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Charter Bus Prices in Wilmington

At Wilmington Coach Bus Service, we make it easy to get an instant charter bus rental quote with our online tool! Just call our team at 910-338-1730 or use our online quote tool to get a charter bus rental quote in less than 30-seconds. Our team is available 24/7 and ready to help you find the best bus at the best price!

Whether you're planning a corporate event downtown, a wedding at Wrightsville Beach, or a school trip to the Battleship North Carolina, we have the perfect vehicle for your group. From minibuses and sprinter vans to full-size charter buses and party buses, you'll always get exactly what you need at a price you’ll love. 

We service all of Wilmington including Downtown, Midtown, Mayfaire, Ogden, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, and more. No matter where you need to go, we’ll get you there comfortably and affordably.

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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Wilmington?

The cost of a charter bus rental in Wilmington typically ranges from $1,929 to $3,100+ for a multi-day, out-of-town trip, while local trips under 50 miles are often billed hourly at rates between $219-$500 per hour with a 5-hour minimum. Final pricing depends on factors like trip duration, mileage, number of days, passenger count, and vehicle type. You’ll pay either an hourly rate, a daily rate, or a per-mile rate depending on your itinerary. Larger vehicles with more amenities will cost more than smaller, standard models. The best way to get exact pricing is to call our reservation team with your trip details and we’ll give you an instant quote!

What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Wilmington?

Several factors influence the final cost of your charter bus rental:

  • Time of Year: Peak season in Wilmington runs from late spring through early fall (especially around beach events and festivals), which can increase demand and prices.
  • Trip Duration: Longer trips with more hours or days will cost more than short local transfers.
  • Mileage: Out-of-town trips are often billed by the mile, while local service is charged hourly.
  • Vehicle Type & Size: Larger buses with premium amenities (like WiFi, restrooms, or reclining seats) cost more than basic models or minibuses.
  • Number of Vehicles: If your group requires multiple buses, you’ll pay for each vehicle separately.
  • Special Requests: Custom branding, upgraded interiors, or last-minute bookings may add to the total price.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

To help you budget for your next event, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus quotes we’ve provided to customers in Wilmington. Please note that these are sample estimates; your actual price may vary based on current availability and specific trip details. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, contact our team anytime at 910-338-1730.

Example #1

18 passenger minibus rental

A student organization at the University of North Carolina Wilmington needs transportation for 30 members from campus to a downtown event on Front Street. The round-trip distance is about 10 miles, and they require one 56-passenger charter bus for a single evening.

  • Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
  • Distance: 10 miles round trip
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Quote: $2,150

This example shows how even short local trips are subject to a minimum charge that covers the cost of reserving a full-size bus for your group.

Example #2

56 passenger charter bus

A Wilmington-based company is planning a two-day corporate retreat in Raleigh. They need to transport 40 employees approximately 260 miles round trip and will require the bus to stay overnight.

  • Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
  • Distance: 260 miles round trip
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Quote: $4,200

Because this is an out-of-town trip spanning multiple days, the cost reflects both the mileage and the need to keep the bus reserved overnight.

Example #3

56 passenger coach bus

A bride and groom are providing a shuttle for their guests between a hotel in Wilmington and their beachfront wedding venue in Wrightsville Beach. The shuttle will make multiple trips over the course of one afternoon and evening.

Minibuses are a cost-effective option for smaller groups, but the final price still depends on the total time the vehicle is needed.

Example #4

18 passenger minibus

An elementary school is organizing a field trip for 100 students and chaperones to visit the Battleship North Carolina. They will need two charter buses for a half-day excursion.

Schools often qualify for special pricing, but the cost is still calculated based on the number of buses required and the length of the trip.

Example #5

20 passenger minibus

A local band is booking a charter bus for a week-long tour with performances scheduled in Charlotte, Atlanta, and several other cities. The itinerary includes multiple stops and overnight travel.

  • Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats and entertainment system
  • Distance: 900 miles total
  • Duration: 7 days
  • Quote: $12,000

Long-distance, multi-day trips are priced to account for extensive mileage, additional wear and tear, and the extended commitment of the vehicle and driver.

Example #6

25 passenger minibus

A corporate group of 15 people needs a minibus to pick them up from Wilmington International Airport and drop them off at a hotel in downtown Wilmington. The airport transfer is about 10 miles and will take about 30 minutes. The minibus will then pick them up two days later for a return trip to the airport.

  • Vehicle: Minibus
  • Distance: 10 miles each way
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Quote: $2,800

Because this is a short local trip, the minibus is billed at a flat rate for the two-day period.

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