Eau Claire Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $189 – $509+ | $1,787 – $3,787 | $6.10 – $10.05 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $181 – $491+ | $1,688 – $3,553 | $6.09 – $10.04 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $160 – $460+ | $1,624 – $3,479 | $4.07 – $10.02 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $132 – $422+ | $1,623 – $3,378 | $4.11 – $9.06 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $133 – $413+ | $1,506 – $3,241 | $4.14 – $8.09 |
| Entertainer Coach | $324 – $559+ | $2,999 – $4,999+ | $6.07 – $10.02 |
| Yellow School Bus | $126 – $431+ | $1,507 – $3,642 | $6.12 – $10.07 |
| Shuttle Bus | $143 – $438+ | $1,525 – $3,660 | $6.07 – $10.02 |
Eau Claire Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $189 – $459+ | $203 – $473+ | $981 – $2,881+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $208 – $508+ | $240 – $520+ | $1,194 – $3,494+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $251 – $501+ | $259 – $539+ | $1,499 – $3,899+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $177 – $417+ | $166 – $436+ | $1,004 – $3,904+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 715-620-8520 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Eau Claire?
Charter bus rental prices in Eau Claire typically range from $155 to $300 per hour or $1,650 to $3,900 per day, depending on the size of the bus and length of the trip. Most companies also offer half-day (5-hour) packages starting at $1,800 to $2,500. For longer trips, you may be charged by the mile, with rates averaging $4.00 to $7.00 per mile. Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and driver gratuity (usually 10-20%). To get an accurate quote, call Charter Bus Company Eau Claire at 715-620-8520 or use our online quote tool. We’ll need details like your pickup location, destination, group size, and travel dates.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Eau Claire?
Party bus rental prices in Eau Claire typically range from $250 to $500+ per hour, with most companies requiring a minimum booking of 4-5 hours. For a full day (8-10 hours), you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on the size and style of the party bus. Larger vehicles with premium amenities (LED lighting, sound systems, flat-screen TVs, etc.) will be at the higher end of the spectrum. Additional charges may apply for mileage, tolls, parking, and driver gratuity (usually 15-20%). Get an instant quote by calling Charter Bus Company Eau Claire at 715-620-8520 or using our online quote tool.
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Call Now: 715-620-8520What Factors Affect the Cost of Your Bus Rental?
Several factors influence the price of your charter bus rental in Eau Claire: the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year, the day of the week, your pickup and drop-off locations, the type and size of the bus, any tolls or parking fees, how early you book, and any special amenities or requests. Local events like UW-Eau Claire game days, Eaux Claires Festival, or major weddings can also impact availability and rates. Below, we break down each factor so you can better understand your quote and plan a trip that fits your budget.
Distance and Duration of Your Trip
The length of your trip is one of the biggest factors in determining the price of your bus rental. Local trips within Eau Claire—such as shuttles between UW-Eau Claire and Carson Park or transfers to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport—are typically billed by the hour with a five-hour minimum. Longer trips outside the region, like Eau Claire to Minneapolis or Madison, are charged by the total mileage or as a flat daily rate. Multi-day trips incur additional daily charges plus lodging and meals for the driver. The farther and longer you travel, the more your charter bus will cost.
What Time of Year Are You Traveling?
Peak season for charter bus rentals in Eau Claire is typically spring and fall, when schools are in session and athletic teams are traveling. April through June sees high demand from graduations, proms, and end-of-year field trips, while September through November is busy with sports tournaments and corporate events. Summer rates may be lower, except during major festivals like Country Jam or the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival. Winter can also be less expensive unless you’re booking around the holidays. If your travel dates are flexible, choose an off-peak month to save money on your bus rental.
Does the Day of the Week Matter?
Yes, it does! Weekend rentals (Friday through Sunday) are generally more expensive than weekday rentals because there’s higher demand for buses for weddings, sporting events, and other social gatherings. If you can schedule your trip on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you’ll have a better chance of getting a lower rate. This is especially true for local trips within Eau Claire or to nearby cities like Chippewa Falls and Menomonie.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Where your trip begins and ends plays a significant role in your overall rental cost. If your group is starting or stopping in a rural area, the best way to save money is by finding a larger nearby city where your group and your bus can easily meet. That’s because most bus rental companies will charge you for the time and fuel it takes them to drive from their headquarters to your group’s starting location. So if your trip begins in a small town, you could pay a premium for the extra time it takes your bus to meet you there. And whether you’re returning home or traveling to a new destination, your quote will also include the time and fuel it takes the bus to return to its original departure point after dropping your group off at your final destination. That means if your trip is one-way, you’ll likely see an additional fee for sending the bus back home.
Bus Type and Size
The type of bus you choose will also affect your rental price. Larger vehicles such as 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller 18-, 20-, or 25-passenger minibuses, but they can accommodate more people and may be more cost-effective for big groups. Specialty vehicles like party buses and entertainer coaches are the most expensive due to their luxury amenities. You’ll get the best value by selecting the smallest vehicle that fits your group comfortably. Ask about different options when you request a quote.
