Charter Bus Prices in New Orleans
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in New Orleans? You're in the right place! At Coach Bus New Orleans, we believe in transparent, up-front pricing so you can plan your trip with confidence. Whether you're organizing transportation for a wedding, corporate event, school field trip, or a group outing to Mardi Gras, we'll help you understand exactly what goes into the cost of your rental and provide you with an instant quote in just minutes. Call our team anytime at 504-688-4340 to get started—we're available 24/7!
| 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 New Orleans?
The cost of a charter bus rental in New Orleans typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+ for multi-day trips, with exact pricing depending on vehicle size, trip duration, mileage, and time of year. You may also see rates charged hourly ($150–$350+ per hour), daily ($1,500–$3,500+ per day), or by mileage ($5–$8+ per mile). Minibuses generally cost less than full-size charter buses, while party buses and entertainer coaches fall at the higher end of the spectrum. Additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and driver hotel/lodging are not included in the base rate.
The best way to get an accurate price is to call our reservation specialists at 504-688-4340 with your trip details. We’ll quickly generate a personalized quote based on your itinerary and help you find the perfect vehicle at the best available rate.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Prices in New Orleans?
Several factors influence the final cost of your charter bus rental in New Orleans:
- Number of Passengers: Larger groups require larger vehicles, which cost more to rent. Smaller groups can save money by booking a minibus instead of a full-size charter bus.
 - Type of Bus: Standard minibuses (15–35 seats) and charter buses (40–56 seats) are the most affordable options. Upgrading to a party bus, sprinter van, or entertainer coach will increase the price.
 - Trip Duration: Rentals are billed hourly, daily, or by mileage. Longer trips and multi-day itineraries cost more than short local transfers.
 - Pickup Location: If your trip starts outside downtown New Orleans, you may be charged for “deadhead” mileage to cover the distance from the depot to your pickup point.
 - Seasonality: Demand spikes during major events like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and cruise ship departures, leading to higher rates. Booking during the off-season can help you secure lower prices.
 - Amenities: Buses with premium amenities like WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and restrooms may cost slightly more than basic models.
 
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus quotes we've provided for trips in and around New Orleans. These are sample estimates only—your actual price may vary based on your specific itinerary, vehicle availability, and current rates. For the most accurate pricing, please contact our reservations team with your trip details.
Example #1
                                  A local elementary school needed transportation for 50 students and chaperones from their campus in Uptown to the Audubon Zoo. They booked one 56-passenger charter bus for a half-day rental (4 hours). Total cost: $1,800 ($450 per hour). With 50 passengers, that’s just $36 per person for comfortable, air-conditioned transportation with onboard restrooms and storage space for lunches and backpacks.
Example #2
                                  A downtown hotel contracted us to run a corporate shuttle loop between several CBD hotels and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during a weeklong industry conference. They required two 25-passenger minibuses operating 8 hours per day for 5 days. Total cost: $7,000 per minibus ($1,400 per day), or $14,000 for both vehicles. The hotel split the cost among multiple client groups, making it an affordable alternative to rideshares and parking fees.
Example #3
                                  A group of friends booked a 20-passenger party bus for a bachelor party pub crawl through the French Quarter and Marigny. They reserved the vehicle for 6 hours on a Saturday night. Total cost: $3,000 ($500 per hour). With a full load of 20 passengers, each person paid $150 for private transportation with leather seats, color-changing LED lights, Bluetooth sound system, and room to dance between bar stops.
Example #4
                                  A bride and groom hired us to run a wedding shuttle between Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter and their ceremony/reception venue at Race & Religious in the Lower Garden District. They needed one 18-passenger minibus for 5 hours to cover guest arrivals and departures. Total cost: $2,250 ($450 per hour). The couple appreciated having a private shuttle to keep their guests on schedule and avoid parking hassles near the venue.
Example #5
                                  A high school marching band from Baton Rouge arranged a day trip to New Orleans for a performance and sightseeing. They required two 56-passenger charter buses with underfloor storage for instruments. The itinerary included a 90-mile round trip plus 8 hours of local service. Total cost: $5,600 ($2,800 per bus). The school district covered part of the expense, and parents contributed to the remaining balance.
Example #6
                                  A local church organized a weekend retreat to Fontainebleau State Park on the Northshore. They booked a 25-passenger minibus for 3 days with pickup and drop-off in Mid-City. Total cost: $4,200 ($1,400 per day). The minibus made several trips between the campground and nearby attractions, providing flexible transportation for youth and adult participants.
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