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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Reading Bus Rental Cost?
When you’re planning group travel in Berks County, one of your first questions is probably, “How much does it cost to rent a charter bus in Reading?” We’re here to help! Reading Charter Bus is your go-to source for simple, transparent pricing and great service. Our team has decades of experience helping groups of all sizes get where they need to go safely and on budget. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about charter bus rental costs in Reading, PA. For an instant, personalized quote, call our reservation team at 484-579-2870 today!
| 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 an Reading Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus rental pricing is never one-size-fits-all. Several factors can influence your total cost, including:
- Bus size: Larger buses (like 56-passenger coaches) typically cost more per day than smaller minibuses (like 18- or 25-passenger models). Choose the right size to fit your group for the best value.
- Trip length: Are you booking a short, local trip around Reading or a multi-day, out-of-state tour? Longer trips usually have different pricing structures, including mileage charges.
- Trip duration: Charter bus rentals can be priced by the hour, day, or mile. Full-day or multi-day rentals often offer better overall rates than hourly bookings.
- Season and demand: Peak travel times, like graduation season at Albright College or during Reading Phillies games, can affect pricing and availability.
- Additional services: Extras like onboard WiFi, TV/DVD systems, or ADA accessibility may impact your quote. Always ask what’s included.
For your convenience, here’s a quick look at the average hourly, daily, and per-mile rates for various bus types in the Reading area:
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 25-Passenger Minibus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
*Rates vary based on season, availability, and specific bus model. Call for a custom quote.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
For extended trips or tours lasting several days to a week, expect to budget between $8,000 and $15,000 for a full-size charter bus rental. Weekly rates often include a set number of miles per day, with additional mileage billed separately. Multi-day trips to destinations like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, or New York City for school trips, sports tournaments, or corporate tours are priced this way. Your driver will typically stay with the group, and accommodations for the driver are factored into the cost.
We can help you create a detailed itinerary and provide a firm quote that covers all your transportation needs, including driver lodging, meals, and rest breaks. Call 484-579-2870 to discuss your week-long trip today!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you better understand charter bus pricing in Reading, we’ve created some sample itineraries based on real customer requests. Each example includes group size, trip details, and estimated costs. Use these as a starting point for your own plans, and call us at 484-579-2870 for a custom quote!
1. Reading Phillies Game Day Shuttle (56-Passenger Charter Bus)
A local business wanted to treat their employees to a Reading Phillies game at FirstEnergy Stadium. They booked a 56-passenger charter bus for a 5-hour evening shuttle service from their office in downtown Reading to the ballpark, with drop-offs and pickups to avoid traffic. The total driving distance was about 10 miles round-trip.
Using an average hourly rate of $250/hour, the shuttle cost was $1,250 for 5 hours. The company chose to add onboard WiFi and a TV system to keep employees entertained with game highlights and company videos, which added $100 to the total. The full-day option was not needed since the trip was under 8 hours.
Total cost for the game day shuttle: $1,350
2. Albright College Graduation Shuttle (2 x 35-Passenger Minibuses)
An Albright College department needed to provide transportation for 70 graduates and their families from campus to a local reception venue in downtown Reading. They booked two 35-passenger minibuses for a 6-hour rental to run continuous shuttles before and after the ceremony at the Daniel Boone Amphitheater.
Each minibus was rented at an average hourly rate of $200/hour. For 6 hours, the cost per bus was $1,200, totaling $2,400 for both. The department opted for a 6-hour package instead of a full day to save costs. Drivers coordinated with event staff to run shuttles every 15 minutes.
Total cost for the graduation shuttles: $2,400
3. Berks County Wedding Weekend (1 x 56-Passenger Charter Bus + 1 x 25-Passenger Minibus)
A couple planning their wedding at The Gables at Valley Forge wanted to provide guest shuttles from two hotels: a large block at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading and a smaller group at the Inn at Reading. They booked a 56-passenger charter bus for the main hotel (20 miles round-trip) and a 25-passenger minibus for the smaller group (10 miles round-trip). Both were booked for 4 hours each on the wedding day.
The 56-passenger bus was rented at $220/hour for 4 hours ($880) plus $6/mile for 20 miles ($120), totaling $1,000. The 25-passenger minibus was $180/hour for 4 hours ($720) plus $5/mile for 10 miles ($50), totaling $770. The couple added a driver gratuity of $200 for excellent service.
Total cost for wedding guest shuttles: $1,970
4. Reading to Philadelphia School Field Trip (1 x 56-Passenger Charter Bus)
A Reading High School class of 55 students and chaperones planned a day trip to Philadelphia to visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center. They booked a 56-passenger charter bus for a 12-hour rental, including 140 miles round-trip and 6 hours of local driving in Philly.
The school district paid a flat day rate of $2,200 for the 12-hour rental, which included 150 miles. Since they used only 140 miles, no extra mileage fees applied. The charter bus came with a TV/DVD system and WiFi. The district added $150 for driver lunch and tolls.
Total cost for the school field trip: $2,350
