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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a El Centro Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in El Centro depends on several factors, including your group size, travel dates, and itinerary. Generally, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a bus rental in the area. For the most accurate pricing, call 442-532-5700 or use our online quote tool to get an instant 30-second quote. Below we have estimated rates for each vehicle type and discuss the key factors that affect your trip cost.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of a Charter Bus Rental?
Several key factors will affect the total price of your El Centro charter bus rental. The biggest is the type and size of bus you choose. Full-size 56-passenger charter buses cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans. Your travel dates also matter—peak seasons like spring, summer, and major local events (such as the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta) drive prices higher due to increased demand. Off-peak months may offer lower rates.
The length and distance of your trip are also important. Local trips within El Centro or Imperial County are often billed hourly (with a minimum), while longer out-of-town trips are usually priced by the day or mile. The number of days you need the bus, especially if overnight stays are involved, will increase costs since you’ll pay for each day of service. If your trip requires the bus to stay overnight, you must also provide lodging accommodations for the driver, typically in a budget-friendly hotel or motel near your destination.
Your itinerary complexity and any special requests can impact pricing too. Multiple stops, tight schedules, or difficult-to-access venues may require more planning and time, which can increase your rate. Lastly, the amenities you request onboard—like WiFi, power outlets, or ADA features—can influence the final price. Our team can help you find the best options to match your needs and budget, ensuring you get the right balance of comfort and cost.
What is included in my quote?
Your El Centro charter bus quote includes the base rental cost, mileage, fuel, and standard insurance coverage. However, it does not include tolls, parking passes, or hotels for drivers on overnight trips. For example, parking at popular destinations like Bucklin Park or the Imperial Valley Mall may require a daily pass costing $20-$50 per bus. Hotel accommodations for drivers typically range from $100 to $150 per night, depending on location and availability. These additional expenses should be factored into your overall trip budget. Our team will help you plan for these costs so there are no surprises on your travel day.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in El Centro, CA and around California. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Imperial Valley Desert Museum
Mrs. Ramirez is organizing a field trip for her 6th-grade class of 24 students at Sunflower Elementary School. They plan to leave El Centro at 8:00 AM, visit the Imperial Valley Desert Museum in Ocotillo for educational exhibits and a guided nature walk, then return to school by 3:00 PM. Given the group size and itinerary, Mrs. Ramirez was quoted $1,600 for a 25-passenger minibus. This covers the full-day rental, making the cost about $64 per person. The minibus provides comfortable seating and climate control, perfect for the desert climate, ensuring students and chaperones travel safely and comfortably throughout the day.
Shuttle Service for California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta
The El Centro Chamber of Commerce is coordinating a shuttle service for attendees of the annual California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta at the Imperial Valley Expo. They need continuous transportation between three designated parking lots and the fairgrounds from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM over two weekends. To accommodate large crowds efficiently, they book two 40-passenger minibuses for the duration. The quoted cost for this extended service is $9,200, covering both vehicles and all operational hours. This ensures attendees have reliable, hassle-free transport to and from the event, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing the overall visitor experience during one of El Centro’s largest annual events.
Corporate Retreat at Salton Sea
Imperial Valley Regional Hospital is hosting a corporate retreat for 38 staff members at a resort near the Salton Sea. The itinerary includes team-building activities, workshops, and recreational outings over a three-day weekend. They require round-trip transportation from the hospital in El Centro to the resort, with daily shuttles to nearby attractions like Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. After reviewing their schedule, the coordinator books a 40-passenger minibus for $4,400. This price covers all transfers and daily local shuttles, providing employees with comfortable, timely transportation and allowing them to focus on retreat activities without worrying about driving or parking logistics.
Wedding Transportation in Downtown El Centro
Sophia and Miguel are planning their wedding ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic Church, followed by a reception at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse. With 120 guests traveling from various hotels around El Centro, they want to ensure everyone arrives on time and has safe transportation between venues. Their planner arranges two 56-passenger charter buses for the afternoon and evening, with multiple trips scheduled to accommodate all guests. The total quote for the day is $2,900, which covers both buses for 8 hours of service. This arrangement allows guests to enjoy the celebration without the stress of navigating unfamiliar streets or arranging individual transportation, contributing to a seamless and memorable wedding day.
