Gilbert Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Gilbert Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Gilbert varies based on several factors, including the size of the vehicle, length of your trip, time of year, and any special amenities requested. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for most standard trips. Smaller minibuses will be on the lower end of that range, while full-size charter buses with premium features like WiFi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms will be at the higher end. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call our team at 480-847-7979 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask about your itinerary, group size, and preferences, then provide a personalized estimate within minutes. Below, we’ve outlined some sample rates and explained the main factors that influence pricing.
| 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 Bus Rental Cost?
Gilbert Minibus Company offers several types of buses, each with its own pricing structure. Our 56-passenger coach bus typically costs between $197 and $519 per hour, $1,600 to $3,800 per day, or $5.00 to $8.00 per mile. The 25-passenger minibus ranges from $165 to $428 per hour, $1,300 to $3,200 per day, or $4.00 to $7.00 per mile. For smaller groups, the 20-passenger minibus is priced at $157 to $414 per hour, $1,300 to $3,100 per day, or $4.00 to $7.00 per mile. Our most compact option, the 18-passenger minibus, costs $145 to $404 per hour, $1,300 to $3,000 per day, or $4.00 to $7.00 per mile. These rates provide a general guideline, but your exact quote will depend on your specific trip details. Contact us today for a personalized estimate tailored to your needs.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Gilbert?
Several key factors affect the price of your charter bus rental in Gilbert. The most significant is the type and size of vehicle you choose. Larger buses like a 56-passenger motorcoach generally cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans because they offer more seating capacity and amenities. The duration of your trip also plays a major role—rentals are typically billed by the hour for local trips (with a minimum of 4-5 hours), by the day for multi-day itineraries, or by mileage for long-distance travel. Your exact pickup and drop-off locations matter too; traveling outside Maricopa County to places like Tucson, Flagstaff, or even out-of-state destinations will increase the total mileage and thus the overall cost. Seasonality is another consideration: rates tend to be higher during peak demand periods such as spring break, graduation season, and major sporting events. If you’re booking around popular events like ASU commencement, Cactus League spring training, or high school championships at Desert Ridge High School or Campo Verde High School, expect prices to reflect the increased demand. Additional charges may apply for special requests such as ADA-accessible vehicles, extra luggage space for sports teams heading to Legacy Sports Complex or Crossroads Park, or premium onboard features like WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms. Finally, plan to budget for driver gratuity (typically 10-20%), tolls, parking fees at venues like Hale Centre Theatre, Gilbert Regional Park, or SanTan Village, and lodging expenses if your itinerary requires an overnight stay outside the Phoenix metro area.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Gilbert, AZ and around Arizona. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Gilbert High School Band Competition in Tucson
A band director at Gilbert High School is organizing a trip for 45 students to compete in a statewide music competition held at the University of Arizona in Tucson. The group will depart early Friday morning, perform that afternoon, stay overnight in a hotel near campus, and return to Gilbert late Saturday evening after the awards ceremony. Because this itinerary requires an overnight stay, the quote includes two full days of service plus mileage for the round trip (about 230 miles each way). The director requests a 56-passenger charter bus with undercarriage storage for instruments and an onboard restroom. The total cost comes to $6,800, which covers all transportation, driver accommodations, and standard amenities like WiFi and power outlets. With 45 students sharing the expense, it works out to about $151 per person—significantly less than flying or renting multiple vans.
Corporate Shuttle From Downtown Gilbert to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
A tech company based in the Heritage District is sending 20 employees to a conference in San Francisco. Their flight departs from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 10:00 AM on Monday. To simplify logistics and avoid reimbursing rideshare fares, the office manager books a 25-passenger minibus to pick up the team at their office on Gilbert Road, drop them off directly at Terminal 4, and return three days later for the inbound flight. Each airport transfer takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic, so this is billed as two separate one-way trips rather than an hourly charter. The total comes to $900 round-trip ($450 each way), which the company pays upfront. Employees appreciate having a dedicated vehicle with reclining seats and climate control, while the manager values the predictability and ease of scheduling one group pickup instead of tracking individual arrivals.
Wedding Guest Shuttle Between Agritopia Farms and Local Hotels
A couple getting married at Barnone in Agritopia wants to provide safe, convenient transportation for 80 guests staying at three different hotels along Baseline Road and Val Vista Drive. Their planner arranges continuous shuttle service using two 32-passenger minibuses running back and forth between the venue and hotel block from 4:00 PM until midnight. Each loop takes about 20 minutes, allowing guests to arrive before the ceremony and return to their rooms after the reception without needing designated drivers. Because this is an eight-hour booking with multiple stops but minimal mileage, it’s quoted at the daily rate of $2,400 per bus, totaling $4,800 for both vehicles. The families split this expense as part of their overall wedding budget, prioritizing guest safety and peace of mind.
Day Trip to Sedona for a Church Group
A church in Gilbert wants to take 30 members on a Saturday excursion to Sedona for hiking and sightseeing. They depart at 7:00 AM, spend the day exploring Red Rock State Park and Chapel of the Holy Cross, then head back after dinner. This itinerary covers about 300 miles round-trip and lasts approximately 12 hours. The group rents a 35-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, restroom, and DVD player for $3,200 total. That price includes all mileage, driver’s time, and standard amenities. With 30 people onboard, each pays just over $100 for comfortable round-trip transportation. The organizer appreciates not having to coordinate carpools or worry about mountain driving, while passengers enjoy socializing together en route.
Field Trip to the Arizona Science Center
An elementary school in Gilbert is planning a field trip to the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix for 120 students and 10 chaperones. The school charters two 56-passenger buses to accommodate everyone comfortably. The itinerary includes a morning departure, several hours at the museum, and a return to campus by mid-afternoon. Since this is a local, same-day trip covering approximately 50 miles round-trip, the school is quoted an hourly rate of $185 per bus for an 8-hour day. The total cost comes to $2,960 ($1,480 per bus), which the PTA covers through fundraising. Teachers appreciate having reliable, centralized transportation that keeps the group together and on schedule, while students enjoy riding in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with their classmates.
Sports Team Travel to State Tournament in Flagstaff
A girls’ soccer team from Campo Verde High School qualifies for the state tournament being held in Flagstaff. The roster includes 22 players, three coaches, and five parents traveling as supporters. The team books a 25-passenger minibus to leave Gilbert on Friday afternoon, stay overnight after their semi-final match, and return Saturday evening following the championship game. The round-trip distance is about 300 miles, and the coach requests extra luggage space for gear bags and coolers. The total price for this two-day charter is $3,600, which the booster club covers. Compared to carpooling, the bus keeps everyone together, builds team spirit, and ensures timely arrival despite winter road conditions up north.