When it comes to renting a charter bus in Elgin, one of the first questions we get is “How much does it cost?” At Elgin Charter Bus, we make it easy to get the pricing information you need. Charter bus rentals in Elgin typically start around $900 per day for smaller minibuses and $1,200 to $1,800 per day for full-size charter buses. Your exact price depends on the type of bus, the length of your trip, and the amenities you need. For a custom quote, call our team at 224-840-1710.
Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
---|---|---|---|
56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
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 |
School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
Charter bus pricing in Elgin varies based on several factors. The type of bus you choose is one of the biggest price drivers. Full-size charter buses that seat 50 to 56 passengers usually cost more than minibuses that seat 18 to 35 passengers. For example, a 56-passenger bus might be $1,600 to $3,800 per day, while a 35-passenger minibus could be $1,500 to $3,400 per day. You can see the full range of prices in the table below.
The length and distance of your trip also impact your cost. Local hourly rentals, like for a wedding shuttle in downtown Elgin, are usually charged by the hour, with rates from $197 to $519 per hour for a 56-passenger bus. For longer trips, you might pay a daily rate plus mileage. If you’re traveling to a destination like Milwaukee or Chicago, your quote will include the miles traveled. Always ask if your quote is hourly, daily, or mileage-based so you know what to expect.
Season and demand can cause prices to fluctuate. Summer, graduation season, and holiday weekends are peak times for charter bus rentals in Elgin, so prices may be higher. Booking early can help you lock in a better rate. Last-minute bookings often cost more, especially if you need a bus on short notice.
Additional amenities affect your price too. WiFi, power outlets, and entertainment systems are standard on many charter buses, but some companies charge extra. If you want TVs, a PA system, or ADA accessibility, ask if there’s an upcharge. You’ll also need to consider driver gratuity, which is typically 10-20% of your total cost and is given to the driver directly for great service.
At Elgin Charter Bus, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. When you call 224-840-1710, we’ll give you a clear, all-inclusive quote so you can budget with confidence. We’ll help you choose the right bus for your group and make sure you get the best value for your trip.
For week-long rentals, such as a school trip to Washington D.C. or a corporate shuttle for a multi-day conference, expect to pay between $8,000 and $15,000. The exact price depends on the bus size, distance traveled, and any overnight stays. Full-size charter buses usually offer weekly rates that are more economical than booking day by day. If you need a bus for a week, call us at 224-840-1710 for a custom quote and availability.
Below are some real-world pricing examples for charter bus rentals in Elgin. These are estimates based on typical rates and routes. Your exact price may vary, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect.
A couple getting married in Elgin wanted to provide transportation for 50 guests from their hotel to their wedding venue, The Haight. They booked a 56-passenger charter bus for 6 hours on a Saturday. Their rental included a driver, onboard WiFi, and power outlets. The bus driver waited at the hotel and shuttled guests in 3 trips to the venue, and back after the reception. The couple chose a full-size charter bus to keep everyone together and off the roads around downtown Elgin. Their total cost was $2,500, which included $450 in driver gratuity. They said having the bus was “the best decision” they made for their wedding day.
An Elgin-based tech company hosted a 2-day conference at the Fox River Valley Innovation Center. They needed to shuttle 40 attendees from a downtown hotel to the venue each morning and back in the evening. They booked a 45-passenger charter bus for 10 hours each day, plus 2 hours of extra evening use for networking events. The bus came equipped with onboard WiFi, a PA system, and TVs with HDMI hookups for presentations. The total mileage was 120 miles over the 2 days. The company also requested a driver to be on-call for airport pickups. The total cost for the corporate shuttle was $4,200, including a 15% gratuity for the driver. The organizers said the bus service “made our conference run smoothly” and “everyone arrived on time and ready to go.”
A 7th-grade class from Elgin wanted to take a field trip to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. The school booked a 56-passenger charter bus for 10 hours to accommodate the full class, teachers, and chaperones. The bus driver picked the group up from Elgin High School, drove them to the museum, and waited in a nearby lot for 4 hours. The driver also made a quick stop at Millennial Park on the way back for a group photo. The bus was equipped with reclining seats and overhead storage for student backpacks. The total trip covered 90 miles, and the school’s PTA funded the trip at a cost of $1,800, including a $300 gratuity for the driver. The teacher said the trip “was a huge success” and “the students loved the comfort of the bus.”
A groom and his friends planned a bachelor party in Elgin with stops at local breweries like Two Brothers and Elgin Brewing Company. They reserved a 20-passenger minibus for 8 hours to shuttle the group safely between venues. The bus came with a mini-fridge, LED lighting, and a Bluetooth sound system so the guys could play their own music. The driver acted as the designated driver for the night, and the group also requested a cooler for craft beer purchases. The total cost for the bachelor party shuttle was $1,600, including gratuity. The groom said the bus “kept our group together the whole night” and “everyone had a blast without worrying about rides.”