- Iowa City Charter Bus Services /
- Charter Bus Rates
Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Iowa City Bus Rental Cost?
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Iowa City, Iowa? You’re in the right place! Iowa City Charter Bus Services specializes in affordable group transportation throughout Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and the entire Iowa City metropolitan area. Whether you’re planning a wedding at The Englert Theatre, a field trip to the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, or a company shuttle to downtown, we help you compare pricing and vehicle options so you find the perfect charter bus for your group’s needs—and your budget.
Instantly get real-time quotes by calling our 24/7 reservation department at 319-259-8140 to speak with a reservation expert. We make booking stress-free with clear, upfront prices, no hidden fees, and professional support every step of the way.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of an Iowa City Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus rental pricing in Iowa City is simple once you know what goes into the cost. The main factors that influence your price include the type of vehicle you choose, the time of year you travel, the length of your trip, your pickup and drop-off locations, and any special amenities you request.
For example, a standard full-size 56 passenger charter bus is usually billed by the hour or day. Minibuses, perfect for smaller groups going to events at the University of Iowa or downtown venues, are often more budget-friendly and may be rented by the hour or trip. If you’re planning a multi-day tour through Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, or the surrounding areas, your price may shift to a daily or mileage rate, especially if you’re making multiple stops.
The season matters, too. Prices are typically highest in spring and early summer when graduations, weddings, and local festivals are in full swing around Iowa City. Likewise, big events like the Iowa City Jazz Festival or the Iowa State Fair can mean higher demand. We always recommend booking 6 months in advance for peak dates to lock in the best rates!
Trip length is also key: Local shuttles around Iowa City or campus tours of the University of Iowa usually cost less than longer day trips to Des Moines or Chicago. Your pickup and drop-off locations (and any required overnight stays for your driver) can also affect your total.
Don’t forget amenities! Charter buses in our Iowa City network come with different features—WiFi, power outlets, TVs with DVD players, onboard restrooms, and ADA accessibility can all be requested. Let your reservation specialist know what you want so we can quote accordingly. And always ask about group discounts if you’re booking more than one bus!
Finally, every quote from Iowa City Charter Bus Services includes your driver’s pay. Tolls, parking, and driver hotel (if needed) are extra, but we’ll tell you about these up front so there are never any surprises. Call 319-259-8140—our team is happy to walk you through the details for your unique trip.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
Weekly charter bus rentals in Iowa City typically range from $5,500 to $15,000+, depending on the type of bus, distance traveled, and itinerary complexity. Full-size charter buses for school trips or sports teams touring Iowa, the Midwest, or even destinations like the Black Hills often qualify for special multi-day rates. To get an accurate weekly quote, be sure to have your group size, daily mileage, overnight stops, and desired amenities ready when you call 319-259-8140. Our team will build a custom package just for you!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few real-world Iowa City area charter bus pricing scenarios to help you plan your budget. Remember, every trip is unique so these are just estimates to help you plan your budget.
An Iowa City Wedding Shuttle Service
A couple planning a fall wedding in Iowa City wanted a seamless way to get 60 guests from two hotels in downtown Iowa City to their ceremony at The Englert Theatre, and then out to a scenic reception at the Coralville Marriott. They booked two 25-passenger minibuses for 9 hours to run continuous shuttles between hotels, the ceremony, and reception—plus late-night returns. Each minibus was priced at $175 per hour, making the base total $3,150 for both buses. They added a 12% gratuity ($378) to thank their drivers for smooth service and flexibility, bringing the total transportation cost to $3,528.
The couple chose this shuttle option so guests could celebrate, enjoy drinks, and never worry about parking or directions on the I-80 or local streets. Buses included drivers, Bluetooth sound systems, and space for flowers and decor.
A Day Trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame
A local youth baseball league from Coralville organized a full-day trip for 45 players, coaches, and parents to Cooperstown’s National Baseball Hall of Fame. They reserved one 56-passenger charter bus with a restroom, DVD player, and undercarriage storage for equipment and coolers. The bus was booked for a 12-hour day at $210 per hour, totaling $2,520. The group opted to include tolls and parking upfront ($60) and budgeted 10% for gratuity ($258), so their all-in cost was $2,838.
Players watched baseball movies on the way, had plenty of room for snacks, and arrived together for a special group photo at Doubleday Field. Parents didn’t need to coordinate carpools or drive home tired.
A Corporate Shuttle for Employees from Iowa City to Cedar Rapids
A local tech company headquartered in Iowa City needed to provide daily commuter shuttles for 15 employees traveling to the Cedar Rapids area. They chose a 18-passenger minibus to run a weekday morning and evening loop for one month (22 workdays), with each shuttle covering a 25-mile route. The package rate was $950 per day for 22 days, totaling $20,900. The company added a 10% gratuity ($2,090) for outstanding driver reliability, bringing the project’s transportation cost to $22,990.
The company selected this service for the convenience, on-time reliability, and productivity boost—employees could read, catch up on work, or rest on the commute. Buses included WiFi, power outlets, and a dedicated support rep for last-minute schedule tweaks.
A School Field Trip to the Iowa State Capitol
An Iowa City elementary school planned a half-day field trip for 60 fourth-graders, teachers, and chaperones to the Iowa State Capitol and the State Historical Museum. They booked one 56-passenger charter bus and one 24-passenger minibus for a total of 6 hours, with the charter at $180/hr and the minibus at $145/hr. The total for both: $1,950. The school PTA added $195 (10%) for driver gratuity, for a complete cost of $2,145.
Students rode together, watched a history video en route, and stored lunches in the overhead bins. The group had curbside drop-off, and no one had to cross busy downtown intersections on foot.
