Fresno Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Fresno Bus Rental Cost?
The price of a charter bus rental in Fresno can range from $170 to $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day depending on your trip details. Your total charter bus rental cost will depend on factors like when you’re traveling, your group size, how far you plan to travel, and what kind of bus you book. The only way to get an exact price is to call our team at 559-890-4730 or use our online quote tool. We’ll get you an instant quote in just minutes! Below, we’ve outlined some estimated rates and explained the factors that will affect your final price.
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 Bus Rental Cost?
Fresno Minibus Company offers a wide range of buses for groups of all sizes across Fresno County and the Central Valley. Our fleet includes everything from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger charter buses, and even party buses or sprinter vans for smaller groups. Here are some average rates you can expect when you rent a bus with us:
- 56-Passenger Charter Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
These prices are just estimates—your actual quote may vary based on your specific itinerary and needs. For example, booking during peak season (spring and summer) or major events like Fresno State football games or the Big Fresno Fair may increase rates. The best way to get an accurate price is to call us at 559-890-4730 and speak with one of our representatives.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Fresno?
Several factors will influence the cost of your charter bus rental in Fresno. One of the biggest factors is the type and size of bus you choose. Larger vehicles like a 56-passenger charter bus generally cost more than smaller options like a 20-passenger minibus because they offer more seating and amenities. However, if you have a large group, it’s usually more cost-effective to book one large bus instead of multiple smaller ones.
The duration and distance of your trip also play a significant role in pricing. Local trips within Fresno—such as shuttling between downtown hotels like the DoubleTree by Hilton or Radisson Hotel Fresno Conference Center and venues like the Fresno Convention Center, Chukchansi Park, or Save Mart Center—are often billed hourly (with a minimum of 4-5 hours). Longer trips outside the city, such as day trips to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Shaver Lake, or even down to Disneyland or up to San Francisco, are typically charged by the mile or day. Make sure to include all planned stops, whether it’s touring local wineries in Madera, visiting the Forestiere Underground Gardens, or catching a Grizzlies game, so we can provide an accurate quote.
Seasonality is another important factor. Charter bus demand in Fresno peaks during spring and fall due to school field trips (to places like the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Discovery Center, or Kearney Mansion Museum), graduations at Fresno State, and major events like the Big Fresno Fair or Clovis Rodeo Days. Booking during these busy times may result in higher rates, so try to reserve your bus at least 3-6 months in advance for the best availability and pricing.
Additional costs may include tolls (like those on Highway 41 heading toward Yosemite or Highway 99 to Bakersfield), parking fees at destinations such as the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), Woodward Park, or Island Waterpark, and lodging for the driver if your trip requires an overnight stay. If your itinerary includes late-night returns from weddings at venues like Holland Park West or Wolf Lakes Park, or multi-day excursions to coastal cities, you’ll need to cover hotel expenses for the driver. While not mandatory, tipping your driver (typically 10-20% of the total cost) is customary and appreciated for excellent service.
Lastly, any special requests—such as ADA-accessible vehicles for events at the Fresno Art Museum, onboard WiFi for corporate shuttles to tech campuses near River Park, or extra luggage space for sports teams traveling to tournaments at Granite Park Sports Complex or Selland Arena—should be mentioned upfront so we can accommodate your needs and include them in the quote.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Fresno, CA and around California. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Fresno State Football Fan Group to San Jose State

A group of 40 Fresno State Bulldogs fans wants to charter a bus to watch the team play San Jose State. They’ll depart from the Fresno State campus early Saturday morning, arrive at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose for tailgating and the game, and return home after the final whistle. The round trip is about 300 miles and will take around 12 hours total. For this itinerary, we quoted the group $3,900 for a 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, WiFi, power outlets, and a restroom. That comes out to under $100 per person for comfortable, convenient game day transportation with no need to worry about Bay Area traffic or parking.
Wedding Shuttle Between Wolf Lakes Park and Downtown Hotels

A bride is planning her summer wedding at Wolf Lakes Park in Sanger and wants to provide a continuous shuttle for guests staying at hotels in downtown Fresno (like the DoubleTree and Radisson). She books a 25-passenger minibus to run back and forth for 8 hours, ensuring everyone arrives safely and on time. The total cost comes to $2,600, which includes multiple trips, standby time during the reception, and late-night returns. This option gives guests the freedom to enjoy the celebration without worrying about driving, while the couple enjoys peace of mind knowing everyone will get back to their hotel safely.
Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

A local high school is organizing a spring field trip to Yosemite National Park for 50 students and chaperones. They need a charter bus to pick up everyone at the school, drive to Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, stay with the group throughout the day, and return to Fresno in the evening. The school receives a quote of $3,800 for a 56-passenger bus with A/C, TV monitors, and undercarriage storage for backpacks and lunches. This price covers the entire 14-hour day and approximately 200-mile round trip, making it an affordable and efficient way to give students a memorable experience in one of California’s most iconic destinations.
Corporate Shuttle From River Park to Amazon Fulfillment Center

An Amazon fulfillment center near the Fresno Yosemite International Airport hires a daily employee shuttle to reduce parking congestion and improve shift change efficiency. The company contracts a 20-passenger minibus to run three loops each morning and evening between the River Park shopping center and the warehouse, Monday through Friday. At a rate of $1,700 per day, the monthly cost is about $37,400. The investment pays off by reducing tardiness, increasing productivity, and offering workers a reliable commuting alternative—all while keeping more cars off busy surface streets like Herndon and Peach Avenue.
Bachelorette Party Wine Tour in Madera

A maid of honor books an 18-passenger minibus for a Saturday bachelorette party visiting three wineries along the Madera Wine Trail: Ficklin Vineyards, Toca Madera Winery, and San Joaquin Wine Company. The bus picks up the group at a Fresno Airbnb, visits each tasting room, stops for dinner in downtown Madera, and returns after 8 hours. The total price is $1,800, split among 12 guests for just $150 each. Everyone enjoys a carefree day of wine tasting without designating a driver, and the minibus provides secure storage for cases purchased along the way.
Multi-day Band Competition Trip to Los Angeles

A Fresno high school band qualifies for a statewide competition in Los Angeles and needs transportation for 70 students, directors, and equipment. The school district charters two 56-passenger buses for a three-day trip, including hotel transfers, meals, and sightseeing at Universal Studios Hollywood. The quote comes to $13,500 total ($6,750 per bus), covering approximately 500 miles each way plus local travel within LA. Features include reclining seats, restrooms, DVD players, and ample luggage space for instruments. Compared to flying or renting multiple vans, this option keeps the group together, simplifies logistics, and supports a successful performance at the event.