Charter Bus Prices in Waterloo
With Waterloo Charter Bus, renting a charter bus in Waterloo is simple, fast, and completely customizable to your exact needs—but we know the first question everyone asks is: “How much does it cost?” The answer: it depends on your trip details. We build every quote around your unique itinerary, including pickup location, destination, passenger count, and travel dates. That means you get a price that fits your schedule—not a one-size-fits-all package. Once you have your trip details, call our team anytime at 319-888-8250 and we’ll quickly give you an accurate charter bus rental quote with pictures of available vehicles and pricing options. You can also use our online tool to compare prices and pictures of buses in under 30 seconds! Read on to learn how our pricing works, see real examples of charter bus rental costs for trips in and around Waterloo, and find out why so many groups trust Waterloo Charter Bus for affordable, reliable group transportation across Iowa.
| 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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Waterloo?
The cost to rent a charter bus in Waterloo typically ranges from $1,600 to $5,000+ for multi-day trips, or $150–$500+ per hour for local service, depending on the vehicle size, trip length, and time of year. Minibuses (15–35 seats) are less expensive than full-size coaches (up to 56 seats), but exact pricing depends on your itinerary. You’ll pay either an hourly rate (common for local shuttles and events), a daily rate (for longer trips), or a per-mile rate (for out-of-town travel). Additional expenses like driver hotel rooms, tolls on I-380 or US-20, and parking fees at places like the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center or Cedar Valley SportsPlex are billed separately. Get an instant estimate by calling our team with your trip details—we’ll give you an exact price before you book!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Waterloo?
Several key factors affect the final price of your charter bus rental:
- Number of Passengers: Larger buses cost more but can reduce the per-person price.
- Trip Duration: Longer trips (in days or miles) increase the total cost.
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops or custom routes may add to the price.
- Vehicle Type: Full-size buses (up to 56 seats) cost more than minibuses (18–35 seats).
- Seasonal Demand: Rates are higher during peak times like spring/fall school events, college move-in at UNI, or major tournaments at the UNI-Dome.
- Pickup Location: Trips starting outside the immediate Waterloo area may incur additional charges.
To get an exact quote, you’ll need to provide your pickup address, destination(s), departure and return times, and the number of people traveling. Once you have a quote, you can easily compare options and book online—it’s fast, transparent, and puts you in control of your budget.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Because every trip is different, the best way to understand charter bus pricing is to look at real examples. Below are several sample itineraries with estimated costs based on recent bookings. These examples include both local and out-of-town trips to give you a clear picture of what to expect when you rent a charter bus in Waterloo. For exact pricing, please contact our reservations team with your specific trip details.
Example #1
A manufacturing company is hosting a two-day training seminar at the TechWorks Campus in downtown Waterloo. They need a continuous shuttle service between the Courtyard by Marriott on East Jefferson Street and the TechWorks building on Westfield Avenue, running from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. The distance between the hotel and venue is approximately 3 miles via US-218, and the client requests a 25-passenger minibus with standard amenities. Based on an hourly rate of $225 and a nine-hour service window each day, the total cost comes to $4,050 ($2,025 per day).
Example #2
An elementary school in Cedar Falls is organizing a field trip to the Grout Museum District in Waterloo. They need transportation for 48 students and six chaperones, requiring one full-size charter bus. The round-trip distance from the school to the museum is 25 miles via IA-27, and the itinerary includes three hours spent at the museum. With a per-day rate of $2,100 for the 56-passenger bus, the total cost for the field trip is $2,100.
Example #3
A couple is getting married at Sunnyside Country Club and is providing a shuttle for guests staying at hotels near Crossroads Mall. The ceremony starts at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the same location. The couple books a 20-passenger minibus for eight hours to run loops between the hotels and country club, ensuring guests don’t have to worry about parking or driving after the reception. At an hourly rate of $180, the total cost for the wedding shuttle is $1,440.
Example #4
A college soccer team from the University of Northern Iowa needs transportation to a tournament in Des Moines. The team consists of 22 players, five coaches, and equipment, requiring a 56-passenger charter bus with underfloor storage. The trip includes a 110-mile journey to Des Moines on I-80, two overnight stays, and a return trip after the final match. With a daily rate of $2,400 for three days, the total cost for the athletic trip is $7,200.
Example #5
A Waterloo church group is attending a four-day retreat at Lakeshore Center at Okoboji. They need a 40-passenger bus to transport members 210 miles northwest to the retreat center, with no planned excursions during the stay. The charter bus will remain parked on-site for the duration of the event. At a daily rate of $2,000 for four days, the total cost for the church retreat is $8,000.
Example #6
A Waterloo-based manufacturer is launching a pilot commuter shuttle for employees living in Waverly. The company contracts a 30-passenger minibus to operate weekday round trips between a park-and-ride lot in Waverly and the factory in Waterloo, a 22-mile route on US-218. Service runs five days a week for one month. With a daily rate of $1,350 for 22 weekdays, the total cost for the month-long commuter shuttle is $29,700.
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