Washington DC Charter Bus Rental Pricing Guide
Planning group transportation in the nation’s capital comes with its own mix of excitement and logistics. Between navigating tight streets around the National Mall, coordinating museum visits, or shuttling professionals to federal campuses, the cost of a charter bus rental in Washington, DC can vary more than most people expect. That’s why having a clear, upfront look at how pricing works is essential.
Whether you're booking a charter bus rental in Washington, DC, for your company’s next conference, touring the monuments with family, or organizing a school field trip to the Smithsonian, this guide will help you understand what goes into the price of a charter bus rental—and how to budget confidently.
Below, you’ll find a general overview of Washington, DC charter bus rental costs, along with real trip examples to help you estimate your own travel expenses.
| Bus Type |
Per Hour |
Per Day |
Per Mile |
| Minibus |
*$126 - $156 |
*$1,226 - $1,462 |
*$4.38 - $5.38 |
| Charter Bus |
*$136 - $182 |
*$1,322 - $1,676 |
*$4.62 - $5.56 |
These prices are estimated averages. Your final total will depend on factors such as seasonality, group size, mileage, hours of service, parking fees, driver accommodations, and other elements specific to your itinerary.
What Determines the Cost of a Washington, DC Bus Rental?
The cost of a charter bus rental in DC isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several elements come together to shape your personalized quote:
Peak Seasons in Washington, DC: The city’s busiest months, especially March through June, bring thousands of field trips, advocacy days, and festival crowds. With school groups filling the museums and travelers flooding the Tidal Basin for cherry blossom season, fleet demand is at its highest, which can increase your Washington DC charter bus rental cost.
Group Size & Bus Type: Your final price depends heavily on how many people you’re transporting. Smaller groups may prefer a minibus for streamlined travel, while large groups often need a spacious 56-passenger coach. Larger vehicles typically cost more but come with premium amenities—WiFi, power outlets, panoramic windows, and sometimes onboard restrooms.
Distance & Duration: A short-hop shuttle around Capitol Hill or Georgetown may be billed hourly. A full-day itinerary visiting Arlington, Old Town Alexandria, and the National Mall may shift to a daily rate. Longer regional trips—such as to Baltimore, Richmond, or Philadelphia—may be priced by mileage.
Parking, Tolls & Overnight Stays: DC’s parking is notoriously limited, especially near Union Station, Georgetown, and Smithsonian museums. Your quote may include parking fees, tolls, or hotel accommodations for your driver during multi-day trips. Federal law requires drivers to take an 8-hour rest after 10 hours of service.
Driver Gratuity: Although optional, most groups tip their drivers 5–10% as a thank-you for a smooth and safe trip through the capital.
Ways to Save on a Washington, DC Charter Bus Rental
A few simple strategies can make your Washington, DC bus rental more budget-friendly:
- Aim for off-season travel. Avoid late spring, when demand—and prices—tend to peak.
- Choose weekday travel. Conferences, weddings, and tourism surge on weekends.
- Have a confirmed headcount. This ensures you book the right vehicle instead of something bigger and pricier.
- Ask your hotel about driver discounts. Many properties in Arlington, Alexandria, and Silver Spring accommodate charter bus groups.
With a finalized plan and flexible dates, you can significantly lower the price of your Washington, DC charter bus rental. Want to do some more budget planning? Check out a few sample trips below to get a better idea of what your DC charter bus could cost:
