Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Duluth

Duluth Minibus Company is a leading charter bus company serving Duluth and all of St. Louis County with a huge fleet of modern buses and minibuses! We have buses that can handle any size group, from a 15 passenger minibus for a bachelorette party in Canal Park to a 56-passenger charter bus for a corporate event at the DECC. Our team has helped thousands of groups travel safely and comfortably across Duluth, Hermantown, Cloquet, Superior, and even up the North Shore to Two Harbors and Grand Marais. When you book with us, you get a dedicated reservation specialist who will answer all your questions and help you find the perfect bus rental for your trip.

We provide transportation for any type of group or event! Sports teams love riding our buses to games at Wade Stadium or AMSOIL Arena, while wedding parties use our shuttles to get guests between venues like Greysolon Ballroom and Glensheen Mansion. Corporate clients trust us for employee shuttles to Essentia Health headquarters, Cirrus Aircraft, and the Port of Duluth-Superior. We also help school groups visit the Great Lakes Aquarium, Enger Tower, and UMD’s planetarium. Planning a private outing? Rent a bus for brewery tours, casino trips to Black Bear Casino Resort, or hiking excursions along Skyline Parkway.

A charter bus is a large motorcoach designed to carry 40-56 passengers comfortably over long distances. These buses are perfect for big groups traveling together because they have cushioned seats, overhead storage, undercarriage luggage bays, restrooms, and entertainment systems. Many charter buses feature free WiFi, power outlets, USB charging ports, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and PA systems. If you’re planning a multi-day trip or need to move a lot of people at once—like transporting a high school band to a competition or shuttling conference attendees from hotels to the DECC—a charter bus is your best option.

A minibus is a smaller version of a charter bus that typically seats between 15 and 35 passengers. It’s ideal for short-distance trips and medium-sized groups who want something more comfortable than a school bus but don’t need a full-size coach. Minibuses in our fleet come with cushioned seats, air conditioning, overhead parcel racks, and sometimes even WiFi and power outlets. They’re easy to maneuver through city streets and can drop off passengers right at the door of popular destinations like Fitger’s Brewhouse, Lake Superior Zoo, or Spirit Mountain Adventure Park.

Most charter buses seat between 47 and 56 passengers. The largest models in our fleet have 56 seats arranged in rows of two on each side of a center aisle. Smaller full-size coaches might have 47 or 50 seats but still include all the same amenities as the bigger versions. If you’re not sure what size bus you need, just tell us how many people are in your group and we’ll match you with a vehicle that has enough seats for everyone plus extra room for luggage.

Minibuses come in several different sizes depending on the manufacturer and floor plan. Our smallest minibuses have 15 seats while larger ones can hold up to 35 passengers. Common configurations include 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, and 30-seat models. Unlike vans or sprinters, these buses allow riders to stand up and walk down the aisle without crouching. They’re great for moving small groups around town quickly and efficiently.

Duluth Minibus Company offers a wide range of bus rentals in Duluth including 15-, 18-, 20-, 23-, 25-, 28-, 30-, and 35-passenger minibuses; 40-, 47-, 50-, and 56-passenger charter buses; and ADA-accessible vehicles with wheelchair lifts. All our buses are equipped with comfortable seating, climate control, and plenty of storage space. Whether you need a compact minibus for a brewery crawl or a full-size coach for a school field trip, we have the right vehicle for your group.

Our Duluth bus rentals come with a variety of amenities designed to keep passengers comfortable and entertained. Standard features include reclining seats, individual reading lights, strong air conditioning/heating, and tinted windows. Most buses offer free WiFi so you can check email or stream music during the ride. Power outlets and USB ports are available for charging devices. For longer trips, request a bus with flat-screen monitors, DVD/Blu-ray players, and a microphone/PA system for announcements. Charter buses also have onboard restrooms and large luggage compartments.

Many of our buses are equipped with sound systems that support AUX or Bluetooth connections, allowing you to play your own playlists through the speakers. This is perfect for setting the mood on the way to a wedding reception or keeping sports fans pumped up before a big game. If having this feature is important to your group, please let us know when booking so we can reserve a bus with the right audio setup.

Charter buses have the most storage capacity thanks to their oversized undercarriage bays which can hold multiple suitcases, coolers, musical instruments, or athletic gear. Overhead racks inside the cabin provide additional space for backpacks and smaller items. Minibuses have less overall storage but still include overhead shelves and limited rear cargo areas. If your group is bringing a lot of equipment—such as skis for a trip to Spirit Mountain or camping gear for Jay Cooke State Park—please mention this so we can recommend a bus with adequate luggage space.

Yes! We can provide ADA-accessible bus rentals in Duluth featuring wheelchair lifts, securement areas, wider aisles, and accessible restrooms. These buses ensure that passengers with mobility challenges can travel safely and comfortably to any destination. Just let us know your accessibility requirements when requesting a quote and we’ll make sure your bus meets all necessary specifications.

Absolutely! Wrapping your charter bus with custom graphics is a great way to promote your brand or event while on the road. We’ve wrapped buses for political campaigns, university athletic departments, and major festivals like Grandma’s Marathon. Full wraps cover the entire exterior while partial wraps or magnetic signs are more budget-friendly options. Contact our team for exact dimensions and material guidelines.

While we cannot guarantee a specific make/model or color, we will do our best to accommodate special requests based on availability. If you prefer a certain manufacturer (e.g., Prevost, MCI, Van Hool) or want a white/black exterior for aesthetic reasons, please mention this when booking. We’ll check our fleet inventory and assign a bus that matches your preferences whenever possible.

