Downers Grove Charter Bus Prices
Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
---|---|---|---|
50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $500+ | $1,800 – $3,800 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $170 – $480+ | $1,700 – $3,565 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $450+ | $1,610 – $3,465 | $4.00 – $9.95 |
20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $440+ | $1,610 – $3,365 | $4.00 – $8.95 |
15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $430+ | $1,520 – $3,255 | $4.00 – $7.95 |
Entertainer Coach | $315 – $550+ | $3,000 – $5,000+ | $6.00 – $9.95 |
Yellow School Bus | $145 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
Shuttle Bus | $155 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
Downers Grove Party Bus Prices
Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
---|---|---|---|
Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $180 - $450+ | $200 - $470+ | $1,000 - $2,900+ |
Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $200 - $500+ | $220 - $500+ | $1,200 - $3,500+ |
Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $250 - $500+ | $240 - $520+ | $1,500 - $3,900+ |
Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $160 - $400+ | $180 - $450+ | $1,000 - $3,900+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 331-998-9940 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Downers Grove?
Downers Grove charter bus rentals run $155–$375 per hour (up to 55 passengers) or $2,800–$6,350 per day. Most companies also offer half-day or full-day packages. You’ll pay either by the hour, by the day, or by the mile—whichever is more cost-effective for your route. For example, a 56-passenger bus might be $295 per hour, $3,850 per day, or $6.25 per mile. Ask your reservation specialist how you’ll be charged before signing anything. If you go over your allotted time or mileage, you may owe additional fees.
Call Charter Bus Company Downers Grove at 331-998-9940 anytime to get an exact price on your next bus rental! We’re available 24/7 to help you.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Downers Grove?
Party bus rentals in Downers Grove typically cost between $250 and $500 per hour, with most vehicles seating 15 to 40 passengers. Smaller party buses (15-20 guests) average $250-$350 per hour, while larger models (30-40 guests) run $400-$500 per hour. Daily rates range from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on size and amenities. Pricing is influenced by trip duration, mileage, and the season—spring and summer weddings or proms often incur higher rates. Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and optional gratuity. For the best estimate, call Charter Bus Company Downers Grove at 331-998-9940 with your exact headcount and itinerary.
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Call Now: 331-998-9940What Factors Influence the Price of Your Downers Grove Bus Rental?
Bus rental prices in Downers Grove are influenced by several key factors: the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year you’re traveling, your exact pickup and drop-off locations, the type and size of bus you need, and how far in advance you book. Additional expenses like tolls, parking, and driver gratuity can also affect your total cost. Below, we break down each factor to show how it impacts your final quote.
Distance and Duration: How They Affect Bus Rental Pricing
One of the biggest factors in your bus rental price will be the distance and duration of your trip. Local trips around Downers Grove—such as shuttles to O’Hare, corporate outings to Oak Brook, or wedding transportation to Morton Arboretum—are usually billed hourly. Longer trips out of state or across multiple days (like a band tour to Champaign or a sports tournament in Indianapolis) are charged by the mile or by the day. The farther you travel and the longer you need the bus, the higher your total cost. Multi-day itineraries with idle time, layovers, or complex routing will increase the base rate.

The Time of Year
Just like airline tickets and hotel rooms, bus rental rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand. In Downers Grove and the greater Chicago area, spring and fall are peak seasons due to school field trips, graduations, sports tournaments, and weddings. Late April through early June sees high demand from local schools (like Downers Grove North and South High Schools) booking transportation for proms, athletic events, and end-of-year outings. September and October are busy with homecoming games, band competitions, and autumn weddings at venues such as the Morton Arboretum or nearby forest preserves. Summer rates remain steady due to festivals and corporate events, while winter months—aside from holiday weeks—typically see lower pricing. Booking during peak times will result in higher rates, so plan ahead if your event falls within these busy seasons.

The Day of the Week
Buses are cheapest Monday through Thursday. Most people want them for the weekend, so Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays cost more. If you can schedule your trip midweek, you’ll save money.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Your exact pickup and drop-off points also impact pricing. If your trip starts or ends in a remote area outside Downers Grove—such as rural DuPage County or western suburbs beyond I-355—the bus may need to travel empty (deadhead) to or from the nearest depot. You’ll be charged for this additional mileage. Urban pickups in Chicago or congested zones near O’Hare and Midway airports can incur higher rates due to traffic delays and staging challenges. Crossing toll roads like I-294 or I-88 adds to the total cost. Centralized, accessible locations in Downers Grove, Oak Brook, or Naperville are the most budget-friendly.
Bus Type and Size: the Biggest Factor in Pricing
The type and size of bus you choose is one of the most significant factors in determining your rental cost. Larger vehicles with more amenities naturally cost more than smaller, basic models. Here’s a quick breakdown of average rates for each type of bus:
- Sprinter van: $185–$325 per hour (seats up to 15)
- Minibus: $225–$420 per hour (seats 18–35)
- Party bus: $245–$575 per hour (seats 15–40)
- Charter bus: $295–$585 per hour (seats up to 56)
Full-size charter buses (seating 40–56) are the most expensive but offer the best value for large groups. Smaller minibuses (15–35 seats) are more affordable but may lack luggage space and onboard restrooms. Premium models with leather seats, video monitors, Wi-Fi, or custom branding will cost extra. Our fleet includes vehicles from 18 to 56 seats, so you can match the exact size to your group.
