While the numbers above provide a general estimate, the best way to get an accurate quote tailored to your unique trip is to give us a call. Just give us a call at 504-681-9177 or request a quick quote online.
Unlike a train or plane ticket, there’s no simple charter bus fare chart to consult. Since every group has unique needs and schedules, each bus rental quote is tailored specifically for your trip details. When you call Charter Bus Company New Orleans at 504-681-9177 for a free, no-obligation quote, we’ll ask for key details like your destination, group size, desired amenities and the dates of your travels. With this information, we can match you with bus transportation that fits your group and occassion. Our pricing is always comprehensive and transparent, with no hidden fees or surprises down the road.
What Affect the Price of a Charter Bus?
From the route you take to the time of year you travel, many variables determine the final price of your New Orleans charter bus rental. Here are some of the top considerations that go into calculating your quote.
When you travel
Planning a trip during a major New Orleans event like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest? Then you likely already know crowds descend on the city, driving up demand along with prices for hotels, flights, and yes, bus transportation. Securing group transportation in advance is key if you’ll be traveling during peak tourism season or a major festival. And if possible, aim for an off-peak time such as weekdays when bus availability is higher and many venues offer discounts.
Where you’re going
Mapping out where your bus will go is a big factor in pricing out your rental. Will this be an hourly shuttle service between New Orleans hotels and the convention center? Or is your group venturing beyond city limits for a weekend winery tour through Louisiana wine country? Providing your exact route and timeline allows us to accurately calculate mileage as well as driver hours into your total quote. And the longer your trip duration, the more likely overnight fees for your driver will be required.
The number of passengers
When it comes to bus rentals, size matters! Naturally, the more guests you need to transport, the larger your vehicle will need to be. Mid-size minibuses that seat around 25 passengers are a cost-effective option for many groups. But big events like family reunions and weddings may call for a full-size 56-passenger charter bus. Carefully consider your headcount, including any kids or infants. When you call Charter Bus Company New Orleans for a quote, we’ll ensure your group has comfortable seats and plenty of room for their belongings.
The pickup city
Is your group coming together from one centralized spot in New Orleans? Or will your bus rental need to collect passengers from multiple pickup locations around the city? Mapping out exact pickup spots for your guests allows us to keep track of timing and mileage from the very start. The more spread out your group, the more time and mileage costs involved in getting everyone together in one place. Whenever possible, identifying a single departure point that’s conveniently accessible for most guests helps streamline logistics. But have no fear—our team is ready to handle pickup and dropoff coordination for groups coming together from all across the New Orleans metro area.
Are you traveling round-trip or one-way?
Roundtrip routes are popular for many types of group trips, allowing easy transportation back to your starting point. But one-way travel also is common for certain itineraries. For example, you may want a bus to shuttle wedding guests into New Orleans from nearby Baton Rouge. Or your group could be catching a cruise departing from the Port of New Orleans, requiring one-way travel to the cruise port. Providing the correct route information upfront ensures your quote accurately reflects the bus travel you require, whether roundtrip or one-way. And don’t worry—our drivers are always prepared to handle your routing needs.
Determining the Cost of a Charter Bus Trip
To determine the exact cost for your New Orleans charter bus rental, our team carefully reviews the details of your trip and checks bus availability. After gathering information about your travel dates, group size, pickup/drop-off destinations, and more, we provide a personalized quote customized for your unique trip.
Time of the year
Due to seasonal fluctuations in demand, charter bus pricing is impacted by the time of year you want to travel. Spring and fall shoulder seasons often offer more moderate fares, while bus rentals in peak summer months or holidays are typically higher. The most expensive times to rent a charter bus are usually major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years when demand is very high. Peak summer travel in June, July, and August is also a busy time with higher pricing. The best deals are often found in the fall after Labor Day and in the spring before Memorial Day when demand starts to slow down. April and May are typically affordable times for a New Orleans bus rental.
The day of the week
Weekend charter bus rentals usually cost more than weekday rentals due to higher demand. Weekdays tend to be more affordable options. Weekend rentals on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are in highest demand and therefore more expensive. If you can be flexible to travel on a weekday instead, you may be able to save some money on your New Orleans charter bus rental. Monday through Wednesday tend to have the most availability and lowest rates.
The size of your coach
Larger full-size charter buses that can accommodate more passengers will be more expensive than smaller minibus rentals for fewer people. A 56-passenger coach bus is the largest type of charter bus available and most expensive to rent due to higher fuel and rental costs. For a smaller group, a minibus that seats 25-35 passengers can save you money. The smallest minibuses that seat 15-20 passengers are more affordable, but may not work for larger groups.
The impact of being gone overnight
Trips involving overnight travel usually cost more because there are driver lodging fees to consider. Short same-day trips are often cheaper. Overnight trips require that your driver stay in a hotel, which adds additional costs on top of the base bus rental rate. For shorter same-day trips, lodging fees do not apply, which helps reduce the overall price.
The distance you travel
Total mileage is a key factor that impacts the cost of a charter bus rental. Nearby New Orleans destinations are more affordable vs. long-distance trips. For trips within 100 miles of New Orleans, you’ll often get the lowest rates. But as total mileage increases, so does the price due to fuel and added driver hours. Trips above 250 miles from New Orleans may have higher costs. Discuss your destination with our team to get an accurate quote.
Request a Quote Online
Want a ballpark estimate without calling? You can also request basic charter bus quotes on our website by providing: Date(s) of your trip, Approximate group size, Your desired pick-up and drop-off points. Fill out the quick online quote form, and we’ll follow up with pricing details tailored to your trip. This instant online quote gives you a general idea of costs. For the most accurate, custom quote, we do recommend calling 504-681-9177 and providing your full trip plan. This allows us to match you with the best vehicles and suggest optimized routes to maximize convenience and comfort. Our team is standing by to make reserving your New Orleans bus rental fast, easy and enjoyable!
