Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Portsmouth Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Portsmouth Coach Bus Service offers some of the best prices in the state and can help you get an instant quote in 30-seconds online! Our prices vary based on your trip details, but you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a bus rental in Portsmouth. To get an exact quote, simply call our team at 948-400-8710 or use our online quote tool. Below, we’ve listed estimated rates by vehicle type and explained the main factors that affect pricing so you can better understand what goes into your quote.
| 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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost to rent a coach bus in Portsmouth is $170 to $375 per hour or $1,900 to $3,800 per day. Mini buses cost $150 to $300 per hour or $1,700 to $2,900 per day. School buses are the most affordable option at $135 to $250 per hour or $1,600 to $2,600 per day. Sprinter vans seat up to 15 passengers and cost $150 to $225 per hour or $1,600 to $2,500 per day. These prices are based on trips within the Portsmouth area and will vary depending on your exact itinerary, travel dates, and other factors. For example, a 56-passenger coach bus rental from Portsmouth to Virginia Beach Oceanfront for an all-day event will cost more than a local shuttle between downtown Portsmouth and Olde Towne restaurants.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Portsmouth?
Several key factors determine the price of your bus rental in Portsmouth:
- Travel Dates and Seasonality: Rates are highest during peak season (April-June and September-December) when schools are in session and major events like graduations, festivals, and holiday parties increase demand. Off-peak months (January-March and July-August) typically have lower prices.
- Trip Duration and Distance: Longer trips covering more miles will cost more than short local charters. For example, a round-trip from Portsmouth to Richmond (about 180 miles total) will be priced higher than a 4-hour shuttle between Churchland and Downtown Portsmouth.
- Itinerary and Scheduling: Multi-day trips requiring overnight stays will include the cost of hotel accommodations for your driver (usually $150-$250 per night). Daily schedules with lots of idle time may incur additional charges.
- Vehicle Type and Size: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller minibuses or school buses. Premium features such as onboard restrooms, leather seats, WiFi, and power outlets will increase the price.
- Pick-Up Location: If your starting point is outside of Portsmouth or requires the bus to deadhead (travel empty) from another city, you’ll be charged for those extra miles. We have vehicles based throughout Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Newport News, which helps minimize deadhead fees.
- Local Events and Traffic: Major events like Harborfest in Norfolk, concerts at Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, or large weddings at Portsmouth venues can impact traffic patterns and scheduling, potentially affecting your quote.
- Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any tolls (e.g., Downtown or Midtown Tunnel), parking fees, or special permits required for your itinerary will be added to the total cost. For example, if you’re planning a drop-off at Waterside District in Norfolk or the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, factor in potential parking expenses.
- Gratuity: While not mandatory, it’s customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total charter cost for excellent service.
When you request a quote from Portsmouth Coach Bus Service, our team will ask for details about your passenger count, pick-up and drop-off addresses, schedule, and any special requests to provide an accurate, all-inclusive price. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Portsmouth, VA and around the state. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to the Virginia Aquarium
A local elementary school in Portsmouth is planning a field trip to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach. The group consists of 48 students and 6 chaperones, requiring a single 56-passenger coach bus. The itinerary includes a 9:00 AM departure from the school, arrival at the aquarium by 10:00 AM, and a return trip leaving Virginia Beach at 2:00 PM to be back in Portsmouth by 3:00 PM. This is considered a full-day rental (6 hours), and the quoted price is $2,100. The bus will stay onsite during the visit, and there are no additional mileage charges since the round-trip distance is under 50 miles.
Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Portsmouth
A bride and groom are hosting their wedding at the Woman’s Club of Portsmouth with a reception at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel. They need continuous shuttle service for 5 hours to transport 75 guests between the two venues and nearby hotels in Olde Towne. The best solution is two 25-passenger minibuses running loops from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The total cost for both buses is $1,850 ($925 each). Since all locations are within a 2-mile radius, this is billed as an hourly charter with no extra mileage or tolls. The couple opted for minibuses with leather seats and USB charging ports.
Corporate Event Shuttle to Norfolk
A Portsmouth-based company is organizing a corporate outing to Topgolf in Norfolk. They have 60 employees needing transportation from their office in Victory Boulevard to the venue and back. The schedule is a 5:30 PM pick-up, arrival at Topgolf by 6:00 PM, and return trip departing at 10:00 PM. This requires two 30-passenger minibuses for a total of 5 hours. The quoted price is $1,600 ($800 per minibus). The package includes WiFi, reclining seats, and under-seat storage for personal items. Since the route involves crossing the Midtown Tunnel, tolls are included in the estimate.
Sports Team Travel to Richmond
A high school football team in Portsmouth needs transportation to an away game in Richmond. The roster includes 45 players, 8 coaches, and equipment, necessitating a full-size 56-passenger motorcoach with extra luggage bays. Departure is scheduled for 1:00 PM, arrival at the Richmond stadium by 3:30 PM, and return after the game ends at 8:00 PM. This is a long-distance charter covering approximately 180 miles round-trip and 9 hours total. The quoted rate is $2,900, which covers all mileage, driver’s meals, and tolls on I-64. Onboard amenities include restrooms, DVD monitors, and WiFi for streaming.
Bachelorette Party in Virginia Beach
A group of 12 friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with a night out in Virginia Beach. They want a private sprinter van to pick them up in Portsmouth at 7:00 PM, drop off at multiple bars along Atlantic Avenue, and bring everyone home safely by 2:00 AM. This is a 7-hour rental with unlimited stops within the resort area. The total cost is $1,200. The sprinter is equipped with wraparound seating, Bluetooth sound system, LED accent lighting, and space for coolers. No parking fees are expected since the driver will remain with the vehicle between stops.
Multi-day Charter to Washington, Dc
A local church group is booking a 3-day trip from Portsmouth to Washington, DC for sightseeing and museum tours. There are 38 passengers, so a single 40-passenger coach bus is sufficient. The itinerary departs Friday at 8:00 AM, arrives in DC by noon, and returns Sunday evening. Each day involves local shuttling between the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and hotel in Arlington. The all-inclusive quote is $5,400, which covers 3 days of service, approximately 400 miles round-trip, driver’s hotel room, tolls, and parking permits required for bus drop-off zones near the Capitol. Amenities include reclining seats, restroom, WiFi, and power outlets at every row.