{"id":755,"date":"2019-04-15T13:14:12","date_gmt":"2019-04-15T13:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/?p=755"},"modified":"2025-10-03T19:25:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T19:25:17","slug":"complete-guide-charter-bus-rentals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/complete-guide-charter-bus-rentals\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Guide to Charter Bus Rentals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Your next group trip is coming up soon. <strong>Do you know how you\u2019re going to get everyone to and from your destination safely and on-time?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Some event planners organize carpools or book plane tickets to transport their group, but these options make it even easier for group members to arrive late, get lost, lose their luggage, and more.<\/p>\n<p>These options also don\u2019t guarantee that your group will travel together, which <em>completely <\/em>defeats the purpose of a group outing.<\/p>\n<p>The best way for groups to travel safely and efficiently together is by <strong>charter bus rental<\/strong>, especially in sprawling cities such as <u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/atlanta-charter-bus\">Atlanta<\/a><\/u> or <u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/los-angeles-charter-bus\">Los Angeles<\/a><\/u>. To help you easily rent a charter bus for your group, we\u2019ve put together a complete guide to charter bus rentals below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick Navigation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#seats\">Seats<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#bus-types\">Bus Types<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#amenities\">Amenities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#wifi\">WiFi<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#food-and-drinks\">Food &amp; Drinks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#alcohol\">Alcohol<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#storage\">Storage Space<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cost\">Cost<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">What is a charter bus?<\/h2>\n<p>A <u>charter bus<\/u>, also called a motorcoach, is a vehicle that is reserved for the private use of a group, organization, or business. Instead of traveling along a set bus route, hire a charter bus to take your group directly to your destination.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"look-like\">What does a charter bus look like?<\/h2>\n<p>On the outside, you\u2019ll see the charter bus\u2019s large, panoramic windows, which allow for natural lighting during the day. Under the windows, doors open to reveal storage bays for luggage and equipment. Often, the bus company\u2019s logo will be painted on the side of the bus.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-fleet.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5717 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-fleet.png\" alt=\"a fleet of parked charter buses of varying sizes\" width=\"750\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-fleet.png 750w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-fleet-300x120.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Walking through the doors of a charter bus, you\u2019ll see the driver\u2019s seat directly in front of you and rows of cushioned seats for passengers throughout the rest of the coach. Most full-sized buses also feature a bathroom at the very back of the motorcoach. Above the seats, overhead bins keep personal belongings secure and out of the way during your ride.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-rents\">Who rents charter buses?<\/h2>\n<p>Sports teams, businesses, organizations, and more rent charter buses to transport their groups to and from the destinations on their itineraries. Here are a few examples of past trips we helped organize across the country:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A <u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/charter-bus-fraternity-formal-gogo-charters\/\">sorority<\/a><\/u> from Northeastern University booked a <a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/boston-charter-bus\">charter bus in Boston<\/a> to and from their annual <strong>Greek formal<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>A <strong><u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/wedding-bus-rental\">wedding<\/a><\/u><\/strong><strong> planner<\/strong> in contacted us for three <a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/new-york-charter-bus\">minibus rentals in New York City<\/a> to shuttle guests between the hotel and venue on the day of the wedding.<\/li>\n<li>We helped an event planner at a major finance company in <u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/houston-charter-bus\">Houston<\/a><\/u> book <a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/corporate-bus-rental\">company charter buses<\/a> with WiFi for an upcoming <strong>business conference<\/strong> so employees could stay connected along the way.<\/li>\n<li>A travel agent needed 3\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/chicago-charter-bus\">buses in Chicago<\/a> for transportation to all their events around the city for a company retreat.<\/li>\n<li>For a large <strong><u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/church-bus-rental\">church<\/a><\/u><\/strong><strong> conference<\/strong> in <u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/austin-charter-bus\">Austin<\/a><\/u>, we provided nearly 30 charter buses to transport attendees to and from their hotel and the conference center.