Bismarck Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $178 – $498+ | $1,804 – $3,804 | $6.10 – $10.05 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $168 – $478+ | $1,709 – $3,574 | $6.15 – $10.10 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $137 – $437+ | $1,595 – $3,450 | $4.06 – $10.01 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $133 – $423+ | $1,599 – $3,354 | $4.08 – $9.03 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $135 – $415+ | $1,527 – $3,262 | $4.08 – $8.03 |
| Entertainer Coach | $317 – $552+ | $3,007 – $5,007+ | $6.14 – $10.09 |
| Yellow School Bus | $141 – $446+ | $1,536 – $3,671 | $6.15 – $10.10 |
| Shuttle Bus | $144 – $439+ | $1,505 – $3,640 | $6.12 – $10.07 |
Bismarck Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $200 – $470+ | $220 – $490+ | $989 – $2,889+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $216 – $516+ | $212 – $492+ | $1,207 – $3,507+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $259 – $509+ | $255 – $535+ | $1,491 – $3,891+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $180 – $420+ | $169 – $439+ | $1,017 – $3,917+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 701-975-9160 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Bismarck?
Bismarck charter bus rentals generally cost between $1,900 and $3,800+ per day depending on the size of bus you book, your travel dates, and itinerary details. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus rented during peak season (May–June) for a two-day corporate event shuttle from downtown Bismarck to Mandan will likely be quoted at the higher end of that range, while an off-peak weekday field trip to the North Dakota Heritage Center may fall toward the lower end. If you only need transportation for a few hours—like getting wedding guests from hotels near Kirkwood Mall to a ceremony at the Belle Mehus Auditorium—you can also book by the hour (typically $185–$325+ per hour with a 4 or 5 hour minimum). Multi-day rentals are common for school trips to Medora or sports tournaments in Fargo; in these cases, your quote will reflect the total mileage and duration outside city limits.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Bismarck?
Party bus rentals in Bismarck usually start around $175–$300+ per hour with a minimum booking time of 4–5 hours, making the average cost for a single night out between $1,100 and $2,400+ depending on group size and itinerary. Smaller vehicles that seat 15–20 passengers are perfect for bar crawls on Broadway or birthday dinners at The Toasted Frog, while larger options holding up to 35 people are ideal for bachelor/bachelorette parties heading to Prairie Knights Casino or concert trips to the Bismarck Event Center. Rates may be higher on Fridays and Saturdays, especially during busy seasons like UND homecoming weekend or major downtown festivals. If you’re planning an extended outing—such as a winery tour through Morton County or an overnight excursion to Minot—be prepared to pay additional fees for mileage beyond the standard local service area.
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Call Now: 701-975-9160What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing?
Several key factors go into determining the final price of your bus rental: distance traveled, length of trip, number of days/hours booked, pickup and drop-off locations, time of year, day of week, and which type of vehicle you select from our fleet. Additional costs not included in your quote may include tolls (rare in North Dakota but possible on certain highways), parking fees at venues like the Bismarck Event Center ($10–$30 per bus), and lodging expenses if your itinerary requires an overnight stay outside the local area. Optional add-ons such as custom vinyl wraps for company branding or stocking the onboard restroom with extra supplies can also affect the total cost. Our team will walk you through each variable.
Distance and Duration: the Biggest Cost Driver
The single biggest factor affecting your quote is how far and how long you plan to use the bus. Local trips within Bismarck—such as hotel shuttles to the airport or short-distance wedding transportation—are typically billed by the hour with a four- or five-hour minimum. Anything crossing county lines (like taking a church group to Medora or a sports team to Grand Forks) will switch to daily or mileage-based pricing. For example, a three-day charter covering 600 total miles round-trip will cost more than a one-day rental staying inside city limits, even if both use the same size vehicle. During periods when demand is high—like state tournament weekends or university graduation—the increased workload for drivers may also push rates higher due to overtime regulations.
Time of Year: Peak Vs. Off-peak Seasons
Charter bus prices fluctuate throughout the year based on local demand cycles. In Bismarck, peak season generally runs from late April through early June when schools are booking end-of-year field trips to places like the State Capitol or Fort Abraham Lincoln, followed by another busy stretch in September–October for fall sports and homecoming events. During these times, availability is tight and rates are at their highest. Conversely, mid-winter months (January–February) tend to be slower unless there’s a major convention or hockey tournament, so you might snag a better deal then. Large-scale events such as the Bismarck Marathon or United Tribes Powwow can create temporary spikes in demand, affecting pricing even if your group isn’t directly participating.
