Duluth Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Duluth Bus Rental Cost?
The average price of a bus rental in Duluth can range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on your trip details. The final cost of your charter bus rental depends on factors like passenger count, trip duration, mileage, and the time of year you’re traveling. This means a quick shuttle between Canal Park hotels and DECC will cost less than an all-day trip to Minneapolis for a Vikings game. To get an exact quote, call our team at 218-302-9370 or use our online tool. Below, we’ve included estimated rates for each vehicle type and explained what factors affect your price.
| 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?
Duluth Minibus Company offers competitive pricing on all types of charter buses and minibuses in Duluth. Here’s a quick breakdown of average rates by vehicle type:
- 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 are average estimates based on past trips. Your actual quote may be higher or lower depending on your specific needs, travel dates, and any custom requests. For the most accurate pricing, contact us today with your trip details.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Duluth?
Several factors determine the final cost of your charter bus rental. Here’s what we consider when calculating your quote:
1. Distance and Duration: Most local trips within Duluth (like shuttles between hotels and the DECC) are billed hourly, while longer trips (such as day trips to Minneapolis or overnight excursions to the North Shore) are priced by the day or mile. The farther and longer you travel, the more your rental will cost.
2. Passenger Count: Larger vehicles with more seats generally cost more than smaller ones. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus is more expensive than an 18-passenger minibus, but it may be more cost-effective per person for big groups like school field trips to Glensheen Mansion or sports teams heading to AMSOIL Arena.
3. Time of Year: Peak season in Duluth runs from May through October, when tourism and events are at their highest. During these months, rates may increase due to higher demand—especially around Grandma’s Marathon, summer festivals, or UMD move-in weekends. Booking during the off-season (late fall and winter) can help you secure lower prices.
4. Trip Itinerary: The complexity of your itinerary affects pricing. Multiple stops, tight schedules, or routes outside the immediate Duluth area (like a brewery tour across Superior, WI, or a wedding shuttle to Two Harbors) may require additional planning and cost.
5. Amenities: Buses with premium features—such as WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, onboard restrooms, or ADA accessibility—may cost slightly more than standard models. Let us know what amenities you need so we can match you with the right vehicle.
6. Advance Booking: Reserving your charter bus several months ahead gives you access to the best rates and availability. Last-minute bookings can still be accommodated, but they may come at a premium, especially during busy seasons or major events at Bayfront Festival Park or the DECC.
7. Additional Costs: While your quote covers the majority of expenses, there are a few extras to keep in mind. You’ll need to cover parking fees (e.g., at Canal Park lots or UMD campus), tolls if traveling out of state, and lodging for the driver on overnight trips. We recommend tipping your driver 10-15% of the total cost for excellent service.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Duluth, MN and around Minnesota. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Great Lakes Aquarium
Ms. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 22 students from Piedmont Elementary. The group will depart from the school at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring exhibits at the Great Lakes Aquarium, enjoy lunch at Canal Park, and return by 2:30 PM. Since this is a short, local trip with one main stop, she was quoted $1,500 for a 25-passenger minibus. With 24 passengers total (students plus chaperones), the cost comes to about $62 per person. This includes pick-up, drop-off, and waiting time at the aquarium.
Wedding Shuttle to Greysolon Ballroom
Samantha is getting married at Greysolon Ballroom and wants to provide transportation for 70 guests staying at three different hotels in Canal Park. She books two 40-passenger minibuses to run continuous shuttles between the hotels and venue from 3:00 PM to midnight. The quote for both buses running a 9-hour loop is $3,600 total. The price covers multiple pick-ups before the ceremony, late-night returns after the reception, and standby time. Compared to paying for individual rideshares or taxis, this option is convenient and affordable for moving a large group safely on a busy summer weekend.
Corporate Retreat at Lutsen Resort
A local tech company is hosting a two-day retreat for 35 employees at Lutsen Resort. They need round-trip transportation from their downtown Duluth office to the resort, located about 90 miles up the North Shore. The group departs Friday at noon and returns Sunday afternoon. For this itinerary, a 40-passenger minibus is quoted at $3,800. This includes the drive to Lutsen, idle time at the resort, and the return trip two days later. The company opts for a minibus with WiFi and power outlets so team members can stay connected en route.
Umd Hockey Away Game in St. Cloud
The University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team is traveling to St. Cloud State for an away game. The athletic department books a 56-passenger charter bus to transport 28 players, coaches, and equipment. The bus leaves AMSOIL Arena at 8:00 AM, arrives in St. Cloud by 1:00 PM, and returns after the evening game. The quote for this full-day, long-distance trip is $3,400. The charter bus includes undercarriage storage for gear, reclining seats, and an onboard restroom for comfort during the 5-hour drive each way.
Bachelor Party Brewery Tour
Jake is planning a bachelor party for his friend Matt with stops at Bent Paddle Brewing, Ursa Minor Brewing, and Hoops Brewing. The group of 14 wants a private ride for the evening so no one has to worry about driving. An 18-passenger minibus is reserved from 5:00 PM to midnight, making multiple loops between breweries and dropping everyone off at a downtown Airbnb. The quote for 7 hours of service is $1,900. The minibus includes Bluetooth audio for music and plenty of room for coolers and snacks.
Church Youth Group Trip to Valleyfair
A church youth group is taking 45 teens and chaperones to Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee. They depart from the church parking lot at 7:00 AM, spend the day at the park, and return home by midnight. For this all-day excursion covering over 300 miles round-trip, a 56-passenger charter bus is quoted at $3,600. The bus features cushioned seats, climate control, TV monitors for movies, and a restroom. Splitting the cost among 45 riders makes it about $80 per person for safe, reliable transportation to and from the Twin Cities.