<\/li>\n<li>A high school basketball coach\u00a0relied on GOGO Charters to organize a fleet of charter buses in Orlando for athletes and supporters for an out-of-town <u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/sports-team-bus-rental\">sports tournament<\/a><\/u>.<\/li>\n<li>We organized a collection of minibus shuttles for a large <strong>music festival<\/strong> in <u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/los-angeles-charter-bus\">Los Angeles<\/a><\/u> to alleviate parking hassles for festival-goers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"seats\">How many seats does a charter bus have?<\/h2>\n<p>Charter buses come in a variety of sizes with differing seat capacities. A typical charter bus rental will have around <u>56 seats<\/u> depending on the manufacturer and model, but they can have <strong>anywhere from 36 to 60 seats<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-interior-seats.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5715 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-interior-seats.jpg\" alt=\"a row of blue seats with seatbelts inside a charter bus\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-interior-seats.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-interior-seats-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>For a more compact vehicle, consider renting a <u><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/18-passenger-mini-bus\">minibus<\/a><\/u>, which typically seats <strong>fewer than 35 passengers<\/strong>. These are perfect for shuttling groups around town for weddings, festivals, tours, and more.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4130 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bus-sizes-chart.png\" alt=\"most popular charter bus sizes\" width=\"500\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bus-sizes-chart.png 500w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bus-sizes-chart-300x180.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bus-types\">What is the difference between a charter bus, minibus, party bus, and entertainer bus?<\/h2>\n<p>Though standard charter buses, minibuses, party buses, and entertainer buses are all contracted out by a charter bus company and are operated by a professional driver, they differ in their seating capacities and typical uses.<\/p>\n<p>The most common motorcoach rentals are the full-sized charter bus and the minibus. As discussed above, a <strong>minibus is best for groups of 35 passengers or fewer<\/strong>, and <strong>charter buses are best for groups of 36 passengers or more<\/strong>. Because of its size, the standard charter bus often comes with more amenities like a restroom and additional luggage space.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/charter-bus-vs-minibus-graphic.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4712 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/charter-bus-vs-minibus-graphic.jpg\" alt=\"an infographic comparing charter buses and minibuses: charter buses have a lavatory, reclining seats, luggage spaces and optional WiFi, USB, and TVs. Minibuses have reclining seats and optional outlets, WiFi, USB, and TVs\" width=\"768\" height=\"492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/charter-bus-vs-minibus-graphic.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/charter-bus-vs-minibus-graphic-300x192.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>A party bus, like a minibus, accommodates 35 passengers or fewer.<\/strong> Its seats, however, are arranged along the edges of the bus, instead of in rows, leaving an open space in the middle. This allows for more room to chat with friends, dance, play games, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Many music artists and celebrities book <strong>entertainer buses, which typically hold 8 to 12 passengers<\/strong>, for their long-distance tours. On board, you\u2019ll find luxury features like a master suite, sleeping bunks, lounge area, kitchen, restroom, storage compartments, satellite TVs, WiFi, and more.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"amenities\">What amenities are included in a charter bus rental?<\/h2>\n<p>Nearly all charter buses are outfitted with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cushioned\u00a0seats<\/li>\n<li>Air conditioning<\/li>\n<li>A compact bathroom<\/li>\n<li>TV monitors<\/li>\n<li>A DVD player<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because buses may vary in amenity options, depending on their make and model, let your reservation specialist know which features your group needs when you call to book your bus.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-bus-amenities-feature.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5718\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-bus-amenities-feature.jpg\" alt=\"a power outlet and personal climate and light controls inside a charter bus\" width=\"750\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-bus-amenities-feature.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-bus-amenities-feature-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"wifi\">Do charter buses have WiFi and phone chargers?<\/h2>\n<p>Most modern buses also have wireless internet and power outlets for charging devices. Be sure to confirm the availability of buses with WiFi and electrical outlets at the time of booking if this is something that is important to your group.