Day of the Week: Weekday Savings
When you book matters almost as much as where you go. Weekend rentals (Friday–Sunday) are always more expensive because that’s when most weddings, concerts, and sporting events happen. If your schedule is flexible, choosing a Monday–Thursday departure could save you 10–20% off the standard rate. This is especially true for party buses and minibuses serving nightlife districts, as operators prefer to keep their larger coaches reserved for lucrative weekend contracts. For example, a Thursday-night brewery tour may be quoted significantly lower than an identical itinerary running on Saturday evening.
Pickup Location: City Vs. Out-of-town Starts
Your quoted price includes one pickup point and one drop-off point within the immediate Bismarck–Mandan area. If your trip starts or ends somewhere outside this zone—like asking the bus to begin in Jamestown or finish in Dickinson—additional “deadhead” charges will apply to cover the extra miles traveled without passengers onboard. Similarly, requesting multiple pickups across different neighborhoods (e.g., looping through several hotel districts before heading out) can increase total drive time and thus the overall cost. It’s most economical to have everyone assemble at a single centralized location, such as a park-and-ride lot or school parking area.
Bus Type and Size: Matching Capacity to Budget
Larger vehicles with more seats generally cost more to rent, but they also offer the lowest per-person price when filled to capacity. For instance, booking one 56-passenger charter bus for a high school band trip is usually cheaper than splitting the group across two smaller minibuses, provided everyone can travel together. However, if you’re only moving a dozen people, there’s no need to pay extra for empty rows—a compact 18- or 25-seat shuttle will get the job done at a fraction of the price. Premium amenities like onboard restrooms, reclining seats, and Wi-Fi come standard on most full-size coaches, while optional upgrades such as leather interiors or AV equipment packages may incur surcharges. Let us know what features are important to your group and we’ll match you with the best-fit option.
Tolls and Parking Fees: Plan Ahead
Any tolls incurred during your trip are not included in the base quote and will be added to your final bill. While North Dakota has very few toll roads, it’s something to consider if your travels take you into neighboring states. More commonly, you’ll need to budget for parking fees at major destinations: the Bismarck Event Center charges $10–$30 per bus depending on event size, downtown hotel garages may levy a flat rate for oversized vehicles, and some state parks require a daily entrance fee for commercial carriers (typically $5–$10). Your driver will need a place to leave the bus while waiting; arranging this in advance avoids last-minute hassles and potential fines.
Booking Timing: Reserve Early
The earlier you book, the better your chances of locking in a favorable rate—ideally at least three to six months ahead of your planned departure. Last-minute reservations (less than two weeks out) are subject to whatever inventory remains available and may be priced higher due to expedited dispatch logistics. This is particularly relevant during graduation season, holiday weekends, and other periods of peak activity when every operator in town is running at full capacity. Even if your itinerary isn’t finalized, placing a refundable deposit holds your spot and gives you priority over waitlist inquiries.
Cost-saving Tips for Charter Bus Rentals
To get the best value on your next charter bus rental, follow these simple guidelines: travel during off-peak times if possible, consolidate your itinerary to minimize idle hours, choose the right size vehicle for your headcount, and designate a single pickup/drop-off location. Sharing the total cost among all passengers makes even the most deluxe coach surprisingly affordable—divide the quote by 30, 40, or 50 riders and compare that to what everyone would spend on gas, parking, and wear-and-tear driving separately. Finally, ask about package deals for recurring shuttles or multi-day bookings; we often extend discounts to schools, nonprofits, and corporate clients with ongoing transportation needs.
Ready to Get Started?
Getting an instant quote for your next charter bus trip is easy—just call our 24/7 reservation team at 701-975-9160 or fill out the online form with your basic trip details (date, destination, group size). We’ll generate a customized estimate in less than 30 seconds and help you compare options until you find exactly what you need. Whether you’re moving ten people or ten thousand, we have the experience and expertise to handle it all smoothly from start to finish.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Bismarck, ND and around North Dakota. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Mr. Carver is planning a field trip for his 5th grade class of 19 students. He intends to depart from Bismarck at 8:30 AM, and return to Pine Hills Elementary School by 4:00 PM the same day. Upon arrival, they intend to view the educational displays at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, enjoy lunch near Lake Sakakawea, and hike at the Painted Canyon Trail. Due to the specifics of his itinerary, Mr. Carver was quoted at $1,825.00. Because his group included 19 students, himself, and 2 chaperones, he booked a 25-passenger minibus that made costs average out to about $87 per person.
