Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Irvine Bus Rental Cost?

The cost of renting a charter bus or party bus in Irvine will vary depending on your trip details. Most groups spend between $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day, but the price is ultimately determined by factors like distance traveled, number of days, bus type and more. To get started, use our instant online quote tool or call 949-839-1060 for a personalized estimate in 30 seconds! Below are estimated prices for each vehicle type along with a breakdown of what influences your rental cost.

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Irvine Charter Bus Prices

Bus Type Per Hour Per Day Per Mile
50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus $180 – $500+ $1,800 – $3,800 $6.00 – $9.95
40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus $170 – $480+ $1,700 – $3,565 $6.00 – $9.95
25 to 35 Passenger Minibus $150 – $450+ $1,610 – $3,465 $4.00 – $9.95
20 to 24 Passenger Minibus $150 – $440+ $1,610 – $3,365 $4.00 – $8.95
15 to 18 Passenger Minibus $150 – $430+ $1,520 – $3,255 $4.00 – $7.95
Entertainer Coach $315 – $550+ $3,000 – $5,000+ $6.00 – $9.95
Yellow School Bus $145 – $450+ $1,520 – $3,655 $6.00 – $9.95
Shuttle Bus $155 – $450+ $1,520 – $3,655 $6.00 – $9.95

Irvine Party Bus Prices

Type of Party Bus Cost Per Hour Weekdays Cost Per Hour Weekends Cost Per Day
Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) $180 - $450+ $200 - $470+ $1,000 - $2,900+
Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) $200 - $500+ $220 - $500+ $1,200 - $3,500+
Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) $250 - $500+ $240 - $520+ $1,500 - $3,900+
Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus $160 - $400+ $180 - $450+ $1,000 - $3,900+

* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 949-839-1060 or use our online quote tool.

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How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?

Charter bus rentals in Irvine start at around $180 per hour, with daily rates averaging $2,000 to $3,800 depending on the itinerary. These full-size motorcoaches can accommodate up to 56 passengers, making them ideal for large-scale events like corporate conventions at the Irvine Marriott, school field trips to Pretend City Children’s Museum, or sports team transportation to games at Great Park. Charter buses include amenities such as reclining seats, air conditioning, WiFi, power outlets, and undercarriage luggage storage—making them suitable for both short local shuttles and long-distance travel across Orange County. If you have a multiday event, expect pricing packages that reflect the length and mileage of your journey.

How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?

Party bus rentals in Irvine typically cost $170 to $350 per hour, with minimum booking times of 4 to 6 hours. Daily rates generally fall between $1,500 and $2,800, depending on the size of the bus and features included. Party buses come equipped with wraparound leather seating, LED lighting, high-end sound systems, flat-screen TVs, coolers, and tinted windows—creating a nightclub atmosphere on wheels perfect for celebrations like bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, prom night transportation, and nights out to Downtown Santa Ana or Newport Beach bars. The most common sizes are 15, 20, and 30 passengers, though larger options are available for bigger groups. Prices increase during peak seasons like spring break and summer weekends, so book early for the best rates.

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What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing?

Multiple variables influence the final price of your Irvine charter bus rental. The main factors are the distance and duration of your trip (mileage vs. hours/days), the time of year you’re traveling, whether it’s a weekday or weekend, your pickup/drop-off locations, the type and size of vehicle selected, and any special requests or add-ons. Longer trips that require overnight stays will cost more than simple one-day itineraries, and premium amenities may also affect the quote. Keep in mind that additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and gratuity are not included in the base rate and should be budgeted separately.

Distance and Duration of Your Trip

One of the biggest pricing factors is how far and how long you plan to travel. Trips within Irvine or a neighboring city—such as Disneyland shuttles or John Wayne Airport transfers—are usually billed by the hour (with a 4-6 hour minimum). For example, a six-hour charter from UC Irvine to Laguna Beach would be quoted at an hourly rate. However, if you’re planning an all-day excursion to Los Angeles or a multi-city tour, the rental will likely be charged by the day or by total mileage. Multiday trips that require overnight stays (and hotel accommodations) will have a package rate reflecting the extended service.

28 passenger minibus
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The Time of Year

Charter bus pricing fluctuates based on seasonal demand. Spring and summer tend to be the busiest (and most expensive) months due to graduations, weddings, festivals, and tourist activity. For instance, arranging a charter bus for Comic-Con San Diego or Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will cost more than off-season travel. Fall and winter—except for holidays—generally offer lower rates since fewer groups are on the road. If you have flexibility, consider scheduling your trip during the “shoulder” seasons to take advantage of discounts and greater bus availability.

56 passenger charter bus
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The Day of the Week

Weekends (Friday through Sunday) are prime time for charter bus bookings, resulting in higher prices compared to weekdays. This is especially true for events like Saturday weddings at Strawberry Farms Golf Club or Friday night shuttles to Angels Stadium. If possible, plan your transportation on a Monday through Thursday schedule to secure better deals. Even shifting a school field trip or corporate outing to a weekday can yield significant savings.