<\/p>\n<p>With WiFi on your bus, your group members can share photos of their trip on social media, catch up on emails, listen to music, and more. They can also charge their electronic devices using the bus\u2019s outlets (just don\u2019t forget to bring your charging cords!). These amenities help to keep passengers entertained on long-distance trips, so don\u2019t forget to ask about availability of buses with wireless internet and outlets when you call us at <strong>1-855-826-6770<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"food-and-drinks\">Can\u00a0passengers bring food and drinks on a charter bus?<\/h2>\n<p>Food and drinks are allowed on most charter buses,\u00a0but it&#8217;s best to <strong>verify with your bus company before your trip<\/strong>. If your bus company does allow outside food and drinks on the bus, be considerate of your fellow travelers\u00a0and leave the smelly or messy foods at home.<\/p>\n<p>If your group leaves behind spills or trash on the bus without properly cleaning them up, you may be liable to pay cleaning fees. Most buses come equipped with a\u00a0wastebasket at the front of the bus so your group can collect trash\u00a0before leaving the bus.\u00a0Consider bringing an empty trash bag with you in case there is not a trash can available to you on board your bus (your bus driver will appreciate it!).<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"alcohol\">Can\u00a0passengers drink alcoholic beverages on the bus?<\/h2>\n<p>Many charter bus companies <a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/can-you-drink-on-a-charter-bus\/\">will allow<\/a> adult passengers to drink alcoholic beverages on their buses, but most will require a refundable deposit. This covers any\u00a0expenses from any damages that occur from passengers having a little too much fun.<\/p>\n<p>Safety is the top consideration for charter bus rentals. Remind group members who are planning to drink\u00a0that any behavior that distracts the driver puts everyone on board at risk.<\/p>\n<h2>Are pets allowed on charter buses?<\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, the majority of bus companies have a <strong>no-pets policy<\/strong>.\u00a0Service animals, however, are protected under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Americans with Disabilities Act<\/a> and may ride on the bus with a person who is disabled.<\/p>\n<h2>What items are prohibited on a bus?<\/h2>\n<p>When packing for a charter bus trip, be sure to leave weapons, explosives, flammable materials, and dangerous chemicals at home. Your charter bus service provider will be happy to explain specific policies about contrabands, so don\u2019t be afraid to ask if you aren\u2019t sure about a particular item. Smoking is also prohibited on charter buses, but you may take a quick smoke break at rest stops along the way.<\/p>\n<h2>Are there beds on a charter bus?<\/h2>\n<p>Standard charter buses don&#8217;t have beds, but they do have cushioned and reclining seats to help you\u00a0relax. If you want to sleep during the drive, you can use a comfy\u00a0neck pillow or simply lean against the window.<\/p>\n<p>If your group requires beds, you can charter an <a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/tour-bus-rental-cost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">entertainer coach<\/a> which often has between 8 to 12 bunk beds and a master suite in the back. Standard entertainer coaches come with a lounge area, kitchen, bathroom, satellite TVs, and WiFi, making them perfect for touring artists and entertainment groups.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"storage\">Do charter buses have storage space?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes! Unlike other forms of group transportation, charter buses have a generous amount of storage. Inside, overhead bins above the seats, like the ones above the seats on aircrafts, keep passengers\u2019 personal belongings safe and out of the way during the ride<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-overhead-storage.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5720\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-overhead-storage.jpg\" alt=\"overhead storage bins inside a charter bus\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-overhead-storage.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-overhead-storage-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Under the bus, there are openings known as storage or luggage bays. These compartments hold larger items like luggage and equipment.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-luggage-bays.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5719\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-luggage-bays.jpg\" alt=\"spacious luggage bays under a gogo charters bus\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-luggage-bays.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-luggage-bays-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Because of their size, <a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/18-passenger-mini-bus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">minibuses<\/a>\u00a0have less storage space on board and are best for small groups. If extra storage is important to your group, ask\u00a0your reservation specialists which options are available before making your reservation.<\/p>\n<h2>What are the restrooms like on a charter bus?