Tolls, Parking, and Additional Fees
Tolls and parking fees are typically not included in your initial quote and will be added to your final bill. In the Downers Grove area, expect to pay tolls on routes using I-355, I-88, and other major expressways. Parking fees vary by destination: Downtown Chicago garages may charge $60–$100 for oversized vehicles, while suburban venues like the Allstate Arena or SeatGeek Stadium have flat rates of $30–$50. If your itinerary includes multiple stops, budget for additional parking expenses at each location.
How Far in Advance You Book
Booking your bus rental early is the best way to lock in lower rates and ensure vehicle availability. As your travel date approaches, supply decreases and prices rise—especially during peak seasons. We recommend reserving at least three to six months in advance for large events, spring and fall trips, or specialty vehicles. Last-minute bookings may incur premium rates or require compromising on bus type and amenities. Planning ahead gives you leverage to secure the best deal.
Cost-saving Tips
To keep your bus rental affordable, choose the smallest vehicle that fits your group size. Consolidate pickup and drop-off locations to minimize deadhead mileage. Avoid traveling during peak months and weekends if possible. Split costs among passengers for per-person savings. Ask about package deals for multi-day or recurring shuttles. Finally, compare amenities carefully—skipping luxury add-ons like onboard Wi-Fi or entertainment systems can reduce your overall price.
Get an Instant Quote on Your Downers Grove Bus Rental
The best way to get an accurate price is to call our team at Charter Bus Company Downers Grove! We’re available 24/7 at 331-998-9940 to help you find the perfect bus at the right price. Once you have your quote, you can easily book your bus online!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Downers Grove, IL and around Illinois. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to the Morton Arboretum
A fifth-grade teacher at Highland Elementary is planning a field trip to The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. She has 40 students and 5 chaperones. The group will leave the school at 9:00 AM, spend four hours at the Arboretum, and return by 3:00 PM. Because the Arboretum charges $40 for bus parking, and the school is only 10 miles away, the total cost comes to $2,900. This breaks down to about $66 per person.
Wedding Shuttle Between Hotel and Venue
A bride is getting married at the Ruth Lake Country Club, but many of her guests are staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Downers Grove. To keep everyone comfortable after the reception, she books a shuttle to run between the hotel and venue from 5:00 PM to midnight. With 100 guests, she needs a 56-passenger bus making multiple trips. The venue is 8 miles from the hotel, and there’s no charge for parking. At $300 per hour for 7 hours, the total cost comes to $2,100. That’s just $21 per guest.
Corporate Outing to Downtown Chicago
A Downers Grove law firm is taking its 30 employees to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. They’ll leave the office at 4:00 PM, attend the evening game, and return by 11:00 PM. Because Wrigleyville has limited bus parking, they’ll pay $75 to park in a designated lot. The 25-mile trip into the city incurs tolls totaling $10. Altogether, the 7-hour minibus rental at $250 per hour plus parking and tolls brings the total to $1,835. That’s about $61 per employee.
Sports Team Tournament in Rockford
The Downers Grove North girls’ soccer team is traveling to a weekend tournament in Rockford. With 20 players, 3 coaches, and plenty of gear, they need a minibus with luggage storage. They’ll depart Friday at 5:00 PM, stay two nights, and return Sunday after their last game. Their hotel offers free bus parking. The 90-mile trip includes $8 in tolls each way. At $4.50 per mile for 180 miles round-trip, plus two days at $1,000 per day, the total comes to $3,276. Split among 23 people, that’s $142 each.
Airport Transfer to O’hare International
A family of 15 is heading to O’Hare for a vacation. Rather than pay for airport parking, they hire a minibus to pick them up in Downers Grove, drop them at the terminal, and bring them home after their trip. The 25-mile drive includes $7 in tolls. At $225 per hour for the 1.5-hour round-trip transfer, the total comes to $346 each way, or $692 round-trip. That’s $46 per person—cheaper than airport parking for a week.
Religious Retreat to Starved Rock State Park
A local church is taking 40 members on a day trip to Starved Rock State Park for a spiritual retreat. They’ll leave at 8:00 AM, spend the day hiking and praying, and return by 8:00 PM. The 90-mile trip does not include tolls, and there’s no fee for bus parking at the park. At $4.00 per mile for 180 miles, plus 12 hours at $200 per hour, the total comes to $3,360. That’s $84 per person.
Private Brewery Tour in the Western Suburbs
A group of 18 friends is celebrating a birthday with a brewery tour of the western suburbs. They’ll visit five breweries between Downers Grove, Lombard, and Elmhurst over six hours. No stops include paid parking. At $225 per hour for a 6-hour minibus rental, the total comes to $1,350. That’s $75 per person for a fun night out.