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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Albany Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Albany, NY ranges from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. Prices depend on factors like your group size, when and where you’re traveling, how long you’ll need the bus, and which amenities you want. For the most accurate price, call us at 838-839-6660 or use our online quote tool—you’ll get a personalized quote in about 30 seconds! Below, we’ve included estimated rates for different bus types and explained what goes into your final price so you can budget with confidence.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of a Charter Bus Rental?
Several factors influence the total cost of an Albany charter bus rental. First is the type and size of bus you choose. Full-size charter buses are more expensive than minibuses or sprinter vans, but offer more seating and luggage space. Smaller vehicles cost less and work well for short trips around town, while larger buses are ideal for long-distance travel or large groups. The length of your trip also impacts pricing. Most companies charge by the hour for local trips (typically with a five-hour minimum), and by the day or mile for multi-day or long-distance journeys. For example, taking a charter bus from Albany to Buffalo will likely be priced by the day, while shuttling between downtown hotels and the Empire State Plaza might be hourly. Seasonality matters too. Charter bus rates are highest during peak travel months—usually late spring through summer and December—when schools and organizations book buses for graduations, field trips, and holiday events. Booking during quieter periods like January or February can help you secure lower prices. Your itinerary details play a role as well. A simple round-trip transfer within Albany will cost less than a complex multi-stop itinerary that requires the bus to wait for your group or stay overnight. If your trip includes toll roads, parking fees, or requires special permits (such as at state parks or major venues), those costs are typically added to your final bill. Finally, any special amenities or requests—like a party bus with premium sound systems, WiFi for corporate shuttles, or ADA-accessible features—may increase the base rate. Be specific about your needs when requesting quotes so you get the right bus at the right price.
What is include in my quote?
Every quote from Charter Bus Rental Albany includes the cost of the bus, fuel, and mileage based on your itinerary. We also roll in standard insurance coverage and, if requested, amenities like WiFi, power outlets, or onboard restrooms. However, tolls, parking passes, and hotel rooms are not included in your quote. For example, parking at the Times Union Center can cost $10 to $20 per bus, and tolls on the New York State Thruway vary by distance. If your trip requires an overnight stay, plan to budget $150–$250 per night for a nearby hotel room. These additional expenses will be billed separately from your initial quote.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Albany, NY and around new York State. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Exploring the Adirondacks
Mr. Carver is planning a field trip for his 5th grade class of 19 students. He intends to depart from Albany at 8:30 AM, and return to Pine Hills Elementary School by 4:00 PM the same day. Upon arrival, they intend to view the educational displays at the Adirondack Interpretive Center, enjoy lunch near Lake George, and hike at the Prospect Mountain Trail. Due to the specifics of his itinerary, Mr. Carver was quoted at $1,825.00. Because his group included 19 students, himself, and 2 chaperones, he booked a 25-passenger minibus that made costs average out to about $87 per person.
Cruising from Manhattan
Chante decided she wants to have her wedding ceremony aboard a cruise ship. She's invited 17 of her closest friends and family, and they're heading from a meetup point in Albany to Manhattan Cruise Terminal for a three-day cruise. Because the cruise ship casts off at 10:00 AM, the group has decided to drive to NYC the night before and head to the port the next morning from their hotel. Chante's reservation specialist booked her a 20-passenger minibus for the departure and return. After factoring the costs of getting to Manhattan from Albany, staying the night, departing early the next morning to the port, waiting for the passengers to return, and then driving the group back home, the cost of the rental is about $6,400. Add in four nights of hotel rentals (for the driver) at about $60 per night, and the trip totals $6,640, or about $369 per person.
Charter to the State Championship
Headed to the state championship game, The Albany High School football team is looking to put the finishing touches on an undefeated season. The coaching staff plans on leaving Albany at 12:00 PM and arriving in Syracuse at 4:00 PM before a 7:30 PM kickoff. Head Coach Rusty Queenan has worked long and hard to get his team to this point, and it's pertinent that they show up on time and ready to play. Coach Queenan has a roster of around 60 players, so his reservation specialist recommended he book two 56-passenger charter buses to accommodate the team, coaches, and training staff. The game will conclude no later than 10:30 PM, so the team will likely be back in Albany no later than 3:00 AM. Because this is a full-day trip with two buses, estimated costs totaled around $6,900.
Senior Citizen Trip in Saratoga Springs
An assisted living community administrator contacts us to arrange a minibus rental for their next social outing. Members of the community will travel to see the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for a symphony performance. Since several of the residents use wheelchairs, the minibus needs to be ADA-accessible, which won't cost any extra (but they will need to give at least two weeks' notice). With 3 staff members and 15 residents in attendance, our reservation agents paired the group with a compact minibus. The total outing will take about 4 hours, at a rate of $175 per hour, bringing the rental cost to $700. They will also need to pay $10 for parking, bringing the total trip cost to $710.
