1. Santa Barbara Coach Bus Service /
  2. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Coach Bus Rentals in Santa Barbara

FAQS

We offer one of the largest fleets in California, so you can rent any size or type of bus you need! Our lineup includes 15-35 passenger minibuses built by Grech Motors, LGE Coachworks, Tiffany Coach Builders, and more—perfect for local shuttles, corporate events, or wine tours in the Santa Ynez Valley. For larger groups, choose a 40-56 passenger charter bus from MCI, Van Hool, or Prevost, with premium amenities like restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, and luggage bays. We also have party buses (10-50 passengers) from Krystal, Grech, and Executive Coach Builders, sprinter vans (10-15 passengers), and school buses. No matter your group size or destination, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle.

Santa Barbara bus rental pricing depends on several factors, including the type of bus, trip duration, mileage, and time of year. Minibuses start at $150–$450+ per hour or $1,520–$3,465+ per day, while full-size charter buses range from $145–$550+ per hour or $1,520–$5,000+ per day. Party buses and sprinter vans are also available, with rates based on size and features. For the most accurate quote, call our team at 805-951-6820 with your trip details—we’ll provide a custom estimate in minutes!

Several factors influence the cost of your Santa Barbara bus rental: vehicle type and size, trip distance and duration, number of days, and time of year. Larger buses with more amenities generally cost more than smaller, basic models. Longer trips—like a weeklong tour up the coast to San Francisco—will be priced higher than a single-day shuttle between Goleta and Carpinteria. Busy seasons (spring break, summer, holidays) can also impact rates due to higher demand. To get the best price, book early and provide as many details as possible about your itinerary.

Getting a quote is easy—just call us anytime at 805-951-6820 or fill out our online form with your trip details. We’ll need to know your travel dates, pickup and drop-off locations, group size, and any specific amenities you want (like WiFi, TVs, or extra luggage space). Our team will build a custom package based on your needs and send you an instant quote. If you’re happy with the price, you can book your bus right away!

Our fleet includes buses with a wide range of amenities to keep your group comfortable and entertained. Common features include reclining seats, climate control, overhead storage, and luggage bays. Many buses offer free WiFi, power outlets or USB ports, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and PA systems—great for keeping everyone connected during a trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo or Lotusland. Premium options include onboard restrooms, hardwood floors, leather upholstery, and even kitchenettes or wet bars on select party buses. Let us know what you need, and we’ll match you with the right vehicle.

Groups use our Santa Barbara buses for just about everything: wedding shuttles between downtown venues and beachside ceremonies, corporate transportation to conferences at the Hilton Beachfront Resort, school field trips to the Museum of Natural History, sports team travel to UCSB games, winery tours in Los Olivos, concert trips to the Santa Barbara Bowl, and private parties along State Street. We also handle long-distance travel across California, including Disneyland outings, Las Vegas weekends, and ski trips to Big Bear. Whatever your plans, we’ll get you there comfortably and on time.

Yes! We have party buses in Santa Barbara that can hold anywhere from 10 to 50 people. These are perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, winery and brewery tours, prom nights, or just a fun night out on State Street. Each party bus comes with wraparound seating, color-changing LED lights, Bluetooth sound systems, flat-screen TVs, hardwood floors, and optional wet bars. You can stand up, dance, and socialize while traveling between destinations like Funk Zone tasting rooms or concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl. It’s the most fun way to move a group around town without worrying about parking or rideshares.

Absolutely! We regularly provide multi-day and out-of-state transportation for groups traveling beyond Santa Barbara County. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Los Angeles, a corporate retreat in Palm Springs, a school trip to San Francisco, or a tour through multiple states, we can build a custom itinerary to fit your schedule. Just let us know your route, stops, and overnight accommodations, and we’ll handle the rest. Our team will make sure you have reliable transportation for the entire duration of your trip, no matter how far you’re going.

We recommend booking your bus as early as possible—ideally 3 to 6 months in advance for peak seasons like spring and summer. Santa Barbara is a popular destination for weddings, festivals, and tourism, so buses can sell out quickly during busy times. If you’re planning a large event or traveling during holidays, securing your reservation early ensures the best selection and pricing. Last-minute bookings are possible, but availability may be limited and rates could be higher. For major events like Fiesta or UCSB graduation, some groups book a year ahead.

Charter bus parking in Santa Barbara depends on your itinerary and destinations. Popular spots like Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and downtown State Street have designated drop-off zones but limited long-term parking. For extended stays, buses can park at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, public lots near Cabrillo Boulevard, or designated areas at UCSB and SBCC. If you’re visiting wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley or attractions like Lotusland, check with each venue for specific parking instructions. Our team can help plan your route and advise on the best places to load, unload, and park based on your schedule.

Your quote covers the use of the bus for the duration of your trip, all mileage and tolls, and standard amenities like climate control, reclining seats, and onboard entertainment systems. Optional features such as WiFi, power outlets, or premium interiors will be specified in your package. There are no hidden fees—everything is outlined upfront so you know exactly what you’re getting. If you have special requests or need additional services, let us know and we’ll customize your quote accordingly.

You can reach our team 24/7 by calling 805-951-6820 or filling out the online form on our website. We’re always available to answer questions, provide quotes, and help you plan your trip. Whether you’re organizing a small group outing or a large-scale event, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish. With years of experience serving Santa Barbara and the Central Coast, we’re committed to making your transportation easy, affordable, and stress-free. Contact us today to get started!