Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Columbus Coach Bus Rental Cost?

The average cost to rent a coach bus in Columbus is $170-$250 per hour, $1,800-$2,200 per day, or $2,200-$3,800 per week. Minibuses are smaller and more affordable, with rates starting at $150 per hour, $1,600 per day, or $2,200 per week. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, you’ll pay by the day plus additional charges for mileage, tolls, parking, and driver accommodations. For example, a three-day trip from Columbus to Chicago might cost $5,400-$7,200 total, while a local shuttle running eight hours per day for five days could be $8,000-$10,000. The best way to get an accurate price is to call Columbus Coach Bus Service at 380-203-0280 or fill out our online form with your trip details. Our team will send you an instant quote so you can compare options and budget accordingly.

There are many factors that influence the cost of renting a coach bus in Columbus, and understanding these can help you plan a more affordable trip. The biggest factor is the size and type of bus you choose. Full-size coach buses that seat 47 to 56 passengers are more expensive than smaller minibuses, but they also offer more amenities like restrooms, luggage bays, and reclining seats. Minibuses are great for groups of 18 to 35 people and cost less per hour or per day. If you need a specialty vehicle like a party bus, sprinter van, or entertainer coach, expect to pay a premium for those features.

The duration and distance of your trip also affect the price. Local trips within Columbus are usually billed by the hour with a four or five-hour minimum, while long-distance trips outside Franklin County are charged by the day or by the mile. For example, a round-trip from Columbus to Cincinnati will cost more than a shuttle between downtown hotels and Nationwide Arena. Multi-day trips require you to provide hotel accommodations for the driver, which adds to the total cost.

Seasonality plays a big role in pricing as well. Peak season for charter buses in Ohio is April through June, when schools are booking field trips, sports teams are traveling for playoffs, and couples are getting married. Rates are highest during these months due to increased demand. Fall is also busy with college football games at Ohio State University and high school band competitions. If you can schedule your trip during the winter or late summer, you may be able to get a lower rate.

Other factors that impact the cost include tolls, parking fees, and permits. If your itinerary includes stops in areas with paid parking (like the Short North Arts District or German Village), those charges will be passed on to you. Trips that use highways with tolls (such as I-90 to Cleveland) will also incur additional fees. Some destinations require special permits for oversized vehicles, which can add to the expense.

Finally, last-minute bookings are typically more expensive than reservations made weeks or months in advance. If you know your travel dates, it’s best to book early to lock in the best rate and ensure availability. Columbus Coach Bus Service offers flexible payment plans and instant online quotes to make budgeting easy for any group.