Melbourne Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Bus Rental Cost in Melbourne

Planning group transportation on the Space Coast can feel like a daunting task, especially when trying to budget for the trip. Whether you are organizing a corporate retreat near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, a wedding at a beautiful waterfront venue, or a field trip to the Brevard Zoo, understanding the costs involved is the first step toward a successful journey. At Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne, we believe in total transparency. We want you to feel confident that you are getting the best value for your money, paired with the safest and most reliable transportation in Brevard County.

While we can't give you a single, flat rate for every bus without knowing your specific details, we can provide a comprehensive guide on how we calculate our rates and what you can expect to pay. Our goal is to make the booking process as easy as possible. You can always reach our 24/7 reservation team at 407-891-0011 for a personalized, no-obligation quote in under 30 seconds, or use our online quote tool to see pricing instantly. Below, we break down everything you need to know about charter bus pricing in Melbourne, Florida.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

Determining Your Melbourne Bus Rental Rate

The cost of renting a charter bus in Melbourne varies based on the specifics of your itinerary. Charter bus rentals are billed in one of two ways: by the hour or by the day (or mile). For local trips that stay within the Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Cocoa Beach areas, we charge an hourly rate with a minimum rental period (usually 5 hours). This is perfect for events like wedding shuttles, corporate dinners, or church outings where the bus is used for a specific block of time.

For long-distance trips—such as taking a group from Melbourne to Miami, Atlanta, or even just a full-day excursion to the theme parks in Orlando—we calculate the cost by the day or by mileage. Daily rates are more cost-effective for trips where the driver and bus will be with you for 8 hours or more.

Estimated Ranges: While prices fluctuate based on demand and season, a standard minibus rental in Melbourne ranges from $150 to $195 per hour, while a full-size 56-passenger charter bus ranges from $175 to $225 per hour. Daily rates can range anywhere from $1,300 to $2,000+ per day depending on the vehicle size and distance traveled.

Factors That Influence Your Quote

When you call Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne at 407-891-0011, our reservation specialists take several specific factors into account to build your custom quote. Understanding these variables can help you plan your budget more effectively.

1. The Time of Year

Seasonality plays a massive role in transportation costs in Florida. Melbourne and the surrounding Space Coast are popular destinations year-round, but demand spikes during specific times. The "busy season" typically runs from late January through May. During these months, you have an influx of snowbirds, Spring Break travelers, and the peak of school field trip season. If you are booking a bus during Prom season (April/May) or for a wedding in June, expect rates to be slightly higher due to limited availability. Conversely, booking a trip in the slower summer months or early fall may yield lower rates.

2. Trip Duration and Distance

How far are you going, and how long will you be gone? A quick shuttle from a hotel in Indialantic to the King Center for the Performing Arts (3865 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935) will cost significantly less than a multi-day tour of Florida's colleges. We factor in the total mileage and the driver's on-duty hours. Federal regulations limit how long a driver can be on the road (10 hours of driving within a 15-hour on-duty window), so longer trips may require a second driver, which will impact the price.

3. The Size and Type of Bus

The vehicle you choose dictates the base rate. A 56-passenger motorcoach, complete with an onboard restroom, luggage bays, and reclining seats, costs more to operate than a 20-passenger minibus. However, the cost-per-person is often lower on a large bus if you fill all the seats. If you are debating between two sizes, our agents can help you crunch the numbers to see which option offers the best value for your group size.

Typical Pricing Examples for Melbourne Trips

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are a few examples of common trips we book in the Melbourne area and their estimated costs. Please remember these are just estimates; call us for your exact price.

The Corporate Shuttle

A local aerospace company needs to transport 25 employees from their headquarters near the Orlando Melbourne International Airport (1 Air Terminal Pkwy, Melbourne, FL 32901) to a team-building lunch at The Mansion in downtown Melbourne, followed by an afternoon meeting at a hotel conference room. They need the bus for 6 hours on a Tuesday.

Vehicle: 25-Passenger Minibus
Estimated Cost: $900 – $1,200
Why: Weekday rates are lower, and a minibus is the perfect size for this group, offering comfort without the higher fuel costs of a full coach.

The Wedding Day

A couple is getting married at the stunning Banyan Estate (1490 Marie St, Malabar, FL 32950). They want to provide safe transportation for guests staying at beachside hotels in Indialantic and Melbourne Beach. They need a shuttle loop for 8 hours on a Saturday evening to ensure everyone gets to the ceremony and back to the hotels safely after the reception.

Vehicle: 56-Passenger Charter Bus
Estimated Cost: $1,600 – $2,200
Why: Saturday evenings are peak times for rentals. A large bus allows them to move the maximum number of guests in the fewest amount of trips, ensuring the ceremony starts on time.

