New Orleans Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a New Orleans Bus Rental Cost?
The price of renting a charter bus in New Orleans ranges from $170 to $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day depending on your trip details. You can get an instant quote in under 30-seconds using our online quote tool or by calling our team at 504-387-8680. Below, we break down average rates for each vehicle type and explain exactly what factors affect your total cost—so you know what to expect before you book. If you have any questions about pricing or packages, just reach out and one of our experts will help!
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| 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?
New Orleans Minibus Company offers several types of buses with different capacities and amenities. Here are some average prices for each type:
- 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
These are only estimates and your actual quote may vary depending on your specific needs. The best way to get an accurate price is to call us at 504-387-8680 and tell us about your trip.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in New Orleans?
Several factors affect the cost of renting a bus in New Orleans. One of the biggest is the type and size of bus you choose. Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses generally cost more than smaller options like 18- to 25-passenger minibuses, but they also offer more seating and storage space. Party buses and specialty vehicles may have higher rates due to premium amenities.
The duration of your rental also impacts pricing. Most quotes are based on either a daily or hourly rate. For local trips within Orleans Parish—such as shuttling guests between downtown hotels like the Roosevelt or Windsor Court and wedding venues in the Garden District or French Quarter—you’ll likely pay by the hour (with a minimum of 4-5 hours). Longer trips outside the city, such as taking a group to Baton Rouge for an LSU game or to Gulfport for a casino outing, are usually priced per day or per mile.
Seasonality plays a role too. Demand for charter buses spikes during major events like Mardi Gras (February/March), Jazz Fest (April/May), Essence Festival (July), and football season when the Saints play at Caesars Superdome. If you’re booking during these peak times, expect higher rates and limited availability. Conversely, you might find lower prices in slower months like August or December (outside of holiday weeks).
Your itinerary details matter as well. Multiple stops, heavy traffic routes (like crossing the Crescent City Connection during rush hour), or traveling on toll roads can increase your quote. If your trip requires the driver to stay overnight—such as a multi-day tour of plantation homes along River Road or a band competition in Lafayette—you’ll need to cover their lodging and some meals. Finally, optional add-ons like WiFi, power outlets, PA systems, or custom wraps may affect the final price. Always provide as much information as possible when requesting a quote so we can give you the most accurate estimate.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in New Orleans, LA and around Louisiana. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
French Quarter Walking Tour
A high school teacher wants to take her class of 30 students from Metairie to the French Quarter for a history walking tour. She books a 25-passenger minibus with New Orleans Minibus Company for 6 hours (including pick-up, drop-off, and waiting time). The total cost is $2,400 ($400 per hour), which comes out to $80 per student. This includes transportation to Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Cabildo, with a lunch stop at Café du Monde.
Bachelor Party to Baton Rouge
A group of 15 friends is planning a bachelor party trip from New Orleans to Baton Rouge to catch an LSU football game. They rent a 20-passenger minibus for a full day (10 hours) so they can enjoy the game and nightlife without worrying about driving. The quote comes to $3,000 ($300 per hour), or $200 per person. The package includes pickup in Mid-City, drop-off at Tiger Stadium, and return service after visiting bars on Chimes Street.
Corporate Shuttle for Conference at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
A downtown law firm hires a 56-passenger charter bus to shuttle employees between their office and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for a week-long conference. The bus runs back and forth for 8 hours a day over 5 days. The total price is $15,000 ($3,000 per day), which covers all transportation and parking fees. The bus is equipped with WiFi and power outlets for commuters working en route.
Wedding Transportation in Uptown/garden District
A couple getting married at a church in Uptown books an 18-passenger minibus to shuttle guests from hotels in the Central Business District to the ceremony and then to a reception venue on St. Charles Avenue. The rental lasts 5 hours and costs $1,750 ($350 per hour). This ensures everyone arrives safely and on time, with multiple loops between venues and photo stops at Audubon Park.
Day Trip to Cajun Country/lafayette
A senior center organizes a day trip for 40 members to visit Cajun Country in Lafayette, including Vermilionville Historic Village and a zydeco lunch. They charter a 56-passenger bus for a 12-hour excursion. The quote is $4,800 ($400 per hour), or $120 per person. The package includes onboard restrooms, reclining seats, and a DVD player for movies during the 2-hour drive each way.
Band Competition in Lake Charles
A school band director needs to transport 50 students and instruments to a weekend competition in Lake Charles. He books a 56-passenger charter bus with extra luggage space for a 2-day trip. The total cost is $7,600 ($3,800 per day), which includes an overnight stay for the driver. The itinerary covers departure from Gentilly, performance at Burton Coliseum, and group dinner at a local buffet before returning home.
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