Frederick Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Frederick Bus Rental Cost?
The cost to rent a charter bus in Frederick usually ranges from $170 to $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day depending on the size of the bus, length of your trip, and time of year. You can get an instant quote in less than 30 seconds by calling our team at 240-877-1090 or using our online quote tool. Below, we’ll break down average prices for each type of bus and explain the main factors that affect your total cost so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
| 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 Bus Rental Cost?
Frederick Minibus Company offers several different types of buses in Frederick, including full-size charter buses, minibuses, and party buses. Each one has its own pricing structure based on capacity and features. Here are some average rates for each type:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
These rates should give you a general idea of what to expect, but the only way to get an exact price is to request a quote with your specific trip details. We’ll need to know your headcount, itinerary, and any special requests to provide an accurate estimate.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Frederick?
Several factors can influence the final price of your bus rental in Frederick. The most important ones are:
- Type and Size of Bus: Larger buses like 56-passenger charter buses cost more than smaller minibuses because they seat more people and have more amenities. Party buses may also be priced higher due to luxury features.
- Trip Duration: Most rentals are charged by the hour (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), day, or mile. Longer trips will naturally cost more. For example, a single-day round trip from Frederick to Baltimore will be less expensive than a three-day excursion to Ocean City.
- Distance Traveled: Local trips within Frederick County (like shuttling between Hood College and downtown) may be billed hourly, while out-of-town trips (such as to Washington, D.C., or Hersheypark) are often charged by the mile.
- Season and Demand: Spring and fall are peak seasons due to school field trips, graduations, and sports tournaments. You might pay more if you book during busy months like April, May, June, September, or October.
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops (e.g., touring several Civil War sites like Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam, and South Mountain in one day) or overnight stays requiring lodging for your driver can increase costs.
- Amenities Requested: Buses with premium features such as WiFi, power outlets, DVD players, or restrooms may cost slightly more than basic models. ADA-accessible vehicles are available at no extra charge but should be requested in advance.
- Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any tolls (like on I-270 or the ICC), parking fees (such as at Frederick Fairgrounds or MARC stations), or special permits required for your itinerary will be added to your quote.
- Advance Booking: Reserving your bus several months ahead—especially for major events like The Great Frederick Fair or summer wedding season—can help lock in lower rates. Last-minute bookings may have limited availability and higher prices.
If you have any questions about what’s included, just ask your reservation specialist!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Frederick, MD and around Maryland. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Frederick School Field Trip to Washington, Dc
A local middle school is planning an eighth-grade field trip from Frederick to the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC. They need transportation for 100 students and 10 chaperones, departing at 8:00 AM and returning by 6:00 PM. The group books two 56-passenger charter buses with onboard restrooms, WiFi, and DVD players for a single-day round trip. The total cost comes to $3,900 ($1,950 per bus), which includes tolls on I-270/I-495 and driver gratuity. This works out to about $36 per person for a comfortable, direct ride to the National Mall and back.
Bachelor Party Shuttle From Frederick to Baltimore
A group of 18 friends is organizing a bachelor party with bar stops in downtown Frederick (along Market Street), dinner reservations at The Brewer’s Art in Baltimore, and late-night clubbing in Power Plant Live!. They hire a minibus with leather seats and Bluetooth audio for 8 hours of continuous service, starting at 5:00 PM and ending at 1:00 AM back in Frederick. The quote comes to $1,800, or $100 per person, covering all mileage, tolls, and parking fees near Inner Harbor. Riders enjoy a private designated driver for the entire night and avoid splitting into multiple Ubers/Lyfts along I-70.
Wedding Guest Shuttle at Ceresville Mansion
A couple getting married at Ceresville Mansion books a 25-passenger minibus to shuttle guests between nearby hotels along Route 85 (Holiday Inn Express, Hilton Garden Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott) and the venue. The shuttle runs continuously for 6 hours, bringing guests to the ceremony, back to hotels after the reception, and making multiple loops to accommodate early departures. The total cost is $1,350, which the couple pays upfront as part of their wedding budget. Guests appreciate not having to drive country roads late at night, and the newlyweds avoid liability concerns.
Corporate Outing to Topgolf Germantown
A Frederick tech company is hosting a team-building event at Topgolf Germantown and wants to provide round-trip transportation for 40 employees. They book a 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, WiFi, and power outlets for laptops. The bus departs the office park off Buckeystown Pike at 3:00 PM, arrives at Topgolf by 4:00 PM, waits onsite during the event, and returns everyone to Frederick by 9:00 PM. The total cost is $1,900, which the company covers as part of its employee engagement budget. Staff members enjoy relaxing together instead of driving separately on I-270 during rush hour.
Weekend Wine Tour in Northern Virginia
A group of 12 friends hires a minibus for a Saturday wine tour visiting three vineyards in Loudoun County: Stone Tower Winery, Bluemont Vineyard, and 8 Chains North. The itinerary includes pickup in Urbana, tastings at each winery, lunch reservations, and drop-off back home after dinner. The minibus stays with the group all day for a flat rate of $1,100, which covers about 10 hours of service plus mileage. Riders split the cost evenly ($92 each), enjoy drinking without worrying about driving, and store purchased wine cases onboard. The organizer tips the driver extra for excellent service navigating rural roads.
Shuttle Service for the Great Frederick Fair
An event planner contracts Frederick Minibus Company to run a continuous shuttle loop between remote parking lots at Frederick Community College and the main entrance gate of The Great Frederick Fairgrounds. They use two 56-passenger charter buses operating from noon until midnight over two consecutive Saturdays. Each bus makes round trips every 30 minutes, moving thousands of fairgoers efficiently and reducing traffic congestion on East Patrick Street. The total contract is $7,600 ($3,800 per bus), paid by the fair association. Attendees ride for free, and organizers receive positive feedback for improving access and safety during the county’s largest annual event.