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What Factors Affect Charter Bus Prices?

K. K. Lowen
K. K. Lowen

There are a variety of factors that can affect charter bus prices. One is the size of the bus. The amount of features in the bus also can affect the price, including bathrooms, special seating, and onboard electronics. Standard buses have basic interior designs and usually cost less. Both the length of time for which the bus is chartered and the distance it must travel can also directly affect prices.

The price of fuel can affect charter bus prices. Fuel costs fluctuate over time, and bus rental rates may change to reflect the rates. Large buses are also more expensive to manufacture and typically have higher fuel costs.

Taxes can affect charter bus prices as well. The price for a charter bus may be higher or lower depending on where the bus departs from. Some areas may have higher taxes or special taxes for chartered vehicles.

The cost of insurance is another important factor. Charter bus companies often have or are required to have insurance. Insurance rates may change over time, and if a company’s insurance rates go up, a company may increase their prices.

The size of the bus is one factor that affects the price of a charter rental.
The size of the bus is one factor that affects the price of a charter rental.

One of the determining factors for charter bus prices is the distance that the bus must travel. Companies typically charge a higher rate for long trips than for short trips. Some companies may charge extra money if the destination is in a different state or country. Many companies calculate prices based on the number of many miles or kilometers traveled by the bus as well as how many hours it takes to travel to the desired destination. One reason for the distance charges is that two drivers may be utilized for long trips.

Another aspect that may influence cost is the type of bus chartered. The cost of chartering a luxury bus will generally be greater than chartering non-luxury buses. Companies spend more money on luxury buses and may pay more for maintenance when compared to basic buses. The amount of features provided for passengers can directly affect pricing as well.

Sometimes the time of year can affect prices for charter buses. For example, driving buses can be more dangerous in places where winter weather is more severe. If danger exists, the charter company may charge more and pass the money on to the drivers.

The use of a travel agent or other professional may increase charter bus prices as well. Using an outside source rather than contacting the company directly may mean paying for two services instead of one. The added convenience may be worth the additional cost for some people.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

@discographer-- You're right. We rented a deluxe coach charter bus for a trip with relatives and friends. We wanted the bus for six and a half days but they had us pay for seven days because it could not be rented for a half day. We ended up paying a lot of money because it was a long distance trip but I think it was worth it because we were such a large group. We could not have traveled together other wise. The trip was a lot of fun and we got to see many different sites. It was also good that there was a bathroom on the bus because we didn't have to stop very frequently.

discographer

Price also depends on the size of the bus and the number of hours it will be used. Most renters actually have a minimum number of hours or days that a charter bus can be rented for. So a lot of times, it's not possible to reduce the minimum cost

bear78

I think of all these factors, the luxury of the bus has the biggest affect on the price. It's actually quite simple, more things the bus has, the more expensive it is.

The luxury charter buses used by celebrities and by candidates as campaign buses are the most expensive. These buses are not short of a house, with a living area, office area, bathroom, shower and kitchen. They also come with things like TVs, internet access and more.

In comparison, some charter buses do not have much aside from basic amenities like bedding, a table and a bathroom. Obviously, these cost much less.

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    • The size of the bus is one factor that affects the price of a charter rental.
      By: Robert Wilson
      The size of the bus is one factor that affects the price of a charter rental.