<\/h2>\n<p>A bathroom on a standard charter bus is compact and includes a toilet and hand washing station. Space inside these restrooms is limited, and usage while the bus is in motion may be difficult for some. If possible, instruct your fellow passengers to use the bus\u2019s bathroom sparingly and take full advantage of the more spacious restrooms at fuel stations and rest stops.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-bathroom-amenity-feature.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5721\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-bathroom-amenity-feature.jpg\" alt=\"a bathroom sign and toilet inside a charter bus\" width=\"750\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-bathroom-amenity-feature.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-bathroom-amenity-feature-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Do charter buses have seat belts?<\/h2>\n<p>In 2013, the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/busesonline.com\/2016\/09\/07\/an-interesting-read-about-motor-coach-seat-belts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration mandated<\/a> that all new motorcoaches be built with seat belts starting in November 2016. Buses built before the rule went into effect are not required to have seat belts. All buses, regardless of when they were built, are subject to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fmcsa.dot.gov\/safety\/passenger-safety\/legal-notice-motorcoach-operations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">federal safety regulations<\/a>\u00a0to ensure a safe ride for passengers and drivers alike.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-seatbelts.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5722\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-seatbelts.jpg\" alt=\"blue seats with seatbelts inside a charter bus\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-seatbelts.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/gogo-charters-seatbelts-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"wheelchair-accessible\">Are charter buses wheelchair accessible?<\/h2>\n<p>All charter bus companies are required by the <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/index.html\">Americans with Disabilities Act<\/a><\/u> (ADA) to provide wheelchair-accessible coaches when they are requested. However, bus companies don\u2019t always outfit every bus in their fleet with wheelchair lifts, so you\u2019ll need to request a handicap bus rental specifically.<\/p>\n<p>When you book an ADA-accessible charter bus, you\u2019ll receive a motorcoach rental that includes a wheelchair lift and room inside for the passenger to safely ride.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"driver\">Who drives a charter bus?<\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t worry about asking Uncle Jerry to obtain a bus license before your trip. Your charter bus company will provide you with <strong>a safe, professional driver<\/strong>. Your bus driver is in charge of your group&#8217;s safety, so find companies with excellent driver standards and reputations.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding: 2px 6px 4px 6px; color: #555555; background-color: #eeeeee; border-left: 4px solid #FC6B1B;\">Keep in mind that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fmcsa.dot.gov\/sites\/fmcsa.dot.gov\/files\/docs\/Interstate-Passenger-Carrying-Driver-Guide-To-HOS.pdf\">drivers can only drive 10 hours consecutively<\/a> before they must take a required 8 hour break. Because of this, you\u2019ll be assigned a second driver at an added cost if your trip requires driving for more than 10 hours a day.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/charter-bus-driver-seat.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5723\" src=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/charter-bus-driver-seat.jpg\" alt=\"a driver's seat cockpit on a charter bus\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/charter-bus-driver-seat.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/charter-bus-driver-seat-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If your trip will include nights, you\u2019ll need to factor in the cost of your driver\u2019s hotel room. Even if your bus company doesn\u2019t specify hotel requirements, we recommend budgeting for a 3-star hotel or higher. Your bus driver is responsible for your safety, so make sure he or she gets a good night\u2019s sleep!<\/p>\n<h2>Can groups book a charter bus without a driver?<\/h2>\n<p>At this time, GOGO Charters only reserves charter buses driven by professional bus drivers. This is for our customers safety and convenience.<\/p>\n<h2>Will my driver make last-minute stops?<\/h2>\n<p>When you book your charter bus, you&#8217;ll submit an itinerary with every destination&#8217;s address, drop-off times, and pickup times. If you would like for your driver to make a stop that will take a significant amount of additional time and\/or mileage, you may be subject to additional fees. Ask your bus company about their policy in advance if you think you may need to add a stop in your itinerary.<\/p>\n<p>If you simply would like for your driver to stop at a rest stop or gas station, many will be happy to accommodate your request. Often, bus drivers will stop every few hours regardless to give everyone a break from the bus and allow passengers to grab a snack.<\/p>\n<h2>How far in advance should I book my bus rental?<\/h2>\n<p>To ensure you get the best bus at the best rate, we recommend booking your charter bus rental at least <strong>1 to 3 months in advance.<\/strong> For busy months like April, May, and June, book at least <strong>6 to 9 months in advance<\/strong> if possible.