Tolls and Parking
Tolls and parking fees are not typically included in your initial bus rental quote, but they are still your responsibility as the customer. If your trip requires travel on toll roads—such as I-94 to Minneapolis or Hwy 53 to Superior—you’ll need to cover those costs separately. Similarly, many destinations charge for bus parking, including venues like the Pablo Center at the Confluence, Carson Park, and downtown Eau Claire event spaces. It’s important to research parking fees at your destination ahead of time so you can budget accordingly. For example, parking at Carson Park may require a daily pass, while downtown ramps charge hourly or flat rates for oversized vehicles. Make sure to ask your reservation specialist about potential tolls and parking expenses so there are no surprises on your final bill.
How Early Do You Book?
It’s best to book your bus as early as possible—at least three to six months in advance for most trips. Last-minute reservations limit your options and may result in higher prices, especially during busy periods like UW-Eau Claire graduation or regional sports tournaments. Early booking gives you access to the full fleet and locks in a lower rate before demand spikes. If you’re planning a trip during peak season or need multiple buses, reserve even further ahead to ensure availability and get the best price.
Tips for Saving Money on a Bus Rental
To keep your bus rental affordable, try to plan your trip during the off-season or on a weekday when demand is lower. Choose the smallest vehicle that will comfortably fit your group, and consolidate pickup and drop-off locations to minimize driving time. If possible, avoid toll roads and select destinations with free or inexpensive parking. Book early to lock in the best rates, and ask your reservation specialist about any available discounts or package deals. Splitting the cost among all passengers can also make the expense more manageable.
Don’t forget to budget for your driver’s tip, which is typically 10-20% of the total rental cost. While not required, gratuity is standard in the industry and appreciated for good service.
Get an Instant Quote on Your Eau Claire Bus Rental
The best way to get an accurate price is to call Charter Bus Company Eau Claire at 715-620-8520 or use our online quote tool. We’re available 24/7 to help you compare options, answer questions, and find the best bus for your budget. Once you receive a quote, you can review the terms, ask about amenities, and book your bus—all in one place. We serve Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and beyond.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Eau Claire, WI and around the Midwest. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Uw-eau Claire Campus Shuttle
A university administrator is organizing a daily shuttle service for students between upper campus residence halls and lower campus academic buildings. The shuttle will run every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the entire 16-week semester. With an average minibus rental rate of $2,000 per day, the total cost for one week is $10,000. Over 16 weeks, the base rental cost totals $160,000. The university will also need to provide parking for the bus and accommodations for the driver if necessary. After factoring in these additional expenses, the total cost of the shuttle service will be approximately $170,000.
Field Trip to the Pablo Center
A local elementary school is taking 120 students and 12 teachers on a field trip to the Pablo Center at the Confluence for a matinee performance. They need two 56-passenger charter buses to transport everyone. The trip will take about 6 hours, including travel time, the performance, and a lunch break at Phoenix Park. At $185 per hour, each bus will cost $1,110, for a total of $2,220. The school will also need to budget for parking downtown and tipping the drivers.
Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Eau Claire
A bride and groom are getting married at The Lismore Hotel and hosting their reception at The Brewing Projekt. To keep guests on schedule, they’re hiring a 25-passenger minibus to shuttle attendees between venues and back to their hotels at the end of the night. The service will run for 8 hours at $200 per hour, totaling $1,600. The couple will also cover the driver’s gratuity and any parking fees at the hotel and brewery.
Sports Team Trip to Minneapolis
A high school soccer team is traveling to Minneapolis for a weekend tournament. With 18 players, 2 coaches, and 4 parents, they need a 25-passenger minibus. The round-trip distance is 180 miles, plus 40 miles of local travel between the hotel and tournament fields. At $5.00 per mile for 220 miles, the base cost is $1,100. The team will also pay for two days of bus rental at $1,900 per day ($3,800), the driver’s hotel room, and tolls on I-94. The total comes to about $5,000.
Chemical Plant Employee Shuttle
A manufacturing company in the Gateway Industrial Park is launching a pilot employee shuttle from a remote parking lot to their facility. They’re renting a 20-passenger minibus for two weeks to gauge interest and ridership. At $1,500 per day for 10 weekdays, the trial will cost $15,000. If successful, the company may negotiate a longer-term contract at a reduced rate.
Bachelor Party Brewery Tour
A group of 14 friends is celebrating a bachelor party with a brewery tour of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. They’re visiting Lazy Monk Brewing, The Brewing Projekt, and the Leinenkugel’s Brewery. A 15-passenger minibus at $175 per hour for 6 hours comes to $1,050. The group will split the cost of the bus and tip the driver at the end of the night.
Church Retreat to Wisconsin Dells
A local church is taking 40 members on a weekend retreat to a conference center in Wisconsin Dells. A 42-passenger charter bus at $2,200 per day for two days is $4,400. The group will also cover 300 miles of travel at $5.50 per mile ($1,650), the driver’s lodging and meals, and any tolls along the route. The total cost is approximately $6,500.
One-way Airport Transfer to Msp
A corporate team of 30 employees needs transportation to Minneapolis- St. Paul International Airport for a business trip. A 30-passenger minibus for the 95-mile one-way trip at $6.00 per mile is $570. With a minimum charge of 4 hours at $200 per hour ($800), the total comes to $800. The company will also pay for tolls and airport parking.
