Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Rentals in Ames

Charter bus pricing in Ames typically ranges from $197–$519 per hour or $1,600–$3,800 per day, depending on the size of the vehicle, length of trip, and time of year. Minibuses (18–25 seats) generally cost $197–$325 per hour, while full-size 56-passenger coaches run $350–$519 per hour. Multi-day and long-distance trips are billed by the day ($1,600–$3,800) or by mileage ($5.75–$9.15 per mile). You’ll get an exact, all-inclusive price when you call Ames Coach Bus Service with your itinerary.

The biggest factors affecting your charter bus price are the size of the vehicle (minibus vs. full-size coach), the length and duration of your trip (local vs. out-of-state, single-day vs. multi-day), and the timing of your rental (peak season around major events like Iowa State football games and graduations will increase demand and rates). Additional costs can include tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations for the driver on overnight trips. Buses with upgraded amenities like leather seats, WiFi, and entertainment systems may also cost more than standard models.

You can get a fast, personalized quote by calling our 24/7 reservations team at 515-425-0720 or filling out the online form on our website. Just provide your pickup location, destination, travel dates, passenger count, and any special requests, and we’ll quickly give you an exact price with no hidden fees.

Your quote includes the complete cost of the bus rental, driver’s fee, fuel, mileage, and any tolls or expenses incurred during the trip. It does not include the driver’s gratuity (typically 10–20%) or hotel accommodations for the driver on multi-day trips—those will be added separately if required.

We recommend booking your bus at least 4–6 months in advance to lock in availability and secure the best rates—especially if you’re traveling during peak times like college move-in weekend, homecoming, or spring graduation. Last-minute bookings are accepted if vehicles are still available, but prices may be higher.

Ames Coach Bus Service offers 18-, 20-, 25-, and 56-passenger buses in Ames and across Iowa. Smaller groups can use minibuses with 18, 20, or 25 seats, while larger groups will be assigned a 56-passenger motorcoach. All vehicles have forward-facing seating, and full-size coaches include underfloor luggage storage.

Amenities vary by vehicle but may include reclining seats, individual reading lights, air conditioning, power outlets, USB ports, WiFi, video monitors, DVD players, PA system, and onboard restroom (on 56-passenger coaches). Full-size buses have large luggage bays; minibuses have rear storage compartments. ADA-accessible vehicles with wheelchair lifts are available upon request.

Yes, we offer flexible packages including one-way transfers, round-trip service, and multi-day charters with custom itineraries. Multi-day packages are billed by the day and include unlimited mileage within your scheduled itinerary.

Yes, we provide long-distance and out-of-state charter bus service from Ames to any destination in the continental U.S. Common routes include trips to Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. Long-distance trips can be operated nonstop with multiple drivers or split over multiple days with overnight stops.

For multi-day trips that require overnight stays, you must provide a private hotel room for the driver at your expense. Most hotels offer discounted rooms for drivers. If your itinerary includes an overnight layover, please coordinate lodging arrangements in advance. Drivers are subject to hours-of-service regulations and must have a minimum rest period between driving shifts.

We serve all major airports in the region including Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD), Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids (CID), and Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO). We also provide custom shuttles to and from Iowa State University campus, local hotels, and off-site parking locations. Curbside pickups and drop-offs are available at each terminal.

We provide charter bus service to all major sports venues including Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum on the ISU campus, Cyclone Sports Complex, Sukup Basketball Complex, Reiman Gardens, and other athletic facilities. Out-of-town trips to Big 12 opponents such as Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, and Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin are available. We also serve Wells Fargo Arena and Principal Park in Des Moines.

We serve all local concert venues including Stephens Auditorium, Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, Maintenance Shop at the Memorial Union, and outdoor festival sites. Regional service is available to venues in Des Moines such as Wells Fargo Arena, Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, and Val Air Ballroom, as well as locations in Ankeny, Boone, and Nevada.

We provide wedding transportation to venues such as the Iowa State University Alumni Center, Reiman Gardens, Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, Country Lane Lodge in Adel, Prairie Moon Winery, and local churches throughout Ames. Additional venues served include Red Acre Barn in Prole, Rollins Mansion in Des Moines, Harpor’s Vineyard in New Virginia, and Summerset Winery in Indianola. Shuttles can be scheduled between hotels, ceremony sites, and reception venues.

We operate statewide and serve all nearby cities including Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Waukee, Altoona, Boone, Nevada, Huxley, Story City, Gilbert, Cambridge, Kelley, Slater, Sheldahl, Maxwell, Collins, Colo, Zearing, Roland, Madrid, Ogden, and Luther. Long-distance service is available to destinations across Iowa and the Midwest.

We provide group transportation to events such as Iowa State University commencement ceremonies, campus events like VEISHEA, athletic events including CyHawk games against the University of Iowa, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, RAGBRAI start or end locations, local parades, and community festivals. Custom itineraries can be created for any special event.

We provide charter bus service to the Iowa State University Memorial Union, Scheman Building at the Iowa State Center, and other campus meeting facilities. Regional service is available to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines—including Hy-Vee Hall, Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, and Wells Fargo Arena—as well as the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny and the Mid-American Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines.