A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Estimated Charter Bus and Minibus Rates in Plymouth
While the only way to get an exact price is to call our team with your specific itinerary, we can provide general estimates based on historical data for the Plymouth and Greater Minneapolis area. Charter bus rentals are priced in two ways: by the hour (for local trips) or by the day/mile (for long-distance trips).
For a standard minibus rental (accommodating 18 to 25 passengers), hourly rates range from $150 to $300+ per hour, usually with a 4-hour or 5-hour minimum. These vehicles are perfect for shuttling wedding guests between hotels like the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West and local venues, or for small corporate team outings to Luce Line Brewing Co.
For a full-size charter bus (seating up to 56 passengers), pricing ranges from $170 to $350+ per hour. If you are booking for a full day (up to 10 hours of driver time), rates often fall between $1,800 and $3,500+ per day. These motorcoaches are the industry standard for large groups, such as sports teams heading to tournaments or large school field trips.
How Trip Duration, Distance, and Service Type Affect Costs
The most significant factors in your bus rental quote are how far you are going and how long you will be gone. The pricing model we use shifts depending on the nature of your trip.
Local Hourly Rentals: If your trip stays within the Plymouth/Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, you will likely be billed by the hour. For example, if you need a shuttle for a corporate holiday party in downtown Minneapolis but your pickup is at a business park in Plymouth, you are paying for the time the bus is at your service. Be mindful of minimum rental requirements (usually 4 to 5 hours). If you only need the bus for one hour to get to U.S. Bank Stadium and one hour to get back, you may still be billed for the minimum block.
Long-Distance and Daily Rentals: If you are planning a trip out of town—perhaps taking a church group from Plymouth to Duluth for a retreat, or a sports team to Chicago—pricing switches to a daily rate or a per-mile rate. In these scenarios, the clock starts when the bus leaves the garage and ends when it returns. Long-distance travel utilizes more fuel and puts more wear on the vehicle, which is factored into the quote.
Deadhead Cost: "Deadhead" refers to the distance and time it takes for the bus to travel from our dispatch center to your first pickup location in Plymouth, and from your final drop-off point back to the garage. While we have a vast network in the Twin Cities, your quote will always factor in this travel time to ensure the bus arrives promptly at your starting point, whether that’s a residence in serene Medicine Lake or the Plymouth Creek Center.
The Impact of Seasonality and Demand in Minnesota
In the charter bus industry, timing is everything. Supply and demand play a massive role in the final cost of your rental. Plymouth, like the rest of Minnesota, experiences specific peak seasons that drive prices up due to limited vehicle availability.
Peak Season (April, May, June): This is the busiest time of year. Schools are booking end-of-year field trips to the Minnesota Zoo or Valleyfair, proms are taking place, and wedding season is kicking off. If you are looking to book a bus during these months, expect rates to be at their highest. We strongly recommend booking 6 to 9 months in advance for trips during late spring.
Summer and Fall: Summer remains busy with weddings, family reunions at French Regional Park, and summer camps. Fall brings football season, where buses are in high demand for shuttles to Vikings or Gophers games. October is also popular for fall foliage tours.
Winter (January, February): This is the "off-season" in Plymouth due to the cold weather. You are more likely to find competitive rates during the winter months, making it a great time for corporate holiday parties or indoor conventions at the Minneapolis Convention Center. However, weather conditions can occasionally impact availability if storms occur.
Vehicle Selection: Minibuses vs. Full-Size Motorcoaches
The type of vehicle you choose has a direct impact on the price. At Charter Bus Plymouth, we offer a diverse fleet ranging from compact 18-passenger minibuses to spacious 56-passenger motorcoaches. Choosing the right size ensures you aren't paying for empty seats.
Minibuses: Ideal for smaller groups (15-35 passengers), minibuses are less expensive per hour than full-size coaches. They are perfect for short-distance shuttles, such as moving wedding guests from a hotel block in Plymouth to a venue in Maple Grove. They offer a more intimate setting but have less luggage space.
Full-Size Charter Buses: While the hourly or daily rate is higher, a 56-passenger coach often offers the best value per person. If you fill the bus, the cost per head is significantly lower than rideshare or airfare. These buses come equipped with undercarriage luggage bays, making them essential for airport transfers to MSP or sports teams carrying equipment. If you have a group of 40 people, it is usually more cost-effective to rent one large bus than two smaller minibuses.
