Booking group transportation for the first time can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a teacher planning a field trip to the UC Davis Arboretum, a bride organizing wedding shuttles between Winters and downtown Davis, or a company arranging an employee shuttle from Woodland, there are a lot of moving pieces—and plenty of questions. Do you need a minibus or a full-size charter bus? How much will it cost? What should you ask when calling for a quote?
This comprehensive guide covers every step of the process, from determining your needs and comparing vehicle types to understanding what influences pricing and how to finalize your reservation. With over 10 years of experience serving groups across Yolo County, Charter Bus Rental Davis has helped thousands of customers plan seamless transportation for events of all sizes. Read on to learn exactly how to rent a charter bus in Davis – and call 530-771-9720 if you have any questions or want an instant online quote.
If you just need the basics, here’s what you do. First, gather your details: headcount, pickup/drop-off addresses, travel dates/times, and a rough itinerary (stops, schedule, special needs). Second, decide what kind of bus you need based on group size and desired amenities. Third, call 530-771-9720 or use our online quote tool to get pricing in about 30 seconds. Fourth, compare quotes, review terms, and finalize your booking by paying a deposit. Finally, send us your itinerary and passenger list at least 10 days before departure so we can prepare everything. That’s it! But keep reading for a detailed breakdown of each step, plus tips to ensure a smooth ride.
The price of a charter bus depends on several factors: vehicle type, mileage or hours, season, and any special requests. Most local trips (within Davis, Woodland, Sacramento) are billed hourly, while long-distance trips (San Francisco, Tahoe, Los Angeles) use per-mile or daily rates. To give you a ballpark, a 56-passenger charter bus typically costs 7-9/hour or ,600-,800/day; smaller minibuses and sprinter vans are less. Remember that quotes don’t include tolls, parking fees, or gratuity. For the most accurate price, request a custom quote with your exact itinerary.
Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
---|---|---|---|
56-Passenger Charter Bus | 7 – 9 | ,600 – ,800 | .00 – .00 |
50-Passenger Charter Bus | 0 – 0 | ,500 – ,600 | .50 – .50 |
40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | 0 – 0 | ,500 – ,500 | .50 – .50 |
35-Passenger Minibus | 0 – 5 | ,500 – ,400 | .00 – .00 |
30-Passenger Minibus | 0 – 5 | ,500 – ,400 | .00 – .00 |
28-Passenger Minibus | 5 – 0 | ,500 – ,300 | .00 – .00 |
25-Passenger Minibus | 5 – 8 | ,300 – ,200 | .00 – .00 |
20-Passenger Minibus | 7 – 4 | ,300 – ,100 | .00 – .00 |
18-Passenger Minibus | 5 – 4 | ,300 – ,000 | .00 – .00 |
School Bus (-47 pax) | 5 – 0 | ,520 – ,655 | .00 – .95 |
Several key elements determine your price. The biggest is the type and size of vehicle you choose: full-size charter buses cost more than minibuses or sprinter vans, but they also seat more people and come with premium amenities like restrooms and undercarriage luggage bays. Distance and duration matter too; longer trips and multi-day itineraries cost more because they require more labor, fuel, and possibly overnight stays. Seasonality plays a role—spring and summer weekends, especially during college graduation and wedding seasons, are peak times and may carry surcharges. Lastly, special requests such as ADA-accessible vehicles, luxury interiors, or branded wraps can increase the total. Ask about all potential fees upfront to avoid surprises.
Charter Bus Rental Davis offers one of the largest fleets in the region, with vehicles ranging from 10-passenger sprinter vans to 56-passenger motorcoaches. Here’s a quick overview of your options:
Our 40- to 56-passenger charter buses are ideal for big groups traveling long distances. Common uses include school field trips to San Francisco museums, sports team transport to tournaments, corporate retreats in Napa Valley, and festival shuttles. These buses feature cushioned reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, TV/DVD systems, PA mics, onboard restrooms, overhead bins, and large undercarriage luggage compartments. ADA-accessible models with lifts are available upon request. If you need to move 100+ passengers, book multiple buses for a rolling convoy.
