Escondido Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Escondido Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus and minibus rental prices in Escondido, California typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on your trip details. The final price is based on several factors, including the type of vehicle, how long you need it, when you’re traveling, and your exact itinerary. For example, a round-trip shuttle between Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens and The Centre Escondido will cost less than an all-day charter to Disneyland or San Diego Comic-Con. To get an accurate quote for your trip, call our team at 442-999-9310 or use our online quote tool.
| 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?
Here are average rates for our most popular vehicles in Escondido:
- 56-passenger charter bus: $197–$519 per hour, $1,600–$3,800 per day
- 25-passenger minibus: $165–$428 per hour, $1,300–$3,200 per day
- 20-passenger minibus: $157–$414 per hour, $1,300–$3,100 per day
- 18-passenger minibus: $145–$404 per hour, $1,300–$3,000 per day
For trips outside of Escondido, mileage rates are $4.00–$8.00 per mile depending on the size of the bus. Short local shuttles (like between Palomar Medical Center and downtown) usually run by the hour, while full-day excursions to places like LEGOLAND or Torrey Pines State Reserve are charged by the day. Call 442-999-9310 for a custom quote in under 30 seconds!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Escondido?
Several factors affect the price of your bus rental in Escondido:
- Type of vehicle: Full-size 56-passenger charter buses cost more than smaller minibuses because they hold more people and have more amenities. Sprinter vans are the most affordable option for groups under 15.
- Rental duration: You can book by the hour, day, or mile. Local shuttles (like between Westfield North County and Kit Carson Park) are usually hourly, while longer trips (like to SeaWorld San Diego) are daily or per mile.
- Travel dates: Peak season for Escondido is late spring through early fall, especially during events like Cruisin’ Grand or Grape Day Festival. Rates are higher around holidays and major conventions at California Center for the Arts or Del Mar Fairgrounds.
- Itinerary: The number of stops, distance traveled, and whether you cross county lines (e.g., going to Orange County or Riverside) will impact the price. Multiple days with overnight stays require hotel rooms for your driver.
- Amenities: Buses with premium features like reclining seats, WiFi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms cost more than basic models.
- Lead time: Booking at least 6 months in advance gives you access to the best rates and availability. Last-minute reservations may be subject to higher prices.
To get an exact price for your Escondido bus rental, call us anytime at 442-999-9310. We’ll ask about your headcount, travel dates, pickup/drop-off locations, and any special requests to build a custom package that fits your budget.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Escondido, CA, and around San Diego County. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Safari Park
Ms. Ramirez is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class at Central Elementary. She has 22 students and 3 chaperones heading to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for a full day. They’ll depart school at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring the park, and return by 3:30 PM. She was quoted $1,450 for a 25-passenger minibus, which comes out to about $63 per person. This rate includes pick-up/drop-off, waiting time, and parking at the Safari Park’s designated bus lot.
Wedding Shuttle Between Venues
Emily is getting married at Cordiano Winery with her reception at The Ranch at Bandy Canyon. She needs continuous guest shuttles between both venues from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Her reservation specialist booked two 20-passenger minibuses for seven hours each. The total cost is $2,900 ($1,450 per minibus), which covers all trips, standby time, and coordination with venue staff for smooth transitions.
Corporate Retreat to Downtown San Diego
A tech startup is hosting an offsite retreat at their Escondido office before taking 40 employees to a Padres game at Petco Park. They need round-trip transportation plus a dinner stop in Little Italy. A single 56-passenger charter bus was quoted at $2,250 for the 6-hour itinerary. This includes WiFi, power outlets for laptops, and drop-offs at multiple locations downtown before returning to Escondido after the game.
Cheer Competition in Anaheim
The Escondido High School cheer team qualified for a state competition at Honda Center. The coach needs reliable transport for 18 athletes plus gear bags. She was quoted $3,400 for a 2-day rental of an 18-passenger minibus. The price covers driving to Anaheim, hotel transfers, and bringing everyone back after awards. Underfloor storage handles uniforms and props without crowding the cabin.
Senior Outing to Temecula Wineries
A retirement community wants to treat residents to a day of wine tasting in Temecula Valley. They booked a 25-passenger minibus with reclining seats and extra legroom for $1,700. The itinerary includes three winery visits (Callaway, Wilson Creek, and Ponte), a lunch stop, and scenic drives through De Portola Wine Trail. All tasting fees and meals are arranged separately, but the bus provides door-to-door service from Escondido Village Apartments.
Shuttle Service for Street Fair
The City of Escondido is running a free park-and-ride shuttle for the annual Downtown Street Fair. Two 56-passenger charter buses will loop between East Valley Community Center and Grand Avenue every 20 minutes from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The city received a quote of $7,600 for both buses covering 10 hours of continuous operation, high passenger volume, and ADA accessibility. This keeps thousands of attendees moving efficiently while reducing downtown congestion.