Your side by side grouping trip is coming up soon. Do yous know how you're going to get everyone to and from your destination safely and on-time?

Some event planners organize carpools or book plane tickets to transport their grouping, only these options make it fifty-fifty easier for group members to arrive late, get lost, lose their luggage, and more than.

These options also don't guarantee that your grouping volition travel together, which completely defeats the purpose of a group outing.

The all-time way for groups to travel safely and efficiently together is past charter bus, particularly in sprawling cities such as Atlanta or Los Angeles. To aid you easily hire a charter bus for your grouping, we've put together a complete guide to charter motorcoach rentals below.

Quick Navigation

  1. Seats
  2. Bus Types
  3. Amenities
  4. WiFi
  5. Food & Drinks
  6. Alcohol
  7. Storage Space
  8. Cost

the interior of a charter bus with blue and red seats

What is a charter double-decker?

A charter passenger vehicle, also called a motorcoach, is a vehicle that is reserved for the private utilise of a grouping, organization, or business. Instead of traveling along a set bus route, hire a charter bus to take your group direct to your destination.

What does a charter motorbus look like?

On the outside, you lot'll run across the charter charabanc's large, panoramic windows, which allow for natural lighting during the day. Under the windows, doors open to reveal storage trophy for luggage and equipment. Oftentimes, the double-decker company's logo will be painted on the side of the bus.

gogo charters bus parked along the street

Walking through the doors of a charter jitney, you'll run across the driver's seat directly in front of you lot and rows of cushioned seats for passengers throughout the rest of the coach. Most full-sized buses besides characteristic a bathroom at the very back of the jitney. Above the seats, overhead bins continue personal belongings secure and out of the fashion during your ride.

Who rents charter buses?

Sports teams, businesses, organizations, and more rent charter buses to send their groups to and from the destinations on their itineraries. Hither are a few examples of past trips we helped organize beyond the land:

  • A sorority from Northeastern University in Boston booked a lease omnibus to and from their annual Greek formal.
  • A wedding planner in New York Metropolis contacted us for three minibus rentals to shuttle guests between the hotel and venue on the day of the wedding.
  • We helped an event planner at a major finance company in Houston book company charter buses with WiFi for an upcoming business conference and then employees could stay connected along the style.
  • For a large church conference in Austin, we provided almost 30 lease buses to ship attendees to and from their hotel and the conference center.
  • A high school basketball coach in Orlando relied on GOGO Charters to organize a fleet of motorcoaches for athletes and supporters for an out-of-boondocks sports tournament.
  • We organized a collection of minibus shuttles for a large music festival in Los Angeles to alleviate parking hassles for festival-goers.

How many seats does a lease bus have?

Charter buses come in a variety of sizes with differing seat capacities. A typical bus will accept around 56 seats depending on the manufacturer and model, but they tin take anywhere from 36 to threescore seats.

For a more compact vehicle, consider renting a minibus, which typically seats fewer than 35 passengers. These are perfect for shuttling groups around boondocks for weddings, festivals, tours, and more.

most popular charter bus sizes

What is the difference between a charter bus, minibus, political party motorcoach, and entertainer bus?

Though standard charter buses, minibuses, party buses, and entertainer buses are all contracted out by a charter bus company and are operated by a professional driver, they differ in their seating capacities and typical uses.

The almost common passenger vehicle rentals are the full-sized lease motorbus and the minibus. As discussed above, a minibus is best for groups of 35 passengers or fewer, and charter buses are best for groups of 36 passengers or more. Considering of its size, the standard charter bus often comes with more than amenities like a restroom and additional baggage infinite.

an infographic comparing charter buses and minibuses: charter buses have a lavatory, reclining seats, luggage spaces and optional WiFi, USB, and TVs. Minibuses have reclining seats and optional outlets, WiFi, USB, and TVs

A party passenger vehicle, like a minibus, accommodates 35 passengers or fewer. Its seats, all the same, are arranged along the edges of the bus, instead of in rows, leaving an open space in the middle. This allows for more than room to chat with friends, dance, play games, and more than.

Many music artists and celebrities book entertainer buses, which typically hold 8 to 12 passengers, for their long-distance tours. On board, you'll observe luxury features like a master suite, sleeping bunks, lounge surface area, kitchen, restroom, storage compartments, satellite TVs, WiFi, and more than.

What civilities are included in a charter bus rental?

Nearly all charter buses are outfitted with:

  • Cushioned seats
  • Air-conditioning
  • A compact bathroom
  • TV monitors
  • A DVD thespian

Because buses may vary in amenity options, depending on their make and model, let your reservation specialist know which features your group needs when yous call to volume your bus.