Specialty Vehicles: We also offer party buses and sprinter vans. These vehicles often command a premium due to their specialized luxury amenities (like wrap-around seating and advanced sound systems) and high demand for social events like bachelor/bachelorette parties.
Premium Amenities and Onboard Features
Standard charter buses come with comfortable amenities like reclining seats, climate control, and large windows. However, specific requests can influence availability and price. When you call 651-372-7030 to book, let us know which features are "must-haves" versus "nice-to-haves."
- WiFi and Power Outlets: Essential for corporate groups traveling from Plymouth business districts. Most modern buses have these, but verifying their availability is key.
- Onboard Restrooms: Available on almost all full-size 56-passenger coaches, but rarely on minibuses. If you are taking a long trip (e.g., Plymouth to Chicago), a restroom is non-negotiable for comfort.
- ADA Accessibility: We are proud to offer ADA-compliant buses with wheelchair lifts. Please let us know as early as possible if you require an accessible vehicle so we can ensure one is allocated to your route at no extra cost to you.
- Storage: If you are a hockey team traveling to the Plymouth Ice Center, you need undercarriage storage. Minibuses may not have this capacity, necessitating a larger vehicle upgrade.
Tips for Securing the Best Rates in Plymouth
We want to help you get the best possible deal. Here are a few expert tips from our 15+ years of experience in the industry:
Book Early: As mentioned, prices rise as availability shrinks. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance locks in your rate and guarantees you get the bus you want. Last-minute bookings in June can be significantly more expensive than those made in January.
Finalize Your Headcount: Don't pay for a 56-passenger coach if you only have 25 people. Getting a firm headcount early allows you to book the most efficient vehicle size for your group.
Be Flexible: If your schedule allows, consider shifting your trip by a few hours or a day. Weekdays are almost always cheaper than Saturdays. If you can leave for your trip on a Thursday instead of a Friday morning, you might save money.
Detailed Itinerary: Provide exact addresses when you call. Knowing that you are going to "Plymouth" isn't as precise as "Pick up at 3400 Plymouth Blvd, drop off at 501 Marlins Way, Miami (if traveling long distance)." Precise mileage allows us to give you the sharpest price without building in buffers for uncertainty.
Book Your Plymouth Charter Bus Today!
Planning group travel doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. At Charter Bus Plymouth, we are dedicated to providing the community of Plymouth, MN, with comfortable, reliable, and transparently priced transportation. Whether you need a simple shuttle for a wedding at the Medina Entertainment Center or a fleet of buses for a corporate convention in Minneapolis, we have the resources and expertise to make it happen.
Our representatives are warm, welcoming, and experts in logistics. There is no pressure to book when you call—our job is to guide you through the process so you find exactly what you need at a price that fits your budget. We are ready to earn your business.
Call us now at 651-372-7030 to speak with a specialist, or use our online quote tool to see pricing and vehicle options in under 30 seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Plymouth Pricing
How far in advance should I book my charter bus in Plymouth?
We highly recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date and venue are secured. Ideally, you should book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. If your trip falls during peak seasons (April through June) or major holidays, booking 6 to 9 months ahead is safer to ensure vehicle availability and the best pricing. However, we can often accommodate last-minute requests, so don't hesitate to call us at 651-372-7030 even if your trip is coming up soon.
Is a deposit required to reserve a bus?
Yes, a deposit is required to secure your reservation. When you receive your quote and decide to move forward, you will pay a deposit (a percentage of the total cost) to take the bus off the market for your specific dates. The remaining balance is usually due a few weeks before the trip departs. Our reservation specialists will explain the payment schedule clearly when you book.
Can I change my itinerary after I have booked?
Yes, you can make changes to your itinerary after booking, provided you give us sufficient notice. Small changes, like a slight adjustment to pickup time or a minor route change within Plymouth, are usually easy to accommodate. However, significant changes—such as adding extra days, changing the destination city, or upgrading to a larger bus—may result in a price adjustment based on the new mileage and driver hours required. Call us as soon as you know your plans have changed so we can update your reservation.
Do you offer special rates for non-profits or schools?
We work with many non-profits, schools, and religious organizations in Plymouth and the surrounding Twin Cities area. While our pricing is based on market rates and operating costs, we always strive to provide the most competitive pricing possible. When you call, please mention your organization type. Our reservation specialists will work with you to find a vehicle and package that respects your budget constraints, offering the most cost-effective solutions for your field trips or volunteer events.
Bus types Available in Plymouth
More About Group Travel in Plymouth
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