A few of the companies we’ve worked with
The Main Factors That Influence Your Charter Bus Quote
When you call Charter Bus Kennewick for a quote, our reservation specialists use a dynamic pricing model to ensure you pay a fair rate based on your specific needs. There isn't a "one-size-fits-all" sticker price because a quick shuttle across town to the Columbia Center Mall requires different resources than a multi-day road trip to Seattle or Spokane. To give you the most accurate estimate, we look at several key components of your itinerary.
Distance and Duration: This is the most significant factor. Buses are rented by the hour, by the day, or by the mile. For local trips within the Tri-Cities area—such as a wedding shuttle between a hotel in Kennewick and a venue in Richland—you will likely be charged an hourly rate (usually with a 5-hour minimum). For long-distance trips, such as taking a sports team to a tournament in Portland or Boise, pricing is often calculated by the mile or by a daily rate. The longer you need the bus and the further you travel, the higher the base cost will be.
Group Size and Vehicle Type: The size of your group determines the type of bus you need, which directly impacts the price. A full-size, 56-passenger charter bus costs more than a 20-passenger minibus or a sprinter van. However, it is important to note that the "per-person" cost often drops significantly when you fill a large motorcoach. If you have 50 people, renting one large bus is almost always more cost-effective than renting three smaller minibuses. We will help you select the vehicle that fits your group perfectly so you aren't paying for empty seats you don't need.
Date and Seasonality: Supply and demand play a huge role in the transportation industry. In Kennewick and the Pacific Northwest, prices tend to rise during peak travel seasons. This includes the spring (prom and graduation season for schools like Kennewick High School and Kamiakin High), summer (wedding season and wine tours), and major local events like the Water Follies. If you are booking during these high-demand times, expect rates to be slightly higher. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance can help lock in better rates.
Estimated Charter Bus Rental Rates in Kennewick
To help you budget, we have compiled some estimated price ranges for charter bus rentals in the Kennewick area. Please keep in mind that these are merely estimates. The only way to get a guaranteed price for your specific trip is to call our 24/7 team at 509-381-3214 or use our online quote tool.
- Minibus Rentals (18-25 passengers): Range from $145 to $170 per hour. These are perfect for local shuttles, corporate dinners, or small winery tours.
- Full-Size Charter Buses (56 passengers): Range from $170 to $200 per hour. These are ideal for large school trips, employee shuttles, and long-distance travel.
- Sprinter Vans (10-14 passengers): Range from $350 to $700 per day depending on the luxury level and amenities.
*Note: Hourly rentals usually require a 5-hour minimum. Prices vary based on availability and specific itinerary details.
Sample Trip Scenarios and Pricing
Sometimes, seeing real-world examples is the best way to understand how pricing comes together. Here are a few sample itineraries for groups traveling in and around Kennewick, Washington, to give you an idea of what to expect.
Example 1: The Wine Country Wedding Shuttle: A couple is getting married at the beautiful Moore Mansion (200 N Road 34, Pasco, WA 99301) and wants to provide transportation for guests staying at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kennewick Tri-Cities (7048 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336). They need two 25-passenger minibuses to shuttle guests between the hotel and the venue from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Estimated Cost: Since this is a local run within the Tri-Cities area for 8 hours, the couple would likely be billed at an hourly rate for two minibuses. The total might range between $2,300 and $2,800.
Example 2: The Corporate Convention Shuttle: A corporation is hosting a two-day conference at the Three Rivers Convention Center (7016 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336). They need a full-size 56-passenger charter bus to pick up attendees from the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) (3601 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301), take them to the hotel, shuttle them to the convention center each morning and evening, and then return them to the airport on the final day.
Estimated Cost: For a multi-day rental involving airport transfers and daily shuttles, the company would likely be quoted a daily rate. For two full days of service, the cost could range from $3,200 to $4,000, depending on the exact hours of service required each day.
Example 3: The High School Sports Tournament: The Kennewick High School Lions football team needs transportation to an away game in Spokane, WA. They need a 56-passenger charter bus with plenty of undercarriage storage for pads, helmets, and gear. The trip involves a 2.5-hour drive each way, plus waiting time during the game. The total trip duration is approximately 10 hours.
