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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a El Cajon Bus Rental Cost?
The price of renting a bus in El Cajon depends on several factors, like the type of bus you need, how many passengers you have, your itinerary, and the time of year. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or between $1,800 and $3,800 per day for a bus rental. To get an accurate quote tailored to your trip, use our online quote tool or call 858-855-1730 to speak with our team! Below, we’ve broken down estimated prices and discussed the main factors that will affect your overall cost.
| 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?
Your total cost will vary based on your headcount, the distance you travel, your trip duration, and the time of year. Your charter bus price is largely determined by the size of vehicle you book — a 56-passenger charter bus costs more than a 20-passenger minibus because it has more seats and premium amenities. If you’re not sure what size vehicle you need, our reservation specialists will help find the right option for your group and budget.
If you’re traveling out of El Cajon, the length of your trip impacts pricing as well. Trips are billed hourly, daily, or by mileage. Daily rates are common for multi-day trips across California, while hourly pricing is typical for trips within city limits. For example, a single-day field trip to the Living Coast Discovery Center would be priced hourly, while a weeklong conference shuttle from Gillespie Field to downtown San Diego hotels would be priced daily. The farther you travel from El Cajon, the higher your quote will be. Keep in mind that local trips during rush hour may have extra fees if your bus gets stuck in traffic or needs to take a longer route.
Buses are in high demand during peak seasons like spring and summer, when schools are hosting field trips and couples are planning weddings. Booking at least 3–6 months in advance secures availability and the best rates. If possible, avoid major events like Comic-Con International or the Del Mar Fair, which can drive up prices due to high demand across San Diego County. Last-minute bookings may come with a premium, especially during these busy times.
What is include in my quote?
Your charter bus quote covers the base cost of your rental, fuel, mileage, and standard amenities such as WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, climate control, and on-board restrooms (for larger buses). However, additional expenses like tolls, parking permits, and hotel accommodations for overnight trips are not included. For instance, parking fees at popular destinations like Viejas Arena or Balboa Park typically range from $15 to $40 per bus, depending on the event and location. If your itinerary includes toll roads, such as State Route 125 or Interstate 8, you’ll need to budget for those separately. Our team will provide guidance on estimating these extra costs and offer tips to keep your trip within budget. Remember, gratuity is not included in your quote but is always appreciated for excellent service.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in El Cajon, CA and around California. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
School Field Trip to USS Midway Museum
Mrs. Rodriguez is organizing a field trip for her 7th grade class of 32 students from El Cajon to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. The group plans to depart from their school at 8:00 AM, spend the day exploring the museum exhibits and participating in educational workshops, and return by 3:30 PM. To accommodate all students and four chaperones comfortably, she books a 35-passenger minibus equipped with air conditioning and storage for lunches. The round-trip journey is about 34 miles each way, making it a full-day rental. Mrs. Rodriguez receives a quote of $1,950 for the day. With 36 people attending, the cost comes to approximately $54 per person, which fits well within the school’s transportation budget.
Wedding Shuttle Between Venues
Sara and James are getting married in El Cajon, with their ceremony at Shadow Mountain Community Church and reception at Sycuan Casino Resort. They want to ensure guests don’t worry about parking or navigating unfamiliar roads, so they arrange a continuous shuttle between the two venues. Their guest list includes 120 people, so they reserve two 56-passenger charter buses to run loops from 2:00 PM to midnight. Each bus features reclining seats, onboard restrooms, and climate control to keep everyone comfortable throughout the evening. The couple’s all-day quote comes to $3,400 per bus, totaling $6,800 for both. By splitting transportation costs across their wedding budget, Sara and James provide seamless, safe travel for their guests on their big day.
Corporate Event Shuttle to Downtown San Diego
A tech company headquartered in El Cajon is hosting a three-day conference at the San Diego Convention Center. To streamline transportation for its 85 employees staying at various hotels in Mission Valley, the company books a private shuttle service. They secure two 40-passenger minibuses to operate morning and evening routes between hotels and the convention center. Each bus offers free WiFi, power outlets, and leather seats, allowing employees to work en route. The cost for the three-day shuttle service is quoted at $7,200, including unlimited mileage within the service area. The HR coordinator appreciates the reliability and professionalism, ensuring all attendees arrive on time and ready for each day’s sessions.
Sporting Event Transportation to Petco Park
The El Cajon High School baseball team is headed to Petco Park in San Diego to watch a Padres game as a team-building activity. With 28 players, six coaches, and a few parents, they need a comfortable ride with space for coolers and gear. The athletic director books a 35-passenger minibus with undercarriage storage and reclining seats. They plan to leave school at 4:00 PM, catch the evening game, and return by 11:00 PM. The school district receives a quote of $2,100 for the round-trip rental. Splitting the cost among participants makes it an affordable outing, giving students a memorable experience without the hassle of coordinating carpools or reimbursing mileage.
