Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Austin Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a coach bus in Austin can range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on the size of the bus, length of your trip, and other factors. The only way to get an exact price is to contact our team at Austin Coach Bus Service by calling 737-309-5610 or using our online quote tool. We’ll ask you for details about your trip—like your headcount, travel dates, pickup location, and destination—and build a custom package based on your needs. Below, we’ve put together some estimated rates and a detailed breakdown of what affects bus rental prices in Austin so you can budget with confidence before you book.
| 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?
In Austin, the average cost to rent a coach bus is between $185 and $375 per hour, with daily rates ranging from $1,900 to $3,950. Minibuses are more affordable, typically costing $150 to $275 per hour or $1,400 to $2,750 per day. Sprinter vans are the most budget-friendly option, starting at $135 per hour or $1,250 per day. These prices include standard amenities like reclining seats, climate control, and onboard storage, but premium features such as WiFi, power outlets, or restrooms may increase the overall cost. For long-distance trips outside of Texas, such as to Oklahoma City, New Orleans, or Atlanta, expect to pay higher rates due to increased mileage, tolls, and driver accommodations.
To get an instant quote for your next trip, call our 24/7 reservation team at 737-309-5610 or use our online pricing tool. We’ll provide you with a personalized estimate in less than 30 seconds based on your exact itinerary, group size, and vehicle preferences. With Austin Coach Bus Service, you can compare prices, amenities, and availability across multiple bus types to find the best option for your budget and schedule.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Austin?
Several key factors determine the final price of your coach bus rental in Austin, including the type of vehicle, trip duration, travel distance, time of year, and any special requests. Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans due to their increased capacity, amenities, and fuel consumption. For example, a full-size coach with reclining seats, onboard restroom, and undercarriage storage will be more expensive than a 25-passenger minibus with basic features.
Trip duration also plays a significant role in pricing. Hourly rentals are ideal for short local trips within Austin, such as shuttling wedding guests between venues in Downtown, East Austin, or Zilker Park. Daily rates are better suited for full-day excursions to nearby cities like San Antonio, Houston, or Dallas, while multi-day packages offer the best value for extended tours across Texas or out-of-state destinations. Keep in mind that all vehicles are subject to minimum rental periods, typically 4-5 hours for minibuses and 6-8 hours for coach buses.
Travel distance affects both the total mileage and the amount of time the driver spends on the road. Longer journeys require more fuel, maintenance, and potentially overnight accommodations for the driver if the trip exceeds federal hours-of-service regulations. For instance, a round-trip charter from Austin to Arlington’s AT&T Stadium for a Cowboys game will cost more than a simple airport transfer to AUS or a corporate shuttle to The Domain.
Seasonality is another important factor. Bus rental demand peaks during spring and fall when schools are in session, sports teams are competing, and outdoor events like SXSW, ACL Fest, and Formula 1 at Circuit of the Americas draw large crowds. Booking your bus several months in advance can help lock in lower rates and ensure availability, especially during major holidays or festival weekends. Conversely, winter and summer months tend to be less busy, which may result in discounted pricing or last-minute deals.
Finally, any special requests or add-ons will impact the overall cost. Common extras include WiFi hotspots, USB charging ports, PA systems, DVD players, and custom branding for corporate clients. If your itinerary requires multiple pickups, drop-offs, or standby time at different locations, be sure to mention these details when requesting a quote. Additional fees may apply for tolls, parking permits, cleaning, or damage deposits depending on the specifics of your trip.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Austin and Central Texas. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
University of Texas Football Game Shuttle
A student organization at UT Austin is organizing a shuttle service for 100 fans to attend a Longhorns football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. They need two 56-passenger coach buses to pick up students from West Campus and Riverside, drop them off at the stadium before kickoff, and return them after the game ends. The total rental time is 6 hours, with each bus costing $225 per hour. The organization’s budget for this trip is $2,700 per bus, or $54 per person round-trip. This quote includes all transportation within Austin city limits, but does not cover parking fees or gratuity.
Corporate Retreat in the Texas Hill Country
A tech company based in downtown Austin is planning a weekend retreat for 40 employees at a resort in Marble Falls. They’ve booked a 45-passenger coach bus with reclining seats, WiFi, and a restroom for a two-day trip. The itinerary includes a Friday afternoon departure from their office, a 90-minute drive to the resort, and a Sunday morning return to Austin. The total distance is 120 miles round-trip, and the bus will remain on-site overnight. The quoted price for this package is $3,200, which covers all mileage, driver accommodations, and standby time at the resort. The company plans to tip the driver 10% at the end of the trip.
Wedding Shuttle in Dripping Springs
A bride is getting married at a vineyard in Dripping Springs and wants to provide transportation for her 75 guests staying at hotels in South Austin. She’s reserved one 56-passenger coach bus and one 25-passenger minibus to run continuous shuttles between the venue and two hotel locations. The shuttle will operate for 8 hours, starting at 3:00 PM and ending at 11:00 PM. The cost for the coach bus is $2,000 and the minibus is $1,400, bringing the total to $3,400. This rate includes all travel, wait time, and coordination of multiple trips. The couple has allocated an additional $300 for driver tips and bottled water on board.
Field Trip to the Thinkery
An elementary school in Pflugerville is taking 60 students and 6 teachers on a field trip to the Thinkery children’s museum in Mueller. They’ve booked one 56-passenger coach bus and one 15-passenger minibus for the day. The buses will pick up at the school at 9:00 AM, drop off at the museum by 10:00 AM, and return for pickup at 2:00 PM. Total rental time is 5 hours, with the coach bus priced at $1,125 and the minibus at $675. The school’s transportation budget covers the $1,800 cost, and museum admission is paid separately. No additional charges are expected unless the schedule runs late.
Bachelor Party in Downtown Austin
A group of 18 friends is celebrating a bachelor party with a night out in downtown Austin. They’ve rented a 20-passenger minibus to shuttle them between bars on Rainey Street, Sixth Street, and the East Side from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM. The minibus features leather seats, Bluetooth audio, and tinted windows. The flat rate for this 7-hour rental is $1,225, which includes unlimited stops within a 10-mile radius and drop-off at the groom’s hotel at the end of the night. The group has agreed to split the cost evenly and tip the driver $100 in cash.
Church Group Trip to San Antonio
A local church is organizing a day trip to San Antonio for 30 members to visit the Alamo, River Walk, and Mission San José. They’ve reserved a 35-passenger coach bus with reclining seats, AC, and a restroom for the 180-mile round trip. The itinerary departs Austin at 8:00 AM, arrives in San Antonio by 10:30 AM, and returns home by 7:00 PM. The quoted price for this 11-hour excursion is $2,350, which covers all transportation, fuel, and parking at designated tourist sites. The church will provide lunch for the group and collect a voluntary donation for the driver’s tip.