Altoona Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $184 – $504+ | $1,814 – $3,814 | $6.14 – $10.09 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $171 – $481+ | $1,687 – $3,552 | $6.12 – $10.07 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $450+ | $1,629 – $3,484 | $4.05 – $10.00 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $157 – $447+ | $1,616 – $3,371 | $4.14 – $9.09 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $169 – $449+ | $1,524 – $3,259 | $4.12 – $8.07 |
| Entertainer Coach | $322 – $557+ | $3,008 – $5,008+ | $6.05 – $10.00 |
| Yellow School Bus | $149 – $454+ | $1,529 – $3,664 | $6.14 – $10.09 |
| Shuttle Bus | $170 – $465+ | $1,528 – $3,663 | $6.11 – $10.06 |
Altoona Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $199 – $469+ | $217 – $487+ | $988 – $2,888+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $182 – $482+ | $216 – $496+ | $1,219 – $3,519+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $236 – $486+ | $238 – $518+ | $1,495 – $3,895+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $162 – $402+ | $185 – $455+ | $1,014 – $3,914+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 814-800-6260 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental costs in Altoona typically range from $155 to $325+ per hour, $1,750 to $2,350+ per day, or $2,250 to $3,950+ per weekend depending on the size of the vehicle, length of your trip, and time of year. Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches tend to cost more than smaller options like 25-passenger minibuses, but they also offer more seating capacity and amenities like onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, and luggage storage. Minibuses are great for local shuttles around downtown Altoona, campus tours at Penn State Altoona, or wedding transportation between venues in Hollidaysburg and Duncansville. Full-size charter buses are ideal for long-distance trips to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or New York City, as well as large group outings to Peoples Natural Gas Field, DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, or Canoe Creek State Park.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?
Party bus rental rates in Altoona usually fall between $200 and $500+ per hour depending on the size of the bus, features, and duration of your rental. Smaller party buses that seat 15 to 20 passengers are perfect for bar crawls along 11th Avenue, birthday celebrations at Lakemont Park, or bachelor/bachelorette parties heading to State College or Pittsburgh. Larger party buses with room for 30 to 40 guests are popular for prom nights, wedding receptions, or tailgating before a Curve baseball game. Most party buses come equipped with wraparound leather seating, color-changing LED lights, hardwood floors, Bluetooth sound systems, flat-screen TVs, and coolers for drinks. You can rent a party bus for a few hours, a full day, or even multiple days if you’re planning a weekend getaway.
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Call Now: 814-800-6260What Factors Affect the Cost of a Altoona Bus Rental?
Several key factors influence the total cost of your bus rental: distance traveled, trip duration, time of year, day of the week, starting and ending locations, type and size of bus, and how far in advance you book. Additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and driver accommodations (for multi-day trips) are not included in your quote and should be budgeted separately. Understanding these variables will help you plan a trip that fits your group’s needs and stays within your budget.
Distance and Duration
One of the biggest factors in determining the price of your charter bus rental is how far and how long you’ll be traveling. Local trips within Altoona or Blair County are usually billed by the hour, with a minimum of 4 or 5 hours. For example, if you’re shuttling wedding guests between a church in Hollidaysburg and a reception hall in downtown Altoona, you might pay an hourly rate. Long-distance trips outside the region—like taking a youth sports team to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, or even Washington, D.C.—are typically charged by the day or by the mile. The more miles you cover and the more days you’re on the road, the higher your total cost will be. Make sure to provide us with a detailed itinerary so we can give you the most accurate quote possible.
The Time of Year
Bus rental prices in Altoona fluctuate based on seasonal demand. Peak season generally runs from April through June and September through November, when schools are in session and many groups are traveling for field trips, graduations, weddings, and fall foliage tours in the Alleghenies. During these months, rates are at their highest due to increased demand across Pennsylvania. If you’re planning a trip during peak season, especially around major events like Penn State football games or summer concerts at Peoples Natural Gas Field, be prepared to pay more—and book early to secure your preferred vehicle. Off-peak months like January, February, and July tend to have lower rates and greater availability.
The Day of the Week
Weekends are the busiest and most expensive days to rent a charter bus in Altoona. Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays see the highest demand from wedding parties, nightlife groups, and fans heading to sporting events. If you can schedule your trip on a weekday—Monday through Thursday—you’ll likely get a better rate and have more options to choose from. This is especially true for corporate shuttles, school outings, or any group with flexible timing. Late-night and overnight trips may also incur additional charges, so factor that into your planning.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Where your trip begins and ends plays a significant role in pricing. Buses are dispatched from depots across Central Pennsylvania, including Altoona, Johnstown, State College, and Harrisburg. If your pickup location is far from the nearest available bus, you may be charged extra for “deadhead” mileage—the distance the bus travels empty before and after your trip. For example, a charter starting in Bedford or Huntingdon might cost more than one originating in Altoona proper. Similarly, drop-offs outside the immediate area (such as Pittsburgh International Airport or Hersheypark) will increase both mileage and cost.
Your Bus Type and Size
We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit every group size and budget, from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches and everything in between. Larger buses generally cost more than smaller ones, but the price per person often decreases as your group size increases. Premium features like reclining seats, onboard restrooms, free WiFi, power outlets, PA systems, and extra luggage space may also affect the rate. If you have specific requests—such as ADA accessibility for riders with mobility devices—please let us know when booking.
