Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Lakeland Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost to rent a coach bus in Lakeland, Florida ranges from $170 to $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day depending on the size of the vehicle, length of rental, and time of year. Minibuses and party buses are typically less expensive, starting at $150 per hour, while full-size charter buses and entertainer coaches are at the higher end of the spectrum. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call our team at 863-340-1180 or use our online quote tool to compare prices and availability in under 30 seconds. We have vehicles available across Polk County, including Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Haines City, and Davenport, so you can find the perfect bus for your group at a price that fits your budget.
Below, we’ll break down everything that goes into the price of a charter bus rental in Lakeland, including sample rates, what’s included, and tips for saving money on your next trip.
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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
A coach bus rental in Lakeland typically costs between $1,900 and $3,800+ per day. Hourly rates range from $170 to $500+, with most companies requiring a minimum of 4-5 hours for local trips. If you’re traveling outside of Polk County or doing an overnight trip to Orlando, Tampa, or Miami, expect to pay a daily rate plus additional fees for driver lodging and meals. Minibuses (18-35 passengers) are more affordable, starting at $150 per hour or $1,500 per day, while party buses and sprinter vans fall somewhere in between.
These prices are just estimates—your exact quote will depend on factors like travel dates, itinerary, and vehicle type. For example, a 56-passenger MCI coach with a restroom and WiFi will cost more than a basic 25-passenger minibus. The best way to get an accurate price is to contact us with your trip details or use our online quote tool to see instant rates and availability.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Lakeland?
Several key factors determine the cost of your charter bus rental in Lakeland:
- Trip Duration and Distance: The longer your trip, the more you’ll pay. Local rentals within Lakeland or Polk County are usually billed by the hour (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while out-of-town trips to Orlando, Tampa, or Miami are charged by the day or by the mile. For example, a round-trip from Lakeland to Disney World is about 100 miles each way and will cost more than a simple shuttle between downtown and Lakeside Village.
- Type and Size of Vehicle: Larger buses with more amenities cost more than smaller, basic models. A 56-passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, restrooms, and WiFi will be at the top end of the price range, while a 25-passenger minibus or 15-passenger sprinter van will be more budget-friendly. Party buses with custom lighting and sound systems are also priced at a premium.
- Time of Year: Charter bus rates in Florida are highest during peak season, which runs from March through June. This is when schools are doing field trips, sports teams are in playoff season, and many companies are hosting spring events. Holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Fourth of July also see increased demand and higher prices. If you can schedule your trip during the off-season (July through February, excluding holidays), you may be able to save money.
- Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday through Sunday) are more expensive than weekday rentals due to higher demand. If you’re planning a wedding shuttle or bachelor party, expect to pay a premium for Saturday night service. Conversely, corporate commuters or church groups traveling on a Tuesday or Wednesday can often get better rates.
- Itinerary Complexity: The more stops, wait times, and deviations from a simple point-to-point route, the more your rental will cost. For example, shuttling guests between multiple hotels and a wedding venue in Downtown Lakeland requires more coordination (and potentially more hours) than a direct transfer from one location to another.
- Additional Fees: Tolls (like those on the Polk Parkway or Florida Turnpike), parking permits (for places like RP Funding Center or Lake Mirror Promenade), and driver gratuity (customarily 10-20%) are not always included in your base quote. For overnight trips, you’ll also need to provide lodging for the driver, which can add $150-$250 per night to your total cost.
When you request a quote from Lakeland Coach Bus Service, we’ll ask for all the details of your trip—dates, times, passenger count, pickup/drop-off locations, and any special requests—so we can give you an accurate, all-inclusive price with no hidden fees. We serve the entire Central Florida region, including Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Haines City, Davenport, and even as far as Plant City and Mulberry, making us one of the most versatile and reliable providers in the area.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Lakeland, FL and around Central Florida. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Orlando Science Center

A local elementary school in North Lakeland is planning a field trip to the Orlando Science Center for 45 students and 5 chaperones. They need a 56-passenger charter bus to pick up at 7:30 AM, drive to Orlando, stay with the group all day, and return by 4:00 PM. Total mileage is about 120 miles round-trip, and the bus will be on duty for 8 hours. Estimated cost: $1,950. This includes all travel time, waiting, and tolls on I-4. The school will budget an extra $200 for driver gratuity and parking fees at the museum.
Wedding Shuttle at Bonnet Springs Park

A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony and reception at Bonnet Springs Park but have guests staying at hotels in Downtown Lakeland and Lakeside Village. They want continuous shuttle service from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM using two 25-passenger minibuses. Each bus will make multiple loops between the venues, with a break for dinner. Total service time is 7 hours per bus. Estimated cost: $2,100 ($1,050 per minibus). This ensures all guests have safe, reliable transportation without needing to drive or use rideshare apps. The couple plans to tip each driver $100 at the end of the night.
Corporate Commuter Shuttle From Winter Haven to Lakeland

A manufacturing company in Winter Haven wants to provide daily commuter shuttles for employees who live in Lakeland. They contract a 40-passenger bus to run two trips each morning (6:00 AM and 7:00 AM) and two trips each evening (4:00 PM and 5:00 PM), Monday through Friday. The route follows US-92 and takes about 35 minutes each way. Weekly mileage is approximately 400 miles, and total service hours are 20 per week. Estimated cost: $4,000 per week ($800 per day). This long-term arrangement helps the company reduce parking congestion and attract workers from a wider area. Optional upgrades include WiFi and power outlets for an extra $100 per day.
Sports Team Travel to Tampa

A high school baseball team in Bartow has an away game against Jesuit High School in Tampa. They need a 56-passenger coach bus to transport 30 players, 5 coaches, and equipment bags. Pickup is at 2:00 PM, arrival in Tampa by 4:00 PM, game ends at 8:00 PM, and return to Bartow by 10:00 PM. Total distance is 130 miles round-trip, and the bus will be with the team for 8 hours. Estimated cost: $1,950. The athletic department will cover tolls on the Selmon Expressway and provide a boxed dinner for the driver. If the game goes into extra innings, overtime charges are $150 per hour.
Bachelorette Party in Ybor City

A group of 15 friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with a night out in Ybor City. They rent an 18-passenger party bus with wraparound seating, Bluetooth sound system, and LED lighting. Pickup is at 7:00 PM in South Lakeland, drop-off in Ybor by 8:00 PM, and return trip at 2:00 AM. The bus will wait nearby during the festivities. Total service time is 7 hours. Estimated cost: $1,350. Split among 15 riders, that’s $90 each for door-to-door service without needing designated drivers. The maid of honor adds a cooler with ice and bottled water for convenience.
Church Retreat in Ocala National Forest

A Lakeland church is organizing a weekend retreat at a campground in Ocala National Forest. They book a 35-passenger minibus to depart Friday at 6:00 PM, stay on-site until Sunday noon, and return home by 3:00 PM. The bus will remain parked at the campsite for 36 hours but only travel 200 miles total. Estimated cost: $2,400 ($1,200 per day). Since the location is remote, the church provides meals and a cabin for the driver. This setup allows participants to focus on fellowship without worrying about individual transportation. Extra luggage space is requested for coolers and musical instruments.