Pricing tiers
Rates below reflect all-in per-vehicle pricing as of 2026-07-21. Every rate covers driver, fuel, tolls, and commercial insurance. Driver gratuity (15 to 20 percent) is separate.
| Vehicle / tier | Low | High | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-passenger minibus (single-day field trip) | $650 | $950 | Driver, fuel, tolls, insurance, school-rate pricing |
| 25-passenger minibus (single-day field trip) | $800 | $1,300 | Driver, fuel, tolls, insurance, school-rate |
| 36-passenger midsize (single-day field trip) | $1,100 | $1,700 | Driver, fuel, tolls, insurance, school-rate, luggage bay |
| 56-passenger motorcoach (single-day field trip) | $1,400 | $2,200 | Driver, fuel, tolls, insurance, school-rate, full luggage bay |
| Overnight/multi-day (per additional day) | $70% | $85% | Percent of first day rate + driver lodging (~150/night) |
5 factors that move the price
Every quote is custom. The rate you receive depends on these factors more than any published range:
Group size vs vehicle sizing
Book to headcount plus 15 percent for chaperones, adult volunteers, and supplies. Overloaded vehicles violate DOT rules and are turned away at the venue gate.
Day of week
Weekday school trips baseline. Weekend trips (sports tournaments, band competitions) price 10 to 20 percent higher due to weekend demand.
Distance
Trips over 150 miles round-trip add fuel and hours costs. Trips over 10 driving hours require a second driver by federal hours-of-service rule.
Booking lead time
4 to 8 weeks ahead is standard for weekday field trips. Peak-season trips (April, May, October) book out first. End-of-year field trips book earliest.
Payment method
School district POs and PTA checks accepted. Net-30 terms available for approved school accounts. Credit card requires 25 percent deposit at booking.
Worked example: 42-student class field trip Orlando to Kennedy Space Center
42 students plus 6 chaperones (48 total), single-day round trip from an Orlando elementary school to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: one 56-passenger motorcoach at 1,700 dollars including driver, fuel, tolls, insurance, and school-rate pricing. Cost per student: 40 dollars. Compare to piecing together parent-driven cars: no driver liability, no per-child cost tracking, no consistent arrival, and higher risk profile.
What is and is not included
Included in every rate
- Professional CDL driver with passenger endorsement
- Fuel and tolls
- Commercial passenger insurance (5 to 10 million dollars)
- Meet-and-greet coordination
- Luggage handling up to vehicle capacity
- 24/7 dispatch access on trip day
Not included / separate line item
- Driver gratuity (15 to 20 percent, industry standard)
- Overnight driver lodging on multi-day trips (~150/night)
- Event or venue parking fees if charged separately
- Oversized luggage or specialty equipment surcharges
- Standby beyond included window (75 to 150/hour)
- Interstate mileage on trips over 250 miles per day
Frequently asked questions
How much does a school charter bus cost per day?
A single-day school field trip charter runs 650 to 950 dollars for a 14-passenger minibus, 800 to 1,300 for a 25-passenger, 1,100 to 1,700 for a 36-passenger midsize, and 1,400 to 2,200 for a 55-passenger motorcoach. School-rate pricing applies to any trip billed to the school or PTA.
Are the buses safer for elementary students than parent-driven cars?
Yes. Every charter carries 3-point seat belts on all passenger seats, DOT-inspected brakes, GPS tracking, and a background-checked CDL driver with school-trip experience. All drivers pass FMCSA drug and alcohol screening. Charter buses have a fatality rate roughly one-tenth that of passenger vehicles per passenger-mile.
Do chaperones and teachers ride free?
Yes. Charter bus pricing is per vehicle, not per person, so chaperones and teachers ride at no additional cost as long as total headcount fits within vehicle capacity. Book to headcount plus 15 percent buffer for supplies, coolers, and adult seating.
How far in advance should we book a school field trip?
Book 4 to 8 weeks in advance for standard weekday trips. Peak-season trips (April, May, October) require 3 to 6 months in advance. End-of-year field trips book out earliest. Athletic team travel less than 14 days ahead is subject to vehicle availability.
Do you accept school purchase orders?
Yes. We accept school district purchase orders, PTA checks, credit cards, and ACH transfers. Net-30 terms available for approved school accounts. Booking requires a PO number or 25 percent deposit to hold the vehicle.
Get an exact quote
Published ranges narrow to an exact number once you share your date, group size, pickup city, and destination. BusBrother quotes within 2 hours from request to first bid, with multiple carriers bidding on the same job so you see the market.