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Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Waukesha Coach Bus Rental Cost?

The cost of renting a coach bus in Waukesha can range from $170 to $500+ per hour depending on the size of the vehicle, the length of your trip, and the time of year. For example, you can expect to pay around $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a standard 56-passenger coach bus, while smaller minibuses and sprinter vans will be less expensive. To get an exact quote for your trip, call our team anytime at 262-793-8370 or use our online quote tool. We’ll give you an instant price based on your itinerary and help you find the perfect vehicle for your group. Below are some estimated rates and a breakdown of the factors that affect the cost of your bus rental.

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 Waukesha is between $1,800 and $3,800 per day. Hourly rates typically range from $170 to $500 per hour with a 5-hour minimum. If you need the bus for multiple days, you can expect to pay $3,500 to $6,500+ for a 3-day rental. These prices include the bus, driver, fuel, and mileage, but do not include gratuity (tip) for the driver, tolls, parking fees, or lodging for the driver if needed. Smaller vehicles like minibuses (18-35 passengers) and sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) are less expensive, with daily rates starting at $1,200 to $2,200. Party buses and entertainer coaches are more expensive due to their luxury amenities and custom features.

What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Waukesha?

There are several factors that influence the price of your coach bus rental in Waukesha:

  • Distance and Duration: The most important factor is how far and how long you need the bus. Local trips within Waukesha County or Milwaukee County are usually billed by the hour with a 5-hour minimum. Long-distance trips to Chicago, Madison, Green Bay, or Minneapolis are billed by the day or by the mile. The more miles and hours, the higher the cost.
  • Type and Size of Bus: Larger buses cost more than smaller ones. A 56-passenger motorcoach is more expensive than a 25-passenger minibus or a 12-passenger sprinter van. Luxury vehicles like party buses, limo buses, and entertainer coaches have higher rates due to their premium amenities.
  • Time of Year: Bus rental prices are higher during peak season (April-June and September-November) when demand is highest for school trips, graduations, weddings, and sporting events. Rates are lower during winter months (January-March) except for major holidays.
  • Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday-Sunday) are more expensive than weekday rentals (Monday-Thursday) due to higher demand for special events and nightlife transportation.
  • Itinerary and Schedule: Trips with multiple stops, tight schedules, or overnight travel require more planning and may increase the cost. If your itinerary requires the driver to stay overnight, you are responsible for providing a hotel room or paying an additional fee.
  • Pick-Up Location: If your trip starts outside of Waukesha or Milwaukee, you may be charged extra for “deadhead” miles to send the bus to your location. It’s cheaper to start and end your trip in a major city where the buses are based.
  • Additional Fees: Tolls, parking, and entrance fees are not included in the base price and must be paid separately. Gratuity for the driver (10-20%) is customary and greatly appreciated.
  • Special Requests: ADA-accessible buses, premium amenities (WiFi, power outlets, restrooms), and custom branding may affect the price. Be sure to specify any special needs when booking.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Waukesha and across Wisconsin. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

School Field Trip to Milwaukee County Zoo

18 passenger minibus rental

A local elementary school in Waukesha is planning a field trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo for 60 students and 6 teachers. They need two 56-passenger coach buses to pick up at the school at 8:00 AM, drop off at the zoo by 9:00 AM, and return to Waukesha by 3:00 PM. This is an 8-hour rental with no additional stops. The quote for each bus is $1,600 ($200/hour x 8 hours), for a total of $3,200. The zoo offers free bus parking, so there are no extra fees. The school will tip each driver $100, bringing the total cost to $3,400.

Wedding Shuttle in Lake Geneva

56 passenger charter bus

A bride is getting married at a resort in Lake Geneva and wants to provide shuttle service for her guests staying at hotels in downtown Lake Geneva and Williams Bay. She books a 25-passenger minibus to run continuous loops from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM (7 hours). The quote is $1,225 ($175/hour x 7 hours). Since this is a Saturday in June (peak wedding season), rates are higher than average. The resort provides free parking for the shuttle. The bride adds a $150 tip for the driver, making the total cost $1,375.

Corporate Event Shuttle in Downtown Milwaukee

18 passenger minibus rental

A company is hosting a conference at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee and needs a shuttle to transport attendees from hotels in the Third Ward and East Town. They book a 38-passenger minibus for two days, 10 hours per day (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM). The daily rate is $2,000, for a total of $4,000. The bus will park on-street near the venue between runs. The company provides a $400 tip ($200 per day) for excellent service, bringing the total to $4,400.

Packers Game Charter to Lambeau Field

18 passenger minibus rental

A group of 20 friends wants to charter a bus from Waukesha to Green Bay for a Packers game at Lambeau Field. They book a 20-passenger minibus to depart Waukesha at 9:00 AM, arrive in Green Bay by 12:00 PM, tailgate before the 3:25 PM kickoff, and return home after the game ends around 7:00 PM. This is a 12-hour day with 240 miles round trip. The quote is $2,400 ($200/hour x 12 hours). Lambeau Field charges $50 for bus parking. The group tips the driver $200, for a total cost of $2,650.

Multi-day Tour to Chicago

18 passenger minibus rental

A church group is organizing a three-day trip from Waukesha to Chicago to visit museums and attend a show. They book a 56-passenger coach bus to depart Friday morning, stay two nights in Chicago, and return Sunday evening. The daily rate is $1,800, for a total of $5,400. The group is responsible for providing a hotel room for the driver ($150/night x 2 = $300). Toll roads between Milwaukee and Chicago add $40 in fees. The group tips the driver $300 for the weekend. Total cost: $6,040.

Bachelorette Party in Downtown Milwaukee

18 passenger minibus rental

A maid of honor is planning a bachelorette party for 12 women with dinner reservations on Brady Street, bar hopping in the Third Ward, and dancing at a nightclub on Water Street. She books a 14-passenger sprinter party bus for 6 hours (7:00 PM to 1:00 AM) at $175/hour, totaling $1,050. The bus will make multiple stops and wait nearby while the group enjoys each venue. Street parking is available at most locations. She adds a $150 tip for the driver, making the total cost $1,200.