| 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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Coach bus rental prices in Santa Barbara typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. These rates are based on several factors, including the size and type of bus, the duration of your trip, and the distance traveled. For example, a 56-passenger coach bus with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms will cost more than a smaller minibus or sprinter van. If you’re planning a multi-day trip to Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Las Vegas, you’ll need to budget for additional expenses like driver accommodations and parking fees. To get an instant quote for your next trip, call our team at 805-951-6820 or use our online quote tool to compare prices and availability in less than 30 seconds!
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Santa Barbara?
Several factors can affect the cost of your coach bus rental in Santa Barbara. Understanding these variables will help you plan your budget and get the best value for your money.
- Type of Bus: The size and style of bus you choose will have a significant impact on the price. Full-size coach buses are the most expensive option, followed by party buses, minibuses, and sprinter vans. Luxury features like leather seats, hardwood floors, and entertainment systems will also increase the cost.
- Trip Duration: Most companies charge by the hour, day, or mile. Short local trips within Santa Barbara (like shuttling guests between hotels on State Street and a wedding venue in Montecito) are usually billed hourly, while longer journeys to places like Disneyland or Universal Studios are priced by the day or mile. Minimum rental times typically range from 4 to 6 hours.
- Distance Traveled: The total mileage of your trip will affect the overall cost. Trips that stay within Santa Barbara County (such as touring wineries in Santa Ynez or visiting UCSB) will be less expensive than those that travel to other cities or states. Be sure to provide a detailed itinerary when requesting a quote.
- Time of Year: Peak season for charter bus rentals in Santa Barbara is spring through early fall, when the weather is perfect for outdoor events, weddings, and festivals. During this time, demand is high and prices may be higher. Booking during the off-season (late fall and winter) can save you money.
- Day of the Week: Weekends are the busiest days for charter bus rentals, especially for weddings and special events. If you can schedule your trip on a weekday, you may be able to get a lower rate.
- Additional Expenses: Don’t forget to budget for extra costs like parking fees (especially at popular spots like Stearns Wharf or the Santa Barbara Bowl), tolls, driver gratuity (typically 10-20%), and lodging for the driver if your trip requires an overnight stay.
- Lead Time: Booking your bus several months in advance will give you the best selection and pricing. Last-minute reservations may be subject to higher rates or limited availability.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Santa Barbara and across Southern California. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Santa Barbara Wine Tour
A group of 20 friends wants to spend a Saturday visiting wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. They’ll depart from downtown Santa Barbara at 10:00 AM, visit three wineries (such as Sunstone, Bridlewood, and Fess Parker), and return by 6:00 PM. This 8-hour trip would cost around $1,600 for a 25-passenger minibus, or $80 per person. The price includes all mileage, but not tasting fees or lunch.
Ucsb Football Game Shuttle
The UCSB Alumni Association is organizing a shuttle for fans to attend a Saturday evening football game at Harder Stadium. Two 56-passenger coach buses will pick up riders from Goleta hotels at 5:00 PM, drop them off at the stadium, and return after the game ends at 9:30 PM. The total cost for each bus is $1,400, or $2,800 for both. With 100 passengers, that’s $28 per person for round-trip transportation.
Wedding Shuttle in Montecito
A couple is getting married at a private estate in Montecito and needs transportation for their guests. They’ve booked three 20-passenger minibuses to shuttle guests between the Four Seasons Biltmore and the venue from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Each minibus will make multiple trips throughout the evening. The cost per minibus is $1,200 for 8 hours, or $3,600 total. This ensures all guests have a safe ride to and from the wedding.
Corporate Retreat to Ojai
A tech company is hosting a two-day retreat at a resort in Ojai. They need a 56-passenger coach bus to transport employees from their Santa Barbara office to Ojai on Friday morning, and back on Saturday afternoon. The bus will stay overnight at the resort. The total cost for this trip is $3,200, which covers two days of service, driver lodging, and all mileage.
Field Trip to Santa Barbara Zoo
An elementary school is planning a field trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo for 60 students and 6 teachers. They’ll need two 40-passenger buses to pick up at the school at 9:00 AM, drop off at the zoo, and return by 2:00 PM. This 5-hour rental would cost $900 per bus, or $1,800 total. The school will also provide a $50 tip for each driver.
Multi-day Tour to San Francisco
A senior center is organizing a 4-day sightseeing tour to San Francisco for 40 members. The itinerary includes stops in Solvang, Hearst Castle, Monterey, and two nights in San Francisco. The charter bus will remain with the group the entire time, providing transportation to various attractions. The total cost for this multi-day trip is $7,500, which includes mileage, driver hotel, and bridge tolls. With 40 passengers, that’s $187.50 per person for four days of comfortable travel.