Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Erie Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost to rent a bus in Erie is between $170 to $500 per hour depending on the type of bus you choose and when you’re traveling. That comes out to about $1,800 to $3,800 per day for most trips. Minibuses and school buses are the most affordable options, while party buses, sprinter vans, and full-size charter buses cost more. The only way to get an exact price is to call our team at 814-960-7110 or use our online quote tool. We’ll get you an instant quote in under 30 seconds! Below, we’ve provided some estimated rates and explained the factors that will determine 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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
On average, the cost of renting a coach bus with Erie Coach Bus Service ranges from $155 to $375+ per hour, $1,350 to $2,700+ per day, and $195 to $385+ per mile traveled. These prices are based on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of the rental, the distance traveled, the time of year, and the specific amenities requested. For example, a 56-passenger motorcoach will typically cost more than a 25-passenger minibus, but it also offers more space and features such as onboard restrooms, reclining seats, and WiFi. If you need an ADA-accessible bus, please let us know at least two weeks in advance so we can accommodate your request at no extra charge.
To get an accurate quote for your trip, call our 24/7 reservation team at 814-960-7110 or use our online booking tool to compare prices and availability in real time. We’ll ask you for details such as your pickup location, destination, headcount, itinerary, and any special requests, and then provide you with a personalized quote in less than 30 seconds!
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Erie?
There are a lot of things that go into determining the price of your bus rental. Here are some of the biggest factors:
Travel Dates: Erie sees peak demand for charter bus rentals during the summer months (June through August), when families are vacationing on Presque Isle, wedding season is in full swing, and local festivals like CelebrateErie and Roar on the Shore draw large crowds. Spring and fall are also busy with school field trips to Waldameer Park, the Erie Zoo, and regional college tours. If you’re traveling during these times, expect higher rates and limited availability. Winter is generally slower, but rates may increase around the holidays due to events like Downtown D’Lights and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Trip Distance and Duration: Most companies charge by the hour for local trips (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), and by the day or mile for longer trips. For example, a 6-hour wedding shuttle between downtown Erie hotels and a Lake Shore Country Club reception will be priced differently than a 3-day tour to Niagara Falls or Pittsburgh. Make sure to provide your full itinerary so we can give you an accurate quote.
Bus Type and Size: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans, but they also offer more seating, luggage space, and premium amenities (restrooms, DVD players, WiFi, etc.). Party buses with custom interiors, lighting, and sound systems are usually the most expensive option. School buses are the most budget-friendly, but they have limited features and are best for short-distance travel.
Additional Expenses: Your quote covers the base cost of the bus, but there are a few extra charges to consider. You’ll be responsible for tolls (like the Bayfront Connector or I-90), parking fees at venues (such as UPMC Park or Erie Insurance Arena), and lodging for the driver if your trip requires an overnight stay outside Erie County. Gratuity is optional but always appreciated—industry standard is 10-20% of the total cost.
Special Requests: If you need an ADA-accessible bus with a wheelchair lift, or want specific amenities like onboard WiFi, power outlets, or extra luggage space for ski trips to Peek’n Peak, let us know when you book. We can accommodate most requests, but last-minute changes may affect pricing and availability.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Erie, PA and around Pennsylvania. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to the Erie Zoo

Mrs. Johnson is organizing a spring field trip for her 3rd grade class at Belle Valley Elementary. She needs transportation for 48 students and 6 chaperones from the school to the Erie Zoo, departing at 9:00 AM and returning by 2:30 PM. The group will spend the day exploring animal exhibits, enjoying a picnic lunch, and riding the zoo train. For this itinerary, Mrs. Johnson was quoted $1,050 for a 25-passenger minibus making two round trips. With 54 passengers total, the cost comes out to less than $20 per person for a fun and educational day.
Wedding Shuttle in North East

Emily and Jake are getting married at Quincy Cellars in Ripley, NY, but most of their guests are staying at hotels in North East, PA. They’ve arranged for a continuous shuttle to run between the venue and three hotel locations (Holiday Inn Express, Grape Arbor Bed & Breakfast, and Lakeview on the Lake) from 3:30 PM until midnight. The total drive time per loop is about 40 minutes, and the couple wants guests to have a safe ride back after the reception. For this 8-hour booking, they were quoted $1,600 for a 20-passenger minibus with room for coolers and gift bags.
Corporate Commuter Shuttle to Wabtec

A local manufacturing company in Lawrence Park Township is launching a new commuter shuttle for employees who live in downtown Erie and Millcreek. The bus will make three morning pickups and three evening drop-offs along West 12th Street, stopping at designated park-and-ride lots near Frontier Park and Liberty Plaza. The company has contracted a 40-passenger charter bus with WiFi and power outlets for a 30-day trial period, Monday through Friday, 10 hours per day. The monthly rate for this service is $18,000, which includes all mileage, fuel, and driver overtime.
Day Trip to Presque Isle State Park

A church youth group from Meadville is planning a summer outing to Presque Isle State Park for swimming, biking, and a sunset worship service on Beach 11. The group consists of 32 teens and 4 adult leaders, departing at 8:00 AM and returning by 9:00 PM. They’ve requested a 35-passenger bus with undercarriage storage for coolers, beach chairs, and sports equipment. The quote for this 13-hour day trip is $1,950, which includes a pickup in Crawford County, drop-off at multiple beach areas, and a dinner stop at Sara’s Restaurant before heading home.
Multi-day Tour to Pittsburgh

An Erie-based senior center is organizing a 3-day cultural tour to Pittsburgh, with stops at the Carnegie Museums, Phipps Conservatory, and a matinee performance at the Benedum Center. The itinerary includes hotel accommodations in downtown Pittsburgh, group dinners in the Strip District, and free time for shopping at Station Square. The group size is 44, requiring a full-size charter bus with a restroom, reclining seats, and DVD monitors for movies en route. The total cost for the three-day rental is $4,950, plus $300 for driver lodging and meals.
Sports Team Travel to Cleveland

A local AAU basketball team has qualified for a weekend tournament in Cleveland, OH. The schedule calls for a Friday afternoon departure from Erie, two nights at a hotel near Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and multiple games across different venues in the city. With 12 players, 3 coaches, and 8 family supporters, the group has booked a 25-passenger minibus for exclusive use. The all-inclusive rate for the weekend is $2,400, covering approximately 220 miles round-trip, parking fees at sports complexes, and late-night returns after games.