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Ann Arbor Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Ann Arbor Bus Rental Cost?

Charter bus rental prices in Ann Arbor can vary greatly depending on the details of your trip. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a charter bus rental in Ann Arbor. Factors that influence pricing include the size and type of bus, the distance traveled, the duration of the trip, and the time of year. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call our team at 734-545-1840 or use our online quote tool. Below, we’ve provided estimated rates and an overview of 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?

The cost of renting a charter bus in Ann Arbor depends on several factors, including the size of the bus, the length of the trip, and any additional amenities requested. Here are some average price ranges for different types of buses:

  • 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 rates are just averages and can fluctuate based on the specifics of your trip. For example, a round-trip charter from downtown Ann Arbor to Michigan State University in East Lansing will be priced differently than a multi-day tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. To get an exact price for your trip, call us anytime at 734-545-1840.

What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Ann Arbor?

There are many factors that go into determining the final cost of your charter bus rental. Here are the most important ones:

  • Type and Size of Bus: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses generally cost more than smaller minibuses. Specialty vehicles such as party buses may also have premium pricing due to luxury amenities.
  • Trip Duration and Distance: Local trips within Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County are usually billed by the hour, while longer journeys to places like Detroit, Lansing, or Grand Rapids may be charged by the mile or as a flat daily rate. Multi-day trips will increase the overall cost.
  • Seasonality: Charter bus rates tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as spring (for school field trips and graduations), summer (wedding season), and fall (college football games at Michigan Stadium). Booking during off-peak times can sometimes result in lower prices.
  • Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, layovers, or requiring the bus to stay with your group for extended periods can affect pricing. For example, a continuous shuttle service between University of Michigan campuses and downtown Ann Arbor restaurants will differ in price compared to a simple point-to-point transfer.
  • Amenities: Buses with upgraded features such as WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, leather seats, or onboard entertainment systems may come at a higher rate. Let us know what amenities you need so we can match you with the right vehicle.
  • Advance Booking: Reserving your bus well in advance can help lock in better rates, especially for large events like Art Fair shuttles or football game transportation. Last-minute bookings may have limited availability and higher costs.
  • Driver Accommodations: For overnight or long-distance trips, you’ll need to provide lodging for your driver(s). This expense is typically not included in the base quote, so factor it into your budget if your itinerary requires it.
  • Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any tolls, parking fees, or special permits required for your route are usually the responsibility of the renter. For example, parking a charter bus near Michigan Stadium or in downtown Ann Arbor may incur additional fees.

The best way to get an accurate price is to provide us with as much detail as possible about your trip. We’ll take all these factors into account when generating your custom quote.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Ann Arbor, MI and around Michigan. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

Ann Arbor to Detroit Metro Airport Shuttle

18 passenger minibus rental

A local tech company in Ann Arbor is sending a group of 30 employees to a conference in Chicago. They need transportation from their office on South State Street to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) for an early morning flight. The company books a 35-passenger minibus to handle the round-trip transfer, including luggage storage. The driver picks up the group at 5:00 AM, drops them off at DTW, and returns to Ann Arbor after the return flight three days later. The total cost for this airport shuttle service is approximately $2,400, which includes wait time and mileage. This breaks down to $80 per person for convenient, door-to-door transportation.

Game Day Shuttle to Michigan Stadium

56 passenger charter bus

A group of University of Michigan alumni is organizing a tailgate party for a Wolverines football game at Michigan Stadium. They have 50 people staying at hotels in downtown Ann Arbor and want a shuttle to run back and forth between the stadium and hotel before and after the game. The group books a 56-passenger charter bus with onboard restroom and A/C. The bus runs continuous loops for 8 hours on game day. The total cost for this local shuttle service is around $2,200. Split among 50 passengers, that’s just $44 each for safe, reliable transportation on one of the busiest days in Ann Arbor.

Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Ann Arbor

56 passenger coach bus

A bride and groom are hosting their wedding ceremony at St. Thomas the Apostle Church and their reception at The Graduate Ann Arbor hotel. They want to provide guests with transportation between venues and back to local hotels at the end of the night. The couple books a 25-passenger minibus for 6 hours of service, making multiple loops between locations. The total cost for this wedding shuttle is about $1,800. With 50 guests using the shuttle, the cost per rider comes out to $36—well worth the peace of mind knowing everyone has a ride.

Field Trip to the Henry Ford Museum

18 passenger minibus

An Ann Arbor middle school is planning a field trip to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn for 100 students and teachers. They need two full-size charter buses for the 90-mile round trip. Each bus is equipped with WiFi and DVD players to keep students entertained during the drive. The buses depart Ann Arbor at 8:00 AM, spend the day at the museum, and return by 3:00 PM. The total cost for this educational field trip is $2,700 ($1,350 per bus). Divided among 100 passengers, that’s $27 per person for a comfortable, climate-controlled ride.

Bachelorette Party in Detroit

20 passenger minibus

A group of friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with a night out in Detroit. They hire a 20-passenger party bus to take them from Ann Arbor to popular bars and clubs in Greektown, Midtown, and Corktown. The bus features LED lighting, Bluetooth sound system, and wraparound seating. The rental lasts for 8 hours, allowing plenty of time for dinner, dancing, and bar hopping without worrying about designated drivers. The total cost for this party bus rental is $2,000. Split among 15 riders, that’s about $133 each for a fun, stylish night on the town.

Corporate Retreat to Traverse City

25 passenger minibus

A pharmaceutical company in Ann Arbor is hosting a weekend retreat for executives in Traverse City. They book a 56-passenger charter bus for the 260-mile trip, departing Friday afternoon and returning Sunday evening. The bus includes reclining seats, power outlets, and a restroom. The itinerary includes stops at wineries on Old Mission Peninsula and a group dinner downtown. The total cost for this multi-day charter is $5,000, which covers mileage, driver hotel, and per diem. For a group of 40 employees, the cost per person is $125 for round-trip transportation across the state.