Charter Bus Prices in San Luis Obispo
Let San Luis Obispo Charter Bus be your go-to provider for affordable bus rentals in San Luis Obispo County and beyond! We make it simple to book a charter bus, minibus, or party bus at a price that fits your budget—because we believe every group deserves reliable, comfortable transportation. Whether you're heading to a Cal Poly event, planning a wine tour in Paso Robles, organizing a wedding in Edna Valley, or need an airport shuttle to SBP, we've done it all and can do it for you too. Our team is available 24/7/365, ready to answer questions, help you choose the right vehicle, and provide an instant quote in seconds. Call us anytime at 805-476-8430 to get started—you'll speak with a real expert who cares about getting you great service at a fair price.
| 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 San Luis Obispo?
The cost of a charter bus rental in San Luis Obispo typically ranges from $1,625 to $4,215+ for multi-day trips, while shorter local rentals average $1,250–$2,450 per day depending on vehicle size and trip details. Minibuses are slightly less expensive, averaging $1,235–$3,020+ per day. Final pricing depends on factors like trip duration, mileage, number of passengers, and time of year. The best way to get accurate pricing is to call our team at 805-476-8430 with your itinerary—we’ll quickly provide you with a personalized quote!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in San Luis Obispo?
Several key factors influence the price of your charter bus rental in San Luis Obispo:
- Travel Dates: Peak demand periods—such as Cal Poly move-in weekend, SLO Pride Parade, SLO International Film Festival, or major campus events—can increase prices due to limited availability.
- Trip Duration: Longer trips with more hours or days on the road will generally cost more than short, local transfers.
- Passenger Count: Larger groups require bigger vehicles, which come at a higher base rate but offer better per-person value.
- Pickup Location: If your trip starts outside of downtown SLO or requires deadhead miles (mileage without passengers), this will affect your total cost.
- Vehicle Type: Full-size charter buses seat up to 56 passengers and include amenities like restrooms and luggage bays, while minibuses hold 18–35 passengers with fewer amenities but a lower price point.
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, overnight layovers, or custom routing (e.g., wine country tours, Hearst Castle excursions) may add to the final price.
To get a precise quote, have your trip details ready—including pickup/drop-off addresses, number of passengers, and desired travel dates—and call San Luis Obispo Charter Bus at 805-476-8430. We’ll give you an exact price upfront so you can budget accordingly.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are several real-world examples of recent charter bus quotes for trips starting in San Luis Obispo. These sample itineraries show the wide range of pricing based on destination, trip length, and vehicle type. Use these examples to estimate the cost of your own trip—but remember that exact rates will vary depending on your specific details. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, contact our reservations team anytime at 805-476-8430 with your itinerary.
Example #1
 
                                  A local tech company booked a daily employee shuttle running between their downtown San Luis Obispo office and the Cal Poly campus, operating Monday through Friday for two weeks. They requested a 25-passenger minibus with WiFi and USB charging ports. The total cost came to $5,800 for 10 days of service, breaking down to $580 per day. This included all mileage, a driver, and onboard amenities. The company was able to offset parking costs and improve employee satisfaction by providing convenient transportation during peak traffic hours.
Example #2
 
                                  A group of friends organized a private winery tour from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles, visiting four vineyards over the course of one day. They rented a 20-passenger minibus with reclining seats and air conditioning. The trip covered approximately 90 miles round-trip and lasted 8 hours. The final price was $1,900, which included the driver’s gratuity. Split among 18 passengers, each person paid just over $105 for door-to-door service without needing a designated driver.
Example #3
 
                                  A local high school booked a two-day field trip for 45 students and chaperones to visit Hearst Castle and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They selected a full-size charter bus with restroom facilities and video screens for educational films. The itinerary included an overnight stay in Monterey, totaling 350 miles over two days. The school was quoted $4,600 for the entire trip, or $102 per person. Additional expenses such as hotel accommodation for the driver were billed separately.
Example #4
 
                                  A bride and groom hired a minibus to shuttle guests between a downtown San Luis Obispo hotel and their reception venue in Edna Valley. The service ran continuous loops from 4 PM to midnight, ensuring guests could enjoy the open bar safely. The couple chose a 30-passenger vehicle decorated with custom signage. The flat-rate fee for the evening was $1,750, which they considered a worthwhile investment in guest safety and convenience.
Example #5
 
                                  A university sports team required transportation to and from the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport for an out-of-state tournament. With 38 athletes and coaches, they booked a single charter bus capable of storing equipment underneath. The airport is located just 5 miles from campus, making this a short but essential transfer. The round-trip cost was $900, significantly less than booking multiple rideshares or vans.
Example #6
 
                                  A church group planned a weekend retreat to the Mount Hermon Conference Center near Santa Cruz, approximately 150 miles north of San Luis Obispo. They filled a 56-seat charter bus and appreciated the onboard restroom and reclining seats for the four-hour journey. The package rate for the weekend was $6,200, including all highway tolls. Participants contributed to the transportation fund as part of their retreat registration fee.
 
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