Charter Bus Prices in San Rafael
For the best, most accurate picture of how much your specific trip will cost, call our amazing reservation team anytime at 628-888-8650. We’ll take your exact itinerary and immediately give you an exact price—but if you want to know roughly what to expect, keep reading! We break down exactly how our pricing works, show real-world examples from recent trips, and explain every factor that goes into your final cost. When you’re ready to get an instant quote and see why we’re the #1 choice for charter bus rentals in Marin County, call us anytime—we’re available 24/7/365!
| 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 Rafael?
The cost of renting a charter bus in San Rafael typically ranges from $1,625 to $2,425+ per day or $215–$375+ per hour, depending on the size of the vehicle, length of trip, and other factors like seasonality and exact pickup location. Minibuses generally cost $1,500–$2,000 per day, while full-size, 56-passenger coaches run $1,700–$2,400+ per day. Multi-day and long-distance trips are billed by the day; local shuttles may be billed hourly with a five-hour minimum. Additional charges can include tolls (Golden Gate Bridge), parking fees, and hotel rooms for driver on overnight trips. To get an exact price quickly, call our team with your trip details—we’ll give you a fast, accurate quote and help you find the perfect bus at the best rate!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in San Rafael?
Several key factors influence the cost of renting a charter bus in San Rafael:
- Type and Size of Vehicle: Larger, full-size charter buses (up to 56 passengers) cost more than smaller minibuses (18–35 passengers) or sprinter vans (up to 15 passengers). Upgrading to a newer model with premium amenities (leather seats, USB ports, Wi-Fi) can also increase the base rate.
- Trip Duration and Distance: Local trips within Marin County and the Bay Area may be billed hourly (with a five-hour minimum), while longer trips are charged by the day. Multi-day and out-of-state trips are always billed per day. The total mileage—including deadhead—affects the final price.
- Seasonality and Demand: Rates go up during peak travel seasons, including spring (April–June) for school field trips and graduations, summer (June–August) for weddings and wine country tours, and fall weekends for college football games. Major events like BottleRock Napa Valley, Outside Lands, and Bay to Breakers can also cause price surges due to high demand.
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, layovers, or complicated routing (such as navigating downtown San Francisco or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge) require additional planning and may result in higher fees. Be sure to provide a detailed itinerary when requesting a quote.
- Additional Expenses: You are responsible for covering tolls (e.g., Golden Gate Bridge), parking fees, and hotel accommodations for the driver on overnight trips. These expenses are not included in the base rental fee and will be added to your final invoice.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you budget for your next event, here are several real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals in San Rafael and the surrounding Bay Area. Each example includes the type of vehicle, number of passengers, trip itinerary, and total cost. If you don’t see an example that matches your upcoming trip, call our 24-hour reservations team at 628-888-8650. We’ll quickly give you a personalized quote based on your exact needs!
Example #1
 
                                  A tech company needed a daily commuter shuttle for employees traveling from San Rafael to downtown San Francisco. The shuttle operated five days a week for one month, making two round trips each day across the Golden Gate Bridge. They booked a 38-passenger minibus with reclining seats and Wi-Fi. Total cost: $1,850 per day, plus bridge tolls.
Example #2
 
                                  A bride and groom hired a charter bus to transport 50 wedding guests from a hotel in San Rafael to their vineyard venue in Sonoma. The bus made two trips: one to the ceremony and another returning guests after the reception. They rented a 56-passenger coach with a restroom and A/V system for playing music. Total cost: $3,800 for a two-day package.
Example #3
 
                                  An elementary school organized a field trip to Muir Woods National Monument for 45 students and chaperones. The park required groups to arrive by bus due to limited parking. The school booked a full-size charter bus with air conditioning and storage space for lunches. Total cost: $1,925 for a single-day rental.
Example #4
 
                                  A group of high school seniors planned a three-day college tour to visit campuses in Southern California, including UCLA and USC. They needed a charter bus with comfortable seating and onboard entertainment for the long drive. The operator provided a 54-passenger coach with video screens and Wi-Fi. Total cost: $6,975 ($2,325 per day), not including hotel room for the driver.
Example #5
 
                                  A youth soccer team booked a minibus to attend an away game in Sacramento. The bus carried 20 players, coaches, and equipment bags. The trip required a full day of service, departing early morning and returning after the match. The team selected a 25-passenger minibus with extra legroom. Total cost: $1,750 for the day.
Example #6
 
                                  A San Francisco-based company held a two-day executive retreat at Cavallo Point in Sausalito. They arranged shuttle service for 30 attendees arriving via SFO and the Salesforce Transit Center. The operator ran multiple airport transfers and local shuttles between Cavallo Point and downtown Sausalito. A 30-passenger minibus with leather seats was used. Total cost: $4,200 for two days, including airport pickups.
 
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