Tolls and Parking Fees
While your quote covers the cost of the bus itself, it does not include tolls or parking fees incurred during your trip. Altoona sits near several major highways, including I-99, US-22, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), all of which have tolls at various points. For example, traveling east toward Harrisburg or west toward Pittsburgh will require passing through turnpike toll plazas, with rates based on vehicle size and distance traveled. Local attractions like Lakemont Park, Peoples Natural Gas Field, and downtown parking garages may charge $10 to $30 per bus for event parking. Be sure to budget extra cash for these expenses, as well as any entrance fees at state parks or museums. Your bus will always be responsible for paying these directly.
How Far in Advance You Book
Booking your charter bus early is the best way to lock in the lowest rates and guarantee availability, especially during busy seasons. We recommend reserving at least three to six months ahead for spring and fall trips, and two to three months ahead for summer or winter travel. Last-minute bookings—less than four weeks before departure—may be subject to higher prices and limited vehicle selection. If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible to adjust your reservation. We can accommodate changes to your itinerary, passenger count, or pick-up/drop-off locations.
Cost-saving Tips
If you’re looking to save money on your next charter bus rental, consider traveling during the off-season (winter months), booking a smaller vehicle that still fits your group comfortably, and consolidating pick-up/drop-off points to minimize extra mileage. Sharing the cost among all passengers makes it affordable for everyone, whether you’re organizing a church retreat, school field trip, or corporate outing. Ask about package deals for multi-day rentals or recurring shuttle services—such as daily commuter routes between Altoona and Tyrone or weekly transfers to PSU home games. Bringing your own snacks and entertainment onboard eliminates the need for frequent rest stops, keeping your schedule tight and expenses low.
Get an Instant Quote Online
Ready to see how much your Altoona charter bus rental will cost? Use our online quote tool to get an instant estimate based on your trip details. Just enter your pickup location, destination, travel dates, and group size, and you’ll receive a personalized quote in less than 30 seconds. You can compare different bus types, review amenities, and choose the option that best fits your needs and budget. If you have any questions or special requests, our team is available 24/7 to assist you. We make it easy to book reliable transportation for any occasion, anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Altoona, PA and around Pennsylvania. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Horseshoe Curve
Mrs. Thompson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 22 students from Pleasant Valley Elementary School. They will depart from the school at 9:00 AM, visit the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, have lunch at the visitor center, and return by 2:30 PM. The total duration is 5.5 hours. She was quoted $1,050 for a 25-passenger minibus, which comes out to about $44 per person.
Wedding Shuttle in Hollidaysburg
Emily is getting married at the Blairmont Club in Hollidaysburg and needs a shuttle to transport guests from two hotels in Altoona to the venue and back. The shuttle will run continuously from 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM (7 hours). She booked a 20-passenger minibus for $1,225. Since she has 40 out-of-town guests, she scheduled two trips, making the total $2,450.
Corporate Outing to State College
A local insurance company is planning a team-building day at Tussey Mountain in State College. They have 48 employees and want to travel together on a single bus. The itinerary includes a 9:00 AM departure from downtown Altoona, arrival at Tussey Mountain by 10:30 AM, and return trip leaving at 4:00 PM. The charter bus will wait on-site during the event. The quote for a 56-passenger motorcoach was $2,100 for the day, plus $25 for parking at the resort.
Sports Team Travel to Pittsburgh
The head coach of a high school basketball team needs transportation for 15 players and 3 coaches to an away game against a rival school in Pittsburgh. The bus will leave Altoona at noon, arrive at the gym by 3:00 PM, and depart after the game ends at 8:00 PM, returning home around 11:00 PM. This long-distance, same-day trip requires a 20-passenger minibus and was quoted at $2,300. The school will also cover two turnpike tolls totaling $36 and provide dinner for the driver.
Concert Trip to Hersheypark Stadium
A group of friends wants to see their favorite band perform live at Hersheypark Stadium. They have 14 people and prefer not to drive separate cars. The plan is to leave Altoona at 2:00 PM, arrive in Hershey by 5:00 PM, enjoy the concert, and head back after the show ends around 11:00 PM. A 15-passenger sprinter minibus was reserved for $1,950. Parking at the stadium lot costs $40 per bus, which the group will split evenly.
Multi-day Church Retreat in Lancaster
A local church is hosting a weekend retreat at a campground near Lancaster. They need transportation for 32 members, departing Friday afternoon and returning Sunday evening. The bus will stay with the group for the entire weekend, making short trips to nearby attractions and restaurants. For this 3-day itinerary, a 35-passenger minibus was quoted at $4,900. The church will arrange and pay for two nights of hotel accommodations for the driver, estimated at $120 per night.
Bachelorette Party in Downtown Altoona
Samantha is planning a bachelorette party for her sister with stops at several bars and restaurants along 11th Avenue and in the historic district. The minibus will pick up 12 guests at a private residence, make multiple stops between 7:00 PM and midnight, and drop everyone off comfortably at the end of the night. The cost for a 15-passenger party bus was $725 for 5 hours, or about $60 per person. No additional parking fees were required since the bus could load/unload curbside at each venue.
