Chattanooga Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Chattanooga Bus Rental Cost?
Chattanooga Minibus Company offers affordable and transparent bus rental pricing for groups across Chattanooga and the surrounding region. The cost of a charter bus can range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on your trip details. Rates are based on factors such as distance, duration, group size, time of year, and amenities requested. To get an instant quote tailored to your specific itinerary, call our team at 423-468-6820 anytime 24/7 or use our online quote tool. Below you’ll find estimated rates and information about what influences the final price so you can budget your next trip with confidence.
| 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?
Bus rental prices in Chattanooga typically fall within these ranges:
- 56-passenger coach bus: $197-$519 per hour, $1,600-$3,800 per day, or $5.00-$8.00 per mile
- 25-passenger minibus: $165-$428 per hour, $1,300-$3,200 per day, or $4.00-$7.00 per mile
- 20-passenger minibus: $157-$414 per hour, $1,300-$3,100 per day, or $4.00-$7.00 per mile
- 18-passenger minibus: $145-$404 per hour, $1,300-$3,000 per day, or $4.00-$7.00 per mile
These rates serve as general guidelines—your actual quote will depend on the specifics of your trip. For example, a single-day shuttle between downtown hotels and the Chattanooga Convention Center may cost less than a weekend-long tour through multiple cities like Nashville, Knoxville, or Birmingham. Long-distance trips outside of Tennessee (such as Atlanta or Charlotte) may be billed by mileage instead of hourly or daily rates. No matter where you’re headed, you’ll receive a custom quote that reflects your exact needs and schedule.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Chattanooga?
Several key elements determine the total cost of your bus rental in Chattanooga. The size and type of vehicle is one of the biggest factors—a full-size 56-passenger charter bus will generally cost more than a smaller 18- or 25-passenger minibus. Larger vehicles offer more seating capacity and premium amenities like onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, and luggage storage, making them ideal for long-distance travel to cities like Nashville, Atlanta, or Birmingham. Smaller minibuses are perfect for local shuttles around downtown Chattanooga, campus tours at UTC, or quick trips to Lookout Mountain attractions.
The duration and distance of your trip also play a significant role in pricing. Short, local routes within Hamilton County (such as daily employee shuttles between Enterprise South Industrial Park and downtown offices) may be billed by the hour, while multi-day itineraries covering hundreds of miles (like school field trips to Dollywood or church retreats to Gatlinburg) are often charged by the day or per mile. High-mileage journeys outside of Tennessee will increase the overall cost.
Seasonal demand affects availability and rates as well. Spring and fall are peak months for tourism, weddings, and school events in Chattanooga, so it’s wise to book early if you need transportation during these busy periods. Special events like Riverbend Festival, Ironman Chattanooga, or major concerts at Finley Stadium can also impact pricing due to increased traffic and limited parking options.
Additional amenities or requests may influence your quote. If your group requires ADA-accessible features, extra luggage space for sports equipment, or custom branding on the bus exterior, let us know when booking. You’ll receive a comprehensive estimate that includes all fees upfront—no hidden charges or surprises later.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Chattanooga, TN and around Tennessee. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Exploring Lookout Mountain Attractions
Mrs. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 22 students from East Brainerd Elementary. They plan to leave Chattanooga at 9:00 AM, visit Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, and the Incline Railway, then return by 3:30 PM. This itinerary covers about 18 miles round-trip and requires the driver to stay with the group all day. She was quoted $1,500 for a 25-passenger minibus, averaging $65 per person including two teacher chaperones. The minibus provides climate control, storage for lunches, and DVD monitors for educational videos between stops.
Cruise Transfer to Mobile, Alabama
David is taking his family reunion group of 16 from Chattanooga to board a Carnival cruise departing from the Mobile Cruise Terminal. Their plan is to leave Friday afternoon, stay overnight in Mobile, catch the ship Saturday morning, return five days later, and ride back home. For this long-distance charter (over 350 miles each way) with an overnight stay for the driver, the quote came to $6,800 using a 20-passenger minibus. The rate covers all mileage, tolls, and driver accommodations. Splitting costs among 16 travelers brings it to $425 per person for private door-to-port service.
State Championship Game in Murfreesboro
The Red Bank High School basketball team qualified for the TSSAA state finals at Middle Tennessee State University. Coaches need transportation for 14 players, 3 staff, and gear bags. Departure is set for 11:00 AM from campus, arrival in Murfreesboro by 2:00 PM, tipoff at 6:00 PM, and return after the game ends. This full-day charter about 110 miles each way is priced at $2,900 using a 25-passenger minibus with underfloor storage for equipment. The bus stays onsite for warmups, post-game meals, and brings everyone safely home late night.
Senior Outing to Tivoli Theatre
A retirement community in Hixson books a minibus for their monthly cultural outing—this time a matinee show at Tivoli Theatre downtown. With 2 staff members and 12 residents (including 2 wheelchair users), they request an ADA-accessible vehicle. Pickup at 12:30 PM, drop-off before the 2:00 PM performance, and return by 5:00 PM. The 18-passenger minibus is quoted at $550 for the three-hour excursion. There is no additional charge for the wheelchair lift or securement. Residents enjoy door-to-door service without navigating public transit or parking garages.
Chattanooga Whiskey Tour
A local bachelor party plans a Saturday evening whiskey tasting tour for 15 friends. Their itinerary includes stops at Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, Gate 11 Distillery at the Choo Choo, and dinner reservations on Station Street. They want a private shuttle from 5:00 PM to midnight so everyone can celebrate responsibly. An 18-passenger minibus is quoted at $1,250 for the seven-hour booking. Features include reclining seats, Bluetooth sound system, and LED accent lighting. The group splits the cost evenly, making it $83 per person for a safe and stylish night out.
Corporate Conference Shuttle at the Convention Center
An event planner is coordinating a three-day business conference drawing 400 attendees from across the Southeast. To streamline logistics, she arranges continuous shuttle loops between the Chattanooga Convention Center and partner hotels near West Village, Bluff View Art District, and MLK Boulevard. Two 56-passenger charter buses run from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM each day, ensuring timely transfers for keynote sessions, breakout meetings, and evening receptions. The total package is quoted at $7,200 ($1,200 per bus per day). Amenities include free WiFi, USB charging ports, and custom signage for easy identification.