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

Clearwater Coach Bus Service offers a wide range of bus rentals in Clearwater, including sprinter vans, minibuses, party buses, and full-size charter buses. Sprinter vans (which seat up to 15 passengers) typically cost $150-$250 per hour, while minibuses (which seat 18-35 passengers) range from $125-$300 per hour. Party buses (which seat 15-40 passengers) generally cost $200-$400 per hour, and full-size charter buses (which seat 40-56 passengers) range from $185-$375+ per hour. For multi-day trips, daily rates are usually more affordable than booking by the hour, with prices ranging from $1,800-$3,800+ per day depending on the vehicle size and amenities.

If you’re planning a long-distance trip out of state, we also offer flat-rate packages based on mileage. These are ideal for groups traveling to Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, or other major cities outside Florida. Flat-rate packages start at $6,000 for a round-trip journey of 500 miles or more.

There are many different factors that can influence the cost of your coach bus rental, and understanding these variables will help you get the best possible price for your trip. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:

• Type of Bus: The size and style of bus you choose will have a big impact on your overall cost. Full-size charter buses are the most expensive option, but they also offer the most seating capacity and amenities. Minibuses are smaller and more affordable, but they may not have features like restrooms or luggage bays. Party buses are priced similarly to minibuses, but they come with luxury extras like wraparound seating, dance poles, and LED lighting. Sprinter vans are the cheapest option, but they have limited space and amenities.
• Trip Duration: Most companies charge by the hour for local trips within Clearwater, with a minimum rental period of 4-5 hours. If you need the bus for an entire day or multiple days, you’ll pay a flat daily rate instead. Longer trips generally cost less per hour than shorter ones, since the fixed costs are spread out over more time.
• Distance Traveled: The farther you travel, the more you’ll pay in fuel, tolls, and driver wages. For example, a round-trip from Clearwater Beach to Tampa International Airport will cost less than a full-day excursion to Walt Disney World in Orlando. If your itinerary covers multiple cities or states, you may be quoted a package price based on total mileage instead of hours or days.
• Time of Year: Bus rental prices tend to be higher during peak season, which in Florida runs from October through April. This is when snowbirds, tourists, and spring breakers flock to the Gulf Coast, creating high demand for group transportation. Major events like Gasparilla Parade in Tampa, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, or college football games can also drive up prices due to limited availability. Booking during the summer off-season (May-September) can save you money, as long as you don’t mind the heat.
• Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday-Sunday) are usually more expensive than weekday rentals (Monday-Thursday), since that’s when most people schedule weddings, parties, and other social events. If your group is flexible, consider traveling on a Tuesday or Wednesday to get the best rates.
• Pick-Up Location: Buses are dispatched from depots across the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Largo, Palm Harbor, and Pasco County. If your pick-up point is outside the company’s normal service area, you may be charged extra for “deadhead” mileage to cover the distance traveled without passengers. For example, picking up a group in Sarasota or Lakeland will cost more than starting in downtown Clearwater or Countryside Mall.
• Additional Fees: Don’t forget to budget for optional expenses like parking permits, park entrance fees, driver gratuity (10-20% is customary), cleaning charges for excessive mess, and hotel accommodations if your trip requires an overnight stay. While most quotes include basic insurance and fuel, it’s always wise to read the fine print and ask about any hidden surcharges before signing a contract.

By providing as much detail as possible about your trip—such as headcount, itinerary, luggage needs, and preferred amenities—you’ll help us give you an accurate quote and avoid any surprises down the road.