Decatur Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $200 – $520+ | $1,800 – $3,800 | $6.12 – $10.07 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $170 – $480+ | $1,714 – $3,579 | $6.10 – $10.05 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $149 – $449+ | $1,592 – $3,447 | $4.10 – $10.05 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $141 – $431+ | $1,630 – $3,385 | $4.06 – $9.01 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $161 – $441+ | $1,537 – $3,272 | $4.08 – $8.03 |
| Entertainer Coach | $299 – $534+ | $2,998 – $4,998+ | $6.06 – $10.01 |
| Yellow School Bus | $126 – $431+ | $1,523 – $3,658 | $6.08 – $10.03 |
| Shuttle Bus | $140 – $435+ | $1,517 – $3,652 | $6.14 – $10.09 |
Decatur 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) | $165 – $435+ | $184 – $454+ | $993 – $2,893+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $219 – $519+ | $217 – $497+ | $1,196 – $3,496+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $235 – $485+ | $258 – $538+ | $1,498 – $3,898+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $145 – $385+ | $183 – $453+ | $1,006 – $3,906+ |
* 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 447-529-2760 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Decatur?
Charter bus rental prices in Decatur typically range from $155 to $375 per hour or $1,600 to $4,000 per day, depending on the size of the vehicle and the specifics of your trip. Larger vehicles like a 56-passenger motorcoach generally cost between $310 and $375 per hour, while smaller options such as a 25-passenger minibus run closer to $185–$250 per hour. Daily rates apply to longer trips and can be more cost-effective for itineraries requiring continuous service. For the most accurate pricing, call Charter Bus Company Decatur at 447-529-2760 or use our online quote tool to get an instant estimate tailored to your itinerary.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Decatur?
Party bus rental pricing in Decatur, IL, varies based on the size of the party bus, the length of the rental, and the time of year. Smaller party buses (15- 20 passengers) typically cost $200-$300 per hour, while larger party buses (30-40 passengers) can range from $350-$500+ per hour. Most companies require a minimum booking of 4-5 hours. Full-day rentals can run $2,000-$5,000 depending on mileage and exact vehicle size. Additional charges may apply for fuel, tolls, parking, or special amenities. Contacting local providers like Charter Bus Company Decatur directly is the best way to get an accurate quote for your specific event and date.
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Call Now: 447-529-2760What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing?
Several factors influence the price of a charter bus rental in Decatur, including the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year, the day of the week, your starting and ending locations, the type and size of the bus, and any additional expenses like tolls, parking, or driver accommodations. Understanding how each of these elements affects your quote can help you plan a more budget-friendly trip and avoid unexpected costs.
Distance and Duration: the Biggest Price Driver
One of the most significant factors affecting your charter bus price will be the distance and duration of your trip. Local trips around Decatur—such as shuttles between Millikin University and downtown, transfers to Decatur Airport (DEC), or service to ADM and Tate & Lyle facilities—are typically priced by the hour. If you’re heading out of town—say, to Springfield for a state capitol tour, Champaign-Urbana for a University of Illinois game, or even Chicago for a multi-day excursion—it’s usually charged by the mile or by the day.
Busy routes like Decatur-to-Springfield via I-72, Decatur-to-Champaign via US-36/I-72, or Decatur-to- Bloomington– Normal via US-51 are all considered when calculating mileage-based pricing. Multi-day trips (for example, a church retreat to Lake Shelbyville or a school competition requiring overnight stays) may incur additional daily rates plus lodging costs for the driver.
The Time of Year Impacts Availability and Rates
Just like airlines and hotels, charter bus rates fluctuate with seasonal demand. In Decatur, spring and fall are peak times due to school field trips, sports tournaments, and corporate events—think Millikin University graduation in May, high school athletics in September, or company outings timed with harvest season. During these months, there’s higher demand for larger buses, which can drive up prices by 10–20% compared to winter months.
If your schedule is flexible, consider planning your trip during slower periods (like January or February) to secure lower rates. Summer can also be busy with wedding shuttles to venues like the Beach House at Lake Decatur or Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, so book early if traveling June through August.
Day of the Week Matters Too
Weekend rentals (Friday through Sunday) are typically more expensive than weekday rentals because of higher demand from weddings, sporting events, and social gatherings. For example, a Saturday evening charter to a Decatur Civic Center concert or a high school football game will cost more than a Tuesday corporate shuttle. If your schedule allows, booking your trip midweek can help lower your overall rental cost.
Your Starting and Ending Locations Affect Pricing
If your trip starts or ends outside of a major city where your bus provider has an office, you may incur additional charges known as deadhead fees. For example, if you’re located 60 miles from the nearest bus depot, you’ll be charged for the miles the bus travels to and from your location without passengers on board. To avoid excessive deadhead fees, try to work with a company that has buses stationed near your departure point.
Bus Type and Size: Bigger Isn’t Always Cheaper
The type and size of vehicle you choose also play a significant role in determining your rental cost. Full-size charter buses (seating up to 56 passengers) are more expensive than smaller minibuses but can be more economical on a per-person basis for large groups. Specialty vehicles like party buses, sprinter vans, or entertainer coaches often come with premium pricing due to custom interiors and additional amenities. When requesting a quote, provide an accurate headcount so you’re matched with the most appropriately sized vehicle for your group.
