Charter Bus Prices in Urbandale
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to charter bus pricing in Urbandale—but once you know the details of your trip, it only takes 30 seconds to get an instant quote online with Urbandale Charter Bus! We make it simple to compare buses and rates across Des Moines, Polk County, Dallas County, and every ZIP code from 50322 to 50323—so you can book the exact vehicle you want at a price that fits your budget. Whether you’re heading to a corporate event downtown, a wedding at Living History Farms, a school trip to the Iowa State Capitol, or a Cyclones game in Ames, we’ll help you lock in affordable charter bus pricing fast.
Keep reading to see real examples of charter bus rental prices, learn what factors affect your cost, and find out how easy it is to get an instant quote and book your next trip with Urbandale Charter Bus!
| 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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Urbandale?
Charter bus rentals in Urbandale generally cost around $1,050–$2,500+ per day, with smaller minibuses running $450–$950+ per day and full-size, 56-passenger coaches ranging from $1,300–$2,800+ per day depending on exact size, model, and amenities. You may also be charged by the hour ($150–$350+ per hour) or by the mile ($5.00–$8.00+ per mile) depending on your itinerary. Multi-day, long-distance, and peak-season trips will push costs toward the higher end of these ranges. The only way to know your exact price is to call our team or use our online tool to get an instant quote with exact pricing and pictures of available buses.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Urbandale?
Several key factors influence the final price of your charter bus rental in Urbandale:
- Travel Dates: Peak season demand (April–June for graduations, weddings, school trips; fall weekends for football games) drives up prices. Off-peak discounts may apply.
- Trip Duration ∓ Distance: Longer trips cost more due to additional mileage, fuel, and potential overnight expenses. Local, short-duration trips are less expensive.
- Number of Passengers: Larger groups require bigger buses, which have higher base rates but lower per-person costs.
- Pickup Location: If your trip starts outside the Des Moines metro area, you may pay extra for the bus to “deadhead” (travel empty) to your starting point.
- Vehicle Type ∓ Size: Full-size, 56-passenger charter buses are more expensive than compact minibuses but offer better value for large groups. Upgrading to newer models with premium amenities increases the price.
- Amenities: Standard features include reclining seats, A/C, and storage. Upgrades like Wi-Fi, power outlets, DVD/video screens, PA systems, leather seats, and restrooms add to the cost.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Example #1
A local tech company needs a daily employee shuttle from Urbandale to their downtown Des Moines office for a week-long training session. They request a 25-passenger minibus with Wi-Fi and power outlets. The shuttle runs twice daily (morning and evening) for five days, covering about 15 miles round-trip each day. Total weekly mileage is 75 miles.
Estimated cost: $1,750 ($350 per day x 5 days)
This example shows how a short-distance, multi-day corporate shuttle can be priced affordably by the day, especially when using a mid-sized minibus with modern amenities.
Example #2
An Urbandale middle school books a 56-passenger charter bus for a field trip to the Iowa State Capitol building in downtown Des Moines. The trip is a single-day event with a total round-trip distance of 24 miles. The school requests standard amenities without additional upgrades.
Estimated cost: $1,200 (one-day rental)
This example highlights a typical local field trip within the Des Moines metro area, showing how short-distance, single-day charters are billed at a flat daily rate.
Example #3
A couple is hosting their wedding and reception at Living History Farms in Urbandale and needs guest transportation between nearby hotels and the venue. They book two 20-passenger minibuses to run continuous loops for six hours. All pickup locations are within a 5-mile radius of the venue.
Estimated cost: $1,800 ($150 per hour x 6 hours x 2 vehicles)
This example demonstrates hourly pricing for a local event shuttle, with multiple vehicles running short loops between hotels and a popular wedding venue.
Example #4
A youth basketball team from Urbandale is traveling to Ames for a tournament and plans to attend an Iowa State Cyclones game afterward. They book a 56-passenger charter bus for a two-day trip, including an overnight stay. The round-trip distance is 70 miles, plus local travel in Ames.
Estimated cost: $2,600 ($1,300 per day x 2 days)
This example covers a common regional trip from Urbandale to a nearby college town, with overnight expenses factored into a multi-day charter rate.
Example #5
A local church group is attending a weekend retreat at Lake Okoboji and needs transportation for 40 members. They rent a 56-passenger charter bus for a three-day trip. The round-trip distance from Urbandale to Okoboji is approximately 400 miles.
Estimated cost: $3,900 ($1,300 per day x 3 days)
This example illustrates pricing for a longer-distance, multi-day charter within Iowa, showing how extended mileage and additional days increase the total cost compared to shorter local trips.
Example #6
A Des Moines-based company is sending 30 employees to a four-day conference in downtown Chicago. They book a 35-passenger minibus for the 700-mile round-trip journey, including local shuttles between the hotel and convention center. Additional costs include tolls and parking fees in Chicago.
Estimated cost: $5,200 ($1,300 per day x 4 days)
This example shows how out-of-state, multi-day charters are billed at a higher rate due to increased mileage, urban tolls, and multi-day usage, providing a realistic scenario for business travel requiring interstate transportation.
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