Bismarck Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Bismarck Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Bismarck varies based on several factors, including the type of bus, trip duration, mileage, and time of year. On average, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a standard bus rental. To get an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs, call our team at 701-975-4380 or use our online quote tool. We’ll provide you with detailed pricing within minutes so you can compare options and find the best fit for your group. Below, we break down estimated rates and explain the key factors that influence your total trip cost.
| 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?
Bismarck Minibus Company offers competitive rates on all types of buses in Bismarck, including minibuses, party buses, and full-size charter buses. Here’s a quick overview of our average pricing:
- 56-Passenger Coach 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 prices are estimates and may vary depending on your specific itinerary, travel dates, and additional requests. For example, a short shuttle between downtown Bismarck hotels and the Bismarck Event Center will cost less than an overnight trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park or a multi-day tour across North Dakota. Call us anytime at 701-975-4380 to get an instant quote!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Bismarck?
Several factors influence the final price of your bus rental in Bismarck:
Type of Bus: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses generally cost more than smaller 18- to 25-passenger minibuses due to their size and amenities. Party buses with luxury features may also come at a premium.
Trip Duration: Short trips within city limits (such as shuttles between Bismarck State College and local hotels) are usually billed by the hour, while longer journeys (like an excursion to Medora or Fargo) may be charged per day or per mile.
Distance Traveled: The farther you travel outside of Bismarck, the higher your mileage costs. For example, a round-trip to Dickinson or Grand Forks will increase your total compared to staying within Burleigh County.
Time of Year: Peak seasons—such as summer festival months or fall college football weekends—can drive up demand and prices. Booking during off-peak times often results in lower rates.
Additional Expenses: Don’t forget to budget for parking fees at destinations like the Bismarck Civic Center, hotel accommodations for out-of-town stays, tolls, and optional gratuities for your driver (typically 10-15%).
Special Requests: Extra amenities such as onboard restrooms, Wi-Fi, power outlets, or ADA-accessible features may slightly affect your quote. Let us know what you need when booking!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Bismarck, ND and around North Dakota. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Ms. Thompson is organizing a field trip for her 6th grade class of 22 students from Horizon Middle School in Bismarck. They plan to leave the school at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring exhibits at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, have lunch at a nearby park, and return by 3:30 PM. For this local, six-hour outing, she received a quote of $1,350 for a 25-passenger minibus. With two teachers and three parent chaperones joining the students, the cost comes out to about $54 per person. This option provides comfortable seating, climate control, and storage space for lunches and backpacks.
Wedding Shuttle Between Downtown Hotels and Sixteen03 Main Events
Emily and Jake are getting married at Sixteen03 Main Events and want to provide transportation for their 80 guests staying at various downtown Bismarck hotels. They booked two 40-passenger charter buses to run continuous shuttles before and after the ceremony, covering a five-hour window. Their quote came to $2,700 total ($1,350 per bus), which averages $33.75 per guest. This arrangement ensures everyone arrives safely and on time without worrying about parking or designated drivers, and allows guests to enjoy the celebration stress-free.
Corporate Retreat to Medora
A Bismarck-based engineering firm is planning a two-day corporate retreat to Medora for 35 employees. They need round-trip transportation from their office to the venue, plus local shuttles for activities like golfing and hiking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The company was quoted $3,900 for a 40-passenger charter bus, which includes 600 miles of travel, driver lodging, and parking fees. This breaks down to $111 per person for the entire trip, providing comfortable reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and a restroom for the long drive.
Game Day Charter to Fargo
The Century High School football team is heading to Fargo for a playoff game against West Fargo High. Coaches arranged for a 56-passenger charter bus to transport 48 players, five coaches, and three trainers. The itinerary includes a noon departure, pre-game meal stop, and return to Bismarck after the evening game. The 400-mile round trip was quoted at $2,800, or about $58 per person. The bus features undercarriage storage for equipment, reclining seats, and power outlets for electronics.
Senior Outing to Prairie Knights Casino
A retirement community in Bismarck is organizing a day trip to Prairie Knights Casino for 18 residents and two staff members. They booked a 20-passenger minibus with ADA-accessible features for wheelchair users. The group will leave at 10:00 AM, spend six hours at the casino, and return by 8:00 PM. The total cost for this 120-mile round trip is $1,600, or $80 per person. The minibus includes comfortable seating, climate control, and easy boarding for seniors.
Bachelorette Party Around Downtown Bismarck
Sara is planning a bachelorette party for her friend with stops at restaurants, bars, and a comedy club in downtown Bismarck. She rented an 18-passenger minibus for seven hours to keep the group together and avoid ride-sharing hassles. The quote was $1,100, which splits to $61 per person for a group of 18. The minibus offers leather seats, Bluetooth sound system, and LED lighting for a fun night out.