Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Minneapolis Coach Bus Rental Cost?

In Minneapolis, you can expect coach bus rental prices to start at $185–$375 per hour, $1,950–$3,570 per day, or $3,900–$7,100 per weekend (Friday–Sunday). These are the largest vehicles in our fleet, with seating for 47–56 passengers and plenty of room for luggage, coolers, tailgating gear, or band equipment. Most coach buses come equipped with onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and DVD players—perfect for long-distance trips to Chicago, Milwaukee, or Rapid City. If you need ADA-accessible features like wheelchair lifts and priority seating, just let us know when you request a quote. You can also book a 35- or 40-foot coach if you want something smaller than a full-size bus but bigger than a minibus.

Rates are highest during peak season (April–June and September–November), especially if you’re traveling during major events like the Minnesota State Fair, Twin Cities Marathon, or college football season. For example, a Saturday wedding shuttle from downtown Minneapolis to Stillwater in May might cost $2,400–$2,800 for 8 hours, while the same trip in February could be $1,950–$2,200. One-way transfers to MSP Airport or U.S. Bank Stadium typically start at $650–$900, depending on distance and traffic. Multi-day packages are available for corporate conferences, school field trips, or touring productions that require daily transportation between venues and hotels.

Several key factors will determine the final price of your coach bus rental in Minneapolis:

Time of Year: Demand for charter buses is highest during the spring and fall, when schools are in session and outdoor events are in full swing. April through June sees heavy traffic from prom season, graduation ceremonies, and end-of-year field trips to places like the Science Museum of Minnesota or Valleyfair. September through November is busy with college football games (University of Minnesota, St. Thomas), corporate retreats, and autumn weddings at venues along the St. Croix River. If you’re traveling during these months, expect to pay premium rates—especially on Saturdays. Winter bookings (December–March) are generally more affordable, unless you’re scheduling around the holidays or New Year’s Eve.

Trip Duration: Most companies charge by the hour, with a 5-hour minimum for local rentals within the Twin Cities metro area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington counties). If your itinerary involves multiple stops—like shuttling guests between a hotel in Bloomington, a ceremony in Edina, and a reception in Northeast Minneapolis—plan on keeping the bus reserved for the entire block of time. Daily rates apply to out-of-town trips where the bus stays with your group for 10–12 hours before returning to base. For example, a day trip to Duluth or Rochester will be quoted as a flat day rate rather than hourly. Multi-day charters (e.g., a weeklong tour of Wisconsin Dells, Green Bay, and Door County) are priced per day plus driver accommodations.

Distance Traveled: Mileage is a major factor for any trip outside the immediate Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. Local charters under 50 miles round-trip are billed at the standard hourly rate, while longer journeys incur additional charges to cover fuel, tolls, and wear-and-tear on the vehicle. For instance, a round-trip to Mankato (80 miles each way) or St. Cloud (65 miles each way) will cost more than staying within city limits. If your itinerary includes crossing state lines into Iowa, North Dakota, or Wisconsin, be prepared for higher rates due to increased mileage and potential overnight expenses.

Number of Buses: Obviously, booking multiple buses will increase your total cost—but you may qualify for a discount if you’re renting three or more vehicles for the same event. Large-scale operations like music festivals at Harriet Island, political rallies at the Capitol, or corporate conventions at the Minneapolis Convention Center often require a dedicated fleet of shuttles running continuous loops between parking lots and entry gates. In these cases, it’s more economical to contract all your transportation through one provider who can bundle the services into a single package.

Onboard Amenities: Standard features on a coach bus include cushioned seats, climate control, overhead storage, and a PA system. Upgrades like high-speed WiFi, individual power outlets, USB charging ports, and flat-screen monitors for video presentations may be available upon request. If your group requires an ADA-compliant bus with a wheelchair lift and securement areas, make sure to specify this when booking—there’s no extra charge, but availability depends on the company’s fleet.

Driver Expenses: For any trip that extends beyond 10–12 hours in a single day, you’ll be responsible for covering the driver’s hotel room (minimum 3-star property), as well as meals or a per diem allowance. This is especially relevant for overnight excursions to destinations like Mount Rushmore, Chicago, or Branson, MO. The cost of lodging is not included in the base rental fee and must be arranged in advance.

Additional Fees: Don’t forget to budget for incidental expenses such as parking permits (e.g., at Target Field or Xcel Energy Center), road tolls (I-94, I-35W), and gratuity for your driver (customarily 10–20% of the total bill). Some venues in downtown Minneapolis or Saint Paul require pre-paid reservations for oversized vehicles, which can add $25–$75 to your invoice. Cleaning fees may apply if the bus is left excessively dirty after a tailgate or bachelor party.