Dayton Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Dayton Bus Rental Cost?
Dayton charter bus rental prices typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on your trip. The best way to get an accurate price estimate is to use our online quote tool or call our team at 326-213-4750. We’ll need details like your passenger count, travel dates, itinerary, and amenity requests to give you a custom quote in minutes. Below, you’ll find average rates for each bus type along with real-world examples of what trips around Dayton cost. Read on to learn what goes into your quote and how to choose the right vehicle for your budget.
| 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 Bus Rental Cost?
Our fleet includes everything from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches, so we can accommodate groups of any size. Here are average rates for each vehicle type:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
These are just averages—your actual quote may be higher or lower depending on your trip details. For example, a Dayton wedding shuttle between Carillon Historical Park and downtown hotels will cost less than an all-day field trip from Centerville to Cincinnati Zoo. The only way to get an exact price is to request a quote!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Dayton?
There are several factors that affect the cost of your bus rental in Dayton:
- Travel Dates: Charter bus prices fluctuate based on demand. Peak season in Ohio runs from April through June (wedding season, graduations, end-of-year field trips) and September through November (football games, fall festivals). If you’re traveling during these months, expect higher rates. Off-peak months like January, February, and July tend to be cheaper.
- Trip Duration: Most quotes are based on either daily or hourly rates. Local trips within Dayton (e.g., shuttling between University of Dayton and Oregon District bars) may be billed by the hour, while out-of-town trips to Columbus, Indianapolis, or Cleveland are usually charged by the day or mile. Be sure to include time for loading, unloading, and any planned stops.
- Distance Traveled: Long-distance trips cost more due to fuel, tolls, and wear-and-tear. For example, a weekend tournament shuttle to Cedar Point will be pricier than a loop between Wright State University and The Greene Town Center.
- Group Size: Larger buses cost more upfront but have a lower per-person rate. If you have 40+ passengers, it’s more economical to book one 56-passenger coach than two 25-passenger minibuses. Smaller groups can save by choosing a minibus or sprinter van.
- Amenities: Standard features include reclining seats, A/C, and luggage racks. Premium amenities like WiFi, power outlets, DVD players, PA systems, and onboard restrooms may increase your quote. ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts are available upon request at no extra charge.
- Special Requests: Custom branding, alcohol consumption, or multi-day itineraries may incur additional fees. Let us know if you have specific needs so we can factor them into your quote.
Remember: your quote covers the entire package—vehicle, driver, mileage, and basic amenities. The only things not included are parking fees, tolls, and optional driver gratuity (10-20% is standard).
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Dayton, OH and around Ohio. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Dayton to Kings Island Amusement Park
An after-prom committee at Centerville High School is organizing a Saturday trip to Kings Island for 45 students and 5 chaperones. They’ll depart from the school at 9:00 AM, spend the day at the park, and return by midnight. Because this is a full-day, out-of-town trip (60 miles each way), they were quoted $2,700 for a 56-passenger coach bus with restroom and DVD monitors. This breaks down to $54 per person, which the PTA covered through fundraising and ticket sales. The coach will stay onsite for secure storage and emergency shelter.
Wedding Shuttle Between Downtown Dayton and Carillon Historical Park
A couple getting married at Carillon Historical Park needs guest transportation from three downtown hotels (Marriott at the University of Dayton, Crowne Plaza, and Fairfield Inn) to the ceremony and back for the reception. Their planner booked two 25-passenger minibuses to run continuous loops from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The total cost for 8 hours was $2,400, or $1,200 per bus. This ensured guests arrived on time, avoided parking hassles, and could enjoy the open bar safely. The bride’s family added custom “Just Married” signs to the front windows at no extra charge.
Corporate Shuttle From Wright-patterson Afb to Downtown Offices
An aerospace contractor is providing daily commuter shuttles for employees working at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and downtown Dayton offices. They requested a month-long contract for one 40-passenger bus running two round trips per day (base to Kettering Tower, Schuster Center, and CareSource HQ). The monthly rate came to $14,000, which included WiFi, USB charging ports, and branded seat headrest covers. This arrangement reduced parking demand, improved punctuality, and qualified the company for a green commuting tax incentive.
Field Trip to Cincinnati Zoo
Stivers School for the Arts is taking 60 middle schoolers and 6 teachers to the Cincinnati Zoo for a science field trip. They need two 30-passenger minibuses with under-seat storage for coolers and backpacks. Departure is at 8:00 AM, with return by 5:00 PM. The quote was $1,800 per bus ($3,600 total), which included zoo admission group discount coordination. Teachers appreciated the PA system for roll call and the tinted windows for student comfort.
Sports Team Travel to Columbus Tournament
The Dayton Lady Dragons AAU basketball team is competing in a weekend tournament at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus. They booked a 20-passenger minibus for players and coaches, departing Friday afternoon and returning Sunday night. The bus will stay with the team for hotel transfers, meals, and sightseeing between games. The flat rate for the weekend was $2,200, which the club covered through sponsorships and player dues. The minibus had extra luggage space for equipment bags and a TV monitor for reviewing game footage.
Bachelorette Party in the Oregon District
A group of 15 friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with a night out in the Oregon District. They hired an 18-passenger minibus to pick up guests from Beavercreek, make stops at Wheat Penny, Ghostlight Coffee, and several bars along Fifth Street, then drop everyone at an Airbnb in South Park. The 6-hour booking cost $900, split evenly among the group. This allowed everyone to relax, dance, and enjoy the festivities without worrying about parking or rideshares. The bride’s sister decorated the interior with balloons and LED lights beforehand.