Do charter buses accept WiFi and telephone chargers?

Most modern buses likewise accept wireless net and power outlets for charging devices. Exist sure to confirm the availability of buses with WiFi and electrical outlets at the time of booking if this is something that is important to your group.

With WiFi on your bus, your group members can share photos of their trip on social media, catch upwardly on emails, listen to music, and more than. They tin also accuse their electronic devices using the jitney's outlets (just don't forget to bring your charging cords!). These amenities help to proceed passengers entertained on long-distance trips, and then don't forget to enquire almost availability of buses with wireless cyberspace and outlets when yous phone call usa at 1-855-826-6770.

Interior of a charter Bus with TV screens and blue seats
Many charter bus rentals come with reclining seats, Telly monitors, DVD players, air conditioning, and a restroom.

Tin can passengers bring food and drinks on a charter bus?

Food and drinks are allowed on most charter buses, but it'south best to verify with your bus company before your trip. If your bus company does allow outside food and drinks on the passenger vehicle, exist considerate of your fellow travelers and leave the smelly or messy foods at home.

If your group leaves behind spills or trash on the bus without properly cleaning them up, you may be liable to pay cleaning fees. Most buses come up equipped with a wastebasket at the front end of the bus so your grouping tin can collect trash earlier leaving the jitney. Consider bringing an empty trash bag with you in example there is non a trash can available to you on board your bus (your motorcoach driver will capeesh it!).

Can passengers drink alcoholic beverages on the double-decker?

Many lease jitney companies will let adult passengers to drink alcoholic beverages on their buses, but virtually volition require a refundable deposit. This covers any expenses from whatsoever amercement that occur from passengers having a lilliputian too much fun.

Safety is the top consideration for charter bus rentals. Remind group members who are planning to drink that any behavior that distracts the driver puts everyone on board at take chances.

Are pets allowed on charter buses?

Unfortunately, the majority of bus companies have a no-pets policy. Service animals, however, are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Human action and may ride on the bus with a person who is disabled.

What items are prohibited on a motorcoach?

When packing for a charter bus trip, be sure to leave weapons, explosives, flammable materials, and dangerous chemicals at domicile. Your charter jitney service provider will be happy to explain specific policies about contrabands, so don't be afraid to ask if y'all aren't sure about a item detail. Smoking is also prohibited on charter buses, but you may have a quick fume break at rest stops along the way.

Are there beds on a lease bus?

Standard charter buses don't accept beds, but they do have cushioned and reclining seats to help you relax. If you want to sleep during the drive, you tin employ a comfy neck pillow or simply lean against the window.

If your group requires beds, yous tin can charter an entertainer coach which ofttimes has between 8 to 12 bunk beds and a master suite in the dorsum. Standard entertainer coaches come with a lounge area, kitchen, bathroom, satellite TVs, and WiFi, making them perfect for touring artists and entertainment groups.

Practice charter buses accept storage space?

Yes! Unlike other forms of grouping transportation, lease buses have a generous corporeality of storage. Inside, overhead bins to a higher place the seats, like the ones above the seats on aircrafts, continue passengers' personal belongings safe and out of the way during the ride

Under the omnibus, in that location are openings known as storage or luggage bays. These compartments hold larger items like baggage and equipment.

the empty luggage bay of a charter bus

Because of their size, minibuses have less storage space on board and are best for small groups. If extra storage is important to your group, ask your reservation specialists which options are available before making your reservation.

What are the restrooms like on a charter bus?

A bathroom on a standard charter bus is compact and includes a toilet and hand washing station. Infinite inside these restrooms is limited, and usage while the jitney is in motion may be difficult for some. If possible, instruct your swain passengers to apply the coach's bathroom sparingly and accept total advantage of the more spacious restrooms at fuel stations and residue stops.

Practise charter buses take seat belts?

In 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Assistants mandated that all new motorcoaches be built with seat belts starting in Nov 2016. Buses built before the rule went into event are not required to accept seat belts. All buses, regardless of when they were built, are subject field to federal safety regulations to ensure a safe ride for passengers and drivers alike.

Are charter buses wheelchair accessible?

All charter bus companies are required by the Americans with Disabilities Deed (ADA) to provide wheelchair-accessible coaches when they are requested. Still, bus companies don't always outfit every bus in their fleet with wheelchair lifts, so yous'll need to asking a handicap coach rental specifically.

