Charter Bus Prices in Wilmington
One of the most common questions we get at Charter Bus Rental Wilmington is: “How much does it cost to rent a charter bus in Wilmington?” And we get it! Price is a huge factor when it comes to booking group transportation, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. While we can quickly give you an exact quote when you call us at 910-805-0660, we also want to make sure you understand how bus pricing works, what factors influence the cost, and what you can expect to pay for different types of trips in Wilmington and the surrounding Cape Fear region.
Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to charter bus pricing in Wilmington, including real-world examples, a breakdown of all the factors that go into your quote, and tips for getting the best possible rate. If you have any questions or you’re ready to get an exact quote for your trip, our team is available 24/7 at 910-805-0660.
| 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 Wilmington?
Wilmington charter bus rental rates typically range from $1,100 to $4,500+ for most local trips, with longer or multi-day rentals costing more. Smaller vehicles like 18-passenger minibuses start around $200–$325 per hour, while full-size 56-passenger charter buses run $400–$475 per hour or $1,900–$4,900 per day. For multi-day or out-of-town trips, you may be quoted by the day ($1,900–$4,900) or by mileage ($6.50–$9.00 per mile).
The best way to get an accurate price is to call Charter Bus Rental Wilmington at 910-805-0660 with your trip details. We’re available 24/7, and we can get you a quote in minutes! Once you receive a quote, you can review your flexible payment options and even book your rental online. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7, so feel free to call us anytime for a free quote!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing in Wilmington?
Several factors will determine the final cost of your Wilmington charter bus rental:
- Time of Year: Bus rentals are in higher demand during peak travel seasons, such as spring (April–June) and fall (September–November), when schools are in session and events like Azalea Festival or wedding season are underway. Summer rates can also spike due to beach trips and tourism.
- Trip Duration and Distance: Local trips within Wilmington (downtown, UNCW, hospital shuttles) may be billed hourly, while longer trips to Raleigh, Myrtle Beach, or Charlotte are charged by the day or mile.
- Pickup Location: If your trip starts in a city where the bus is not already located (like Southport or Topsail Beach), you may be charged for “deadhead” mileage to bring the bus to your group.
- Vehicle Type and Size: Larger, newer, or more luxurious buses (with Wi-Fi, leather seats, or onboard restrooms) cost more than smaller or standard models.
- Trip Duration: Multi-day trips incur higher costs due to additional driver hours, lodging, and per diem expenses.
- Additional Expenses: Tolls (like those on I-140 or Cape Fear Memorial Bridge), parking fees (at venues or beaches), and driver gratuity (typically 10–20%) are not always included in the base quote.
- Special Requests: Buses requiring ADA accessibility, custom branding, or upgraded amenities may carry additional fees.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you budget for your next trip, we’ve compiled several real-world pricing examples for popular charter bus routes in and around Wilmington. These examples include a variety of trip types—single-day, multi-day, local, and long-distance—so you can get a sense of what your rental might cost. Remember, these are just estimates; for exact pricing on your specific trip, call our team anytime at 910-805-0660!
Example #1
Scenario: A bride is getting married at St. Thomas Preservation Hall and hosting her reception at Bakery 105. She needs a shuttle to transport 100 guests between the Hilton Wilmington Riverside (where many guests are staying), the ceremony, and the reception venue. The service will run continuous loops from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Quote: 2 x 56-passenger charter buses (8 hours) at $400 per hour = $6,400 total
Example #2
Scenario: The UNC Wilmington women’s soccer team is traveling to Coastal Carolina University for a preseason scrimmage. The trip includes a departure from UNCW’s campus, a one-night hotel stay in Conway, and a return the following evening.
Quote: 1 x 56-passenger charter bus (2 days, 150 miles each way) at $2,000 per day = $4,000 total
Example #3
Scenario: A pharmaceutical company is hosting a two-day training seminar at the Thermo Fisher Scientific (formerly PPD) headquarters on Front Street. Employees are flying into ILM and staying at nearby hotels. The organizer needs continuous shuttle service between the airport, hotels, and the corporate office from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.
Quote: 1 x 25-passenger minibus (12 hours/day x 2 days) at $250 per hour = $6,000 total
Example #4
Scenario: A middle school in the New Hanover County Schools district is planning a field trip to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the State Capitol in Raleigh. The trip will depart at 6:00 a.m., spend the day touring, and return by 8:00 p.m.
Quote: 1 x 56-passenger charter bus (14-hour day, 260 miles round-trip) at $400 per hour = $5,600 total
Example #5
Scenario: A high school marching band from Charlotte is performing in the North Carolina Azalea Festival parade. They require round-trip transportation from their school to Wilmington, two nights of hotel shuttles, and local transfers to the parade staging area.
Quote: 1 x 56-passenger charter bus (3 days, 400 miles each way) at $2,500 per day = $7,500 total
Example #6
Scenario: A Wilmington-area church is taking its youth group to a weekend retreat at the Fort Caswell Coastal Retreat Center on Oak Island. The bus will drop off the group on Friday evening, stay on-site, and return everyone on Sunday afternoon.
Quote: 1 x 35-passenger minibus (2 days, 80 miles round-trip) at $1,200 per day = $2,400 total
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