Carmel Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Carmel Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Carmel, Indiana typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on the vehicle type, group size, and length of your trip. The fastest way to get an exact price is by calling us at 463-388-4440 or using our online quote tool. Below, you’ll find estimated rates and details about what factors impact the total cost of your trip. We’ve also included sample pricing for popular routes to help you plan your budget.
| 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 Bus Rental Cost?
Our most popular vehicles are 56-passenger charter buses, which cost between $197 and $519 per hour, $1,600 to $3,800 per day, or $5.00 to $8.00 per mile. Smaller groups often choose minibuses that seat 25 passengers ($165 to $428 per hour, $1,300 to $3,200 per day, $4.00 to $7.00 per mile), 20 passengers ($157 to $414 per hour, $1,300 to $3,100 per day, $4.00 to $7.00 per mile), or 18 passengers ($145 to $404 per hour, $1,300 to $3,000 per day, $4.00 to $7.00 per mile). Each quote includes the driver’s pay, fuel, mileage, and all standard amenities—so there are no hidden fees.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Carmel?
The biggest factor is the length of your trip. Local trips within Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Zionsville, or Indianapolis are usually billed by the hour (with a 5-hour minimum), while longer trips to Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, or Detroit are priced by the day or mile. For example, a one-day round trip to Lucas Oil Stadium or Gainbridge Fieldhouse will cost less than a three-day tour of college campuses in Bloomington, West Lafayette, and South Bend. The size and type of bus also affect the price—a full-size 56-passenger motorcoach with restrooms and TVs costs more than a 25-passenger minibus with basic seating. Premium amenities like leather seats, WiFi, power outlets, or custom branding may increase the rate.
Seasonality matters too. Spring and summer are peak seasons for school field trips, weddings at Black Iris Estate or Ritz Charles, and youth sports tournaments at Grand Park Sports Campus—so rates are higher from March through June. Fall brings football charters to Notre Dame, Purdue, and IU games, while winter sees more corporate shuttles to holiday parties and airport transfers to IND. Booking at least 3-6 months in advance ensures the best availability and pricing, especially for large events like Gen Con, Indy 500, or the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
Other variables include the number of stops, distance traveled, and whether you need the bus to stay overnight. If your itinerary requires the driver to wait several hours (e.g., a wedding at Laurel Hall followed by a downtown reception), that idle time is factored into the quote. For multi-day trips, you’re responsible for providing hotel accommodations for the driver, plus meals and parking fees if applicable. Tolls, parking permits, and gratuity (typically 10-15%) are not included but should be budgeted separately. ADA-accessible vehicles with wheelchair lifts are available at no extra charge, but please request them when booking.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Carmel, IN and around Indiana. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Day Trip to Downtown Indianapolis
A middle school teacher is organizing a field trip for 50 students and 5 chaperones from Carmel to downtown Indianapolis. They plan to visit the Indiana State Museum, have lunch at White River State Park, and tour the Soldiers & Sailors Monument before returning home. The itinerary runs from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, making it an 8-hour local charter. The quote for a 56-passenger bus comes to $2,400 ($300 per hour x 8 hours), which breaks down to $44 per person. This price includes pickup at the school, all transportation between venues, and drop-off back in Carmel.
Wedding Shuttle Between Carmel and Zionsville
A bride is hosting her ceremony at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel and the reception at The Sixpence in Zionsville. She books a 25-passenger minibus to shuttle guests between venues from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM (9 hours total). The cost is $2,250 ($250 per hour x 9 hours), covering continuous loops so attendees can enjoy the open bar safely. With 100 guests and four trips each way, this ensures everyone arrives on time without needing rideshares.
Corporate Retreat to French Lick Resort
An HR manager arranges transportation for 30 employees attending a two-day offsite at French Lick Resort. The bus departs Carmel at 9:00 AM, arrives by noon, stays overnight, and returns the following afternoon. This 36-hour charter is quoted at $3,600 ($1,800 per day x 2 days) using a 35-passenger executive coach with WiFi and tables. The company books a room for the driver at the resort, adds $40 per diem for meals, and tips 10% ($360), bringing the total to $4,000. Compared to reimbursing mileage for 10+ personal vehicles, this option saves money and keeps the team together.
Sports Team Travel to Fort Wayne
A high school basketball coach needs to get 15 players and 2 assistants to an away game in Fort Wayne. The bus leaves Carmel at 2:00 PM, arrives by 5:00 PM, waits during the game, and returns home by midnight. The round-trip distance is 240 miles, quoted at $1,200 ($5.00 per mile x 240 miles) for a 20-passenger minibus. This includes storage for gear bags, a TV for watching film, and water coolers. Splitting the cost across the athletic department’s budget makes it affordable for regular season travel.
Bachelorette Party in Broad Ripple
A maid of honor hires an 18-passenger minibus for a night out starting in Carmel, hitting bars in Broad Ripple, Mass Ave, and Fountain Square, then returning by 2:00 AM. The 7-hour charter costs $1,015 ($145 per hour x 7 hours), split among 12 attendees for $85 each. Having a private ride means the group can pregame, store purses safely, and avoid surge pricing or DUIs. The minibus stays with them all night for easy pickups.
Shuttle Service for Carmelfest
The City of Carmel contracts two 56-passenger buses to run continuous shuttles from Carmel High School parking lots to the CarmelFest parade route downtown over July 4th weekend. Each bus operates 10 hours per day for 2 days, totaling 40 service hours. At $300 per hour, the total contract is $12,000. This moves thousands of attendees efficiently, reduces traffic congestion, and supports public safety efforts during the city’s largest annual event.