East Lansing Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $176 – $496+ | $1,820 – $3,820 | $6.05 – $10.00 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $185 – $495+ | $1,686 – $3,551 | $6.14 – $10.09 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $136 – $436+ | $1,621 – $3,476 | $4.10 – $10.05 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $151 – $441+ | $1,609 – $3,364 | $4.08 – $9.03 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $167 – $447+ | $1,503 – $3,238 | $4.06 – $8.01 |
| Entertainer Coach | $332 – $567+ | $2,992 – $4,992+ | $6.08 – $10.03 |
| Yellow School Bus | $151 – $456+ | $1,527 – $3,662 | $6.10 – $10.05 |
| Shuttle Bus | $157 – $452+ | $1,521 – $3,656 | $6.08 – $10.03 |
East Lansing Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $193 – $463+ | $181 – $451+ | $1,004 – $2,904+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $220 – $520+ | $236 – $516+ | $1,211 – $3,511+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $245 – $495+ | $248 – $528+ | $1,492 – $3,892+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $149 – $389+ | $195 – $465+ | $983 – $3,883+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 517-492-3350 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in East Lansing?
Charter bus rental prices in East Lansing typically range from $155 to $375 per hour, $1,625 to $3,750 per day, or $5.25 to $9.00 per mile depending on the size and type of vehicle. Smaller 18- to 35-passenger minibuses run $155–$265 per hour or $1,550–$2,650 per day, while a full-size 56-passenger charter bus is $215–$375 per hour or $2,150–$3,750 per day. For longer trips, you may be charged by the mile instead—usually $5.25–$8.50 per mile for a minibus and $6.00–$9.00 per mile for a full-size coach. Call our East Lansing team anytime at 517-492-3350 to get an exact quote in minutes!
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in East Lansing?
Party bus rentals in East Lansing generally cost between $200 and $500 per hour, with daily rates ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the size of the vehicle and the specifics of your trip. Smaller party buses that accommodate 15 to 20 passengers are on the lower end of the spectrum, while larger buses that hold up to 40 guests will be more expensive. Factors such as the time of year, duration of the rental, and any additional amenities will also affect the final price. For the most accurate estimate, call Charter Bus Company East Lansing at 517-492-3350 or use our online quote tool to get a personalized quote in seconds.
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Call Now: 517-492-3350What Factors Affect the Price of Your East Lansing Bus Rental?
Several key factors influence the final price of your East Lansing bus rental: the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year, the day of the week, your pickup and drop-off locations, the type and size of bus you choose, and any additional expenses like tolls, parking, or special amenities. Below, we break down each of these components to show how they contribute to your overall rental cost.
Distance and Duration Influence Bus Rental Pricing
Local East Lansing bus rentals (such as shuttles between Michigan State University and downtown) are typically billed by the hour or day, while longer out-of-town trips (like East Lansing to Detroit or Chicago) are priced by the mile. The farther you travel and the longer you need the bus, the higher your total cost. Multi-day itineraries—common for sports tournaments or band trips—are often charged by the day plus mileage. Extended trips may also require covering lodging and meals for your driver.
The Time of Year Impacts East Lansing Bus Rental Prices
Charter bus rates in East Lansing fluctuate throughout the year based on demand. The busiest—and most expensive—times to book are typically spring and early summer (April through June), when schools schedule field trips, proms, and graduations, and sports teams travel for playoffs. Fall weekends can also be pricey due to college football games at Michigan State University drawing large crowds. If you’re planning a trip during these peak seasons, expect to pay higher rates and consider booking well in advance to lock in availability. Conversely, winter months tend to see lower demand and more affordable pricing, unless there’s a special event like a holiday outing or tournament.
The Day of the Week Changes East Lansing Bus Rental Pricing
Weekend rentals (Friday through Sunday) are in higher demand for weddings, sporting events, and social outings, so they’re more expensive than midweek rentals. If your schedule is flexible, booking your bus on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can result in lower rates and increased vehicle availability.
Your Starting and Ending Locations Matter
Bus companies base pricing on where your trip begins and ends. If your pickup point is outside the company’s service area—say, requesting a bus in East Lansing when the company is based in Grand Rapids—you’ll incur additional “deadhead” charges to cover the extra miles the bus travels empty. Staying within local service areas keeps costs down.
Bus Type and Size Impact East Lansing Rental Costs
Minibuses (20–35 seats) are ideal for small groups and cost less than full-size, 56-passenger motorcoaches designed for large parties or long-distance travel. Specialty vehicles like party buses or entertainer coaches carry premium rates due to custom interiors and added amenities. However, filling a larger bus with more passengers can reduce the per-person cost.
