Elgin Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Elgin Bus Rental Cost?
Elgin Minibus Company prices vary depending on your trip details, but you can generally expect to pay between $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. The best way to see exactly how much your bus will cost is to call our team at 224-573-0960 or use our instant quote tool. You’ll get personalized pricing in less than 30 seconds! Below, we’ve put together estimated rates and go over the factors that affect your trip cost so you can better understand what goes into your quote. If you have any questions, we’re available 24/7 to help.
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 Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost of renting a bus in Elgin ranges from $145 to $519 per hour depending on the size and type of vehicle you choose. Daily rates typically fall between $1,300 and $3,800. Here’s a breakdown of our most popular options:
- 56-passenger charter bus: $197-$519 per hour, $1,600-$3,800 per day, $5.00-$8.00 per mile
- 25-passenger minibus: $165-$428 per hour, $1,300-$3,200 per day, $4.00-$7.00 per mile
- 20-passenger minibus: $157-$414 per hour, $1,300-$3,100 per day, $4.00-$7.00 per mile
- 18-passenger minibus: $145-$404 per hour, $1,300-$3,000 per day, $4.00-$7.00 per mile
Keep in mind that these are just averages—your final price will depend on your unique itinerary and needs. For the most accurate pricing, call us today at 224-573-0960!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Elgin?
Several key factors determine the total cost of your bus rental. The biggest one is how far you’re traveling and how long you’ll need the bus. For example, a round-trip from Elgin to downtown Chicago for a Bulls game at United Center will cost more than a local shuttle between Elgin High School and the Centre of Elgin. We typically charge by the hour for short trips (like wedding shuttles at The Haight), by the day for multi-day events (such as church retreats to Camp Wonderland in Wisconsin), or by the mile for long-distance journeys (like a field trip from Elgin to Springfield to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library).
The time of year also impacts pricing. Spring and early summer are peak season due to graduations, proms, and wedding season at venues like Lords Park Pavilion and Riverside Reception. You’ll find lower rates in winter, except during holidays when families book trips to Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest or Christkindlmarket in Chicago.
Your pick-up and drop-off locations matter too. Trips that start or end outside our primary service area may include additional mileage fees. For instance, a corporate outing from Elgin to Starved Rock State Park will be priced differently than a daily commuter shuttle between Pace’s Randall Road park-and-ride and Metra’s Big Timber Road Station.
The type of bus you select affects your quote as well. Full-size charter buses with restrooms and WiFi are more expensive than minibuses without those amenities. If you request premium features like leather seats, onboard entertainment systems, or ADA-accessible lifts, these can increase the base rate.
Finally, special requests such as multiple stops (for example, a brewery tour hitting Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, Blue Raptor Tap House, and Plank Road Tap Room), overnight stays requiring hotel accommodations for the driver, or last-minute bookings may add to your overall cost. Always share your complete itinerary so we can provide the most accurate estimate.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Elgin, 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 Chicago Museums

A teacher at Elgin High School is organizing a field trip for 45 students to visit the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium in downtown Chicago. The group will depart from the school at 8:00 AM, spend the day exploring exhibits, and return by 6:00 PM. For this itinerary, the quote would be $2,250 for a 56-passenger charter bus equipped with WiFi, power outlets, and DVD players. With 45 students plus 5 chaperones, the cost comes out to $45 per person for a comfortable ride with plenty of storage space for backpacks and lunches.
Wedding Shuttle Between Hotel and Venue

A couple is hosting their wedding reception at The Haight in downtown Elgin and wants to provide continuous shuttle service for guests staying at the Holiday Inn & Suites near I-90. The shuttle will run every 30 minutes from 4:00 PM to midnight, making it easy for guests to enjoy the celebration without worrying about parking or driving after drinks. This 8-hour package would cost $2,320 for a 25-passenger minibus with climate control and Bluetooth audio. Since the couple expects 80 guests, they plan to run two loops per hour so everyone has a seat when they need it.
Corporate Retreat to Lake Geneva

An Elgin-based tech company is planning an overnight retreat for 30 employees at a resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The itinerary includes departing the office at 9:00 AM, stopping for lunch en route, and arriving at the resort by 2:00 PM. The bus will remain on-site for local excursions before returning to Elgin the following afternoon. This two-day charter would be priced at $3,600 for a 35-passenger mid-size coach with reclining seats, onboard restroom, and PA system for announcements. The company appreciates the convenience of keeping the team together and productive during transit.
Sports Team Travel to State Tournament

The varsity soccer team from Larkin High School qualified for the state finals in Peoria and needs group transportation for 22 players, 3 coaches, and equipment bags. Departure is scheduled for Friday at noon with a practice session upon arrival, followed by an overnight hotel stay and Saturday afternoon match. A 28-passenger minibus with extra luggage space is quoted at $2,900 for the round trip, including standby time at the venue. Parents and boosters are relieved to know the athletes will travel safely and arrive rested for the big game.
Senior Outing to Starved Rock State Park

A local retirement community is booking a day trip for 15 residents to hike and sightsee at Starved Rock State Park. They will leave Elgin at 9:30 AM, enjoy a guided nature walk, picnic lunch, and return by 5:00 PM. The cost for a 20-passenger minibus with wheelchair lift and priority seating is $1,680. Organizers value the door-to-door service and accessibility features that make it possible for all participants to join the adventure comfortably.
Concert Group to Ravinia Festival

A group of friends has purchased lawn tickets for a summer concert at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park. Rather than carpooling and dealing with traffic, they decided to split the cost of private transportation. Their 16-passenger minibus departs Elgin at 4:00 PM, drops them off close to the entrance, and waits until the show ends around 10:30 PM. The round-trip fare is $1,280, which works out to $80 each for a hassle-free evening of music under the stars.