Charter Bus Prices in Ames
With Ames Coach Bus Service, securing a charter bus rental in Ames is simple, fast, and backed by the most experienced team in Iowa. We’ve provided buses for every type of event—from Iowa State University athletics and student transportation to corporate shuttles, weddings, and school field trips—so we know exactly how to get you the right vehicle at the right price. Whether you need a minibus for a downtown shuttle or a full-size coach for an out-of-town trip, our fleet has vehicles of every size ready to go on your schedule. Call our 24/7 reservations team anytime at 515-425-0720 to get an instant quote, check availability, and lock in your reservation with just a deposit. When you book with Ames Coach Bus Service, you get flexible payment options, modern buses with great amenities, and customer support that actually answers the phone.
| 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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Ames?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Ames typically ranges from $1,400 to $4,000+ for multi-day trips, while local rentals start around $150–$350 per hour with a 5-hour minimum. Final pricing depends on several factors including trip duration, mileage, number of days, passenger count, and time of year. You’ll pay either by the hour, by the day, or by the mile depending on your itinerary. Minibuses are generally less expensive than full-size coaches, but exact rates vary based on availability and demand. The only way to get accurate pricing is to call for a custom quote based on your exact trip details. Contact our reservations team anytime at 515-425-0720 to get an instant estimate and learn more about available vehicles.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Ames?
Several factors influence the cost of your charter bus rental in Ames:
- Trip Duration & Mileage: Longer trips with more miles will cost more. Local trips are often billed hourly, while longer journeys are charged by the day or mile.
- Number of Days: Multi-day trips include additional charges for each extra day the vehicle is reserved.
- Passenger Count: Larger buses (up to 56 seats) cost more than smaller minibuses (18–35 seats). However, bigger groups can split the cost across more passengers.
- Time of Year: Peak demand periods—such as spring/fall during ISU events, graduation weekends, and football games—can increase prices due to limited availability.
- Fleet Availability: Last-minute bookings may face higher rates if vehicles are scarce.
- Special Requests: Additional amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, or upgraded seating may affect the final price.
To get an exact price for your trip, contact our reservations team with your full itinerary—including pickup location, destination, travel dates, and group size—and we’ll provide a custom quote in minutes.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you plan your budget, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals in Ames and the surrounding region. These sample trips show exactly what different types of groups paid for their transportation—including multi-day college athletics travel, local wedding shuttles, corporate outings to Des Moines, and school field trips. Use these numbers as a ballpark estimate for your own event, but remember that prices can vary based on timing, availability, and exact mileage. The best way to get an accurate cost is always to call Ames Coach Bus Service with your full itinerary and request a custom quote.
Example #1
A bride and groom needed a shuttle service to transport guests between their hotel block in downtown Ames and their outdoor wedding venue at Prairie Moon Winery, located about 8 miles west of town. The event required multiple round trips throughout the afternoon and evening. They booked a 28-passenger minibus for a total of 6 hours. Final cost: $1,950.
Example #2
A local business organized a company outing to downtown Des Moines, including stops at the State Capitol and a group dinner. They hired a 56-passenger charter bus for the 70-mile round trip plus wait time during the event. Total rental time was 10 hours. Final cost: $2,200.
Example #3
A local business organized a company outing to downtown Des Moines, including stops at the State Capitol and a group dinner. They hired a 56-passenger charter bus for the 70-mile round trip plus wait time during the event. Total rental time was 10 hours. Final cost: $2,200.
Example #4
An Ames elementary school booked a field trip to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City, about 50 miles from Ames. They needed a compact vehicle for a class of 24 students plus chaperones. The school reserved a 30-passenger minibus for an 8-hour day. Final cost: $1,800.
Example #5
A university department arranged airport transportation for visiting scholars arriving at Des Moines International Airport. They scheduled a single round trip to the airport (35 miles each way) with a 20-passenger minibus. The entire transfer took 3 hours. Final cost: $850.
Example #6
A high school band traveled from Ames to Chicago for a weekend competition. They required a 56-passenger bus with underfloor luggage storage for instruments. The trip spanned three days with two overnight hotel stays. Final cost: $5,500.
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