The cost of renting a charter bus in Duluth ranges from $200 to $400+ per hour depending on factors such as mileage, duration, and time of year. Daily rates average between $1,500 and $3,000 while multi-day trips are priced by the mile. For example, a weekend rental to transport a hockey team from Duluth to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport might cost around $3,500 total. The best way to get an accurate price is to call us at 218-302-9370 with your trip details.

Minibus rentals in Duluth typically start at $150-$250 per hour or $1,200-$2,000 per day. These smaller vehicles are more affordable than full-size coaches and are ideal for short-distance travel within the Twin Ports area. A 25-passenger minibus shuttling guests between hotels and a wedding venue like Clyde Iron Works would fall into this price range. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your itinerary and group size.

Several variables influence the final cost of your bus rental: total mileage, number of hours or days, size/type of vehicle, time of year (peak season rates apply during summer events like Grandma’s Marathon), and any optional amenities requested. Trips that require overnight stays will incur additional lodging expenses for the driver. Last-minute bookings may be subject to higher rates due to limited availability.

Your quote includes the base rental fee for the bus, driver’s wages, fuel, standard amenities, and insurance coverage. Additional charges may apply for tolls, parking fees, cleaning/damage deposits, and optional extras such as WiFi upgrades or custom wraps. There are no hidden fees—everything will be clearly itemized in your contract so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

We recommend booking your bus rental at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if your trip falls during peak season (May-September) when demand is highest. Large-scale events like Grandma’s Marathon, Bayfront Blues Festival, and university commencements fill up quickly. Last-minute reservations can sometimes be accommodated but selection may be limited. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing the exact vehicle you want at the lowest rate.

Yes! We provide flexible scheduling options to suit any itinerary. One-way rentals are perfect for airport transfers or relocating groups to a new city. Round-trip packages are commonly used for weddings, sporting events, and concerts. Multi-day charters are available for extended tours, conferences, or out-of-state excursions. Just tell us your pickup/drop-off times and locations—we’ll handle the rest.

Yes, we can take your group anywhere in Minnesota or beyond! Popular long-distance destinations include Minneapolis-St. Paul, Rochester, Fargo, Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, and even Canada. Whether you’re heading to a Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium or exploring the Apostle Islands, our buses are built for comfort on the open road. Restrooms, reclining seats, and entertainment systems make long journeys enjoyable for everyone on board.

If your trip requires overnight travel outside of Duluth, you will need to arrange and pay for a hotel room for the driver. The hotel should provide secure parking for the bus and be located near the group’s accommodations. Drivers are required by law to take mandatory rest breaks and cannot sleep on the bus. For local day trips that return to Duluth each night, no lodging is necessary.

Getting a quote is easy! Call our office at 218-302-9370 or fill out the online form with your trip details: date(s), pickup/drop-off addresses, number of passengers, and any special requests. One of our reservation specialists will send you a customized quote within minutes. There’s no obligation to book until you’re ready. Once you confirm, we’ll send a contract and invoice to secure your reservation.

Plan your itinerary with buffer time for traffic delays, especially if traveling during rush hour or crossing the Blatnik Bridge into Superior. Reserve parking permits in advance for popular destinations like Canal Park, Bayfront Festival Park, and UMD. Communicate any special needs such as ADA accessibility, extra luggage space, or onboard entertainment. Provide your driver with a detailed schedule and emergency contact information. Lastly, relax and enjoy the ride—charter buses are one of the safest and most convenient ways to travel!

We offer shuttle services to and from Duluth International Airport (DLH), Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), and regional airports in Hibbing, Brainerd, and Superior. Whether you’re flying in a corporate team or sending students on a study abroad program, we’ll get you to the terminal on time with room for all your luggage. Flight delays are monitored in real-time so your bus will be waiting when you land.

Sports fans rely on us for game-day transportation to AMSOIL Arena (home of the UMD Bulldogs), Wade Stadium (Duluth Huskies baseball), Public Schools Stadium, Malosky Stadium, and more. Avoid the hassle of parking and tailgate with friends while we handle the driving. Out-of-town tournaments are no problem—charter a bus to Target Field, Allianz Field, Xcel Energy Center, or Lambeau Field.

Catching a show at Bayfront Festival Park, DECC Symphony Hall, NorShor Theatre, or Sacred Heart Music Center? Arrive together and skip the search for street parking. Our buses are also available for music festivals like Homegrown, Blues Fest, and Tribute Fest. Bring your own playlist to pregame on the way there and leave the late-night driving to us.

Make your special day stress-free by providing guests with a shuttle between the ceremony and reception. We serve all major wedding venues including Glensheen Mansion, Greysolon Ballroom, Clyde Iron Works, Northland Country Club, and Spirit Mountain Chalet. Out-of-town guests can be picked up from MSP or local hotels. Decorate the bus with ribbons or signage to match your theme.

In addition to Duluth, we serve surrounding communities such as Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Moose Lake, and Superior, WI. Long-distance trips to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Fargo, Eau Claire, Madison, and Chicago are easily arranged. No destination is too far—let us take your group wherever they need to go.

Duluth hosts numerous annual events that attract visitors from across the region. We provide transportation for Grandma’s Marathon, Bayfront Blues Festival, Homegrown Music Festival, Duluth Airshow, Bentleyville Tour of Lights, and Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival. Buses can run continuous loops between parking lots and event grounds or stay on standby for private charters.

The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) is the primary venue for large-scale conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions. We offer shuttle services between the DECC, downtown hotels, and overflow parking areas. Smaller meetings at Pier B Resort, Holiday Inn Downtown, or Radisson Harborview can also be accommodated. Impress your attendees with punctual and professional group transportation.

We work with local educational institutions including University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, and ISD 709 public schools. Charter a bus for campus tours, athletic competitions, band/orchestra trips, debate tournaments, or field trips to museums and state parks. Safety and reliability are our top priorities when transporting students of all ages.