Estimated Cost: Because this involves significant mileage and a full day of service, the quote would likely fall between $1,800 and $2,200. This ensures the team travels in comfort with reclining seats and plenty of room to rest before and after the game.
Ways to Save on Your Kennewick Charter Bus Rental
If you are working with a tight budget—perhaps for a non-profit organization, a school district, or a family reunion—there are several strategies you can use to keep your transportation costs down without sacrificing quality or safety.
Book Early: The golden rule of charter bus rentals is to book as early as possible. As buses get booked up, the remaining inventory becomes more expensive. We recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if your trip falls in May, June, or July. For major events like weddings, booking 9 to 12 months out is not uncommon.
Finalize Your Headcount: Don't pay for empty seats. If you only have 20 people, renting a massive 56-passenger coach is an unnecessary expense. By getting a firm headcount early, you can book a minibus or sprinter van that fits your group perfectly, saving you hundreds of dollars.
Be Flexible with Your Itinerary: If your schedule allows, avoiding peak travel times can save money. Using the bus for fewer hours or planning your trip during the off-season (winter months) can result in lower rates. Additionally, optimizing your route to avoid excessive mileage will help keep fuel costs and mileage fees lower.
Understanding the Value: What You Get for the Price?
When you look at the price of a charter bus, it's important to understand the value you are receiving. You aren't just renting a vehicle; you are renting a professional service that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and comfort. When you split the cost of a charter bus among all passengers, it often comes out to be cheaper than rideshares, rental cars, or even airfare—with significantly less stress.
Comfort First: You are paying for a driver who knows the roads of Benton County and beyond. This eliminates the need for designated drivers and ensures everyone gets home comfortably after a night out at local wineries or breweries.
Premium Amenities: A standard school bus is cheap, but it lacks comfort. Charter Bus Kennewick vehicles come equipped with amenities that transform travel time into quality time. We offer buses with WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, climate control, and onboard restrooms. For corporate groups, this means productivity on the road. For students, it means entertainment via DVD players and monitors.
Logistical Support: Our team handles the routing and logistics. We know the best drop-off points for the Toyota Center (7000 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336), the easiest way to navigate to Columbia Park, and the traffic patterns around the Blue Bridge. You are paying for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your transportation is handled by experts.
Call to Book Your Kennewick Charter Bus Today!
Ready to hit the road? Charter Bus Kennewick has representatives available 24/7/365 to assist you with finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. Whether you need a shuttle for a corporate event, a minibus for a wedding, or a full-sized coach for a sports team, we make the process simple and transparent. There’s no pressure to book at the time of your call; our job is to guide you throughout the process so you find what you need at a price that fits your budget.
And we get it — booking transportation isn’t always so easy, and you definitely want to feel comfortable about who you choose! That’s why we’re here for you. Weekdays, weekends, holidays, late nights, early mornings… our team is always ready to help you, always ready to walk you through your questions, always ready to provide you with amazing customer service. Call 509-381-3214 today or use our online quote tool for instant pricing in under 30 seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kennewick Pricing
How far in advance should I book my charter bus in Kennewick?
We recommend booking as soon as your date and venue are confirmed. Ideally, you should book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. For trips taking place during busy seasons like spring (proms) or summer (weddings and winery tours), booking 6 to 9 months in advance ensures the best availability and pricing. However, Charter Bus Kennewick can often accommodate last-minute requests, so don't hesitate to call us even if your trip is coming up soon!
Do I need to pay a deposit to reserve a bus?
Yes, a deposit is typically required to secure your reservation. This takes the bus out of our inventory so it cannot be booked by anyone else. The specific amount of the deposit will be discussed with your reservation specialist at the time of booking. The remaining balance is usually due a few weeks prior to your trip date.
What happens if my trip goes over the scheduled time?
We understand that events don't always run exactly to the minute. However, your quote is based on the specific hours you requested. If your trip extends significantly beyond the agreed-upon time—for example, if a game goes into overtime or a reception runs late—you may be billed for the additional time at an hourly rate. We recommend padding your itinerary with a little extra time to account for traffic or delays to avoid unexpected overage charges.