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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Missoula Bus Rental Cost?
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Missoula? We make it simple! A charter bus rental in Missoula typically costs between $900 and $1,800 per day for a full-size 56-passenger bus. Smaller minibuses for airport shuttles or local trips start around $150 to $300 per day. Your exact price depends on the bus size, trip length, and season. For a quick and accurate price, call our team at 406-610-8620!
| 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 Missoula Charter Bus Rental?
Many factors influence your charter bus price in Missoula. The biggest is the type of bus you choose. A full-size 56-passenger charter bus rental usually costs between $900 and $1,800 per day, while smaller 15-passenger minibuses range from $150 to $300 per day. Full-size buses are great for large groups, school trips, or weddings, while minibuses work well for airport transfers or small corporate outings.
Another major factor is the length and distance of your trip. Local hourly rentals around Missoula (for example, to the University of Montana or downtown) are priced differently than one-way trips to places like Glacier National Park or Bozeman. For instance, a shuttle from Missoula to Glacier National Park (about 140 miles) might be priced per mile, while a 4-hour local rental in Missoula is hourly. Seasonality also plays a role. Summer months, when many groups travel to Montana’s national parks, often see higher demand and prices. Booking early for summer trips can secure better rates. Conversely, winter months may offer more availability and lower prices.
Additional amenities and services can affect your cost. Charter buses with WiFi, power outlets, and entertainment systems might have slightly higher rates. Also, if you need multiple pickup locations, overnight stays for your driver, or special event timing, these can add to the total. Always ask for a detailed quote so you know what’s included.
Where you go in Montana matters, too. Local Missoula trips to spots like the Rattlesnake Wilderness or a wedding at the Double Arrow Resort near Seeley Lake are priced differently than multi-day tours across the state. For long-distance or overnight trips, mileage and driver lodging are factored in. For example, a 3-day school trip from Missoula to Yellowstone National Park will have a different pricing structure than a 2-hour shuttle around town.
In summary, your Missoula charter bus rental price depends on:
- Bus size and type (full-size charter bus vs. minibus)
- Trip length (hours and miles)
- Season and demand (summer vs. winter)
- Route (local vs. long-distance)
- Amenities and special requests
- Number of buses needed
For the most accurate pricing, provide our team with your group size, trip details, and dates. We’ll compare options and find the best fit for your budget. Call us 24/7 at 406-610-8620 for a free, personalized quote!
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
For week-long rentals, prices typically range from $8,000 to $15,000 for a full-size charter bus. This depends on the daily rate, total miles traveled, and any overnight driver fees. Long-term rentals often get a discounted daily rate. For example, a 7-day rental at $1,600/day might be negotiated to $1,400/day, saving $1,400 overall. Always ask about weekly rates!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Here are some real-world examples of charter bus pricing for trips in and around Missoula:
University of Montana Campus Tour
A high school in Spokane booked a 56-passenger charter bus for a day trip to Missoula to tour the University of Montana. They reserved the bus for 10 hours to include travel time, campus tours, and lunch in downtown Missoula. The bus was booked at a mid-range hourly rate of $320/hour. Total cost was $3,200 (10 hours x $320). This included a professional driver, WiFi onboard, and power outlets for students’ devices. The bus dropped the group off at UM, toured with them, and shuttled them to Biga Pizza for lunch before heading home. The school said the trip was seamless and all 50 students traveled comfortably in one vehicle.
Missoula Wedding Shuttle to Lolo Hot Springs
A couple getting married near Missoula hired a 35-passenger minibus to shuttle guests from their downtown hotel to the ceremony site at Lolo Hot Springs (about 30 miles away). They reserved the bus for 6 hours on their wedding day at a rate of $280/hour. Total cost was $1,680 (6 hours x $280). The minibus ran continuous shuttles for 4 hours before and after the ceremony, allowing 40 guests to enjoy the day without worrying about driving or parking. The couple chose a bus with leather seats and a premium sound system to create a relaxing vibe for their guests. The driver also served as a local guide, sharing Montana wedding tips along the way.
Missoula to Glacier National Park Adventure
A group of 25 friends rented a 28-passenger minibus for a 3-day adventure from Missoula to Glacier National Park (140 miles away). They booked the bus for 72 hours at a daily rate of $1,500 and paid a mileage charge of $6/mile for the 280-mile round trip. Total cost was $6,720 (3 days x $1,500 + 280 miles x $6). The group split the cost, paying $269 each. The bus was equipped with a fridge for drinks, reclining seats, and large windows for sightseeing. The driver also stayed overnight near the park, included in the rate. The trip included shuttle service to popular trailheads and local hikes around Apgar Village.
Corporate Shuttle for a Missoula Conference
A tech company hosting a conference at the Missoula Convention Center rented two 20-passenger minibuses to shuttle 35 out-of-town attendees from Missoula International Airport to their hotel and venue. They reserved the buses for 3 days at a rate of $1,350/day each. Total cost was $8,100 (2 buses x 3 days x $1,350). The company chose buses with onboard WiFi and power outlets to allow attendees to work en route. The shuttles ran on a set schedule, with drivers acting as point people for the conference. The company said the service was “flawless” and allowed their team to focus on the event, not transportation logistics.
