Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Merced Coach Bus Rental Cost?

The average cost to rent a coach bus in Merced is $170 to $325+ per hour, $1,900 to $3,500 per day, or $2,200 to $6,000+ per week. These full-size buses can seat 40-56 passengers and are ideal for long-distance trips, school field trips, sports team transportation, and large group tours. They come equipped with amenities like reclining seats, onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, and luggage bays. If you’re traveling from Merced to Sacramento, San Francisco, or Yosemite National Park, a coach bus is the most comfortable and cost-effective option for moving a large group. Smaller minibuses (20-35 passengers) cost $155 to $265+ per hour, while party buses (15-40 passengers) range from $185 to $425+ per hour. Sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) start at $165 per hour.

Several factors influence the cost of renting a charter bus in Merced:

• Travel Dates: Demand for charter buses is highest during peak seasons like spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), when schools are in session and the weather is ideal for outdoor events. If you’re booking a bus for a UC Merced graduation, high school prom, or wedding during these months, expect higher rates. Summer is also busy due to tourism in Yosemite and family vacations. Winter months (December-February) tend to be less expensive unless you’re traveling during the holidays.
• Trip Duration and Distance: Local trips within Merced County are usually billed by the hour (with a 4-5 hour minimum), while longer trips to Fresno, Modesto, or the Bay Area are priced by the day or by mileage. The farther you travel, the more you’ll pay. For example, a day trip to Yosemite National Park will cost more than shuttling guests between hotels and a wedding venue in Atwater.
• Bus Type and Size: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans. Premium features such as leather seats, hardwood floors, PA systems, or custom branding may increase the price. Party buses with wraparound seating, dance poles, and LED lighting are also priced at a premium.
• Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, tight schedules, or routes that require navigating narrow mountain roads (like those leading to Mariposa Grove or Glacier Point) can affect pricing. If your itinerary requires the bus to wait on standby for several hours (e.g., during a concert at the Merced Theatre or a sporting event at Castle Air Museum), this will be factored into the quote.
• Advance Booking: Reserving your bus 3-6 months in advance gives you access to the largest fleet selection and the lowest rates. Last-minute bookings (less than 2 weeks’ notice) are subject to availability and may cost significantly more, especially during peak season or major events like the Merced County Fair.
• Special Requests: ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts are available at no extra charge, but must be requested in advance. Additional amenities like onboard restrooms, WiFi, or power outlets may affect pricing. If you need the bus to remain with your group overnight, you’ll be responsible for providing hotel accommodations for the driver.

When you request a quote from Merced Coach Bus Service, our team will take all of these factors into account to give you an accurate, all-inclusive price with no hidden fees. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing and exceptional customer service, so you can budget your trip with confidence.