Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a San Francisco Coach Bus Rental Cost?

In San Francisco, a coach bus rental typically costs between $180 and $350 per hour, or $2,000 to $3,800 per day. These buses seat 47 to 56 passengers and are ideal for large groups traveling long distances—like school field trips to Sacramento, corporate outings to Silicon Valley, or band tours across California. Each coach comes equipped with reclining seats, climate control, restrooms, luggage bays, and entertainment systems (TV monitors, DVD players, WiFi, and power outlets). If you’re planning a multi-day trip, you’ll pay a daily rate plus mileage overages if you exceed the included distance. For example, a three-day charter from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back would cost around $8,000 total ($2,600 per day), not including hotel accommodations for your driver. Shorter local trips—like shuttling wedding guests between venues in Marin County—can be booked by the hour, with a four-hour minimum.

Several key factors determine the cost of your bus rental in San Francisco:

• Vehicle Type and Size: Larger buses (like 56-passenger coaches) cost more than smaller ones (like 18-passenger minibuses). Specialty vehicles—such as party buses or ADA-accessible coaches—may have higher rates due to custom features.
• Trip Duration: Rentals are priced by the hour, day, or mile. Local trips within San Francisco (e.g., shuttling between Moscone Center and Union Square hotels) are usually billed hourly, with a minimum of four to five hours. Long-distance journeys—such as a weekend excursion to Lake Tahoe—are charged by the day or total mileage.
• Distance Traveled: The farther you go, the more you’ll pay. Trips that leave the Bay Area (to destinations like Yosemite, Napa Valley, or Disneyland) incur additional mileage fees. Be sure to provide a detailed itinerary when requesting a quote.
• Time of Year: Demand for charter buses peaks during certain seasons. Spring (March–May) is popular for school field trips and graduations; summer (June–August) sees many weddings and festivals; fall (September–November) is busy with corporate retreats and sporting events. Rates are highest during these periods. Winter months (December–February) tend to be slower, so you may find better deals.
• Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday–Sunday) are more expensive than weekday bookings, especially for events like concerts at Chase Center or Levi’s Stadium. If your schedule is flexible, consider traveling midweek to save money.
• Lead Time: The earlier you book, the better your rate. We recommend reserving your bus at least three to six months in advance—especially if your trip falls during peak season or coincides with major events like SF Pride or Outside Lands. Last-minute bookings (less than two weeks out) may be subject to premium pricing or limited availability.
• Amenities: Standard features (A/C, cushioned seats, PA system) are included in every rental. Upgrades—such as onboard WiFi, power outlets, TV monitors, or restroom facilities—may increase the cost slightly. Let us know what your group needs, and we’ll match you with the right vehicle.

Additional expenses to consider: Tolls (Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge), parking fees (especially near Fisherman’s Wharf or Oracle Park), and gratuity (optional but appreciated—industry standard is 10–15% of the total fare). If your trip requires overnight travel, you’ll need to provide lodging for your driver. Most hotels offer discounted rates for charter operators.