Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Duluth Coach Bus Rental Cost?
If you’re planning a group trip anywhere in Minnesota, you’re probably wondering how much it costs to rent a bus in Duluth. The short answer: it depends! Duluth Coach Bus Service offers a wide range of bus rentals at prices that vary based on your travel dates, destination, group size, and more. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a charter bus rental in Duluth. The only way to get an exact quote is to call our team at 218-524-4440 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask a few quick questions about your trip and give you an instant price estimate in less than 30 seconds. Below, we’ll break down the average cost of different types of buses, explain what factors affect pricing, and share some sample quotes from real customers.
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?
Duluth Coach Bus Service offers several types of buses to choose from, each with its own pricing structure. Here are the most common options:
- Charter Buses: Large, full-size buses that seat 40 to 56 passengers. Perfect for long-distance trips, school field trips, sports teams, and corporate events. Average cost: $2,000 to $3,800 per day.
- Minibuses: Smaller buses that seat 18 to 35 passengers. Great for local shuttles, wedding transportation, and small group outings. Average cost: $1,800 to $2,900 per day.
- Sprinter Vans: Compact vehicles that seat 10 to 15 passengers. Ideal for airport transfers, executive travel, and private tours. Average cost: $170 to $250 per hour.
Keep in mind that these are just averages—your actual price may be higher or lower depending on your specific itineraryy. For example, a 56-passenger bus from Duluth to Minneapolis will cost more than a 25-passenger minibus doing a local shuttle in Canal Park.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Duluth?
There are several factors that go into determining the final price of your bus rental. Here’s what we consider when calculating your quote:
- Travel Dates: Bus rental rates are higher during peak season (April through June and September through December) and lower during off-peak months (January through March and July through August). Weekends also tend to be more expensive than weekdays.
- Trip Distance and Duration: The longer and farther you travel, the more you’ll pay. Local trips within Duluth are usually billed by the hour (with a 5-hour minimum), while out-of-town trips to places like Minneapolis, Rochester, or even Chicago are billed by the day or by the mile.
- Group Size: Larger buses cost more than smaller ones, but they also have a lower cost per seat. Always choose a bus that matches your headcount to get the best value.
- Itineraryy Complexity: If your trip involves multiple stops, tight schedules, or requires the bus to stay on standby for several hours, it may increase the cost. For example, a wedding shuttle that runs back and forth between Greysolon Ballroom and a hotel in Superior all night will cost more than a simple point-to-point transfer.
- Bus Amenities: Premium features like WiFi, power outlets, TV monitors, PA systems, leather seats, and restrooms can add to the cost. Make sure to specify which amenities are must-haves for your group.
- Lead Time: Booking early (at least 3 to 6 months in advance) gives you access to the best rates and availability. Last-minute bookings may be subject to higher prices or limited options.
- Special Requests: ADA-accessible buses, trailers for extra luggage, or branding/wrapping the bus with your company logo may incur additional fees.
In addition to the base rental fee, there are a few other expenses to budget for:
- Tolls and Parking: Any tolls, parking fees, or entrance charges incurred during the trip are the responsibility of the renter. This includes parking at venues like AMSOIL Arena, Bayfront Festival Park, or U.S. Bank Stadium.
- Driver Gratuity: While not mandatory, it’s customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost for good service. Tips can be given in cash at the end of the trip or added to your invoice.
- Driver Lodging: For overnight trips, you must provide a separate hotel room for the driver. The room should be clean, safe, and located near the group’s accommodations.
If you have any questions about what’s included in your quote, just ask! Our team is always happy to explain the details and help you find ways to save money on your rental.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Duluth, MN and around Minnesota. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Duluth to Minneapolis Day Trip

A corporate team of 40 people needs transportation from downtown Duluth to a conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center. They’ll depart at 6:00 AM, arrive by 10:00 AM, and return to Duluth after the event ends at 5:00 PM. This is a same-day, round-trip journey covering about 310 miles total. The group books a 56-passenger charter bus with WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms for maximum comfort. The quote comes to $3,200 for the day, which includes all mileage, driver time, and amenities. Cost per person: $80. The company will also cover parking fees at the convention center and provide a $200 tip for the driver.
Wedding Shuttle in Canal Park

A bride and groom are hosting their wedding ceremony at Glensheen Mansion and reception at Clyde Iron Works. They want to provide continuous shuttle service for 120 guests between the two venues and nearby hotels in Canal Park and Downtown Duluth. The schedule runs from 3:00 PM to midnight, with buses making loops every 30 minutes. The planner books two 40-passenger minibuses for 9 hours each at $225 per hour per bus, totaling $4,050. This ensures all guests have safe, reliable transportation without needing to drive or use ride-shares. The couple adds a 15% gratuity ($600) to thank the drivers for their hard work.
Field Trip to the Lake Superior Zoo

An elementary school in Hermantown is organizing a field trip for 75 students and 8 teachers to the Lake Superior Zoo. The itineraryy is simple: pick up at the school at 9:00 AM, drop off at the zoo by 9:30 AM, and return to the school at 2:00 PM after lunch and touring the exhibits. The school rents two 40-passenger minibuses for 5 hours each at $180 per hour, bringing the total to $1,800. Since this is a short, local trip with no extra stops or special requests, it’s one of the most affordable options available. The PTA covers the cost and tips each driver $50.
Sports Team Travel to Rochester

A high school hockey team from Cloquet needs transportation to a weekend tournament in Rochester, MN. The bus will depart Friday afternoon, stay overnight, and return Sunday evening after the final game. Total distance is about 450 miles round-trip, plus local shuttles between the hotel, arena, and restaurants. The team books a 56-passenger coach with underfloor storage for equipment bags, reclining seats, and DVD players for $3,600. They also reserve a hotel room for the driver and budget $300 for meals and gratuity. Splitting the cost among 25 players and coaches makes this an economical and convenient way to travel across the state.
Concert Trip to Bayfront Festival Park

A group of friends wants to attend a summer concert at Bayfront Festival Park without worrying about parking or traffic. They arrange for a 25-passenger minibus to pick them up at a central location in Superior, WI, drop them off at the entrance, and wait onsite until the show is over. The rental lasts 6 hours (5:00 PM to 11:00 PM) at $190 per hour, totaling $1,140. Riders can leave coolers, chairs, and personal items on the bus during the event. Afterward, everyone boards the bus for a safe ride home. Each person chips in $46, which is cheaper than multiple Ubers or designated drivers.
Multi-day Tour of the North Shore

A senior citizens’ group is planning a three-day sightseeing tour along the North Shore, with stops in Two Harbors, Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, and Grand Marais. The itineraryy includes hotel stays in Lutsen, group dinners, and guided walks at several state parks. The organizer books a 40-passenger minibus for three full days at $2,100 per day, totaling $6,300. This price covers all transportation, including side trips to local attractions and restaurants. The group leader collects payments in advance and allocates $400 for driver tips and incidentals. Traveling by private bus allows seniors to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving or navigating unfamiliar roads.