Minibuses come in 15-, 20-, 25-, 28-, 30-, and 35-passenger configurations. They’re perfect for shorter trips around Davis or nearby cities. Popular uses include campus circulators between UC Davis buildings, wedding shuttles from hotels to venues, brewery tours along the Yolo County Ale Trail, and small business offsite transportation. Amenities vary by model but often include plush seating, individual AC vents, USB/power outlets, Bluetooth sound, and modest luggage space. Minibuses are nimble enough to navigate tight downtown streets and hotel driveways where larger coaches can’t go.
For groups of 10-15, a sprinter van offers a comfortable and upscale alternative to carpooling. These high-roof vehicles are great for airport transfers, executive travel, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and private wine tours. Choose a standard sprinter for budget-friendly rides or upgrade to a limo-style interior with leather captain’s chairs, mood lighting, hardwood floors, and a bar area. Luggage space is limited compared to larger buses, but there’s ample room for carry-ons and personal items. Sprinters are popular with wedding parties, bands, and anyone seeking privacy and flexibility.
Charter Bus Rental Davis makes it easy to reserve group transportation in three straightforward steps:
Start by gathering essential trip details: headcount, pickup and drop-off addresses, travel dates and times, and a draft itinerary with all planned stops. Be as specific as possible—exact addresses and schedules help us recommend the right vehicle and calculate accurate pricing. Note any special needs, such as ADA access or extra luggage space for band equipment or sports gear. If your plans change later, just let us know; we can adjust your reservation as needed.
Once you have your information ready, call 530-771-9720 or fill out our online quote form. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 and typically provide pricing within 30 seconds. We’ll ask clarifying questions to ensure we match you with the best vehicle and route. Quotes are all-inclusive except for variable expenses like tolls and parking. There’s no obligation to book, and you can request multiple quotes to compare options.
When you’re ready to book, simply approve the quote and pay a deposit (usually 10-30% of the total) via credit card or ACH transfer. We’ll send a contract outlining all terms, including cancellation policies and payment deadlines. The balance is typically due 14-30 days before your trip. After booking, provide your final itinerary and passenger list at least 10 days prior to departure. Our team will handle the rest, coordinating logistics to ensure your bus arrives on time and follows your schedule precisely.
Groups in Davis rely on charter buses and minibuses for all sorts of occasions. Here are some of the most common uses:
Keep your team productive and stress-free with private transportation to conferences, client meetings, team-building retreats, and daily commutes. Many local businesses use minibuses or sprinters to shuttle employees between offices, park-and-rides, or remote job sites. Onboard WiFi and power outlets let staff check emails or prep presentations en route. For large-scale events like trade shows at the Sacramento Convention Center, charter a fleet to move attendees efficiently between hotels, venues, and restaurants.
Don’t let guests worry about parking or navigating unfamiliar roads on your big day. Book a minibus or charter bus to shuttle everyone from hotels to the ceremony and reception, whether you’re tying the knot at Park Winters, Putah Creek Lodge, or a private estate outside town. Party buses and sprinters with luxury interiors are also popular for bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and post-reception after-parties. Customize the playlist, bring drinks aboard, and celebrate safely all night.
Schools and colleges trust charter buses for educational trips, athletic competitions, and campus shuttles. Full-size motorcoaches are perfect for transporting students to museums, zoos, science camps, and academic decathlons across Northern California. Minibuses serve as convenient circulators between UC Davis dorms, lecture halls, and parking lots. All vehicles meet state safety standards, and seat belts are available on request. For extended travel, onboard restrooms, DVD players, and luggage bays make long rides comfortable for students and chaperones alike.
Whether you’re a Little League team heading to playoffs or a fan club following the Aggies to an away game, charter buses offer hassle-free transport for athletes and supporters. Teams appreciate having space to stow coolers, duffel bags, and equipment below deck, plus the ability to review plays on flat-screen TVs en route. Fans can pregame together on the way to Golden 1 Center or Levi’s Stadium, then leave the driving to us while they cheer their team to victory. No need to coordinate carpools or designate sober drivers—everyone arrives together, on time, and ready to compete or root for the home team.
Renting a charter bus in Davis doesn’t have to be complicated. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently plan transportation for any group event, large or small. If you have additional questions or need personalized assistance, our reservation team is here 24/7 to walk you through the process. With a fleet of over 100 vehicles, flexible packages, and a decade of experience serving Yolo County, Charter Bus Rental Davis is your trusted partner for safe, reliable, and comfortable group travel. Call 530-771-9720 today to get started or request a free quote online in just minutes. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on what matters most—enjoying the journey!
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