Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Green Bay Coach Bus Rental Cost?
How much does it cost to rent a bus in Green Bay? The short answer is: it depends! Green Bay Coach Bus Service offers a wide range of buses, from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches, and our prices vary based on the size of the bus, the length of your trip, the time of year, and other factors. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a bus rental in Green Bay. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call us at 920-932-5970 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask you a few questions about your trip and give you an instant price estimate. Below, we’ve provided some sample rates and explained the main factors that affect bus rental pricing.
| 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?
The average cost to rent a coach bus in Green Bay ranges from $170 to $500+ per hour depending on the exact size, features, and length of your trip. For example, a 56-passenger MCI J4500 or Van Hool CX45 will typically cost $250-$350 per hour with a 5-hour minimum ($1,250-$1,750), while a mid-size 35- to 40-passenger coach like a Temsa TS30 or Grech Motors GM40 will run $200-$300 per hour. Daily rates for long-distance trips are usually $2,200-$3,800 per day. These prices include the bus, driver, fuel, insurance, and standard amenities like WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, and luggage bays. Optional upgrades such as catering, alcohol, or extra mileage may increase the total cost.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Green Bay?
There are many variables that go into determining the final price of your coach bus rental. Here are the most important ones:
- Distance and Duration: The number one factor is how far and how long you need the bus. Local charters within Brown County, Outagamie County, or Winnebago County are usually billed by the hour (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while multi-day trips to Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis, or Madison are priced by the day or by the mile. The more miles and hours, the higher the cost.
- Bus Size and Type: Larger buses cost more than smaller ones. A 56-passenger motorcoach is the most expensive option, followed by 40- to 45-passenger coaches, 30- to 35-passenger mid-size buses, and 20- to 28-passenger minibuses. Premium brands like Prevost, Setra, or Van Hool are pricier than basic models. ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts may also cost extra.
- Season and Demand: Bus rental rates are higher during peak season (April through June and September through November) when schools, colleges, and wedding planners are booking trips. Major events like Packers games at Lambeau Field, EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Summerfest in Milwaukee, or UW-Madison football games can drive up demand and prices. Off-peak months (January through March and July through August) are cheaper.
- Days of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday through Sunday) are more expensive than weekday rentals (Monday through Thursday) due to higher demand for weddings, concerts, and sporting events. If you have flexibility, schedule your trip on a Tuesday or Wednesday to save money.
- Itinerary and Stops: The complexity of your itinerary affects the price. Nonstop point-to-point trips are simpler and cheaper than schedules with multiple pickups, drop-offs, or shuttle loops. Each additional stop adds time and mileage. For example, shuttling guests between hotels in Ashwaubenon, Allouez, and De Pere for a wedding at the Green Bay Botanical Garden will cost more than a direct transfer.
- Driver Lodging and Per Diem: For overnight trips, you are responsible for providing a hotel room for the driver (minimum 3-star, single occupancy, two beds if sharing). If the bus is parked more than 50 miles from the garage, the driver must have a room each night. You may also need to cover meals or pay a per diem ($40-$60/day).
- Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any tolls (I-43, I-94), parking fees (downtown Green Bay, Titletown District, Resch Center), or special permits (Chicago city entry, state park access) are extra and billed to the client. Make sure to budget for these incidental costs.
- Gratuity: While not mandatory, it is customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total charter cost for excellent service. Tips can be paid in cash or added to the final invoice.
- Lead Time and Availability: Booking early (3-6 months in advance) gives you the best selection and lowest rates. Last-minute reservations (less than 2 weeks) may incur rush fees or be subject to whatever equipment is left. During busy seasons, buses sell out quickly.
Other factors that can influence pricing include whether you require an ADA-accessible bus with a wheelchair lift, if you’re traveling during a major event like a Packers game at Lambeau Field or EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, and if you need any special permits or parking passes for your destination. For example, getting a large bus into downtown Green Bay or the Titletown District may require advance planning and additional fees.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Green Bay, WI and around Wisconsin. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Green Bay School Field Trip to Milwaukee Public Museum
A local elementary school in the Howard-Suamico School District is planning a field trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum for 100 students and 10 chaperones. They need two 56-passenger coach buses to depart Green Bay at 7:00 AM, spend the day at the museum, and return by 6:00 PM. This is a full-day charter of approximately 10 hours and 240 miles round-trip. The quoted price is $2,400 per bus, or $4,800 total. That works out to $48 per person for comfortable transportation with restrooms, WiFi, and DVD players for movies. The school will provide boxed lunches for the ride and cover driver gratuity.
Wedding Shuttle Between Lambeau Field and Downtown Hotels
A bride and groom are hosting their reception at the Johnsonville Tailgate Village outside Lambeau Field, with most guests staying at hotels along the Fox River in downtown Green Bay. They want continuous shuttle service from 4:00 PM to midnight to ensure everyone gets back safely after celebrating. We recommended two 25-passenger minibuses running in a loop every 30 minutes. The total cost for 8 hours is $1,200 per minibus, or $2,400 combined. This includes all mileage, standby time, and coordination of pickup/drop-off locations. The couple opted to decorate the buses with custom signage and provided snacks and water onboard.
Packer Game Day Charter From Appleton to Lambeau Field
A group of coworkers from a manufacturing company in Appleton are die-hard Packers fans and organized a private bus to see a Sunday afternoon game at Lambeau Field. They booked a 40-passenger coach to pick up at their office, drive to Green Bay, park in the stadium lot during the game, and return immediately afterward. Total time is 6 hours and 70 miles round-trip. The quoted rate is $1,350, which they split among 30 riders for $45 each. This is much cheaper and more convenient than dealing with traffic, parking fees, or finding a designated driver. The bus has reclining seats, a restroom, and space for coolers.
Multi-day College Tour to Madison and Chicago
A high school guidance counselor is taking a group of juniors on a three-day college tour to visit UW-Madison, Marquette University in Milwaukee, and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. They need a 56-passenger motorcoach with WiFi and power outlets for studying en route. The itinerary includes one night in Madison and one night in Chicago before returning to Green Bay. Total distance is 600 miles with 24 hours of service over three days. The package price is $5,400, which covers the bus, driver hotel rooms, tolls, and parking permits at each campus. Students are responsible for their own meals and lodging. This averages $180 per person for the entire trip based on 30 participants.
Corporate Retreat Shuttle to Door County Resort
A Green Bay-based insurance company is hosting an offsite retreat at a waterfront resort in Egg Harbor, Door County. They hired a 35-passenger mid-size coach to transport employees from the office to the resort on Friday afternoon, shuttle them to dinner and activities around Fish Creek and Sister Bay, and bring everyone back Sunday evening. This is a two-day charter with 150 miles of driving and 16 hours of service. The quoted price is $3,200, which the company is paying as part of its employee engagement budget. The coach features leather seats, USB chargers, and underfloor storage for luggage and golf clubs.
Concert Trip to Summerfest in Milwaukee
A group of friends from De Pere wants to attend a Saturday night concert at Summerfest in Milwaukee without worrying about driving or finding a sober ride home. They booked a 20-passenger minibus to leave at 3:00 PM, arrive at the festival grounds by 6:00 PM, and depart after the headliner finishes at midnight. The bus will wait onsite and return everyone safely by 3:00 AM. Total cost is $1,800, or $90 per person if fully occupied. This includes express drop-off/pickup near the entrance, Bluetooth sound system for playlists, and cool A/C for the ride back. Riders can BYOB but must clean up after themselves.