Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Philadelphia Coach Bus Rental Cost?

The average cost to rent a coach bus in Philadelphia is $155–$295 per hour, $1,850–$3,200 per day, or $2,900–$6,000 per week. These full-size buses seat 47 to 56 passengers and are ideal for long-distance trips, multi-day tours, and large group transportation. They come equipped with amenities like reclining seats, climate control, overhead storage, undercarriage luggage bays, restrooms, TVs, DVD players, and WiFi. If you’re planning a school field trip to the Museum of the American Revolution, a corporate outing to Atlantic City, or a sports team charter to MetLife Stadium, a coach bus offers the most space and comfort for your riders. Rates may be higher during peak season (April–June), major events (like the Broad Street Run or Made in America Festival), or for trips requiring extra mileage and driver hours.

There are several key factors that determine the total cost of your bus rental in Philadelphia: the biggest one is the duration of your reservation, followed by the distance traveled, the time of year, the type of bus you select, and any additional requests or amenities you require. Understanding how each of these elements affects pricing will help you plan your budget more effectively and get the best value for your group.

Duration: Most companies charge by the hour, day, or mile, depending on the nature of your trip. Local trips within city limits—such as shuttles between Fishtown and Rittenhouse Square or tours of Independence National Historical Park—are usually billed at an hourly rate with a minimum of four or five hours. Longer trips outside the city—like a day at Six Flags Great Adventure or a weekend in Rehoboth Beach—are priced by the day or by total mileage. The more hours and miles you book, the higher the overall cost, though daily and weekly rates often provide better value for extended itineraries.

Distance: The total number of miles your bus will travel directly impacts the price, especially for out-of-town charters. A round-trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. (about 280 miles each way) will cost significantly more than a local loop around South Philly. Be sure to provide exact pickup and drop-off addresses, as well as any intermediate stops—such as a detour to King of Prussia Mall or a dinner reservation in Manayunk—so your quote reflects the full scope of your journey.

Seasonality: Demand for charter buses peaks during certain times of the year, which can drive up prices. Spring (April through June) is the busiest season due to school field trips, proms, graduations, and wedding shuttles. Fall weekends are also popular for college football games (Penn State, Temple, Rutgers) and foliage tours in Bucks County. If you’re traveling during these high-demand periods, expect to pay premium rates and book several months in advance. Conversely, winter months (January and February) tend to be slower, so you may find lower prices and more availability.

Bus Type: The size and style of vehicle you choose will have a major impact on cost. Full-size coach buses (47–56 passengers) are the most expensive option but offer the most seating and amenities, including restrooms, WiFi, and luggage bays. Minibuses (18–35 passengers) are more affordable and ideal for short-distance shuttles or smaller groups, though they lack some features of larger coaches. Specialty vehicles—such as party buses with LED lighting and sound systems, or ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts—may come at a premium depending on configuration and equipment.

Amenities: Standard amenities like reclining seats, air conditioning, and overhead storage are included in the base price of most rentals. However, if you require additional features—such as onboard WiFi for a corporate training session, power outlets at every seat for student laptops, or upgraded audiovisual systems for movie screenings—you should request these when booking. Some providers may charge extra for premium amenities or custom configurations.

Additional Costs: Don’t forget to budget for expenses not included in the initial quote, such as tolls (I-95, Pennsylvania Turnpike), parking fees (especially at sports venues like Lincoln Financial Field or Citizens Bank Park), and driver gratuity (typically 10–20% of the total cost). For multi-day trips, you’ll also need to provide hotel accommodations for your driver, as federal regulations require mandatory rest periods between shifts. If your itinerary includes late-night returns or extended waiting periods—such as a concert at Wells Fargo Center that runs past midnight—these factors may also influence the final price.

By considering all of these factors and communicating your needs clearly when requesting a quote, you can ensure accurate pricing and avoid unexpected charges on the day of your trip.