off locations when requesting a quote.
The Time of Year
Like many industries, charter bus pricing in Chapel Hill is affected by seasonal demand. The busiest times of year—known as “peak season”—are typically spring (March through June) and fall (September through November). This coincides with major events like UNC-Chapel Hill commencement, homecoming, and NCAA basketball tournaments, as well as high school proms, graduations, and marching band competitions. If you’re booking a bus for a wedding, festival, or sporting event during these months, expect rates to be higher due to limited availability. Summer and winter are generally slower, with more flexible pricing for groups traveling in July, August, or January. Booking during the off-season can help you secure lower rates and more vehicle options.
The Day of the Week
The day of the week you choose to travel can also impact the cost of your charter bus rental. Weekends—especially Saturdays—are the most popular days for weddings, concerts, and sporting events, leading to higher demand and slightly higher rates. If your schedule allows, consider booking your trip on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) when prices are often lower and availability is greater. This is a smart option for corporate shuttles, field trips, or airport transfers that don’t require weekend service.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Charter bus pricing is also influenced by where your trip begins and ends. If your group is located in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or UNC campus housing, you’ll have access to a large fleet of vehicles based nearby. However, if your itinerary starts in a smaller town outside Orange County—such as Hillsborough, Pittsboro, or Roxboro—there may be an additional fee to cover “deadhead” mileage. This refers to the distance the bus must travel empty to reach your pickup point or return to the depot after drop-off. To minimize extra charges, try to start and end your trip within the same metropolitan area whenever possible.
Bus Type and Size
The type and size of vehicle you select will have a significant impact on the overall price. Full-size charter buses (with 47-56 seats) are ideal for large groups and long-distance travel but come at a higher cost. These coaches are equipped with premium amenities such as reclining seats, restrooms, luggage bays, and video monitors. Smaller minibuses (15-35 seats) are more affordable and suited for short trips, shuttles, or private parties. Specialty vehicles like party buses, sprinter vans, or ADA-accessible units may have different rates based on features and capacity. When requesting a quote, specify your exact headcount and any must-have amenities so we can match you with the most cost-effective option.
Tolls and Parking Fees
While most expenses are included in your charter bus quote, certain items like tolls and parking fees are billed separately. If your route involves traveling on toll roads—such as I-540 around Raleigh or the Triangle Expressway—these charges will be added to your final invoice. Similarly, many destinations require pre-paid parking passes for oversized vehicles. For example, charter bus parking at PNC Arena, Durham Performing Arts Center, or downtown Raleigh garages may range from $25 to $75 per event. University venues like UNC’s Dean E. Smith Center or Kenan Memorial Stadium also have designated bus lots with set fees. It’s the group’s responsibility to cover these costs, so be sure to budget accordingly and ask your reservation specialist for guidance on each stop.
Booking Timing
When you book your charter bus can make a difference in the final price. Reserving your vehicle several months in advance—especially for large events or peak season dates—locks in current rates and ensures the best selection of buses. Last-minute bookings may be subject to higher prices if inventory is limited or if a vehicle must be dispatched from another city. As a general rule, aim to secure your charter at least three to six months before your trip, and even earlier for spring and fall weekends.
How to Save Money on Your Chapel Hill Charter Bus Rental
To get the best value on your charter bus rental, follow these cost-saving tips: Book as early as possible to lock in lower rates and ensure availability, especially during peak seasons. Choose the right size vehicle for your group—filling every seat on a larger bus is more economical than renting multiple smaller vehicles. Keep your itinerary efficient by minimizing extra stops and idle time. Start and end your trip in the same location to avoid additional deadhead charges. If you have flexibility, schedule your trip on a weekday or during the off-season when demand is lower. Finally, request only the amenities you truly need to keep the base rate affordable. Our team is available 24/7 to help you compare options and find the most budget-friendly solution for your group.