When you volume an ADA-attainable lease motorbus, you lot'll receive a motorbus rental that includes a wheelchair lift and room inside for the passenger to safely ride.

Who drives a lease bus?

Don't worry about asking Uncle Jerry to obtain a bus license earlier your trip. Your lease bus visitor will provide you with a safe, professional person commuter. Your bus driver is in charge of your group'southward safety, so find companies with excellent commuter standards and reputations.

Keep in mind that drivers tin can only bulldoze ten hours consecutively before they must take a required 8 hour intermission. Because of this, you'll be assigned a 2d driver at an added cost if your trip requires driving for more than 10 hours a day.

If your trip will include nights, y'all'll demand to cistron in the cost of your driver's hotel room. Even if your bus visitor doesn't specify hotel requirements, we recommend budgeting for a 3-star hotel or higher. Your coach driver is responsible for your safe, so brand sure he or she gets a skillful night's sleep!

Can groups book a charter charabanc without a commuter?

At this time, GOGO Charters only reserves lease buses driven by professional double-decker drivers. This is for our customers safety and convenience.

Volition my driver make last-minute stops?

When yous book your charter autobus, you lot'll submit an itinerary with every destination'southward accost, drop-off times, and pickup times. If you would like for your driver to make a stop that will take a significant amount of boosted time and/or mileage, you may be subject to additional fees. Inquire your motorcoach company about their policy in accelerate if you retrieve you lot may need to add together a finish in your itinerary.

If you simply would similar for your driver to stop at a residuum stop or gas station, many will be happy to arrange your asking. Frequently, bus drivers volition cease every few hours regardless to give everyone a interruption from the bus and allow passengers to grab a snack.

How far in accelerate should I book my charabanc rental?

To ensure you get the best motorcoach at the best charge per unit, we recommend booking your charter bus rental at to the lowest degree 1 to 3 months in accelerate. For busy months like April, May, and June, volume at least 6 to ix months in accelerate if possible.

Nosotros know concluding-infinitesimal trips happen. Yous can volume a lease jitney with us at any time of the day, and we'll pair y'all with a bus in 2 hours or less.

How much does a lease motorcoach rental cost?

At this point, you lot're probably wondering, "How much is this going to cost united states?" The rates for your motorcoach volition depend your trip's mileage and duration. If you're traveling over a long distance, yous will probable be quoted a charge per unit based on mileage. If your trip will accept place over multiple days and the driver will need to wait along the route, you'll exist charged by the day.

Check out estimates and the factors that determine coach rates with our pricing guide. For an instant, no-obligation quote, call us 24/seven at 1-855-826-6770!

How much do you tip lease bus drivers?

You aren't required to tip your driver, but it'due south an splendid way to thank them for a job well done. The manufacture standard for gratuity is 10 to 20% of the price of the motorcoach. Since gratuity is rarely included in your quote, ask your reservation specialist what options for tipping your driver are available.

How do I rent a charter bus?

Earlier calling a bus company to get a quote, write down the essential information for your trip. Take these details on hand to help the coach company staff apace friction match you with the best bus for your group.

Central information yous'll need:

  1. What are the names and addresses of your trip's destinations, and what are your pickup and dropoff times?
  2. What day does your trip brainstorm, and what is the duration?
  3. How many passengers are in your group?
  4. Will you lot be picking up additional passengers forth the way? If so, how many?
  5. Volition whatsoever members of your group require a wheelchair-accessible bus?
  6. Which coach civilities are most of import to your group?

Which lease omnibus company should I hire?

Choose your motorbus service provider based on location, reputation, and availability. First, wait for a lease bus company that'southward located equally shut to your pickup location every bit possible to relieve money. If you lot cull a company in a different city, you'll take to pay the cost of travel from the company'southward garage to the pickup location in add-on to the cost of your bodily trip. The extra mileage is known every bit deadhead. Considering we service over 300 cities beyond the Usa, we tin can provide y'all with bus services without the extra costs in many cases.

Adjacent, compare the online reviews and testimonies of the companies you discover. Find out if past customers felt safe on their trip and if they were satisfied with the level of service they were given. Read any contracts and agreements carefully, and don't be afraid to ask questions before signing on the dotted line.

Our squad can aid yous apace detect a make clean, upward-to-date charabanc for your group trip. We'll pair you with the best charter charabanc to meet your group'south needs. We're available 24/seven, and so achieve out to u.s.a. at 1-855-826-6770 today!

Knowing the basics of renting a charter bus will help you lot make an informed decision without missing any crucial details. Now that y'all know what to look, you tin book your first charter bus trip with confidence.