The School Field Trip

A local elementary school is planning a trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. They have 50 students and 5 chaperones. They need transportation from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on a weekday.

Vehicle: 56-Passenger Charter Bus
Estimated Cost: $1,400 – $1,800
Why: Safety and capacity are key here. The daily rate applies, and the large bus provides the necessary seatbelts, climate control, and entertainment systems (DVD players/WiFi) to keep students occupied during the drive up US-1 or I-95.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Budget

Selecting the right vehicle is the easiest way to control your costs. At Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne, we offer a diverse fleet to ensure you never pay for more bus than you need.

Minibuses (18-35 Passengers): Perfect for shuttling wedding guests, corporate teams, or small church groups. These buses are agile, easy to park, and cost $20-$40 less per hour than a full-size coach. They typically feature A/C, cushioned seating, and overhead storage for small bags.

Full-Size Charter Buses (56 Passengers): These are the gold standard for long-distance travel and large groups. While they have a higher hourly/daily rate, the cost per passenger is often the lowest if you fill the seats. These buses come equipped with an onboard restroom (essential for trips over 2 hours), undercarriage luggage bays for heavy equipment or suitcases, reclining seats, and often WiFi and power outlets. This is the ideal choice for sports teams traveling to tournaments at the Space Coast Sports Complex or school bands.

If you are unsure which vehicle fits your needs, just ask! Our reservation agents are experts at matching groups with the most economical vehicle for their headcount and amenity requirements.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Melbourne Bus Rental

Budget is a concern for almost every group planner. Here are a few insider tips from Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne to help you get the best possible price:

Book Early: The laws of supply and demand apply to charter buses. The closer you get to your date, the fewer buses are available, and the prices go up. We recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for spring weddings or end-of-year school trips.

Fine-Tune Your Itinerary: Since you pay for the time the bus is in your possession, try to be efficient. If you can shorten your rental duration by an hour or two by consolidating pickup points or adjusting event times, you can save money.

Split the Cost: If you are planning a private outing, like a trip to a Magic game in Orlando or a night out in Cocoa Village, splitting the cost among 50 passengers makes a luxury charter bus incredibly affordable—often cheaper than gas and parking for 15 separate cars.

Avoid Peak Days: If your schedule is flexible, avoid booking on Saturdays or major holidays. A Tuesday trip to the Brevard Zoo is likely to be less expensive than a Saturday trip.

Booking Process: Getting Your Instant Quote

We have streamlined the booking process to be as fast and stress-free as possible. You don't need to wait days for an email reply. Here is how it works:

1. Gather Your Details: Have your travel dates, pickup/drop-off locations (addresses help!), passenger count, and any special amenity requests (like WiFi or ADA accessibility) ready.

2. Call or Click: Call our 24/7 team at 407-891-0011. Our friendly agents will input your details and provide you with a free, personalized quote in under 30 seconds. Alternatively, use our online quote tool to browse vehicle options and prices immediately.

3. Secure Your Bus: If you like the price, you can put down a deposit to lock in your reservation. We’ll send you a confirmation email with all the details, and you can rest easy knowing your transportation is handled.

Call Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne Today!

Don't let transportation logistics stress you out. Whether you need a shuttle for a wedding at the Front Street Civic Center, a ride to the Melbourne Art Festival, or a corporate transfer to the Florida Tech campus, we have the perfect bus for you. Our team is standing by 24/7/365 to help you plan the perfect trip.

Call us now at 407-891-0011 for your free, instant quote!

Frequently Asked Questions About Melbourne Pricing

How far in advance should I book my charter bus in Melbourne?

We recommend booking as soon as your date is confirmed. Ideally, you should book 3 to 6 months in advance. For high-demand times like April, May, and June (wedding and prom season), booking 6 to 9 months in advance is advisable to ensure availability and the best pricing.

Do I need to pay for the driver's hotel room?

Yes, but only if your trip involves an overnight stay. If your group is traveling from Melbourne to Atlanta, for example, and staying overnight, you must book and pay for a private hotel room for your driver to ensure they get the federally mandated rest required to drive safely.

What happens if we go over our scheduled time?

We understand that events can run late. If your trip extends beyond the contracted time, you will likely be billed for the additional time at the hourly rate stated in your contract. We recommend padding your itinerary with a little extra time to account for traffic or delays to avoid unexpected overtime charges.

Is a deposit required to book?

Yes, a deposit is required to take the bus out of our inventory and reserve it specifically for your group. The amount of the deposit will be discussed at the time of your quote. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your trip date.