Charter Bus & Minibus Rentals in Normal, Illinois

A charter bus is a private, full-size motorcoach rented by a group to provide custom transportation on a schedule and route of their choosing. It typically seats 40–56 passengers, offers forward-facing cushioned seats, strong air conditioning, and has amenities like onboard restrooms and luggage bays. Charter buses are commonly used for school trips, sports travel, corporate shuttles, event transportation, and long-distance group travel because they keep everyone together and run on the group’s timetable.

Charter Bus Company Normal offers a wide range of buses in Normal, Bloomington, and across McLean County, including full-size 56-passenger motorcoaches, mid-size 35- to 40-passenger minibuses, 18- to 28-passenger minibus shuttles, and several models of party buses and specialty vehicles. Our fleet includes vehicles from top manufacturers like Van Hool, Prevost, MCI, Setra, Temsa, Grech, Turtle Top, and Champion—so you can always get exactly the right bus for your group size and trip type. We also offer several different models of each vehicle, including multiple color options (black, white, silver, custom wraps) and ADA-accessible configurations with lifts and wide aisles. Just call us at 447-529-2760 and we can help you find the exact bus you need.

Most modern charter buses include reclining seats, individual reading lights, strong air conditioning, overhead parcel racks, underfloor luggage bays, and an onboard restroom. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, 110V power outlets or USB ports at every seat, and flat-screen video monitors with DVD/Blu-ray players. Many newer coaches offer Bluetooth audio, PA systems with wireless microphones, and optional streaming to seatback screens. Larger 56-passenger models may have up to five video monitors, while smaller 35- to 40-passenger buses typically have two or three. All buses come with a built-in PA system for announcements. Additional amenities can include leatherette seating, wood-look flooring, and optional exterior color choices (black, white, silver). Special requests—such as beverage coolers, card tables, or custom branding—can often be accommodated for an extra fee. If you need something specific, just ask when you request your quote.

Yes, all full-size and mid-size charter buses have ample luggage space. There are large undercarriage luggage bays that can hold one full-size suitcase per passenger, plus overhead parcel racks inside the cabin for carry-on bags, backpacks, or smaller items. As a rule of thumb, each person can bring one larger bag for the luggage bay and one smaller bag for the overhead compartment. If your group has extra baggage—like sports equipment, musical instruments, or presentation materials—let your reservation specialist know so they can recommend a bus with sufficient storage space.

Yes, Charter Bus Company Normal can provide ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts, extra-wide aisles, and designated securement areas for passengers with mobility devices. Many of our newer 40- to 56-passenger coaches are available in ADA-compliant configurations. Just let us know your accessibility requirements when you request a quote, and we’ll make sure your bus meets all ADA standards. We regularly serve groups traveling to Illinois State University, local schools, hospitals, and event venues, so we understand the importance of providing fully accessible transportation.

Charter Bus Company Normal provides buses for any type of group trip in Normal, Bloomington, and Central Illinois. We handle school field trips, college tours, and campus shuttles for Illinois State University and Heartland Community College; wedding guest transportation to venues like the DoubleTree or DESTIHL Brewery; corporate event shuttles, employee commutes, and airport transfers to CIRA; sports team travel for games, tournaments, and fan groups; medical facility shuttles to Carle BroMenn; and special event transportation for festivals, concerts, or church outings. We also do multi-day trips, out-of-state charters, and custom routes. If you have a group that needs to get somewhere, we can provide the bus.

Yes, we absolutely offer long-distance charter bus rentals to and from Normal! Our company regularly services multi-day and out-of-state trips across the Midwest and beyond. Popular destinations include Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, and even farther cities like Milwaukee or Detroit. We can also handle one-way trips, multi-city tours, and custom itineraries that span several hundred miles. Just let us know your starting point, destination, and schedule, and we’ll arrange a comfortable, reliable coach for your long-distance journey.

It typically costs between $170 and $400+ per hour to rent a charter bus in Normal on weekdays, with weekend rates ranging from $190 to $500+ per hour. Daily rates run from $1,800 to $3,800 or more, while mileage-based pricing is usually $6.00 to $9.95 per mile. The final price depends on the size of the bus, length of the trip, time of year, and any additional services requested. For the most accurate pricing, call Charter Bus Company Normal at 447-529-2760 or use their online quote tool to get an instant estimate tailored to your specific trip.

Several factors affect the cost of renting a charter bus in Normal: the size and type of vehicle (larger buses cost more), the distance and duration of the trip (longer trips are pricier), and the time of year (peak months like spring and fall are more expensive). Additional factors include the pickup and drop-off locations (local vs. out-of-town), any special amenities requested (Wi-Fi, leather seats, etc.), and extra fees for tolls, parking, or driver lodging. Major events—such as ISU homecoming, graduation, or large sports tournaments—can also impact availability and rates.

Charter Bus Company Normal is a reputable company because we have years of experience, a large and modern fleet, 24/7 customer support, and thousands of five-star reviews from real customers. We’ve handled trips for schools, universities, Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and event planners across the Midwest. Our team is available around the clock to answer questions, provide quotes, and assist with any issues before or during your trip. That’s why so many groups trust us for their transportation.

It’s best to book your charter bus as early as possible—ideally 3 to 6 months in advance—to ensure availability and get the best rate. Spring and fall are especially busy due to school trips, sports events, and weddings, so advance booking is crucial during these seasons. For major events like ISU homecoming or graduation, try to reserve your bus even earlier. Last-minute bookings are possible but may be more expensive and offer fewer vehicle options. Once you have your trip details, contact us to secure your reservation.

Yes, we require a deposit at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance is typically due 30 days before the date of your trip. For bookings made less than 30 days in advance, full payment is required upfront. We accept various payment methods, including credit cards, ACH transfers, and checks. Specific payment terms will be outlined in your contract, and our team is available to answer any questions about billing or deadlines.

Your quote includes the bus rental, driver’s wages, fuel, and standard amenities like Wi-Fi and video monitors. Additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and driver lodging or meals are not included and are the responsibility of the group. For example, parking passes at venues like CEFCU Arena or Hancock Stadium may cost extra and must be arranged separately. Any optional services or special requests will be itemized in your quote. Be sure to review the estimate carefully and ask about any potential additional costs.

You can get a quote by calling Charter Bus Company Normal at 447-529-2760 or by using the online quote tool on our website. Provide details about your trip—such as the date, pickup location, destination, group size, and any special requirements—and we’ll send you a personalized estimate. Most quotes are processed quickly, often within 30 minutes to an hour. If you have a complex itinerary or need multiple vehicles, it may take slightly longer to prepare an accurate quote.

Yes, you can request a specific bus model or exterior color (black, white, silver, etc.) when booking your rental. We offer vehicles from top manufacturers like MCI, Prevost, Van Hool, Setra, and Grech, and can often accommodate requests for a particular make or model. Custom branding, wraps, or interior configurations are also available for an additional fee. Let us know your preferences when requesting a quote, and we’ll do our best to match you with the exact vehicle you want.