<\/p>\n<p>We know last-minute trips happen. You can <a href=\"tel:+1-855-826-6770\">book a charter bus<\/a> with us at any time of the day, we\u2019ll confirm one of our buses for you in two hours or less.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cost\">How much\u00a0does a charter bus rental cost?<\/h2>\n<p>At this point, you\u2019re probably wondering, \u201cHow much is this going to cost us?\u201d The rates for your bus will depend your trip&#8217;s mileage and duration. If you&#8217;re traveling over a long distance, you\u00a0will likely be\u00a0quoted a rate based on mileage. If your trip will take place over multiple days and the driver will need to wait along the route, you&#8217;ll be charged by the day.<\/p>\n<p>Check out estimates and the factors that determine bus rates with our <a href=\"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/charter-bus-prices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pricing guide<\/a>. For an instant, no-obligation quote, call us 24\/7 at <a href=\"tel:+1-855-826-6770\"><strong>1-855-826-6770<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n<h2>How much do you tip charter bus drivers?<\/h2>\n<p>You aren&#8217;t required to tip your driver, but it&#8217;s an excellent way to thank them for a job well done. The industry standard for gratuity is <strong>10 to 20% of the cost of the bus<\/strong>. Since gratuity\u00a0is rarely included in your quote, ask your reservation specialist what options for tipping your driver are available.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-rent\">How do I rent a charter bus?<\/h2>\n<p>Before calling a bus company to get a quote, write down the essential information for your trip. Have these details on hand to help the bus company staff quickly match you with the best bus for your group.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key information you\u2019ll need:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>What are the names\u00a0and addresses of your trip&#8217;s destinations, and what are your\u00a0pickup and dropoff times?<\/li>\n<li>What day does your trip begin, and what is the duration?<\/li>\n<li>How many passengers are in your group?<\/li>\n<li>Will you be picking up additional passengers along the way? If so, how many?<\/li>\n<li>Will any members of your group require a wheelchair-accessible bus?<\/li>\n<li>Which bus amenities are most important to your group?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"company\">Which charter bus company should I hire?<\/h2>\n<p>Choose your bus service provider based on location, reputation, and availability. First, look for a charter bus company that\u2019s located as close to your pickup location as possible to save money. If you choose a company in a different city, you\u2019ll have to pay the cost of travel from the company&#8217;s garage to the pickup location <i>in addition to<\/i> the cost of your actual trip. The extra mileage is known as <em>deadhead<\/em>. Because we service over 300 cities across the US, we can provide you with bus services without the extra costs in many cases.<\/p>\n<p>Next, compare the online reviews and testimonies of the companies you find. Find out if past customers felt safe on their trip and if they were satisfied with the level of service they were given. Read any contracts and agreements carefully, and don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions before signing on the dotted line.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding: 2px 6px 4px 6px; color: #555555; background-color: #eeeeee; border-left: 4px solid #FC6B1B;\">Our team can help you quickly find a clean, up-to-date bus for your group trip. We&#8217;re available 24\/7, so reach out to us at <strong>1-855-826-6770<\/strong> today!<\/p>\n<p>Knowing the basics of renting a charter bus will help you make an informed decision without missing any crucial details. Now that you know what to expect, you can book your first charter bus trip with confidence.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table style=\"background-color: #f5320c; border: 0px solid #ffffff; border-radius: 0px;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 150%; padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"tel:+1-855-826-6770\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Call GOGO Charters at 1-855-826-6770!<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your next group trip is coming up soon. Do you know how you\u2019re going to get everyone to and from your destination safely and on-time? Some event planners organize carpools or book plane tickets to transport their group, but these options make it even easier&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1555,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[455],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[3006,189,516,40,11,4,158,185,213,219,163,3007,536,457,565,464,385,513,569,552],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/755"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=755"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/755\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6183,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/755\/revisions\/6183"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1555"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=755"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=755"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=755"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogocharters.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=755"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}