Tolls and Parking Fees Add Up
Additional expenses such as tolls and parking fees are not typically included in your initial quote and will be billed separately. If your route passes through toll roads or requires parking in downtown areas—such as near the Decatur Civic Center, Millikin University, or Decatur Airport—you’ll be responsible for covering those costs. Be sure to factor in these potential expenses when budgeting for your trip. Local parking fees might include $10–$20 per day at the Decatur Civic Center garage or $5–$15 at ADM and Tate & Lyle facility lots. Regional tolls on I-72 to Springfield or I-57 to Champaign can add $5–$30 each way, depending on your exact route.
Booking Timing: Why Booking Early Saves Money
How far in advance you book your bus can significantly impact the price. As buses get reserved, supply decreases, and prices rise—especially during peak seasons. It’s best to book at least three to six months ahead for the lowest rates, especially if your trip aligns with busy times like school graduations, sports tournaments, or holiday events. Last-minute bookings may result in higher prices or limited vehicle availability.
Cost-saving Tips to Consider
To keep your charter bus rental affordable, start by booking as early as possible—ideally three to six months in advance—to lock in lower rates and ensure better vehicle availability. Schedule your trip during off-peak times, such as winter months or midweek days, when demand and prices are lower. Choose a pickup location close to the operator’s depot to minimize deadhead fees, and select the exact vehicle size you need to avoid paying for unused seats. Consolidate your itinerary to reduce idle time, splitting longer breaks with nearby attractions instead of continuous hourly billing. Finally, ask your provider about bundling tolls and parking into the quote upfront so you can budget accurately and avoid unexpected add-on charges later.
Call to Speak With a Live Reservation Specialist
Ready to get an exact quote for your trip? Call Charter Bus Company Decatur anytime at 447-529-2760. We have live reservation specialists available 24/7 to answer questions, provide custom quotes, and help you compare vehicles. It’s fast, easy, and there’s no obligation—just honest pricing from people who know the business inside and out.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Decatur, IL and around Illinois. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip From Decatur to Springfield
Ms. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class at Dennis Lab School to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. The group consists of 28 students and 4 chaperones. They will depart Decatur at 8:00 AM, spend the day touring the museum and historic downtown Springfield, and return home by 3:30 PM. Because the itinerary includes several stops and spans most of the school day, their quote comes to $2,350. With 32 passengers, that’s about $73 per person for a 30-passenger minibus.
Wedding Guest Shuttle Between Downtown Decatur and Mt. Zion
A bride and groom need to transport 85 guests from hotels in downtown Decatur to their ceremony at a church in Mt. Zion, then to a reception at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, and finally back to the hotels at the end of the night. Their coordinator books two 56-passenger charter buses to run continuous shuttles between each venue. With all transportation happening over a single 8-hour period, the total comes to $5,600—about $66 per guest. The couple tips each driver $300 at the end of the night.
High School Sports Team Traveling to State Finals in Peoria
Eisenhower High School’s basketball team qualifies for the state finals in Peoria. The athletic director arranges a 42-passenger charter bus to carry 15 players, 4 coaches, and 20 student fans. The group will leave Decatur at noon, arrive in Peoria by 3:00 PM, play their game, and return home that evening. Since the trip covers over 180 miles round-trip in a single day, their quote comes to $3,900. The booster club covers half the cost, leaving the rest to be split among the players and fans.
Senior Center Outing to the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater
The Decatur-Macon County Senior Center is organizing a trip for 18 residents to attend a summer concert at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater. Several attendees use wheelchairs, so they request an ADA-accessible minibus. The outing will last approximately 5 hours, including transportation to and from the venue and time for the performance. At a rate of $190 per hour, the total comes to $950, plus a $15 parking fee at the amphitheater. The final cost is $965, which is covered by a combination of participant fees and a grant from the Area Agency on Aging.
School Field Trip to Scovill Zoo and Children’s Museum of Illinois
American Dreamer STEM Academy wants to take 120 fifth-grade students and 12 teachers on a field trip to Scovill Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Illinois. They need to arrive at the zoo by 9:00 AM, eat lunch at the museum, and return to school by 2:30 PM. This requires two 56-passenger charter buses at $170 per hour each for 5.5 hours, totaling $1,870 per bus or $3,740 overall. Since both attractions offer free bus parking, there are no additional fees. Each student pays $31 for transportation, while teachers ride free thanks to a district subsidy.
Corporate Event Shuttle for Adm Employees
Archer Daniels Midland is hosting a training seminar at their global headquarters and needs to shuttle 40 employees from a remote parking lot to the main facility. A 38-passenger minibus will run a continuous loop between the two locations over a 6-hour period. At $210 per hour, the total comes to $1,260. The company also provides boxed lunches for attendees and tips the driver $200 at the end of the event.
Bachelor Party Bar Crawl in Downtown Decatur
A group of 16 friends is planning a bachelor party with stops at several bars and breweries around downtown Decatur. They book a 20-passenger party bus for the evening, with pickups starting at 7:00 PM and drop-offs concluding by 1:00 AM. At $250 per hour for 6 hours, the total comes to $1,500. Each attendee chips in $94 for a memorable night out.
Church Retreat to Allerton Park in Monticello
First Christian Church is sending 24 members on a weekend retreat to Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello. The group will depart Decatur on Friday evening, spend two nights at the park, and return home Sunday afternoon. A 25-passenger minibus at $1,800 per day for 2 days totals $3,600. The church covers half the cost through fundraising, leaving participants to pay the remaining $1,800, or $75 each.