Tolls and Parking Fees Are Extra
Bridge, highway, and turnpike tolls are not included in your rental quote. Neither are parking fees at venues like the Breslin Center, Spartan Stadium, or downtown Lansing garages. You’ll be responsible for paying these additional charges separately—either directly or by reimbursing your driver. Be sure to factor them into your budget.
Booking Timing Affects East Lansing Bus Rental Pricing
Last-minute bookings limit your options and typically result in higher prices. To secure the best rates and ensure your preferred vehicle is available, book your charter bus at least three to six months in advance—especially if your trip falls during a peak season. Early reservations give you leverage and flexibility.
Cost-saving Tips to Consider When Booking a Bus
To save money on your East Lansing bus rental, book as early as possible—ideally several months in advance—to lock in lower rates and better availability. Choose the smallest vehicle that comfortably fits your group; for example, a minibus is more affordable than a full-size charter bus if you don’t need the extra seats. Schedule your trip during off-peak times, such as midweek or in the winter months, when demand and prices are lower. Consolidate pickup and drop-off locations to minimize additional mileage and avoid deadhead fees by working with a company that has vehicles based locally in East Lansing. Finally, plan your route to avoid toll roads and select venues with free or low-cost bus parking to keep extra expenses down.
Get an Instant Quote on Your East Lansing Bus Rental
The fastest way to get accurate pricing is to call Charter Bus Company East Lansing at 517-492-3350 or use our online quote tool. We’ll quickly calculate a personalized quote based on your headcount, itinerary, and vehicle preferences—then help you compare options to find the best value. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, adjust details, and make booking fast and easy. Once you have a quote, you can review it, ask questions, and finalize your reservation with a deposit. We make it simple to compare options and find the best value for your group. And remember, we serve all of East Lansing and the surrounding region—including Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, and more.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in East Lansing, MI and around Michigan. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates. For the most accurate pricing, please call our team at 517-492-3350!
East Lansing School Field Trip to Detroit
Mrs. Thompson is organizing a field trip for her 6th grade class at MacDonald Middle School to visit the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Michigan Science Center. She has 30 students and 5 chaperones. They will leave East Lansing at 8:00 AM, spend the day in Detroit, and return by 6:00 PM. She requests a 35-passenger minibus with WiFi and DVD monitors for the 180-mile round trip. She receives a quote for $3,600 ($1,800 per day). With 35 passengers, the cost is about $103 per person.
Msu Spartans Away Game to Ann Arbor
A group of 50 Michigan State University alumni want to charter a bus to Ann Arbor for the MSU vs. University of Michigan football game. They’ll depart East Lansing on Saturday morning, tailgate before the evening game, and return home immediately after. A 56-passenger charter bus is quoted at $3,200 for the day, including mileage, but not stadium parking. With 50 riders, the cost comes to $64 per person.
Corporate Event Shuttle in Downtown Lansing
A Lansing-based insurance company is hosting a training seminar at the Lansing Center and needs to shuttle 120 employees from their East Lansing campus offices over two days. They request two 56-seat charter buses running continuously from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day. The total quote comes to $7,500 ($3,750 per bus per day), or $62.50 per employee.
Wedding Guest Transportation in East Lansing
A bride and groom are getting married at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, with the reception at the MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel. To keep guests safe, they hire a 25-passenger minibus to run back-and-forth shuttles between local hotels, the ceremony, and the reception from 2:00 PM to midnight. The 10-hour rental is quoted at $2,500, or $100 per guest.
Bachelor Party Bus to Downtown Grand Rapids
For a bachelor party, 15 friends want a ride to Grand Rapids for a brewery tour. They book a 20-passenger party bus leaving East Lansing at 4:00 PM, hitting several bars, and returning by 2:00 AM. The 10-hour rental is quoted at $3,000, or $200 per person.
Senior Citizen Day Trip to Soaring Eagle Casino
An East Lansing retirement community charters a 30-passenger minibus for a day trip to Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant. The bus departs at 9:00 AM, arrives by 10:30, and leaves the casino at 4:00 PM. The 7-hour outing is quoted at $1,750, or about $58 per resident.
Band Competition Trip to Chicago
The East Lansing High School marching band qualifies for a regional competition in Chicago. Moving 60 students and 10 staff requires two 56-passenger charter buses, plus undercarriage storage for instruments. The three-day, 440-mile round-trip includes two hotel nights for drivers. The quote is $13,600 ($6,800 per bus), or about $197 per person.
