Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Indianapolis Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a coach bus in Indianapolis can range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day, depending on the size of the vehicle, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can get an instant quote in less than 30 seconds by calling our team at 463-282-3970 or using our online quote tool. We’ll ask you for details like your headcount, travel dates, pickup and drop-off locations, and any special requests, then generate an exact price with no hidden fees. Below, we’ve provided estimated rates for different types of buses, explained the factors that affect pricing, and shared sample quotes for common itineraries in Indianapolis and across Indiana.
| 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?
The average cost to rent a coach bus in Indianapolis is $170-$350+ per hour, $1,800-$3,500+ per day, or $6,000-$8,000+ per week. Minibuses are smaller and more affordable, with hourly rates starting at $150-$185, daily rates from $1,400-$2,200, and weekly rates around $4,800-$6,500. If you need a party bus, expect to pay $250-$450+ per hour depending on the size and amenities. School bus rentals are the cheapest option, starting at $135-$200 per hour or $1,400-$2,000 per day. For exact pricing, call our team at 463-282-3970 or use our online quote tool to get an instant quote in 30 seconds.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Indianapolis?
Several key factors determine the final price of your bus rental:
Travel Dates: Demand for charter buses in Indianapolis peaks during certain times of year, such as spring break (March-April), summer wedding season (May-August), and major sporting events like the Indianapolis 500 (late May) or Colts games at Lucas Oil Stadium (September-January). Booking during these busy periods will cost more than traveling in the off-season.
Trip Duration: Most companies charge by the hour (with a 5-hour minimum), by the day (up to 10-12 hours of continuous service), or by the mile for long-distance trips. Multi-day itineraries require you to pay for the bus and driver’s time even when parked overnight. Local shuttles within Marion County are cheaper than out-and-back trips to Chicago, Cincinnati, or Louisville.
Distance Traveled: The farther you go, the more you’ll pay—especially if your route takes you outside Central Indiana. For example, a round-trip from downtown Indianapolis to Bloomington (IU campus) is about 100 miles each way and will cost less than a charter to Notre Dame in South Bend (150+ miles one way) or an overnight excursion to Nashville, TN.
Bus Size & Type: Full-size coach buses (47-56 passengers) are the most expensive because they offer the most seating and amenities like restrooms, WiFi, and luggage bays. Minibuses (18-35 passengers) are more affordable but have limited storage and fewer features. School buses are great for short trips on a budget, while party buses command premium rates due to their luxury interiors. If you need an ADA-accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift, let us know when booking—there’s no extra charge, but availability may be limited.
Additional Expenses: Your quote covers the cost of the bus, driver’s wages, fuel, insurance, and basic cleaning. However, you’re responsible for paying tolls (like on I-65 or I-69), parking fees (at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or White River State Park), and lodging for the driver if your trip requires an overnight stay more than 100 miles from their home base. Gratuity is optional but appreciated—industry standard is 10-20% of the total bill.
Lead Time: The earlier you book, the better your rate will be. We recommend reserving your bus at least 3-6 months in advance for large events or peak season travel. Last-minute bookings (less than 2 weeks’ notice) are subject to higher prices and limited availability.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Indianapolis, IN and around Indiana. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Indianapolis to Chicago Weekend Trip
A corporate group of 40 employees wants to attend a conference in downtown Chicago. They’ll depart Indianapolis on Friday afternoon, spend two nights at a hotel near Navy Pier, and return Sunday evening after sightseeing along the Magnificent Mile. The itinerary includes multiple drop-offs in the Loop and evening pickups from River North restaurants. Because this is an interstate trip covering 360 miles round-trip, with two full days of service and mandatory driver hotel accommodations, the quote comes to $5,500 for a 56-passenger coach bus equipped with WiFi and power outlets. This rate includes tolls on I-65 and parking fees at the hotel’s designated bus lot.
Downtown Wedding Shuttle
A bride is hosting her ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and reception at the Mavris Arts & Event Center. She needs continuous shuttle service for 120 guests between venues, plus late-night drops at three hotels along Washington Street. The schedule runs from 3:00 PM to midnight, requiring three 25-passenger minibuses looping every 20 minutes. Since all locations are within a 3-mile radius and total runtime is 9 hours, the package price is $2,700 ($900 per minibus). This quote covers unlimited mileage within city limits, standby time during the ceremony, and coordination with hotel staff for curbside loading. No extra charge for decorating the buses with ribbons matching the wedding colors.
School Field Trip to Children’s Museum
An elementary school in Carmel is planning a field trip to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. They need transportation for 75 students and 10 chaperones, departing at 9:00 AM and returning by 2:30 PM. The museum is 20 miles from the school, and the itinerary includes one drop-off in the morning and one pickup after lunch. For this short, local trip, two 40-passenger school buses are quoted at $1,200 total ($600 each). This rate includes parking in the museum’s designated bus lane, but does not cover admission tickets or meals. If the group wanted to add a second stop at the Indianapolis Zoo, the price would increase by $200 to account for extra mileage and wait time.
Colts Game Day Shuttle
A group of friends is renting a party bus to tailgate at Lucas Oil Stadium before a Sunday afternoon Colts game. They’ll be picked up at a private residence in Fishers, driven downtown for four hours of pregame festivities, and dropped off in the same location after the final whistle. The total duration is 7 hours, with no additional stops or detours. For a 20-passenger party bus with perimeter seating, LED lighting, and a Bluetooth sound system, the quote is $1,800. This includes parking in Lot B, which is reserved for oversized vehicles, and a cleanup fee for any trash left behind. Alcohol consumption is permitted on board, but all passengers must be 21 or older and abide by open container laws.
Bloomington Campus Tour
A high school guidance counselor is organizing a college visit to Indiana University Bloomington for 30 juniors and seniors. The itinerary departs from Lawrence Township at 7:00 AM, arrives on campus by 9:00 AM, and includes guided tours of residence halls, academic buildings, and the student union. After lunch at Kirkwood Avenue, the group boards the bus for a 2:00 PM departure back to Indianapolis, arriving before rush hour. For this full-day excursion covering 120 miles round-trip, a 35-passenger minibus is quoted at $1,400. The rate includes parking permits at two campus locations and onboard WiFi for students to complete assignments during transit. If the group wished to extend their stay for an evening basketball game at Assembly Hall, the additional hours would be billed at $150 per hour.
Multi-day Youth Sports Tournament in Fort Wayne
A youth soccer club is traveling to Fort Wayne for a weekend tournament at the Plex South sports complex. The roster consists of 18 players, 4 coaches, and 10 parents, requiring one 25-passenger minibus for transport. Departure is scheduled for Friday evening, with games all day Saturday and Sunday morning, followed by a return trip after the championship match. The bus will remain on standby at the hotel to shuttle participants to and from the fields as needed. For this two-night, three-day itinerary covering 260 miles round-trip, the quote is $2,800. This includes driver lodging at the same hotel as the team, secure parking at the sports complex, and storage space for coolers, tents, and athletic gear. Meal stops at fast food restaurants along I-69 are accommodated at no extra charge, provided they fit within the existing schedule.