A Guide to Renting a Charter Bus for a Weekend

What’s more fun than gathering all your friends for a group trip! But actually booking the travel? That’s a different story.

Coordinating car rides or travel time, especially with a large group can be a headache, taking the fun out of a much-needed getaway. But we’ve got a solution – rent a charter bus for a weekend trip.

Weekend travel groups are challenging to coordinate with, but by choosing to charter a bus for a weekend, you can accommodate your whole group in one mode of transportation – and at an affordable price! We know this isn’t the most common choice of transportation, but a charter bus allows your group to spend even more time together, with no one worrying about keeping their eyes on the road or manning the navigation. Focus more on the laughs and the memories along the way, and less on the stress of finding a way to get everyone to your destination by choosing a charter bus.

Not sure where to start? No problem, our experts at Chicago Motor Coach have got it covered. Here’s your guide to renting a weekend bus for your latest exploration.

Setting a Budget

To rent a charter bus for a weekend, you’ll first want to set a budget. We know what you’re thinking, “chartering a bus for a whole weekend must be expensive!” However, for a group trip, this is one of the more cost-effective options.

Charter bus companies break down their rates in numerous ways, including both hourly and daily rates. To ensure you get the most for your money, you’ll want to determine your travel budget first, and then take a look at which size bus and rate is best based on your needs.

What does the cost depend on? As expected, the number of days you’re looking at will impact the pricing. Additionally, the season and bus model can change the rate. And remember – you’ll want to account for a tip for your bus driver in your budget!

Call or email Charter Motor Coach Inc. to learn more about our rates and pricing options for your weekend getaway.

Finding the Weekend Bus Right Size

Whether you’ve got a small group of 10, or are looking for transportation for a reunion of more than 50 friends, there’s a weekend bus option that’s perfect for your plans. Before contacting the bus company of your choice, you’ll want to have a bit of an idea of what you’re looking for. Here’s how it works.

A minibus is best for smaller groups. Typically, a minibus can seat 36 people comfortably, but you can find some that are smaller for a lower price. These will still have all the great features of their larger counterparts – from Wi-Fi to comfortable seats, and device plug-ins – just in a smaller size that accommodates a reduced group size.

For larger weekend travel groups, you’ll need a charter bus rental. These motor coaches can comfortably seat up to 56 passengers and are much larger than minibusses. For long distances, this more spacious option is a great choice for everyone to ride comfortably. Plus, you’ll have plenty of room for all your suitcases, because we all know outfit options are a must on weekend getaways!

Once you finalize the size of your party, you can narrow down your bus needs to find just the right choice for your group.

Perfecting the Itinerary

So you’ve got the mode of transportation selected, but where are you going? To charter a bus for a weekend, you must have already finalized your itinerary to book the bus. This not only includes the dates for your weekend bus trip but the destinations, as well as your departure and arrival times.

While a local bus company can help make recommendations based on your plans, you’ll want to have as much of your itinerary ironed out in advance to make your booking process as seamless as possible.

Do Your Weekend Bus Research

When traveling with a large group, likely full of your friends and loved ones, we know safety is top of mind. This is why doing research about the company you choose and knowing the right qualifications to look for is so important when you rent a charter bus for a weekend.

Before you book your weekend bus trip, there are a few things to look into. These include:

• Checking that the bus you select has passed an inspection in the last year. This will make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.
• Looking into the safety records of the company you select. To do this, you’ll need their U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) identification number. You’ll want to use a company that has a “satisfactory” rating!
• Have the company show their insurance certificates. This is key, especially when traveling from state to state.
• Ensure that the company you choose requires drivers to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This will make sure that your bus driver has gone through the proper training and has the right knowledge to operate your bus for weekend travel groups.

The Perks of Renting a Charter Bus for a Weekend

Okay, you’re now ready to book your weekend bus. But are you still on the fence about if chartering a bus for a weekend is worth it? Let’s talk about the benefits.

• You’ll be comfortable! Don’t cram your group into multiple small cars. A charter bus offers big seats with lots of legroom, perfect for spreading out and getting comfortable on your weekend getaway.
• No worries about GPS, the driver’s got it covered. Instead of having one person tied to their phone providing directions, everyone can enjoy the ride – the driver has it under control.
• It’s safe! With a large bus and a certified driver, you’re in good hands. Charter buses are a safe form of transportation and one you can feel good about taking for your weekend trip.
• The budget on the mind? Selecting a charter bus for weekend travel groups helps keep costs low, with rates that are much lower than everyone booking a plane flight.

Seeing the perks now? Us, too!