Charter Bus Rentals Ames, Iowa

Charter bus rates vary significantly based on several factors, but generally range from $197–$519 per hour or $1,600 – $3,800 per day. You can get an instant estimate using our online charter bus pricing tool, or call our team anytime at 515-425-0720 for a personalized quote in about 30 seconds.

Here are four real examples of recent Ames charter bus quotes:

• Example #1: An Iowa State University student organization booked a 25-passenger minibus for a weekend conference trip to Des Moines. Their two-day rental cost $3,200, plus a 10% driver gratuity for a final total of $3,520.

• Example #2: A local high school band arranged a 56-seat charter bus for a three-day competition in Chicago. The base rate was $5,100, and after adding a 15% tip, the total came to $5,865.

• Example #3: A corporate client needed a 40-passenger shuttle for daily employee transportation between downtown Ames and a suburban office park. They secured a month-long contract at $2,000 per day, totaling $44,000 for 22 weekdays.

• Example #4: A wedding party reserved an 18-passenger minibus for guest shuttling between venues within Ames. The six-hour package was priced at $1,800, with no additional fees since all travel remained local.

These examples demonstrate how prices vary depending on vehicle size, trip duration, distance, and tipping practices. Contact us with your itinerary details to receive an accurate, all-inclusive quote tailored to your event.

Several variables impact the final cost of renting a charter bus in Ames: trip length (mileage and hours), number of days, vehicle type (minibus vs. full-size coach), passenger count, time of year (peak demand around ISU events, graduations, RAGBRAI, and summer weddings), and any special amenities requested. Multi-day and out-of-state trips incur higher charges. Local events like Iowa State University football games, graduations, the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market, or large conferences can create peak demand and affect availability and pricing. Additional expenses may include tolls, parking fees, and driver lodging for overnight trips. To get an exact price, you need to provide your full itinerary including pickup location, destination, and schedule.

Yes, Ames Coach Bus Service provides ADA-accessible and wheelchair-friendly buses in Ames and across Iowa. Our fleet includes vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts, securement areas, and additional accessibility features upon request. Please specify your accessibility needs when booking so we can assign a properly equipped bus at no extra charge. We are committed to ensuring comfortable and inclusive transportation for all passengers.

Ames Coach Bus Service serves a wide range of groups in Ames, including Iowa State University athletics and student organizations, local K-12 school field trips, corporate employee shuttles, wedding parties, church outings, sports teams, and fans traveling to Cyclones games at Jack Trice Stadium. We also handle airport transfers to DSM, convention transportation, and multi-day trips across Iowa and the Midwest. No matter the size or purpose of your group, we have experience providing reliable and customized transportation solutions.

Ames Coach Bus Service offers multiple bus sizes to accommodate any group: 18-, 20-, and 25-passenger minibuses; 35-, 40-, 47-, 50-, 54-, and 56-passenger full-size shuttle buses. Popular models include Ford E450/Econoline, Grech Motors, Mercedes Sprinter, and larger coaches built on Freightliner or similar chassis. We’ll match you with the right vehicle based on your headcount and trip requirements.

Our shuttle buses come standard with forward-facing seats, air conditioning, and storage space for luggage or equipment. Larger coaches may include reclining seats, onboard restrooms, flat-screen monitors, DVD players, WiFi, power outlets, USB ports, PA systems, and underfloor luggage bays. Minibuses offer comfortable seating and optional WiFi/power. ADA-accessible units available with advance notice. Let us know what amenities you need when booking.

You should book your charter bus at least 4–6 weeks before your trip—but if you’re traveling during a busy time like ISU football season, graduation weekend, or RAGBRAI, lock in your reservation 2–3 months ahead to guarantee availability and get the best rates. Last-minute bookings are accepted if vehicles are still available, but selection may be limited.

Getting a quote is fast and easy—just use our online tool to enter your trip details (date, pickup location, destination, number of passengers), or call our reservation specialists anytime at 515-425-0720. We’ll generate a personalized estimate in seconds based on your exact itinerary. To receive an accurate quote, please provide as much information as possible about your trip, including the number of passengers, pickup and drop-off locations, dates and times of travel, and any special requests or amenities needed. Once you receive your quote, you can review the pricing and options, ask any questions, and proceed with booking your charter bus rental quickly and easily.

Your quote includes the base rental fee for the vehicle and driver, plus applicable taxes and fuel surcharges. Additional costs such as tolls, driver accommodations for overnight trips, cleaning fees, and parking passes are not included and will be billed separately. For example, parking passes at Jack Trice Stadium currently cost $25–$50 per bus depending on the lot. Please budget for these extras when planning your trip.

You can book a bus from Ames Coach Bus Service by calling our 24/7 reservations team at 515-425-0720 or using our online quote tool to get an instant price and complete your reservation online. Once you receive your quote, you’ll need to sign a contract and pay a deposit to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due before your trip date. Our agents are available around the clock to answer questions, help you choose the right vehicle, and make sure your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

Ames Coach Bus Service provides charter bus service to and from Ames, Iowa, covering all of Story County and the entire state. We handle local trips around the Iowa State University campus and downtown Ames as well as long-distance travel to Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Omaha, Minneapolis, Chicago, and other regional destinations. Whether you need transportation for a school field trip, corporate event, athletic game, wedding, or airport transfer, we’ll get you there on time and according to your schedule. Call today to get a free quote and see why we’re the top choice for charter bus rentals in Ames!