Carson Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Carson Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Carson can range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on your trip details. Pricing depends on factors like the size of bus you book, how far you travel, and what time of year you’re traveling. To get an exact quote for your trip, just call our team at 424-399-5390 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask about your headcount, itinerary, and any special amenities you need, then give you a custom price in minutes. Below, we break down estimated rates for each vehicle type and go over what goes into your final 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?
Carson Minibus Company offers Carson’s most modern fleet, including minibus rentals, party buses, entertainer coaches, and full-size charter buses. The largest 56-passenger charter buses cost about $197–$519 per hour, $1,600–$3,800 per day, or $5.00–$8.00 per mile. A 25-passenger minibus is about $165–$428 per hour, $1,300–$3,200 per day, or $4.00–$7.00 per mile. A 20-passenger minibus averages $157–$414 per hour, $1,300–$3,100 per day, or $4.00–$7.00 per mile, while an 18-passenger minibus runs $145–$404 per hour, $1,300–$3,000 per day, or $4.00–$7.00 per mile. For the fastest and most accurate estimate, call us at 424-399-5390!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Carson?
Several factors affect the price of your charter bus rental. The most important are the size of the bus, the distance traveled, the duration of the trip, the time of year, and any special requests or amenities. Larger buses like 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller minibuses, but they also offer more space and features. If you’re traveling long distances or across state lines, you’ll pay more than if you’re staying local. Multi-day trips require overnight accommodations for your driver, which adds to the total cost.
Peak season for charter bus rentals in California is usually spring and summer, when schools are out and weddings, festivals, and sports tournaments are in full swing. During these months, demand is high and prices may increase. Booking early can help you lock in lower rates. If you need premium amenities like WiFi, power outlets, leather seats, or onboard restrooms, let us know so we can match you with the right vehicle. ADA-accessible buses are available at no extra charge, but please request them at least two weeks in advance.
Other factors that can influence pricing include tolls, parking fees, and tips. Most venues in Carson like Dignity Health Sports Park, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and major hotels have designated bus parking areas, but some may charge a fee. It’s customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost for good service. This is not required, but always appreciated. If you have a tight budget, consider splitting the cost among passengers or adjusting your itinerary to reduce mileage and hours.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Carson, CA and around Southern California. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Carson to Disneyland Field Trip
A teacher at Carson High School is organizing a field trip for 50 students and 5 chaperones to Disneyland. They plan to leave campus at 8:00 AM, spend the day at the park, and return by 9:00 PM. The round-trip distance is about 60 miles each way, plus 13 hours of wait time. For this itinerary, they were quoted $2,900 for a 56-passenger charter bus with underfloor storage for backpacks and coolers. The school arranged to split the cost among participants, making it about $55 per person for safe, direct transportation without parents needing to drive.
Wedding Shuttle Between Carson and Palos Verdes Estates
A wedding planner is coordinating guest transportation between two hotels near Carson Mall and a ceremony at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates. The couple wants guests to enjoy open bar service without worrying about driving. The shuttle will make two pickup loops before the ceremony, idle during the event, and run two return loops afterward, covering about 30 miles round-trip over 8 hours. The planner booked a 28-passenger minibus with reclining seats and A/C for $1,550. With 40 guests using the shuttle, the cost comes out to less than $40 per person—much cheaper than rideshares or taxis.
Corporate Charter to Lax and Downtown La
A logistics company in Carson is sending 20 employees to a trade show at the Los Angeles Convention Center followed by a dinner at Grand Central Market. They want everyone to arrive together and on time, so they booked a 20-passenger minibus for the day. The itinerary includes pickups at the office, drop-offs downtown, a short hop to dinner, and a return ride home—totaling about 50 miles and 10 hours. The quote came to $1,400, which the company is covering as a perk. Compared to reimbursing mileage or parking for multiple cars, this option saves money and hassle.
Sports Team Travel to San Diego
A youth soccer club based in Carson has a weekend tournament in San Diego. They need to transport 18 players, 4 coaches, and gear for two days of games. Departure is Friday afternoon, with a hotel stay and return Sunday night. The total distance is 250 miles round-trip plus local shuttles between hotel and fields. They booked a 25-passenger minibus with extra luggage space for $3,600, including driver hotel room. Splitting costs among families keeps expenses reasonable, and having the whole team together builds camaraderie.
Shuttle Service for Cal State Dominguez Hills Event
Cal State Dominguez Hills is hosting a large conference with attendees staying at multiple hotels in Torrance and Long Beach. Organizers contracted Carson Minibus Company to run continuous shuttles between campus and hotels for three days. Two 40-passenger minibuses will operate 12 hours per day, moving hundreds of people efficiently without clogging campus parking lots. The total contract price is $8,500, which is built into registration fees. This setup ensures smooth logistics and positive feedback from guests.
Private Group Tour to Universal Studios Hollywood
A church group of 35 people wants a private bus for a day trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. They depart from Carson at 7:00 AM, spend the day enjoying rides and shows, and head back after dinner. The package includes a 40-passenger minibus with TV/DVD, restroom, and WiFi for $2,200 covering all mileage, fuel, and driver time. Group members appreciate traveling together, watching movies en route, and skipping the hassle of driving through LA traffic. Compared to individual tickets for public transit or carpooling, this option provides door-to-door convenience at a fair price point.