Cedar Rapids Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Cedar Rapids Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Cedar Rapids typically ranges from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on the type of bus, trip duration, and other factors. You can get an instant quote online using our calculator or by calling our team at 319-382-7980! Below we have estimated rates for each type of bus along with factors that affect your trip cost, and real examples of trips we’ve booked recently. Whether you’re planning a wedding at Ashton Hill Farm, a field trip to the National Czech & Slovak Museum, or a Hawkeyes tailgate in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids Minibus Company makes it easy to get pricing for any itinerary!
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Coach Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 25-Passenger Minibus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 20-Passenger Minibus | $157 – $414 | $1,300 – $3,100 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 18-Passenger Minibus | $145 – $404 | $1,300 – $3,000 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
*Prices vary and fluctuate with fuel costs, holidays, and availability. Booking early usually secures the lowest rate. For exact pricing, please call our reservations team.
How Much Does a Bus Rental Cost?
Here are the average prices for different types of buses in Cedar Rapids:
- 56-passenger charter bus: $197 to $519 per hour, $1,600 to $3,800 per day, $5.00 to $8.00 per mile
- 25-passenger minibus: $165 to $428 per hour, $1,300 to $3,200 per day, $4.00 to $7.00 per mile
- 20-passenger minibus: $157 to $414 per hour, $1,300 to $3,100 per day, $4.00 to $7.00 per mile
- 18-passenger minibus: $145 to $404 per hour, $1,300 to $3,000 per day, $4.00 to $7.00 per mile
These are estimates based on recent bookings and seasonal trends. Your exact price will depend on your itinerary, travel dates, and any special requests. For example, a round-trip shuttle from downtown Cedar Rapids to Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City will cost less than an overnight charter to Chicago or Minneapolis.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Cedar Rapids?
Several factors affect the price of your bus rental in Cedar Rapids:
- Type of bus: Full-size charter buses (47-56 passengers) are more expensive than minibuses (15-35 passengers) due to their size, amenities, and luggage capacity. ADA-accessible and specialty coaches may cost extra.
- Trip duration: Rentals are billed hourly (3-5 hour minimum), daily (8-12 hours), or by mileage for long-distance trips. Multi-day packages may qualify for discounts. Idle/wait time is charged at the same rate as driving time.
- Distance traveled: Local shuttles within Linn County are cheaper than interstate charters to Des Moines, Omaha, or Chicago. Tolls, parking fees, and detours add to the total cost.
- Time of year: Peak season for Cedar Rapids is April-June (weddings, proms, graduations) and September-November (college football, fall foliage). Rates are higher during these months due to high demand. Winter rates (December-February) are lower except during holidays.
- Day of week: Weekends (Friday-Sunday) are more expensive than weekdays. Early morning and late-night departures may incur surcharges.
- Amenities requested: Buses with WiFi, power outlets, DVD monitors, leather seats, restrooms, and PA systems cost more than basic models. Custom wraps, coolers, and catering are available for an additional fee.
- Lead time: Booking 3-6 months in advance locks in the best rates and ensures availability, especially for large events at Alliant Energy PowerHouse, McGrath Amphitheatre, or NewBo City Market. Last-minute reservations (less than 2 weeks) may be subject to premium pricing.
Other considerations include overnight lodging for the driver (required for multi-day trips), gratuity (optional but customary at 10-15%), and changes to the itinerary after contract signing. Our team will provide a detailed quote with all costs itemized so there are no surprises on the day of service.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Cedar Rapids, IA and around Iowa State. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Des Moines
Ms. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 6th grade class of 30 students from Cedar Rapids to the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines. The group will leave at 8:00 AM, spend the day exploring exhibits, and return to Johnson STEAM Academy by 5:00 PM. This full-day charter includes about 240 miles round-trip plus local travel in Des Moines. For this itinerary, Ms. Johnson was quoted $2,400 for a 56-passenger charter bus. With 32 total passengers (students, teachers, chaperones), the cost comes out to $75 per person for a safe, comfortable ride with onboard restroom and DVD entertainment.
Wedding Shuttle Between Downtown and Winery
Emily is planning her wedding at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center but wants her guests to enjoy a reception at Cedar Ridge Winery in Swisher. She’s hired a 25-passenger minibus to run continuous shuttles between the hotel and winery from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (8 hours total, 36 miles round-trip). Her quote was $2,000 for the evening, which includes waiting time at both venues and late-night drop-offs back downtown. With 50 guests using the shuttle throughout the night, the cost averages $40 per person—much less than multiple rideshares or taxis.
Hawkeyes Game Day Charter
A group of University of Iowa alumni want to travel together from Cedar Rapids to Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City for a Saturday football game. They book a 20-passenger minibus for round-trip transportation, departing at 9:00 AM and returning after the game ends around 7:00 PM (10 hours, 60 miles total). Their quote was $1,700 for the day, which covers pre-game tailgating supplies stored on board and post-game traffic delays. Divided among 18 riders, each pays about $95 for door-to-door service without worrying about parking or driving home after celebrating a win.
Senior Outing to Amana Colonies
The activities director at a retirement community arranges a half-day excursion for 14 residents to visit the Amana Colonies. They’ll depart Cedar Rapids at 10:00 AM, tour historic sites, shop for handmade goods, enjoy lunch, and return by 4:00 PM (6 hours, 50 miles round-trip). An ADA-accessible minibus is provided at no extra charge. The total cost for this outing is $950, or about $68 per person, including assistance with walkers/wheelchairs and storage for purchases.
Corporate Retreat in Dubuque
An insurance company is hosting a two-day retreat for 40 employees at Hotel Julien Dubuque. They need round-trip transportation from Cedar Rapids with departure at 7:00 AM on Friday and return at 6:00 PM Saturday (overnight stay required). The quote for a 56-passenger charter bus is $3,600, which includes driver’s hotel room, parking fees, and use of the bus for local transfers between meeting venues and restaurants. At $90 per attendee, this option is more affordable than reimbursing mileage for individual cars and fosters team bonding en route.
Bachelorette Party Crawl
Samantha is throwing a bachelorette party for 12 friends with stops at bars in the Czech Village, dinner at Cobble Hill, and dancing at Studio 13 in Iowa City. She books an 18-passenger minibus for 7 hours of service, including waiting time and late-night drop-off at a downtown hotel. The quote is $1,200, or $100 per person for unlimited rides, Bluetooth sound system, and no worries about designated drivers.