What Is a Coach Bus? A Look at Its History, Seating, and More.

From Lake Shore Drive to Interstate 80, coach buses, or motor coaches, are a familiar sight on Chicago's roads. These impressive vehicles do more than just transport people — they're traveling comfort zones that make group travel a genuine pleasure.

A coach bus takes large groups to any destination they want. In many cases, groups charter long-distance coach bus trips between cities, states, or sometimes even countries.

Plus, when you take a coach bus, you can work with a designated and knowledgeable bus driver who stays with you throughout your trip.

Join our team at Chicago Motor Coach as we dive into everything you need to know about coach buses, from their features to their many uses.

What Is Considered a Motor Coach?

A coach bus isn't a typical city bus or school bus. Think of it as the first-class option of ground transportation. Unlike regular buses, these vehicles are designed for comfortable, long-distance travel, featuring amenities that make even lengthy journeys enjoyable.

What Are the Dimensions of a Standard Motor Coach?

A typical coach bus measures approximately 40 feet in length and 8 feet, 4 inches in width. As you can imagine, these dimensions require careful consideration for maneuvering and parking, as coach buses must take wider turns and need more advanced planning.

The History of Coach Buses

The history of coach buses spans centuries, beginning with Blaise Pascal's early concept of scheduled transportation. While horse-drawn charabancs dominated early travel, the invention of the automobile by Karl Benz in 1885 paved the way for modern coach buses.

Companies like Greyhound Lines emerged, connecting the nation. The Great Depression initially impacted the industry, but post-war growth, fueled by the Interstate Highway Bill, led to a significant increase in bus ridership.

How Many Seats Does a Coach Bus Have?

Today, coach buses typically seat between 50 to 56 passengers, depending on how they are configured. The exact number varies based on factors like wheelchair accessibility needs or extra luggage space requirements. Most importantly, these seats are designed for traveling long distances as they have high backs and supportive cushioning.

50-Passenger Coach Bus

The 50-passenger setup prioritizes extra luggage space, making it perfect for trips where travelers bring more gear. This configuration often converts the rear section into additional storage, trading eight seats for valuable cargo room.

56-Passenger Motor Coach

This maximum-capacity configuration utilizes the full interior space for seating, with luggage stored in the underneath compartments. It's ideal for day trips or situations where passengers travel lightly.

What Are the Features of a Coach Bus?

Don’t underestimate a coach bus! Modern coach buses’ amenities can rival the comfort of air travel. Here's what makes these vehicles special:

• Premium seating
• Air conditioning
• Bathroom facilities
• LCD screen, CD/DVD player, TV, PA system, WiFi
• Overhead bins, under-seat spaces, massive luggage compartments
• 110V/220V outlets and USB charging ports at every seat
• Safety features like electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, GPS tracking, and more

What Is a Coach Bus Perfect For?

Coach buses are remarkably versatile vehicles and there are seemingly endless possibilities of how you can utilize them. Here are some common uses:

• Long-Distance Trips Perfect for cross-country trips or multi-state tours.
• Convention Transportation Shuttle large groups between hotels and convention centers.
• Corporate Events & Employee Shuttles Transport employees to/from work and to team-building events or meetings.
• School Charter Bus Transportation Take students safely to field trips, competitions, or athletic events.
• Tour Bus Сharter Take tourists on sightseeing adventures or organized vacation packages.
• Wedding Transportation Move guests between ceremony and reception venues.
• Sports Team Travel Transport teams, equipment, and staff to away games.
• Airport Transfers Move large groups to and from airports comfortably.
• Hotel Transportation Provide shuttle service between hotels and local attractions or events.
• Religious Group Travel Take congregations to retreats or special events.
• Government & Military Transport Move personnel and their gear between bases or events.
• Concert Tours Transport performers, crew, and equipment between venues.
• Movie Production Transport cast, crew, and equipment between filming locations and base camps.

Pros and Cons of Coach Bus Travel

A coach bus offers an affordable and convenient way to travel in a group. However, it’s important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages to determine if it's the right choice for your specific travel needs:

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Coach Bus?

The cost to rent a coach bus varies depending on several factors, including the size and type of bus (mini-buses being more budget-friendly, while executive coaches with luxurious amenities command higher prices), the distance traveled, the rental duration (with longer rentals potentially offering discounts), and the specific travel dates and times (weekends and peak seasons often being more expensive).

Keep in mind there may be additional costs from driver gratuities, tolls, parking fees, onboard amenities like Wi-Fi or entertainment systems, and special requests such as luggage handling or onboard attendants.

To get the most accurate cost estimate, it’s best to contact multiple charter bus companies, provide detailed trip information, and ask about all-inclusive packages that may bundle some expenses.