Charter Bus Prices in West Des Moines
When you need to rent a bus in West Des Moines, one of the first questions you’ll have is, “How much does a charter bus rental cost?” While it may seem overwhelming at first, we’re here to help break down every factor that goes into your final rental price. And if you have any questions along the way, our reservation experts will be happy to help! We’re available 24/7 to take your call, walk you through the rental process, and provide you with a free, personalized quote. Just call our team at 515-461-3460 to get started!
Below are some of the most common factors that will influence the cost of your West Des Moines bus rental.
| 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 West Des Moines?
Bus rental prices in West Des Moines typically range from $1,400 to $5,000+ for a multi-day, single-bus trip, but exact pricing depends on your vehicle, mileage, duration, and custom trip details. You can get an instant, all-inclusive quote by calling our 24/7 reservations team at 515-461-3460 or using our onlinepricing calculator! Our quotes are always free, fast (about 30 seconds!), and backed by a price-beat guarantee.
We proudly serve West Des Moines and the entire Des Moines metro area—including Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and more—with vehicles from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches and custom packages for groups of any size.
Keep reading to see real pricing examples, learn what affects your quote, and get tips for saving money on your next West Des Moines charter bus rental.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing in West Des Moines?
Trip Duration and Mileage: The length of your trip—both in time and distance—is one of the biggest factors. Local West Des Moines trips are often billed hourly (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while longer out-of-town trips to places like Ames or Iowa City are billed by the day or by the mile.
Pickup Location: If your trip starts outside of Polk County or Dallas County, you may pay extra “deadhead” fees for the bus to arrive empty. Starting in West Des Moines, Des Moines, or nearby suburbs keeps costs lower.
Vehicle Type and Size: Larger vehicles cost more than smaller ones. A 56-passenger charter bus is more expensive than a 25-passenger minibus. Specialty vehicles—like party buses or entertainer coaches—also cost more.
Time of Year: Spring and summer are peak seasons due to school trips, graduations, and weddings. You’ll pay more during busy months (April–June, September–October) than during winter.
Trip Itinerary: One-way and round-trip rentals are more affordable than multi-stop or multi-day itineraries. If your driver needs to wait overnight, you’ll pay for their lodging and meals.
Amenities: Buses with premium amenities—like WiFi, power outlets, leather seats, or onboard restrooms—may cost more than basic models.
Additional Fees: Tolls, parking, and driver gratuity (typically 10–20%) are not always included in your quote.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some sample price estimates for popular West Des Moines bus rentals. (Actual pricing will vary based on your exact dates, vehicle, and itinerary.)
Example #1
Trip Details: One-day field trip from Valley High School to the Science Center of Iowa in downtown Des Moines. Depart school at 8:00 a.m., return by 3:00 p.m.
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Estimated Price: $1,350 ($225/hour x 6 hours)
Example #2
Trip Details: Cyclone fan group traveling from Jordan Creek Town Center to Jack Trice Stadium in Ames for an Iowa State football game. Depart West Des Moines at 3:00 p.m., return after the game.
Vehicle: 35-passenger minibus
Estimated Price: $2,100 ($7.00/mile x 150 miles round trip)
Example #3
Trip Details: Wedding ceremony at Glen Oaks Country Club, reception at The Rewind Hotel. Continuous guest shuttle between venues from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Vehicle: 25-passenger minibus
Estimated Price: $1,800 ($225/hour x 8 hours)
Example #4
Trip Details: Two-day corporate training at Hy-Vee headquarters. Employee shuttles running between office, hotel, and dinner venue.
Vehicle: 18-passenger minibus
Estimated Price: $3,600 ($1,800/day x 2 days)
Example #5
Trip Details: Church group traveling from West Des Moines to Chicago for a weekend conference. Depart Friday morning, return Sunday evening. Local transfers included.
Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
Estimated Price: $8,000 ($2,000/day x 3 days + $2,000 mileage overage)
Example #6
Trip Details: Business travelers needing round-trip transportation from West Des Moines hotel to Des Moines International Airport. Pickup at 5:00 a.m., return flight at 7:00 p.m.
Vehicle: 20-passenger minibus
Estimated Price: $900 ($225/hour x 4 hours)
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