Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Carmel Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost to rent a coach bus in Carmel, Indiana ranges from $170 to $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day. Your exact price will depend on several factors, including the type of bus you book, your travel dates, the length and distance of your trip, and any special amenities you request. The only way to get an accurate quote is to call our team at 463-293-0810 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask you for details about your trip and send you an instant quote in less than 30 seconds! Below, we’ve put together some estimated pricing charts and detailed information about what goes into the cost of a charter bus rental in Carmel.
| 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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Carmel Coach Bus Service offers a wide range of buses at different price points, so you can find the perfect vehicle for your group and budget. Here are some average rates for each type of bus:
- Coach Buses (47-56 passengers): $200-$375+ per hour, $2,000-$3,800+ per day
- Mini Buses (18-35 passengers): $150-$300+ per hour, $1,800-$3,200+ per day
These prices are just averages—your actual quote may be higher or lower depending on your specific needs. For example, a 56-passenger coach bus with a restroom, WiFi, and TVs will cost more than a basic 40-passenger bus without those features. Similarly, renting a bus for a single day trip to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will be less expensive than booking a multi-day tour across the state.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Carmel?
Several factors affect the cost of your charter bus rental in Carmel:
- Type of Bus: Larger buses with more amenities (like restrooms, TVs, WiFi, and reclining seats) cost more than smaller, more basic models. For example, a 56-passenger motorcoach will be more expensive than a 25-passenger minibus.
- Trip Duration: Most companies charge by the hour for local trips (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), by the day for longer trips, or by the mile for out-of-town routes. The longer you need the bus, the higher the total cost.
- Distance Traveled: The farther you travel, the more you’ll pay. Trips within Carmel or Hamilton County will be less expensive than journeys to Chicago, Cincinnati, or St. Louis.
- Time of Year: Demand for charter buses is highest during peak seasons like spring (for school field trips and proms), summer (for weddings and sports tournaments), and fall (for football games and corporate events). Rates are typically lower in winter, except around major holidays.
- Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (especially Fridays and Saturdays) are more expensive than weekday bookings due to higher demand.
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations: If your trip starts or ends outside of Carmel, you may be charged extra for “deadhead” miles—the distance the bus travels empty to reach your group. To avoid this, try to book a bus based in your departure city.
- Additional Fees: Tolls, parking permits (e.g., at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or Ruoff Music Center), driver gratuity (customary 10-20%), and lodging for overnight trips are not always included in the base quote. Be sure to budget for these extras.
To get the most accurate price, provide as much detail as possible when requesting a quote. This includes your exact itinerary, headcount, luggage requirements, and any special requests (like ADA accessibility or premium amenities).
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Carmel, IN and around Indiana. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Conner Prairie
A fifth-grade teacher at Carmel Elementary School is planning a field trip to Conner Prairie in Fishers for 60 students and 6 chaperones. She books a 56-passenger coach bus with a restroom, DVD players, and WiFi for the 20-mile round trip. The bus will pick up the group at 9:00 AM, drop them off at Conner Prairie, stay on-site during the visit, and return to the school by 2:00 PM. Total rental time is 5 hours, at a rate of $250 per hour, for a total cost of $1,250. With 66 people on board, that’s less than $20 per person for comfortable, climate-controlled transportation.
Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Indianapolis
A bride and groom are getting married at The Sixpence in Whitestown and hosting their reception at the Mavris Arts & Event Center in downtown Indianapolis. They want to provide continuous shuttle service for their 150 guests between the two venues, which are 25 miles apart. Their planner books two 40-passenger mini buses to run back and forth from 4:00 PM to midnight (8 hours). At $225 per hour per bus, the total cost is $3,600. The couple also provides a $200 tip for each driver, bringing the grand total to $4,000. This ensures all guests can celebrate safely without worrying about parking or rideshares.
Corporate Outing to Topgolf
A Carmel-based tech company is treating its 30 employees to an afternoon of team-building at Topgolf in Fishers, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. They rent a 35-passenger mini bus to pick up everyone at the office, drop them off at Topgolf, wait during the event, then take the group to dinner and back to the office. The outing lasts 6 hours, at a rate of $200 per hour, for a total of $1,200. The bus features leather seats, USB chargers, and overhead storage for golf clubs and bags.
High School Sports Team to Fort Wayne
The Carmel High School girls’ soccer team has an away game against Homestead High School in Fort Wayne. The athletic department charters a 56-passenger coach bus to transport 40 players, coaches, and equipment. The bus departs Carmel at 2:00 PM, arrives in Fort Wayne by 5:00 PM, waits during the game, and returns home by midnight. This 8-hour, 260-mile round trip is billed at a daily rate of $2,400 plus $100 in tolls and parking fees, for a total of $2,500. The team enjoys reclining seats, onboard restrooms, and plenty of space for coolers and gear bags.
Church Retreat in Brown County
A local church is organizing a weekend retreat at Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN. They need transportation for 50 members, departing Friday evening and returning Sunday afternoon. The church rents a 56-passenger coach bus for three days at $2,000 per day, totaling $6,000. They also cover two nights of hotel accommodations for the driver at $150 per night ($300) and provide a $300 gratuity. The bus stays with the group throughout the weekend, making it easy to shuttle attendees between the lodge, hiking trails, and downtown Nashville shops.
Multi-day College Tour to Chicago
A guidance counselor at Carmel High School is taking a group of 20 juniors on a three-day college tour to Chicago, visiting Northwestern University, DePaul, and the University of Chicago. They book a 25-passenger mini bus with WiFi and power outlets for the 350-mile trip. The bus departs Carmel on Monday morning, stays with the group in Chicago for two nights, and returns Wednesday evening. The total cost is $3,600 ($1,200 per day), plus $400 for driver lodging and $200 in tolls/parking, for a grand total of $4,200. This works out to $210 per student for safe, reliable transportation to multiple campuses.