1. North Charleston Minibus Company /
  2. Bus Rental Prices

North Charleston Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a North Charleston Bus Rental Cost?

The cost to rent a charter bus in North Charleston usually ranges from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. Your price depends on your group size, trip length, travel dates, and the type of bus you choose. You can get an instant quote in less than 30 seconds by calling our team at 843-594-4840 or using our online quote tool. Below, we’ve listed average rates for each vehicle type and explained all the factors that go into your total trip cost so you can budget with confidence before you book.

Get Your 30 Second Online Quote

No Email Needed. No Account Needed. Just instant pricing online.

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?

North Charleston Minibus Company offers several types of buses to fit any group size or budget. Our most popular options are the 56-passenger charter bus, 25-passenger minibus, 20-passenger minibus, and 18-passenger minibus. Here are the 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 prices include the bus, driver, fuel, and mileage. Additional expenses like tolls, parking, lodging and gratuity are not included. For the most accurate quote, please call us at 843-594-4840 with your trip details.

What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in North Charleston?

Several factors affect the price of your charter bus rental in North Charleston. The biggest factor is the type and size of the bus. Larger vehicles like a 56-passenger motorcoach cost more than smaller minibuses because they offer more seats, storage space, and premium amenities. Minibuses (15-35 passengers) are generally less expensive and ideal for shuttling small groups around downtown, Park Circle, or between hotels and the airport.

Trip duration also impacts pricing. Most local trips within Charleston County are billed hourly (with a 4-5 hour minimum), while longer trips to Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, or Charlotte are charged by the day or mile. Multi-day itineraries—like school trips to Washington, DC or band competitions in Atlanta—will increase the total cost but lower the rate per mile.

Seasonality matters too. Spring and fall are peak seasons due to graduations, weddings, sports tournaments, and festivals like Spoleto or High Water. Buses book up fast during these months, so rates may be higher compared to winter or late summer. Booking at least three to six months in advance helps lock in better availability and pricing.

Your itinerary details will also affect your quote. Extra stops, layovers, or detours—such as picking up riders in Summerville before heading downtown—can add to the total cost. If your schedule requires the driver to stay overnight (for example, a weekend retreat at Camp St. Christopher), you’ll need to cover their hotel room and meals. Groups traveling out of state should expect higher mileage charges and possible tolls on I-26 or I-95.

Finally, special requests like ADA-accessible buses, onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, or extra luggage space may influence the final price. Let your reservation specialist know exactly what you need so we can match you with the right vehicle at the best rate.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in North Charleston, SC and around South Carolina. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

Charleston Wedding Shuttle

18 passenger minibus rental

A wedding planner is organizing a Saturday evening ceremony at Magnolia Plantation and needs guest transportation from hotels in downtown Charleston. She books a 25-passenger minibus for continuous shuttle service from 3 PM to 11 PM (8 hours). The quote comes to $2,400 total ($300/hour), which includes multiple round trips across the Ashley River. This option keeps the wedding running on schedule and ensures everyone gets back safely after the reception.

Corporate Event Shuttle to Convention Center

56 passenger charter bus

A tech company is hosting a three-day conference at the Charleston Area Convention Center and wants to provide daily shuttles for attendees staying at various hotels along International Boulevard and Montague Avenue. They reserve a 56-passenger charter bus for 10 hours per day (8 AM to 6 PM) over three days. The total cost is $9,000 ($3,000/day), which covers unlimited loops between venues, free WiFi for checking emails en route, and undercarriage storage for exhibit materials. This setup keeps the event running smoothly without relying on rideshares or public transit.

School Field Trip to Columbia Museums

56 passenger coach bus

An elementary school in Dorchester District 2 is planning a field trip to the South Carolina State Museum and EdVenture in Columbia. They need transportation for 100 students and chaperones, so they book two 56-passenger charter buses. The itinerary departs Summerville at 7 AM, spends the day touring both museums, and returns by 5 PM. The quote is $3,600 total ($1,800 per bus), which includes round-trip mileage, highway tolls, and onboard DVD players for student movies. This package offers teachers peace of mind with everyone traveling together on one schedule.

College Sports Team Away Game

18 passenger minibus

A local college is sending its basketball team to an away game against Coastal Carolina University in Conway. The athletic department books a 20-passenger minibus to transport players, coaches, and equipment. The bus leaves campus at noon, waits through the evening game, and brings everyone back after midnight. The total cost for this single-day charter is $1,900, which fits within the team’s travel budget and ensures timely arrival for warm-ups.

Festival Shuttle for High Water Weekend

20 passenger minibus

A group of friends wants to avoid parking hassles during High Water Festival at Riverfront Park. They split the cost of an 18-passenger minibus for two days of private shuttles between their Airbnb in West Ashley and the concert grounds. The quote comes to $2,600 ($1,300 per day), giving them door-to-door service, a designated driver for late-night returns, and storage space for coolers and lawn chairs. Everyone chips in about $145 each for the convenience and safety of traveling together.

Church Retreat to Myrtle Beach

25 passenger minibus

A North Charleston church is organizing a weekend retreat to Myrtle Beach for its youth group. They charter a 56-passenger bus to leave Friday afternoon, stay two nights, and return Sunday evening. The package rate is $4,500, covering round-trip transportation, local shuttles to the boardwalk and worship center, and enough luggage space for everyone’s suitcases and sleeping bags. This option makes it easy for leaders to supervise the entire group and enjoy fellowship on the road.