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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a New Bedford Bus Rental Cost?
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in New Bedford, Massachusetts? You’re in the right place! New Bedford Charter Bus Services specializes in affordable group transportation throughout New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Wareham, and the entire South Coast region. Whether you’re planning a wedding at The Seaport Inn, a field trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 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 774-425-0035 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 New Bedford Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus rental pricing in New Bedford 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 Zeiterion or the New Bedford Whaling Museum, are often more budget-friendly and may be rented by the hour or trip. If you’re planning a multi-day tour through the South Coast, Cape Cod, or Providence, 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, weddings, and festivals are in full swing around New Bedford and the South Coast. Likewise, big events like the New Bedford Folk Festival or the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament 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 New Bedford or campus tours of UMass Dartmouth usually cost less than longer day trips to Boston or Providence. 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 774-425-0035—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 New Bedford 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 New England, Cape Cod, or Rhode Island 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 774-425-0035. Our team will build a custom package just for you!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few real-world New Bedford 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 Upstate Wedding Shuttle Service
A couple planning a fall wedding in New Bedford wanted a seamless way to get 60 guests from two hotels in downtown New Bedford to their ceremony at The Seaport Inn, and then out to a scenic reception at the GNB Yacht Club in Fairhaven. They booked two 25-passenger minibuses for 9 hours to run continuous shuttles between hotels, the ceremony, and reception—plus late-night returns. Each minibus was priced at $175 per hour, making the base total $3,150 for both buses. They added a 12% gratuity ($378) to thank their drivers for smooth service and flexibility, bringing the total transportation cost to $3,528.
The couple chose this shuttle option so guests could celebrate, enjoy drinks, and never worry about parking or directions on the Route 6 or the Acushnet Avenue. Buses included drivers, Bluetooth sound systems, and space for flowers and decor.
A Day Trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Cape Cod
A local youth group from Dartmouth organized a full-day trip for 45 students, coaches, and parents to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Cape Cod. They reserved one 56-passenger charter bus with a restroom, DVD player, and undercarriage storage for equipment and coolers. The bus was booked for a 12-hour day at $210 per hour, totaling $2,520. The group opted to include tolls and parking upfront ($60) and budgeted 10% for gratuity ($258), so their all-in cost was $2,838.
Participants enjoyed movies on the way, had plenty of room for snacks, and arrived together for a group photo at the Cape Cod National Seashore. Parents didn’t need to coordinate carpools or drive home tired.
A Corporate Shuttle for Employees from New Bedford to UMass Dartmouth
A local tech company headquartered in New Bedford needed to provide daily commuter shuttles for 15 employees traveling to UMass Dartmouth. They chose a 18-passenger minibus to run a weekday morning and evening loop for one month (22 workdays), with each shuttle covering a 15-mile route. The package rate was $950 per day for 22 days, totaling $20,900. The company added a 10% gratuity ($2,090) for outstanding driver reliability, bringing the project’s transportation cost to $22,990.
The company selected this service for the convenience, on-time reliability, and productivity boost—employees could read, catch up on work, or rest on the commute. Buses included WiFi, power outlets, and a dedicated support rep for last-minute schedule tweaks.
A School Field Trip to the New Bedford State Pier and Downtown
An elementary school in New Bedford planned a half-day field trip for 60 fourth-graders, teachers, and chaperones to the New Bedford State Pier and downtown area. They booked one 56-passenger charter bus and one 24-passenger minibus for a total of 6 hours, with the charter at $180/hr and the minibus at $145/hr. The total for both: $1,950. The school PTA added $195 (10%) for driver gratuity, for a complete cost of $2,145.
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.