Your Starting and Ending Locations

The location of your pickup and drop-off points impacts the overall cost, particularly if the bus needs to deadhead (travel empty) from another city. Rentals that begin and end within Irvine city limits are the most affordable, while trips starting in a different county may incur surcharges for extra mileage and time. For example, a charter bus picking up passengers in Riverside and dropping off in Huntington Beach will have a higher quote than one staying entirely within Orange County. Always provide exact addresses when requesting a quote so the pricing is accurate.

Bus Type and Size

Our fleet includes minibuses, sprinter vans, party buses, and full-size charter buses—each with its own pricing tier. Minibuses (18- 35 passengers) and sprinter vans (10-14 passengers) are the most economical choices for small groups or shuttle services. Party buses (15-40 passengers) fall in the mid-range due to their luxury features, while standard charter buses (40-56 passengers) are priced for large-capacity travel. The general rule is: the larger and more amenity-rich the vehicle, the higher the cost. Match your group size to the smallest bus possible without sacrificing comfort to optimize your budget.

Tolls and Parking

Tolls and parking fees are not included in your Irvine charter bus quote and must be paid separately. If your route involves toll roads like the 73, 133, 241, or 261 Express Lanes, factor in those charges ahead of time. Popular destinations such as Irvine Spectrum Center, Disneyland Resort, and Angel Stadium may require prepaid parking permits for buses, which range from $20 to $120 per day depending on the venue. It’s the customer’s responsibility to cover all tolls and parking costs during the trip, so research rates for each stop on your itinerary.

Booking Timing

How far in advance you book affects both price and availability. Last-minute reservations (less than two weeks’ notice) are subject to premium rates since there’s limited inventory left. For the lowest fares, secure your charter bus at least three to six months before major events—especially if traveling during peak season. Early booking locks in current rates and gives you first pick of bus types, while also allowing ample time to coordinate logistics with your reservation specialist.

Ready to Get a Quote?

When you’re ready to receive a personalized quote for your next trip, just call us at 949-839-1060. Our team will collect your passenger count, itinerary, and amenity preferences, then return a detailed estimate in less than 30 seconds. TIf you prefer online booking, try our instant quote tool to compare multiple bus options side-by-side. We’re here 24/7 to answer questions and ensure your Irvine charter bus fits within your budget.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Irvine and throughout Orange County. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

UC Irvine Campus Shuttle

A student government organization at UC Irvine needs a continuous shuttle loop between off-campus apartments and the main campus for Welcome Week events. They request a 25-passenger minibus to run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The quote comes out to $1,900 per day, totaling $9,500 for five days. Since this is a university-sponsored program, the cost is covered by the student activity budget.

Corporate Retreat to Laguna Beach

An Irvine tech startup is hosting a company retreat at a resort in Laguna Beach. They have 60 employees and want round-trip transportation from their headquarters to the venue, with a dinner stop in downtown Laguna. Their specialist recommends a 56-passenger charter bus plus a 20-passenger minibus for the overflow. The itinerary spans 12 hours, so the total cost is $2,700 ($2,200 for the charter bus + $500 for the minibus). The company pays the bill as part of their team-building expenses.

High School Band Competition

Woodbridge High School’s marching band is competing at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The director books a 47-passenger charter bus to transport students, instruments, and chaperones. Pickup is at 6 a.m., returning by midnight after the awards ceremony. With a flat day rate of $2,100 plus $40 in stadium parking fees, the total comes to $2,140. The booster club splits the expense through fundraising efforts.

Bachelorette Party in Newport Beach

A maid of honor arranges a night-out party bus for 15 guests celebrating a bachelorette party. The itinerary includes stops at Fashion Island restaurants, Balboa Peninsula bars, and a late-night cruise along Pacific Coast Highway. The 6-hour rental of a fully loaded 16-passenger party bus is quoted at $1,320, working out to $88 per person. Each attendee pays their share via a group payment app.

Field Trip to Discovery Cube Orange County

An elementary school PTA organizes a field trip to Discovery Cube OC in Santa Ana. There are 90 students and 10 teachers, requiring two 50-passenger charter buses. Departure is at 8:30 a.m. with return by 3:00 p.m., and the museum offers free bus parking. At $1,800 per bus, the total transportation cost is $3,600, partially subsidized by parent donations and a grant from the district.

Wedding Guest Shuttle at Strawberry Farms

A couple getting married at Strawberry Farms Golf Club hires a shuttle service for guests staying at nearby hotels. They need a 28-passenger minibus to run back-and-forth trips from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. The 9-hour package is priced at $1,530, which the bride and groom include in their overall wedding budget. This ensures everyone arrives on time for the ceremony and reception.

Convention Transportation to Anaheim Convention Center

An event planner coordinates a multi-day convention at Anaheim Convention Center, arranging daily shuttles from multiple Irvine hotels. The largest route requires a 56-passenger charter bus operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. over three days. The quote is $2,300 per day, totaling $6,900 for the full event. Attendees appreciate the seamless transit option, and the cost is factored into their registration fees.