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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a New Orleans Bus Rental Cost?
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in New Orleans, Louisiana? You’re in the right place! New Orleans Charter Bus Services specializes in affordable group transportation throughout New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, and the entire Greater New Orleans Area. Whether you’re planning a wedding at the Hotel Monteleone, a field trip to the Louisiana State Museum, or a company shuttle to downtown, we help you compare pricing and vehicle options so you find the perfect charter bus for your group’s needs—and your budget.
Instantly get real-time quotes by calling our 24/7 reservation department at 504-380-0210 to speak with a reservation expert. We make booking stress-free with clear, upfront prices, no hidden fees, and professional support every step of the way.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of a New Orleans Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus rental pricing in New Orleans is simple once you know what goes into the cost. The main factors that influence your price include the type of vehicle you choose, the time of year you travel, the length of your trip, your pickup and drop-off locations, and any special amenities you request.
For example, a standard full-size 56 passenger charter bus is usually billed by the hour or day. Minibuses, perfect for smaller groups going to events at the Smoothie King Center or the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, are often more budget-friendly and may be rented by the hour or trip. If you’re planning a multi-day tour through New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, or the Mississippi River region, your price may shift to a daily or mileage rate, especially if you’re making multiple stops.
The season matters, too. Prices are typically highest in spring and early summer when festivals, Mardi Gras events, and wedding season are in full swing around New Orleans. Likewise, big events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or Sugar Bowl can mean higher demand. We always recommend booking 6 months in advance for peak dates to lock in the best rates!
Trip length is also key: Local shuttles around New Orleans or campus tours of Tulane University usually cost less than longer day trips to Baton Rouge or Gulfport. Your pickup and drop-off locations (and any required overnight stays for your driver) can also affect your total.
Don’t forget amenities! Charter buses in our New Orleans network come with different features—WiFi, power outlets, TVs with DVD players, onboard restrooms, and ADA accessibility can all be requested. Let your reservation specialist know what you want so we can quote accordingly. And always ask about group discounts if you’re booking more than one bus!
Finally, every quote from New Orleans Charter Bus Services includes your driver’s pay. Tolls, parking, and driver hotel (if needed) are extra, but we’ll tell you about these up front so there are never any surprises. Call 504-380-0210—our team is happy to walk you through the details for your unique trip.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
Weekly charter bus rentals in New Orleans typically range from $5,500 to $15,000+, depending on the type of bus, distance traveled, and itinerary complexity. Full-size charter buses for school trips or sports teams touring Louisiana, Mississippi, or even all the way to Mobile often qualify for special multi-day rates. To get an accurate weekly quote, be sure to have your group size, daily mileage, overnight stops, and desired amenities ready when you call 504-380-0210. Our team will build a custom package just for you!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few real-world New Orleans area charter bus pricing scenarios to help you plan your budget. Remember, every trip is unique so these are just estimates to help you plan your budget.
An Event Shuttle Service in New Orleans
A couple planning a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans wanted a seamless way to get 50 guests from two hotels in the French Quarter to their event at the Superdome, and then out to a scenic reception at the Garden District. They booked two 25-passenger minibuses for 8 hours to run continuous shuttles between hotels, the event, and the reception—plus late-night returns. Each minibus was priced at $180 per hour, making the base total $2,880 for both buses. They added a 12% gratuity ($346) to thank their drivers for smooth service and flexibility, bringing the total transportation cost to $3,226.
The couple chose this shuttle option so guests could celebrate, enjoy drinks, and never worry about parking or directions on the I-10 or local streets. Buses included drivers, Bluetooth sound systems, and space for decorations.
A Day Trip to the Louisiana State Museum and Garden District Tour
A local youth group from Metairie organized a full-day trip for 40 students, teachers, and chaperones to the Louisiana State Museum and Garden District. They reserved one 56-passenger charter bus with a restroom, DVD player, and undercarriage storage for equipment and snacks. The bus was booked for a 10-hour day at $200 per hour, totaling $2,000. The group opted to include tolls and parking upfront ($50) and budgeted 10% for gratuity ($245), so their all-in cost was $2,295.
Participants enjoyed movies on the way, had plenty of room for snacks, and arrived together for a group photo. Teachers and chaperones didn’t need to coordinate carpools or drive home tired.
A Corporate Shuttle for Employees from New Orleans to the Port of New Orleans
A local logistics company headquartered in New Orleans needed to provide daily commuter shuttles for 20 employees traveling to the Port of New Orleans. They chose a 18-passenger minibus to run a weekday morning and evening loop for one month (20 workdays), with each shuttle covering a 15-mile route. The package rate was $900 per day for 20 days, totaling $18,000. The company added a 10% gratuity ($1,800) for outstanding driver reliability, bringing the project’s transportation cost to $19,800.
The company selected this service for the convenience, on-time reliability, and productivity boost—employees could read, catch up on work, or rest on the commute. Buses included WiFi, power outlets, and a dedicated support rep for last-minute schedule tweaks.
A School Field Trip to the Historic French Quarter and Preservation Hall
An elementary school in New Orleans planned a half-day field trip for 55 students, teachers, and chaperones to the French Quarter and Preservation Hall. They booked one 56-passenger charter bus and one 24-passenger minibus for a total of 6 hours, with the charter at $180/hr and the minibus at $145/hr. The total for both: $1,950. The school PTA added $195 (10%) for driver gratuity, for a complete cost of $2,145.
Students rode together, watched a history video en route, and stored lunches in the overhead bins. The group had curbside drop-off, and no one had to cross busy downtown intersections on foot.
