Charter Bus Prices in Johnson City
Need to know how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Johnson City? You’ve come to the right place. Charter Bus Rental Johnson City is a leading provider of group transportation services in Johnson City and the entire Tri-Cities region, including Kingsport, Bristol, and Greeneville. We understand that cost is a major factor when planning any event or trip, so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand how much your bus rental might cost and why. If you’re ready to get an exact quote for your trip, call our team anytime at 423-853-4860. We’re available 24/7 and can get you a custom quote in minutes!
Below, we break down everything you need to know about charter bus pricing in Johnson City, including sample rates for popular local trips.
| 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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Johnson City?
Bus rental prices in Johnson City typically range from $700 to $3,500+ for most trips, but your exact price will depend on several factors. The most important are the size and type of bus, the length and duration of your trip, the time of year, and any special amenities or requests. Short local trips with a smaller vehicle will be at the lower end of that range, while multi-day or out-of-town trips with a full-size charter bus will be at the higher end.
To get an accurate idea of how much your specific trip will cost, you’ll need to provide details like your travel dates, pickup and drop-off locations, group size, and itinerary. The good news is that Charter Bus Rental Johnson City offers instant online quotes, so you can get a personalized estimate quickly by calling 423-853-4860.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing in Johnson City?
Several key factors will influence the final cost of your Johnson City charter bus rental:
- Bus Size and Type: Larger vehicles generally cost more than smaller ones. A 56-passenger charter bus will have a higher base rate than a 25-passenger minibus or a 20-passenger sprinter van. Specialty vehicles (party buses, entertainer coaches) may also command premium pricing.
- Trip Duration and Distance: Local trips are usually billed by the hour (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while longer trips are priced by the mile or by the day. The farther and longer you travel, the higher the total cost.
- Time of Year: Spring and fall are peak seasons for bus rentals in East Tennessee due to school events, sports, and tourism. You may pay more during busy months (April–June, September–November) than in the winter or summer off-seasons.
- Itinerary Details: Multiple stops, layovers, or out-of-the-way destinations (such as rural wedding venues or mountain lodges) can increase your price. Buses may incur additional fees for tolls, parking, or special permits at venues like Freedom Hall Civic Center or ETSU campus.
- Bus Amenities: Standard amenities include reclining seats, A/C, and luggage space. Extras such as onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, DVD/video monitors, or PA systems may add to the cost. Requesting a newer or premium model can also raise the rate.
- Advance Booking: Last-minute reservations are typically more expensive. Booking your bus several months in advance gives you the best availability and rates.
- Additional Expenses: You are responsible for the driver’s hotel (for overnight trips), meals, and gratuity. A standard tip is 10–20% of the base rental cost.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you budget, here are some real-world examples of charter bus pricing for common trips in and around Johnson City. These are only estimates—your actual quote may vary—but they should give you a general sense of what to expect.
Example #1
Example 1: Local School Field Trip
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to Hands On! Discovery Center at Gray Fossil Site
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Duration: 5 hours
Estimated Cost: $1,400–$1,800
This trip includes pickup from a school or campus location, round-trip transportation to the museum, and a single drop-off.
Example #2
Example 2: Wedding Shuttle Service
Guests staying at Carnegie Hotel shuttled to wedding at Storybrook Farm, then back after reception
Vehicle: 25-passenger minibus
Duration: 6 hours
Estimated Cost: $1,200–$1,600
The price covers continuous loop service between the hotel and venue for guest convenience.
Example #3
Example 3: Corporate Event Transportation
Employee pickup at Johnson City office park with drop-off at MeadowView Conference Resort (Kingsport) for regional meeting
Vehicle: 20-passenger minibus
Duration: 8 hours
Estimated Cost: $1,800–$2,200
Includes morning transfer to the event, local shuttling during the day, and return trip in the evening.
Example #4
Example 4: Athletic Team Away Game
Science Hill High School basketball team traveling to play Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Duration: 7 hours
Estimated Cost: $2,000–$2,500
Covers team transport, equipment storage, and waiting during the game.
Example #5
Example 5: Multi-Day Church Retreat
First Christian Church youth group attending weekend retreat at Doe River Gorge (Hampton, TN)
Vehicle: 18-passenger minibus
Duration: 2 days
Estimated Cost: $2,800–$3,200
Includes round-trip travel, on-site shuttling, and driver lodging.
Example #6
Example 6: One-Way Airport Transfer
Corporate group flying out of Tri-Cities Airport (Blountville) picked up downtown
Vehicle: 25-passenger minibus
Duration: 1 hour
Estimated Cost: $700–$900
Flat-rate pricing for direct airport drop-off with luggage.
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