Party bus rental: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What party bus rental is

A party bus company provides a large vehicle with a driver and special seating or lighting for groups on trips such as birthdays, bachelor parties or tours. You need it when your group wants to travel together, with room to sit, stand and celebrate on the way.

Signs you need it

  • You are planning a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette trip for a group
  • Your group is too large for a limousine or a standard van
  • You want a vehicle with seating, lighting and space for a celebration
  • You need to get a group between a venue, a hotel and home safely
  • You want one driver handling the trip so the group can enjoy it

What the pro does

  • Confirms the date, the group size, the route and the stop list
  • Assigns a bus that fits the group and the event type
  • Checks the vehicle, the lighting and any entertainment equipment before pickup
  • Drives the route, including the wait time at each stop
  • Ends the trip at the agreed drop off and confirms the group is safe

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size of the bus and the number of seats
  • The length of the trip and the number of hours booked
  • The distance and any tolls or parking fees
  • Whether the trip is on a weekend, holiday or peak season
  • Whether extras such as lighting, sound or drinks are added
  • Whether gratuity, cleaning or overtime fees apply

What a written quote should spell out

  • The bus type and the seating capacity
  • The hours booked and the stop list
  • Any fees for cleaning, damage or overtime
  • The deposit amount and its refund terms
  • Whether the bus is covered by insurance during the trip

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is the maximum group size on the bus and the seating layout?
  • Is there a set alcohol or conduct policy I must follow?
  • What happens if our trip runs over the booked hours?
  • Is the bus registered and insured for passenger transport?
  • Can I see the bus before we book?
  • What is the cancellation policy?

Red flags

  • Lets the group go over the seat capacity to add more people
  • Will not show registration or insurance for the vehicle
  • Asks for a large deposit with no written contract
  • Adds extra fees after the booking without explaining them

What you can do yourself

You can make the stop list, confirm the group size, and set a clear meeting point. Ask the company for its conduct and damage rules in writing so the group knows them before the trip. Book well ahead for weekends and holidays, and ask for the contract before paying.

Licenses and permits

Commercial passenger transport commonly needs state or federal registration and insurance. Check with the state or federal authority that oversees passenger carriers before you book, and ask the company to show its registration and insurance.

Party bus rental questions

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Ask the company first. Many have rules on alcohol and on what the group may bring on board, and these should be in the contract.

What happens if someone damages the bus?

Check the damage terms in the contract. Most companies charge for damage, so ask for the process and the fee schedule in writing.

How many people can ride on a party bus?

It depends on the bus. Ask for the seating capacity and the rule for standing, and stay within it for safety.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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