- St. Petersburg Charter Bus Services /
- Charter Bus Rates
Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a St. Petersburg Bus Rental Cost?
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in St. Petersburg, Florida? You’re in the right place! St. Petersburg Charter Bus Services specializes in affordable group transportation throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Sarasota, and the entire Tampa Bay Area. Whether you’re planning a wedding at The Vinoy, a field trip to the Florida Aquarium, 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 727-202-9666 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 St. Petersburg Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus rental pricing in St. Petersburg 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 Mahaffey Theater or Tropicana Field, are often more budget-friendly and may be rented by the hour or trip. If you’re planning a multi-day tour through Tampa, St. Petersburg, or the Gulf Coast, 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 graduations, festivals, and wedding season are in full swing around the Tampa Bay Area. Likewise, big events like the Gasparilla Festival or the Tampa Bay Rays games 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 St. Petersburg or campus tours of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg usually cost less than longer day trips to Orlando or Miami. 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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 727-202-9666—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 St. Petersburg 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 Florida, the Gulf Coast, or even all the way to Orlando 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 727-202-9666. Our team will build a custom package just for you!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few real-world St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg
A group planning a festival in downtown St. Petersburg wanted a seamless way to get 50 guests from two hotels in downtown St. Petersburg to the event venue and then out to a scenic dinner at the Sundial. They booked two 25-passenger minibuses for 8 hours to run continuous shuttles between hotels, the event, and dinner—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 group chose this shuttle option so guests could enjoy the festival, drinks, and never worry about parking or directions. Buses included drivers, Bluetooth sound systems, and space for decor.
A Day Trip to Clearwater Marine Aquarium
A family from St. Petersburg organized a full-day trip for 30 visitors to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. They reserved one 30-passenger charter bus with a restroom, DVD player, and undercarriage storage for luggage and coolers. The bus was booked for a 10-hour day at $200 per hour, totaling $2,000. The group included tolls and parking upfront ($50) and budgeted 10% for gratuity ($250), so their all-in cost was $2,300.
Visitors enjoyed movies on the way, had plenty of room for snacks, and arrived together for a fun day at the aquarium. No one needed to coordinate carpools or drive home tired.
A Corporate Shuttle for Employees from St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport
A local business in St. Petersburg needed to provide daily shuttles for 12 employees traveling to Tampa International Airport. They chose a 18-passenger minibus to run a weekday morning and evening loop for one month (20 workdays), with each shuttle covering a 20-mile route. The package rate was $900 per day for 20 days, totaling $18,000. The company added a 10% gratuity ($1,800) for reliable service, bringing the project’s transportation cost to $19,800.
The company valued the service for its convenience, punctuality, and productivity benefits—employees could read, catch up on work, or relax during the commute. Buses included WiFi, power outlets, and a dedicated support rep for last-minute schedule adjustments.
A School Field Trip to the Florida Holocaust Museum
An elementary school in St. Petersburg planned a half-day field trip for 50 students, teachers, and chaperones to the Florida Holocaust Museum. They booked one 56-passenger charter bus and one 24-passenger minibus for a total of 6 hours, with the charter at $185/hr and the minibus at $140/hr. The total for both: $1,850. The school PTA added $185 (10%) for driver gratuity, for a complete cost of $2,035.
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.