Cruising From Minneapolis
Chante decided she wants to have her wedding ceremony aboard a cruise ship. She’s invited 17 of her closest friends and family, and they’re heading from a meetup point in Bismarck to Minneapolis Cruise Terminal for a three-day cruise. Because the cruise ship casts off at 10:00 AM, the group has decided to drive to Minneapolis the night before and head to the port the next morning from their hotel. Chante’s reservation specialist booked her a 20-passenger minibus for the departure and return. After factoring the costs of getting to Minneapolis from Bismarck, staying the night, departing early the next morning to the port, waiting for the passengers to return, and then driving the group back home, the cost of the rental is about $6,400. Add in four nights of hotel rentals (for the driver) at about $60 per night, and the trip totals $6,640, or about $369 per person.
Charter to the State Championship
Headed to the state championship game, The Bismarck High School football team is looking to put the finishing touches on an undefeated season. The coaching staff plans on leaving Bismarck at 12:00 PM and arriving in Fargo at 4:00 PM before a 7:30 PM kickoff. Head Coach Rusty Queenan has worked long and hard to get his team to this point, and it’s pertinent that they show up on time and ready to play. Coach Queenan has a roster of around 60 players, so his reservation specialist recommended he book two 56-passenger charter buses to accommodate the team, coaches, and training staff. The game will conclude no later than 10:30 PM, so the team will likely be back in Bismarck no later than 3:00 AM. Because this is a full-day trip with two buses, estimated costs totaled around $6,900.
Senior Citizen Trip in Downtown Bismarck
An assisted living community administrator contacts us to arrange a minibus rental for their next social outing. Members of the community will travel to see the Belle Mehus Auditorium for a symphony performance. Since several of the residents use wheelchairs, the minibus needs to be ADA-accessible, which won’t cost any extra (but they will need to give at least two weeks’ notice). With 3 staff members and 15 residents in attendance, our reservation agents paired the group with a compact minibus. The total outing will take about 4 hours, at a rate of $175 per hour, bringing the rental cost to $700. They will also need to pay $10 for parking, bringing the total trip cost to $710.
Field Trip in Downtown Bismarck
An administrator from a local middle school would like to rent full-size charter buses for a field trip in Downtown Bismarck. The sixth-grade students will go to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum for an educational tour and finish the day with recreational time at Sertoma Park. They plan to leave the school by 8 a.m. and return by 4 p.m., so they will be charged an hourly rate of $185. Since there are 102 students in the sixth grade and they are accompanied by 9 teachers, they will need two 56-person charter buses. The North Dakota Heritage Center does not charge buses for parking, but they will still need to tip their driver.
The Bismarck Conference
A marketing organization is hosting a conference at a hotel and event center in Bismarck, ND. To ensure all attendees arrive on time to each workshop, the event coordinator has arranged for a minibus shuttle service to transport guests between the venue and several partner hotels throughout the city. One of the hotels offers free bus parking, which helps reduce overall costs, but the coordinator will still need to provide room and board for the driver. The conference will span three days, and with an average minibus rental rate of $1,125 per day in Bismarck, the base rental cost totals $3,375. The coordinator has also budgeted $350 for two nights of accommodations for the driver. After the event, the coordinator plans to tip the driver 15% for a job well done, which comes out to $506. Altogether, the total cost of the minibus rental, accommodations, and tip will be $4,231.
The Bachelorette Party
This February, Jessica is planning a bachelorette party for her best friend, Alyson. She’s inviting 15 of Alyson’s closest girlfriends to ride to a cooking class at The Toasted Frog at 4 p.m., dinner at Peacock Alley Bar & Grill around 6 p.m., and then to a private dance class at Northern Plains Dance at 8 p.m. The ladies will be traveling locally and will need room to store their gym clothes for the dance class. Their reservation specialist recommends an 18-passenger minibus that has overhead compartments to store their personal belongings. The driver will pick them up at Jessica’s house around 3:30 p.m. and bring them to each destination on their itinerary. The women will head back to Jessica’s house at 9:30 p.m. for food and cocktails. For a six-hour minibus rental with 17 passengers, Jessica receives a quote for $1,350.
