Birmingham Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Birmingham Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Birmingham varies depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the length of your trip, and the time of year. Generally, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a bus rental in Birmingham. To get an accurate quote for your specific trip, call our team anytime at 659-302-3460 or use our online quote tool. We’ll need details like your passenger count, travel dates, and itinerary to provide an instant, all-inclusive quote. Below, we’ve included estimated rates for different bus types and a breakdown of the main factors that affect pricing.
| 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?
Our fleet includes a wide range of vehicles to fit any group size or budget, from full-size charter buses to minibuses and sprinter vans. Here are some average rates for each type of bus:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
Keep in mind that these are just averages—a short shuttle between The Battery and Regions Field will cost less than an all-day charter to Tuscaloosa or Huntsville. For the most accurate pricing, call us at 659-302-3460 with your trip details.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Birmingham?
Several key factors determine the final price of your bus rental. The biggest one is the type of vehicle you choose—full-size charter buses are more expensive than minibuses or sprinter vans due to their larger capacity and additional amenities. The number of passengers also matters, as larger groups may require multiple vehicles.
The duration and distance of your trip are other major considerations. Most rentals are priced by the hour for local trips within Birmingham (such as shuttles between UAB and downtown hotels), while longer journeys to cities like Montgomery or Atlanta are charged by the day or mile. Be sure to provide a detailed itinerary so we can calculate the exact mileage and hours needed.
Seasonality plays a role as well. Spring and fall are peak times for weddings, school field trips, and college sports events, which can drive up demand and prices. Booking at least three to six months in advance gives you the best chance of securing your preferred vehicle at a lower rate.
Add-ons and special requests can also impact the cost. If you want premium features like WiFi, power outlets, leather seats, or extra luggage space, let us know when booking. ADA-accessible buses are available at no extra charge, but we do need advance notice to arrange them.
Finally, don’t forget about additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees at venues like Protective Stadium or the BJCC, and overnight accommodations for the driver if your trip requires an overnight stay. These are not included in the base quote and should be factored into your overall budget. For example, if your group is attending a multi-day conference at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex and staying overnight, you’ll need to cover the driver’s hotel room and meals.
For trips outside the city limits, like a day trip to Oak Mountain State Park or a weekend excursion to Gulf Shores, mileage rates apply. The farther you travel, the higher the cost. Always provide your full itinerary upfront so we can give you the most accurate quote possible.
If you have any questions about what’s included in your quote or how to keep costs down, our team is happy to help. We’ve been serving Alabama travelers since 2011 and know how to customize packages for every budget and occasion.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Birmingham, AL and around Alabama. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Day Trip to Tuscaloosa for a Crimson Tide Game
A group of 40 University of Alabama fans wants to travel from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa for a Saturday football game. They’ll leave at 9:00 AM, arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium by noon, and return after the game ends around 7:00 PM. This round-trip journey covers about 120 miles and takes approximately 10 hours. For this itinerary, they booked a 56-passenger charter bus at a daily rate of $2,400. With 40 people splitting the cost, it comes out to $60 per person. This package includes onboard WiFi, reclining seats, and undercarriage storage for coolers and tailgating gear.
Wedding Shuttle Between Downtown Hotels and Vulcan Park
A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony at Vulcan Park and Museum with a reception downtown. They need continuous shuttle service for 6 hours to transport 100 guests between several hotels and the venue. We recommended two 25-passenger minibuses running loops from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The total cost for both vehicles is $2,900 ($1,450 each). Features include climate control, plush seating, and Bluetooth sound systems for custom playlists. This ensures guests arrive safely and on time without worrying about parking or navigating Red Mountain Expressway traffic.
Corporate Retreat to Ross Bridge Golf Resort
An accounting firm is organizing a two-day retreat for 30 employees at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. They need round-trip transportation from their office in the Colonnade to the resort in Hoover, plus a dinner outing at The Summit on Friday night. A 35-passenger minibus with leather seats and USB charging ports was quoted at $3,200 for the full itinerary. This includes all travel between locations over the two days. The company opted for this package to foster team bonding and eliminate the hassle of coordinating carpools.
Church Youth Group Outing to Six Flags Over Georgia
A local church is taking 45 teens and chaperones to Six Flags Over Georgia for a summer outing. Departure is at 7:00 AM from Homewood, with arrival at the park by 10:00 AM. The group will spend the entire day at Six Flags and return to Birmingham by midnight. This long-distance trip covers about 320 miles round-trip and requires a 56-passenger charter bus equipped with restrooms and DVD players. The quoted price is $3,700, which the youth director found reasonable compared to the cost and logistics of renting multiple vans.
Senior Citizen Excursion to Barber Motorsports Museum
An assisted living community in Vestavia Hills is planning a half-day excursion for 18 residents to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. The schedule is simple: depart at 10:00 AM, tour the museum, enjoy lunch onsite, and return by 3:00 PM. A compact 20-passenger minibus with an ADA lift was reserved at an hourly rate of $175, totaling $875 for the 5-hour outing. There’s no extra charge for the wheelchair-accessible vehicle, but the group will reimburse the driver for lunch and museum parking.
Field Trip to Mcwane Science Center
An elementary school PTA is arranging transportation for 100 students and teachers to visit the McWane Science Center downtown. They need two full-size charter buses to accommodate everyone comfortably. Pickup is at 8:30 AM, with drop-off back at the school by 2:30 PM. The quote for both buses is $2,800 ($1,400 each), which includes audiovisual equipment for playing educational videos during the ride. Since the science center provides free bus parking, there are no additional fees beyond the driver gratuity.