Get an Instant Quote on Your Chapel Hill Charter Bus Rental
Ready to find out exactly how much it will cost to rent a charter bus in Chapel Hill? Contact Charter Bus Company Chapel Hill today for a free, personalized quote. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, compare vehicle options, and help you plan the perfect trip. We proudly serve groups of all sizes across Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Raleigh, and beyond. Whether you’re organizing a UNC game day shuttle, a corporate outing, or a cross-state adventure, we’ll make sure you get the best bus at the best price. Call 984-336-6860 now to speak with a reservation specialist or use our online tool to get started. It’s fast, easy, and there’s no obligation until you’re ready to book!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Chapel Hill, 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.
Unc-chapel Hill Student Group Trip to Charlotte
A student organization at UNC-Chapel Hill is planning a day trip to Charlotte for a regional conference. The group consists of 45 students and two faculty advisors. They will depart from the UNC campus at 7:00 AM, spend the day at the Charlotte Convention Center, and return to Chapel Hill by 10:00 PM the same evening. Because this is a long-distance, same-day trip (about 300 miles round trip), the quote is based on mileage. The group is quoted $4,200 for a 56-passenger charter bus with WiFi and power outlets. This includes all transportation to and from the event, with the cost coming out to about $90 per person.
Chapel Hill Wedding Shuttle to Durham Reception Venue
A bride and groom are hosting their wedding ceremony at a church in Chapel Hill and the reception at a hotel in downtown Durham. To simplify transportation for their 120 guests, they arrange for continuous shuttle service between the two venues. The ceremony starts at 3:00 PM, and the last shuttle will return guests to Chapel Hill by midnight. The couple books two 25-passenger minibuses to run back and forth throughout the evening. The quote for 9 hours of service is $2,700 per bus, totaling $5,400. This rate covers unlimited trips between locations, ensuring guests can enjoy the evening without worrying about parking or driving.
Chapel Hill High School Field Trip to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
A local high school is organizing a field trip for 100 students and 10 chaperones to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. The itinerary includes leaving the school at 8:30 AM, spending the day touring the museum and having lunch nearby, and returning by 3:30 PM. The school requests two 56-passenger charter buses to accommodate everyone comfortably. Since this is a relatively short, local trip (about 60 miles round trip), the quote is based on a daily rate. The total cost comes to $2,400 ($1,200 per bus), making it an affordable option for large student groups.
Corporate Shuttle From RTP Office to RDU Airport
A tech company in Research Triangle Park needs to transport 30 employees from their office to Raleigh-Durham International Airport for a business trip. The company requests a single pick-up at 4:00 PM and drop-off at the airport terminal, approximately 15 miles away. For this one-way transfer, a 35-passenger minibus is quoted at $600. The company appreciates the convenience of keeping the group together and on schedule, and plans to use the same service for the return trip when employees fly back into RDU later in the week.
Sports Team Charter From Chapel Hill to Greensboro Tournament
An amateur soccer team based in Chapel Hill is competing in a weekend tournament in Greensboro. The roster includes 18 players, three coaches, and equipment bags. The team plans to depart Friday evening, stay overnight at a hotel, play multiple games on Saturday, and return home after the final match. A 25-passenger minibus is booked for the entire weekend, with the bus remaining on standby to shuttle players between fields and the hotel. The all-inclusive quote for two days of service is $3,000, which the team splits among members to cover transportation for the out-of-town event.
Bachelorette Party Bus in Downtown Chapel Hill and Raleigh
A group of friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with dinner and bar hopping in downtown Chapel Hill followed by dancing at a nightclub in Raleigh. The itinerary includes multiple stops between restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM. The group of 16 rents a party bus with wraparound seating, LED lighting, and a sound system. The 7-hour rental is quoted at $1,750, providing a fun way for everyone to enjoy the night without needing designated drivers or rideshares between destinations.
Church Retreat Transportation From Chapel Hill to Asheville
A local church is organizing a weekend retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville. Forty-five members will depart Chapel Hill on Friday afternoon, stay at a retreat center for two nights, and return Sunday evening. The church charters a 56-passenger bus with reclining seats and onboard restroom for the 500-mile round trip. The quote for the three-day excursion is $5,500, which includes all mileage, driver accommodations, and mountain road access. The congregation is able to travel together comfortably, making the long journey more enjoyable for everyone attending the retreat.
