Chico Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Chico Bus Rental Cost?
Chico Minibus Company provides instant online quotes in just 30 seconds for your next charter bus rental in Chico, California! Our pricing is transparent and easy to understand, with no hidden fees or surprises. The cost of your bus will depend on several factors like the type of bus, how long you need it, and where you’re going—but most rentals range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. You can get a quote by calling us at 530-767-6380 or using our quote tool. Below we have estimated rates and go over the factors that affect your trip cost.
| 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 average prices are:
- 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 prices should be used as an estimate only. For the most accurate pricing please call our team anytime at 530-767-6380. We can get you a quote in under 30-seconds!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Chico?
Several key factors determine the final price of your Chico bus rental:
Distance and Duration: The length of your trip—both in miles and days—has the biggest impact on cost. Local trips within Chico or Butte County (like shuttling between CSU Chico, Bidwell Park, and downtown) may be billed by the hour if under 50 miles, while longer journeys to Sacramento, San Francisco, or Lake Tahoe are usually charged by the day or mile. Multi-day itineraries (such as school field trips to Lassen Volcanic National Park or corporate retreats in Napa Valley) will increase the total price.
Type and Size of Bus: Larger vehicles like a 56-passenger motorcoach cost more than smaller 18- to 25-passenger minibuses. Premium models (such as those with WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, and luggage bays) come at a higher rate. ADA-accessible buses are available at no extra charge but must be requested at booking.
Time of Year: Peak season in Northern California runs from April through June and September through November when universities, wedding venues, and wineries are busiest. Rates are highest during these months, especially around graduations, harvest festivals, and major sporting events. Booking in January, February, or mid-summer may yield lower prices.
Itinerary Details: Extra stops (like picking up passengers at Chico Regional Airport, Chico State residence halls, or multiple hotels along Highway 99), layovers, and off-route detours add to the overall cost. Providing a detailed schedule upfront helps lock in the best rate.
Special Requests: Onboard amenities (PA system, TV monitors, DVD player, leather seats) are included in many packages, but custom branding, catering, or luxury coaches require a premium. Parking fees at places like Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Sierra Nevada Brewery, or Oroville Dam are not included and should be budgeted separately.
Lead Time: Last-minute bookings (less than two weeks’ notice) may incur rush charges, particularly during high-demand periods. Reserving your bus one to three months ahead ensures availability and the lowest rate.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Chico, CA and around Northern California. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Chico State Athletics Away Game
The Chico State Wildcats baseball team needs transportation for an away series against Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park. The group includes 30 players, 5 coaches, and equipment bags. They depart from Nettleton Stadium at 8:00 AM Friday, play three games over the weekend, and return Sunday evening. The itinerary includes hotel drop-offs, daily shuttles between the hotel and ballpark, and a team dinner outing. A 56-passenger charter bus with underfloor storage is quoted at $4,700 for the three-day trip. This covers all mileage, driver accommodations, and onboard WiFi for video review sessions.
Wedding Shuttle to Centerville Estate
A bride is hosting her ceremony and reception at Centerville Estate along Butte Creek Canyon. She wants to shuttle guests from downtown Chico hotels (Hotel Diamond, Oxford Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott) to the venue, 12 miles west. The schedule runs continuous loops from 2:00 PM until midnight, ensuring everyone has a safe ride back after the festivities. An 18-passenger minibus operating for 10 hours is priced at $1,650. The package includes climate control, Bluetooth audio for playlists, and a late-night snack stop at In-N-Out Burger on the way home.
Corporate Retreat to Lake Tahoe
A tech company based in Chico’s Meriam Park district is organizing a two-day offsite retreat at a resort in South Lake Tahoe. Forty employees will depart from the office complex at 9:00 AM, arriving at the lakefront property by lunchtime. The agenda features team-building exercises, breakout sessions, and optional casino visits. A 56-passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, power outlets, and restroom is booked for $6,200. The rate covers round-trip travel, local shuttle service during the stay, and a scenic detour along Highway 89 to Emerald Bay State Park.
Field Trip to Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Emma Wilson Elementary School is taking 60 fourth-graders on a field trip to Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding. Two 25-passenger minibuses will pick up students and chaperones at 7:30 AM, spend the day touring exhibits and the Sundial Bridge, and return by 4:00 PM. The cost for both buses is $2,900, which includes onboard DVD players for educational videos, overhead racks for backpacks, and a quick lunch stop at a nearby pizza restaurant.
Senior Outing to Gold Country Casino
The Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) is arranging a day trip for seniors to Gold Country Casino Resort in Oroville. A 20-passenger minibus will leave from the Dorothy F. Johnson Center at 10:00 AM, provide door-to-door service to the casino, and bring everyone back by 6:00 PM. The eight-hour rental is quoted at $1,320. Features include ADA accessibility, cushioned seating, and space for walkers or small scooters.
Bachelorette Party in Downtown Sacramento
A group of 15 friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with a night out in Midtown Sacramento. They want a private ride to visit bars, restaurants, and dance clubs without worrying about driving or ride-shares. An 18-passenger minibus will pick them up at a Chico residence at 5:00 PM, make multiple stops around J Street and the Golden 1 Center, and return after midnight. The flat rate for the evening is $1,550, which covers all mileage, waiting time, and a festive interior with LED lighting and Bluetooth speakers for music.