Charter Bus Prices in Santa Barbara

While you can expect your rental quote to start around $1,000–$1,200 for a single-day minibus rental, the only way to know for sure is to call Charter Bus Rental Santa Barbara at 820-758-7420 and receive a free estimate. We understand that not every transportation plan fits into a pre-set package, which is why our reservation team offers personalized and flexible pricing plans.

When you call to inquire about a bus rental, we’ll just need a few details to get started on your quote: your travel dates, your itinerary (including pick-up and drop-off locations), and an approximate headcount of passengers. From there, we’ll connect you with a representative who can provide an accurate and comprehensive estimate for your desired bus rental services.

Once you receive your quote, you can review your rental package with an expert and ask any questions you may have about our payment schedule, add-on services, or anything else regarding your bus rental. We strive to make the rental process as transparent and simple as possible, so you can hit the road with peace of mind!

Here are some of the most common factors that can affect the cost of your Santa Barbara bus rental:

Time of year: Spring and summer are the busiest months for bus rentals in Santa Barbara due to school trips, weddings, and tourist groups, which can drive up prices. Off-peak seasons like late fall and winter (excluding holidays) tend to be more affordable.

Trip duration and distance: Longer trips that cover more miles—such as multi-day excursions to Los Angeles or San Francisco—will naturally cost more than short, local transfers within Santa Barbara.

Type and size of bus: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches are more expensive than smaller minibuses, but they also offer more amenities. Conversely, booking multiple minibuses may cost more than renting one large coach, so it’s important to consider your group size carefully.

Bus availability: If you need a specific type of bus during a busy time of year, you may end up paying more due to limited availability.

Additional amenities: While many standard amenities are included in the base price, special requests like onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, or luxury interiors may incur additional fees.

Tolls, parking, and permits: Your rental quote may not include extra expenses like tolls on Highway 101, parking fees at venues like the Santa Barbara Bowl, or permits required for certain pick-up and drop-off locations.

Driver expenses: Most quotes include the driver’s pay, but you’ll be responsible for covering their meals and lodging on overnight trips. Many hotels in Santa Barbara offer discounted rates for bus drivers, so be sure to ask when booking accommodations.

Tip for your driver: It’s customary to tip your driver 10–20% of your total rental cost in cash at the end of your trip. This gratuity is not typically included in your initial quote.

Last-minute bookings: Reserving a bus on short notice can result in higher prices. To secure the best rates and ensure availability, try to book your bus rental at least three to six months in advance.