Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Richmond Coach Bus Rental Cost?

The cost of renting a coach bus in Richmond, Virginia, depends on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your trip, and the time of year. On average, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour for a full-size coach bus that seats 47 to 56 passengers. Daily rates typically range from $1,800 to $3,800, while weekly rates can be anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. If you need a smaller vehicle, such as a minibus that seats 18 to 35 passengers, rates are usually lower—around $150 to $300 per hour or $1,200 to $2,500 per day. For the most accurate pricing, call Richmond Coach Bus Service at 804-773-7155 or use our online quote tool to get an instant estimate based on your specific trip details.

Several key factors will determine the final price of your coach bus rental in Richmond:

• Trip Duration: How long you need the bus is one of the biggest factors. Most companies charge by the hour, day, or mile. Local trips within Richmond City (like a shuttle from Shockoe Bottom to Scott’s Addition) are usually billed hourly, with a 4- or 5-hour minimum. Longer trips—such as a day trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg or a weekend in Washington, D.C.—are often billed by the day or by total mileage. The more hours or miles, the higher the cost.
• Travel Dates: Charter bus prices fluctuate based on demand. Peak season in Virginia runs from April through June (spring field trips, proms, graduations) and September through December (fall weddings, college football games, holiday parties). During these months, expect to pay higher rates. Off-peak months like January and February tend to be less expensive.
• Bus Type and Size: Larger vehicles cost more than smaller ones. A 56-passenger motorcoach is more expensive than a 25-passenger minibus. Specialty vehicles like party buses or entertainer coaches (used by touring musicians) command premium rates due to their luxury amenities. ADA-accessible buses may also cost slightly more if a wheelchair lift is required.
• Pickup Location: If your trip starts outside of Richmond—say, in Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, or Petersburg—you may be charged extra for “deadhead” mileage (the distance the bus travels empty to reach your group). Keeping your pickup and drop-off points within the Greater Richmond Region (Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover) will help minimize costs.
• Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, tight schedules, or heavy traffic routes (such as shuttling between VCU’s Monroe Park Campus and the Fan District during rush hour) can increase labor and fuel costs. Simple point-to-point trips are less expensive than itineraries requiring the bus to wait on standby for several hours.
• Advance Booking: The earlier you book, the better your rate. Last-minute reservations (less than 2 weeks’ notice) may incur rush fees or limited availability, especially during peak season or major events like the Richmond Folk Festival or NASCAR weekend at Richmond Raceway.

Other potential expenses to budget for include tolls (e.g., Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway), parking fees (especially downtown or at large venues like Altria Theater), and driver gratuity (customary to tip 10-20% for excellent service). If your trip is overnight, you’ll need to provide a hotel room for the driver. Amenities such as WiFi, power outlets, or onboard restrooms are usually included in the base price, but always confirm when booking.

To get an exact quote tailored to your itinerary, contact Richmond Coach Bus Service at 804-773-7155. Our team will ask about your headcount, schedule, and preferences to match you with the best vehicle at the best price.