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Charter Bus Prices in Encinitas

Are you planning a group trip and wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Encinitas? You've come to the right place! Encinitas Coach Bus Service is here to break down everything you need to know about charter bus pricing, including real examples of recent trips we've booked for customers just like you. Whether you're organizing a corporate event, school field trip, wedding shuttle, or sporting event transportation, we make it easy to get an instant quote and find the perfect vehicle at the perfect price.

Call our team anytime at 760-454-4880 to get started—we're always available and ready to help!

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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Encinitas?

Charter bus rentals in Encinitas typically cost between $1,700 and $3,100+ for multi-day trips, with exact pricing depending on factors like mileage, number of days, and vehicle size. Shorter local trips can range from $1,300 to $2,200 per day. Minibuses are generally less expensive than full-size charter buses, but final rates depend on availability and exact trip details. The only way to know your exact cost is to call our team with your trip itinerary and passenger count. We will quickly provide you with a personalized quote including a breakdown of all the costs and fees associated with your trip.

What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Encinitas?

There are several factors that influence the cost of your charter bus rental in Encinitas. When you contact our team for your free quote, we take the following into consideration to determine your pricing:

  • Time of year: Demand for charter bus rentals tends to be higher during certain times of the year, such as summer months when schools are out and families are traveling. This increased demand can drive up prices. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, consider booking during the off-season to potentially secure lower rates.
  • Pickup and drop-off locations: The distance between your pickup location, destinations, and drop-off point will impact the overall cost. Longer trips require more fuel and time, which can increase the price. Providing exact addresses when requesting a quote will help us give you the most accurate estimate.
  • Type of bus: We offer a variety of bus types to suit different group sizes and preferences, including 18-, 20-, and 25-passenger minibuses and 40-, 47-, and 56-passenger charter buses. The type of bus you choose will affect the price, with larger and more luxurious models typically costing more. Let us know your group size and any specific amenities you're interested in, and we'll help you find the best option within your budget.
  • Number of passengers: The size of your group will determine the type of bus you need, which in turn affects the cost. Larger groups may require multiple buses or a larger charter bus, while smaller groups can opt for a minibus. Be sure to provide an accurate headcount when requesting a quote.
  • Number of days traveling: Multi-day trips will naturally cost more than single-day outings due to the extended use of the vehicle and driver. If your trip spans several days, factor this into your budget.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some sample quotes for recent trips we've handled. Remember, these are just examples—the best way to get an accurate price is to call us with your exact itinerary!

Example #1

18 passenger minibus rental

A local elementary school needed transportation for 45 students and 5 chaperones (total 50 passengers) from their campus in Encinitas to the San Diego Zoo for a field trip. They requested a full-size charter bus with reclining seats and air conditioning. The trip was a same-day round trip, departing at 8:00 AM and returning by 4:00 PM, with no additional stops.

Distance: Encinitas to San Diego Zoo is approximately 28 miles one way, so 56 miles round trip.

Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus.

Pricing: The school was quoted $2,100 for the day, which included the bus, driver, fuel, and tolls. They budgeted an additional $300 for driver gratuity, bringing the total cost to $2,400. With 50 people onboard, the cost per person was $48.

Example #2

56 passenger charter bus

A tech company in Encinitas organized a corporate outing to a conference at the San Diego Convention Center. They had 30 employees attending and requested a minibus with WiFi and power outlets. The event lasted two days, so the shuttle made multiple trips between a downtown hotel and the convention center.

Distance: Encinitas to downtown San Diego is about 25 miles one way, 50 miles round trip.

Vehicle: 30-passenger minibus.

Pricing: The company received a quote of $2,600 per day for the two-day event, totaling $5,200. They added a $400 driver tip, bringing the total to $5,600. With 30 passengers, the cost per person was $186.67.

Example #3

56 passenger coach bus

A bride and groom hired a shuttle to transport guests between a hotel block in Carlsbad and their wedding venue in Encinitas. They needed continuous service for 6 hours to accommodate different guest arrival and departure times. The guest list included 80 people, so they booked two minibuses (40 seats each) to run on a loop.

Distance: Carlsbad to Encinitas is roughly 8 miles one way, 16 miles round trip. Multiple loops were required.

Vehicle: Two 40-passenger minibuses.

Pricing: The couple was quoted $1,800 per minibus for the 6-hour block, totaling $3,600. After adding a $300 tip per driver ($600 total), the final cost was $4,200. Divided among 80 guests, the cost per person was $52.50.

Example #4

18 passenger minibus

A high school football team needed transportation to an away game in Los Angeles. The roster included 35 players, 10 coaches/staff, and equipment bags. They booked a charter bus with undercarriage storage for gear. The trip required an overnight stay, so the bus waited while the team stayed at a hotel.

Distance: Encinitas to Los Angeles is about 100 miles one way, 200 miles round trip.

Vehicle: 47-passenger charter bus.

Pricing: The school district was quoted $3,900 for the two-day trip, including mileage and waiting time. A $350 tip brought the total to $4,250. With 45 people traveling, the cost per person was $94.44.

Example #5

20 passenger minibus

A local church organized a weekend retreat to a campground in Julian, CA. Forty congregation members signed up, ranging from youth to seniors. They needed affordable transportation with room for luggage and snacks. The retreat spanned three days, with the bus staying onsite.

Distance: Encinitas to Julian is approximately 60 miles one way, 120 miles round trip.

Vehicle: 40-passenger school bus.

Pricing: The church received a quote of $3,000 for the three-day rental. They collected a $250 tip for the driver, making the total $3,250. Split among 40 passengers, the cost per person was $81.25.

Example #6

25 passenger minibus

A family of 20 booked a minibus to transport relatives to San Diego International Airport for a destination wedding. They had luggage for a week-long trip and needed curbside drop-off at multiple terminals. The transfer was scheduled for early morning to avoid traffic.

Distance: Encinitas to SAN is about 25 miles one way.

Vehicle: 25-passenger minibus.

Pricing: The family was quoted $1,100 for the airport transfer, including luggage handling. They tipped the driver $150, bringing the total to $1,250. With 20 passengers, the cost per person was $62.50.

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