Charter Bus Prices in Sarasota
One of the first questions people ask us is: “How much does it cost to rent a charter bus in Sarasota?” And we get it! Staying on budget is crucial when planning any group trip, which is why we’re here to make the pricing process as easy and transparent as possible. While you can always call our 24-hour team at 941-354-5920 to get an instant, personalized quote, we also wanted to provide a helpful overview of how our pricing works and what you can expect when booking a bus.
Below, you’ll find sample pricing breakdowns for real trips, an explanation of the most common pricing factors, and tips for getting the best possible rate on your Sarasota bus rental. Still have questions? Check out our full run-down below to get a general idea of what to expect, and feel free to call our 24-hour reservation team at 941-354-5920 for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific trip details!
| 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 Sarasota?
Charter bus rental rates in Sarasota typically range from $120 to $300 per hour, $1,200 to $3,000 per day, or $4.00 to $8.50 per mile depending on the vehicle type and trip details. Smaller vehicles like 18-passenger minibuses cost $120–$250 per hour, while larger 56-passenger charter buses run $200–$300 per hour. Daily rates for a minibus are $1,200–$2,400 and $2,000–$3,000 for a full-size coach. Per-mile rates are $5.00–$8.00 for minibuses and $6.50–$8.50 for charter buses. Factors affecting pricing include the size and type of bus, trip duration and distance, time of year, pickup location, and any additional amenities or special requests. For the most accurate pricing, call Charter Bus Rental Sarasota at 941-354-5920 with your exact headcount, itinerary, and vehicle needs.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing in Sarasota?
Several key factors influence the final cost of your Sarasota bus rental:
- Type and Size of Bus: Larger vehicles (like a 56-passenger charter bus) cost more than smaller ones (like a 20-passenger minibus), and specialty/luxury models (e.g., party buses) have higher rates.
- Trip Duration: Rentals can be billed by the hour, day, or mile. Longer trips generally cost more overall but may have a lower hourly/mileage rate.
- Distance Traveled: Local trips within Sarasota (downtown, Siesta Key, airport) cost less than longer routes to Tampa, Fort Myers, or Orlando.
- Time of Year: Peak season in Sarasota runs from January through April, when rates are highest due to spring training, festivals, and tourism. Summer and fall are less expensive.
- Pickup Location: If your trip starts outside a major service area (e.g., Venice, North Port, Bradenton), you may pay extra for the bus to arrive empty (“deadhead” fees).
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops (Ringling Museum, St. Armands, Lido Beach), layovers, or custom schedules can increase the price.
- Additional Expenses: Toll roads (I-75, bridges), parking fees (Van Wezel, airport), driver lodging on multi-day trips, and optional amenities (WiFi, DVD, PA system) add to the total.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you budget for your next Sarasota bus rental, here are some real-world pricing examples for popular trips. (Rates are for illustration only—please call for current pricing!)
Example #1
Scenario: A bride is getting married at the Sarasota Garden Club, with guests staying at nearby hotels like the Art Ovation and heading to a reception at Michael’s On East. She needs continuous shuttle service for 6 hours to move 100 guests between venues and lodging.
Quote: 2 x 56-passenger charter buses at $250 per hour each x 6 hours = $3,000
Example #2
Scenario: A middle school in Sarasota County is taking 75 students and 5 teachers to The Ringling for a day-long educational tour. The museum is 20 miles round-trip from the school, and they’ll spend 5 hours on-site.
Quote: 2 x 56-passenger charter buses at $8.00 per mile x 20 miles + 5 hours waiting time at $200/hour = $2,400
Example #3
Scenario: A local company is flying employees in and out of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) for a corporate retreat. They need a minibus to run back-and-forth between the airport and their downtown office over a 4-hour window.
Quote: 1 x 25-passenger minibus at $180 per hour x 4 hours = $720
Example #4
Scenario: A Sarasota youth soccer team is traveling to Tampa for a weekend tournament. They need a single charter bus to transport 18 players, 4 coaches, and equipment bags. The trip is 60 miles each way, with one overnight stay.
Quote: 1 x 56-passenger charter bus at $7.50 per mile x 120 miles + 2 days at $2,500/day + driver hotel = $4,400
Example #5
Scenario: A local high school is organizing a 3-day senior class trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando. They need two full-size charter buses for 100 students and chaperones, with hotel and park transfers included.
Quote: 2 x 56-passenger buses at $2,800 per day x 3 days + tolls + driver lodging = $18,000
Example #6
Scenario: A church group wants to spend the afternoon at Siesta Key Beach. They’ll depart from their East Sarasota parking lot, spend 6 hours at the beach, and return home that evening. There are 40 people in the group.
Quote: 1 x 56-passenger charter bus at $225 per hour x 8 hours = $1,800
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