Charter Bus Prices in Palm Desert
Renting a charter bus in Palm Desert typically costs between $1,600 and $4,500+ per day, with exact pricing dependent on vehicle size, trip duration, mileage, and seasonality. Minibuses generally run $1,400–$3,000+ per day, while sprinter vans are $1,200–$2,000+. Multi-day and long-distance trips are billed either per day or per mile (usually $5–$8 per mile). Additional expenses like tolls, parking, and driver hotel/lodging are not included in the base rate. To get an accurate quote, you need to call our team with your full itinerary—including pickup/drop-off locations, passenger count, and travel dates—and we will provide you with an instant price estimate over the phone.
| 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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Palm Desert?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Palm Desert typically ranges from $1,600 to $4,500 or more per day, depending on several key factors including the size of the vehicle, the length and duration of your trip, the time of year, and the specific details of your itinerary. Smaller vehicles like minibuses generally cost between $1,400 and $3,000 per day, while sprinter vans can run from $1,200 to $2,000 per day. For longer trips, pricing may be calculated per mile—usually between $5 and $8 per mile—or per hour for local charters, with hourly rates ranging from $250 to $500 depending on the vehicle size.
Multi-day trips are billed at a daily rate plus mileage if applicable, and additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and driver lodging are not included in the base rate. Because every trip is different, the best way to get an accurate price is to call Palm Desert Charter Bus with your full itinerary—including pickup and drop-off locations, number of passengers, and travel dates—and we will give you an instant, personalized quote right over the phone.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Palm Desert?
Several factors influence the final cost of your charter bus rental in Palm Desert:
- Number of Passengers: Larger groups require bigger vehicles, which cost more to rent.
- Type of Vehicle: Full-size charter buses are more expensive than minibuses or sprinter vans.
- Trip Duration: Longer trips (either by distance or number of days) increase the total price.
- Itinerary Details: Multiple stops, layovers, or complex routing can affect pricing.
- Seasonality: Demand is higher during peak travel times (spring break, holidays, major events), leading to higher rates.
- Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees, and driver lodging/meals are extra costs not included in the base rental fee.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals and their costs. These examples include trips of varying lengths and durations, both locally within Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley as well as longer-distance journeys to major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. Each example breaks down the total cost, the type of vehicle used, and the specifics of the itinerary so you can see how different factors impact the final price. Remember, these are just sample cases—your actual quote may vary based on your exact needs—but they provide a useful benchmark for budgeting your next trip.
Ready to get started? Call our 24/7 reservation team anytime at 760-797-1780 to get an instant quote and lock in your date!
Example #1
A local tech company needed a corporate shuttle to transport 30 employees from their office in Palm Desert to a conference at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The event spanned two days, with the shuttle making round trips each morning and evening (approximately 15 miles each way). They booked a 35-passenger minibus for the job. Total cost: $3,400 ($1,700 per day x 2 days), not including minimal parking fees at the venue.
Example #2
A bride and groom hired Palm Desert Charter Bus to provide wedding guest transportation between several hotels in Indian Wells and their venue at the Living Desert Zoo ∓ Gardens. They required continuous service over one afternoon and evening (about 10 hours total) and selected a 56-passenger charter bus to accommodate everyone comfortably. Total cost: $2,800 ($280 per hour x 10 hours), plus a small fuel surcharge.
Example #3
An elementary school organized a field trip from Palm Desert to the San Diego Zoo, roughly 140 miles each way. They needed two full-size charter buses (one for students, one for chaperones) and planned an overnight stay. The rental was billed per mile at $6.50, plus a daily rate for the second day. Total cost: $4,940 [($6.50 x 280 miles x 2 buses) + $1,200 daily rate], excluding hotel accommodations for drivers.
Example #4
A high school basketball team booked transportation to a tournament at UCLA, about 130 miles from Palm Desert. With players, coaches, and equipment, they filled a 50-passenger charter bus. The trip required one overnight stay and included several practice stops around campus. Pricing was set at $7 per mile. Total cost: $1,820 [($7 x 260 miles) + $300 driver per diem].
Example #5
A group of festivalgoers flying into Palm Springs International Airport arranged a private shuttle to their Airbnb in Indio for Coachella weekend. They rented a 25-passenger minibus for three days of local travel between the house and concert grounds. Flat daily rate applied due to high demand during the event. Total cost: $4,500 ($1,500 per day x 3 days).
Example #6
The organizers of a regional golf tournament in La Quinta contracted Palm Desert Charter Bus to run spectator shuttles between remote parking lots and the course entrance. The operation ran continuously for five days using three 40-passenger buses. Contracted at a bulk event rate. Total cost: $18,750 ($1,250 per bus per day x 5 days x 3 buses).
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