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

The cost of renting a coach bus in Cambridge, Massachusetts will depend on several factors, including the type of bus you choose, the length of your trip, the time of year, and any additional amenities you request. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour for a coach bus rental, with daily rates ranging from $1,800 to $3,800. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call our team at 857-757-3790 or use our online quote tool to compare prices and options in less than 30 seconds. We’ll help you find the right bus at the right price for your next trip to Harvard Square, MIT, Kendall Square, or anywhere else in the Greater Boston area.

Below, we’ve provided some estimated rates for different types of buses and trip lengths, as well as a detailed breakdown of the factors that can affect your total cost. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual price may vary depending on your specific itinerary and needs. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, contact us today!

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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?

Coach bus rentals in Cambridge typically cost between $170 and $500 per hour, depending on the size and style of the bus. For example, a standard 56-passenger coach bus will usually cost around $200 to $300 per hour, while a smaller 25-passenger minibus might be closer to $150 to $250 per hour. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, you can expect to pay a daily rate of $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a coach bus, or $1,200 to $2,000 per day for a minibus. These rates include the cost of the bus, the driver’s wages, fuel, and basic insurance, but do not include gratuity, tolls, parking fees, or optional amenities like WiFi, power outlets, or onboard restrooms.

For shorter trips within Cambridge or Boston, such as shuttling wedding guests between venues in Central Square and Back Bay, you may be able to book a bus for a minimum of 4 to 5 hours. Longer trips to destinations like Cape Cod, Worcester, or New York City will be priced based on the total mileage and duration of the trip. If you have a large group or need multiple buses, we offer package deals and discounts for bulk bookings. Call us at 857-757-3790 to get an instant quote for your next event or excursion!

What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Cambridge?

Several factors can influence the cost of your coach bus rental in Cambridge, including:

  • Type of Bus: Larger buses with more seats and amenities will generally cost more than smaller, more basic models. For example, a 56-passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, TVs, WiFi, and a restroom will be more expensive than a 20-passenger minibus with standard seating and no extra features.
  • Trip Distance and Duration: The longer and farther your trip, the higher the cost. Local trips within Cambridge, Somerville, or Brookline will be cheaper than long-distance journeys to Springfield, Providence, or Hartford. Most companies charge by the hour for short trips (4-6 hour minimum), by the day for medium-length trips (8-12 hours), and by the mile for multi-day or out-of-state trips.
  • Time of Year: Bus rental prices are subject to seasonal demand. Peak season in Massachusetts runs from April to June (wedding season, school field trips, graduations) and September to November (fall foliage tours, college move-ins). During these months, prices can be 10-20% higher than in the winter or summer off-season. Major events like the Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, or Harvard Commencement can also drive up demand and rates.
  • Day of the Week: Weekends are typically more expensive than weekdays, especially for weddings, concerts, and sporting events. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider booking your bus on a Tuesday or Wednesday to save money.
  • Pickup and Drop-off Locations: Buses based in Cambridge or Boston will be cheaper for local trips than those that have to deadhead (travel empty) from another city. If your pickup or drop-off is outside the immediate service area, you may be charged extra for the additional mileage and time.
  • Additional Amenities: Optional upgrades like onboard WiFi, power outlets, PA systems, leather seats, or catering services can add to the cost of your rental. Be sure to specify which features are essential for your group and which ones you can do without.
  • Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any tolls incurred on the Mass Pike, Tobin Bridge, Sumner Tunnel, or other routes will be passed on to the customer. Parking fees at venues like Fenway Park, TD Garden, or Gillette Stadium are also your responsibility. Some destinations require special permits for bus access (e.g., Boston Common, Quincy Market, Cape Cod National Seashore), which may involve additional charges.
  • Driver Accommodations: For overnight trips, you are required to provide lodging for your driver(s) in a separate hotel room. This ensures they are well-rested and compliant with federal hours-of-service regulations (maximum 10 hours driving, 15 hours on duty per day). Budget $150-$200 per night for a mid-range hotel near your destination.
  • Gratuity: While not mandatory, it is customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost for excellent service. This can be paid in cash at the end of the trip or added to your final invoice.

By understanding these factors and planning ahead, you can get the best value for your transportation budget. Our team is always available to answer your questions and help you customize a package that fits your needs and your wallet.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Cambridge, MA and across Massachusetts. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

Harvard Square to Fenway Park

18 passenger minibus rental

A group of 40 Red Sox fans wants to rent a bus to take them from Harvard Square to Fenway Park for a Friday night game. They plan to leave Cambridge at 5:30 PM, arrive at the stadium by 6:15 PM, and return home after the last inning around 11:00 PM. This is a simple point-to-point shuttle with no intermediate stops, totaling about 6 hours of service. The quote for a 44-passenger charter bus comes to $1,950, or just under $50 per person. This includes all transportation, driver wait time, and tolls through the Storrow Drive tunnel.

Mit Campus Tour

56 passenger charter bus

An admissions officer at MIT is organizing a campus tour for 30 prospective students and their parents. The itinerary includes pickups at Logan Airport, hotel transfers in Kendall Square, and a guided loop around academic buildings, dormitories, and athletic facilities. The tour lasts from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with multiple short trips between locations. For this level of coordination, a 35-passenger minibus is quoted at $1,425 for the day. The bus will remain onsite for the duration, providing storage for backpacks and a climate-controlled space during walking segments. Optional amenities like WiFi and a PA system are included in the base rate.

Wedding Shuttle in Central Square

18 passenger minibus rental

A bride and groom are getting married at a church in Central Square and hosting their reception at a waterfront venue in East Boston. They need continuous shuttle service for 120 guests between the two sites from 4:00 PM to midnight. This requires three 56-passenger motorcoaches running on a loop every 30 minutes. The total cost for 8 hours of service is $6,600, which covers all vehicles, drivers, bridge tolls, and staging fees at the reception hall. The couple opts to decorate the buses with custom signage and provides bottled water for passengers.

Corporate Retreat to Cape Cod

18 passenger minibus rental

A biotech company in Kendall Square is planning a two-day retreat to a resort in Falmouth. The schedule calls for a 7:00 AM departure from Cambridge, arrival on the Cape by 10:00 AM, and return the following afternoon. Since the distance exceeds 150 miles each way, the quote is based on a daily rate plus mileage overage. A single 56-passenger coach is priced at $3,200 for the round trip, with an additional $175 allocated for the driver’s hotel room and meals. Onboard amenities include reclining seats, restrooms, power outlets, and undercarriage storage for luggage and presentation materials.

Field Trip to Museum of Science

18 passenger minibus rental

An elementary school in North Cambridge is taking 60 students on a field trip to the Museum of Science in Boston. The buses will pick up at 8:15 AM, drop off at the museum entrance by 9:00 AM, and remain parked until the group is ready to return at 2:30 PM. Two 30-passenger minibuses are booked for this outing at a combined rate of $1,100. The quote includes all transportation, driver supervision during museum hours, and coordination with school administrators for headcounts and emergency contacts. No additional charges for parking or permits are required at this destination.

Day Trip to Salem

18 passenger minibus rental

A local historical society is arranging a day trip to Salem for 25 members interested in touring the Witch Museum, maritime sites, and downtown shops. The itinerary departs Cambridge at 9:00 AM, arrives in Salem by 10:15 AM, and allows for six hours of sightseeing before returning home at 5:00 PM. A midsize minibus is quoted at $1,350 for the full day, which covers all mileage, driver expenses, and drop-off/pickup coordination at multiple locations within Salem. The group appreciates the flexibility of having private transportation and the ability to store purchases securely on the bus between stops.