A few of the companies we’ve worked with
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Lakewood?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Lakewood varies based on several key factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your rental, and the distance you plan to travel. For local trips within Lakewood, Golden, or Denver, you will be billed by the hour. For long-distance trips—perhaps a ski trip to Breckenridge or a tour of the national parks—you will likely be billed by the day or by the mile. Below are estimated price ranges to help you start your budgeting process. Please note that these are averages and subject to availability and seasonal demand.
Minibus Rentals (18-35 Passengers): range from $155 to $400 per hour, with a 4-5 hour minimum. Daily rates often fall between $1,500 and $3,100.
Full-Size Charter Buses (56 Passengers): range from $190 to $500+ per hour, with a 5-hour minimum. Daily rates range from $1,900 to $3,800+.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, we encourage you to use our online quote tool or call our specialists at 970-509-3625. We are available 24/7/365 to help you find the best bus for your budget.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Lakewood?
When our reservation specialists calculate your quote, they take several variables into account. Understanding these factors can help you plan a more cost-effective trip.
1. Trip Duration and Distance: How far are you going, and how long will you be gone? This is the biggest factor. A quick shuttle from a hotel in Belmar to a wedding venue in Morrison will cost significantly less than a multi-day tour of the Colorado Rockies. Local trips are usually priced hourly, while long-distance trips are priced by the day or mile. Keep in mind that federal regulations limit drivers to 10 hours of driving time per day; if your itinerary exceeds this, you will need to pay for a second driver, which will increase the cost.
2. The Time of Year: Lakewood and the greater Denver area have distinct peak seasons. April through June is incredibly busy due to graduations, end-of-year school trips, and the start of wedding season. January through March can also see higher rates due to the demand for ski shuttles to resorts like Vail and Copper Mountain. If you are booking during these times, expect higher rates and limited availability. To get the best price, try to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
3. Vehicle Type and Size: The size of the bus matters! A 56-passenger motorcoach costs more to operate than an 18-passenger minibus. However, the per-person cost often drops as the vehicle gets larger. If you have a group of 40 people, it is usually more economical to rent one large charter bus than two smaller minibuses. We also offer specialty vehicles, such as party buses or sprinter vans, which may have different pricing structures based on their luxury amenities.
4. Route and Pickup Location: Your starting point affects the price. If your group is being picked up in a remote area far from our garage in Lakewood or Denver, you may be charged for "deadhead" mileage—the cost of the bus traveling empty to reach you. Staying within the main Lakewood/Denver metro area helps keep these costs low.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what your trip might cost, here are a few examples of common itineraries we service in the Lakewood area.
Example 1: The Red Rocks Wedding Shuttle A couple is getting married at the beautiful Baldoria on the Water (146 Van Gordon St, Lakewood, CO 80228) but wants to take photos with their wedding party at Red Rocks Park beforehand. They need a 25-passenger minibus for 6 hours to shuttle the wedding party for photos and then transport guests from a hotel in Union Square to the venue.
Estimated Cost: $1,350 – $1,600.
Example 2: Corporate Retreat to Estes Park A company based at the Denver Federal Center needs to transport 50 employees to a team-building retreat in Estes Park for two days. They require a 56-passenger charter bus with WiFi and power outlets so employees can work on the road. The bus will stay with the group for local shuttles in Estes Park before returning to Lakewood the next day.
Estimated Cost: $3,800 – $4,500.
Example 3: School Field Trip to the Museum A local elementary school in the Jefferson County School District needs transportation for 100 students and chaperones to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205). They need two 56-passenger charter buses for a standard school day (approx. 7 hours).
Estimated Cost: $2,600 – $3,200 total ($1,300 – $1,600 per bus).
Understanding Hourly vs. Daily vs. Mileage Rates
At Charter Bus Rental Company Lakewood, we strive to offer the pricing structure that makes the most sense for your specific itinerary. If your trip is local (within the Denver/Lakewood metro area) and spans a single day, we will quote you an hourly rate. Most rentals require a 5-hour minimum to ensure fairness to these drivers and cover the costs of prepping the vehicle.
For trips that take you far outside the city limits—such as a trip to Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, or out of state—or trips that span multiple days, we switch to a daily rate or a mileage rate. The daily rate covers the use of the bus for up to 10 hours of drive time or 12 hours of on-duty time for the driver. It is important to have your itinerary finalized before calling for a quote, as significant changes to mileage or hours can alter the final price.
The Cost of Luxury: Amenities and Bus Types
Not all buses are created equal, and the level of luxury you require will influence the price. Our standard charter buses and minibuses come equipped with comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning, and ample storage. These are perfect for shuttle services, school trips, and standard transfers. However, if you are looking for a VIP experience, we can provide vehicles with premium amenities.
Features such as onboard WiFi, individual power outlets at every seat, flatscreen TVs with DVD players, and leather interiors are available upon request. While many of these features come standard on our modern 56-passenger motorcoaches, they are premier additions that ensure your group travels in absolute comfort. If you are booking a Party Bus for a night out in LoDo or a celebration in Belmar, expect rates to be slightly higher due to the specialized nature of the vehicle, which often includes high-end sound systems, LED lighting, and wrap-around seating.
How to Get the Best Value on Your Rental
We know that budget is a priority for many groups. Here are a few tips to help you get the best value when booking with Charter Bus Rental Company Lakewood:
- Book Early: The earlier you book, the better. As buses get booked up, supply decreases and prices rise. Aim to book 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer weddings or winter ski trips.
- Fill the Bus: Charter bus pricing is determined by the vehicle, not the number of passengers. A 56-passenger bus costs the same whether you have 30 people or 56 people on board. To get the lowest cost per person, try to fill every seat!
- Be Flexible: If your schedule allows, try to avoid peak travel dates. Weekends are always more expensive than weekdays. If you can move your trip to a Tuesday or Wednesday, you might see significant savings.
- Finalize Your Itinerary: Extra mileage or unexpected overtime can lead to additional charges. Planning your pickup and drop-off times accurately helps us give you a precise quote that won't change.
Book Your Lakewood Charter Bus Today!
Ready to hit the road? Charter Bus Rental Company Lakewood is here to make your group travel experience seamless, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you are planning a simple airport transfer to DIA or a complex wedding shuttle system across Jefferson County, our team has the expertise and the fleet to handle it. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing and exceptional customer service.
Don’t wait until the last minute! Call our 24/7 reservation team today at 970-509-3625. We will answer your questions, help you choose the right bus, and provide you with a free, personalized quote in less than 30 seconds. Let us earn your business and show you why we are Lakewood’s premier charter bus provider!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakewood Pricing
How far in advance should I book my bus in Lakewood?
We recommend booking as soon as your date is set! Ideally, you should reserve your bus 3 to 6 months in advance. For peak times, such as the busy summer wedding season (May–September) or ski season (January–March), booking 6 to 9 months ahead ensures you get the best vehicle availability and pricing. However, we are specialists in last-minute travel and can often accommodate trips booked just days in advance—just call us at 970-509-3625 to check availability.
Do I have to pay for the driver's hotel?
Yes, if your trip requires the driver to be away from home overnight, you are responsible for booking and paying for their hotel room. This is a Department of Transportation requirement to ensure drivers receive adequate rest. The room does not need to be a 5-star luxury suite, but it must be a private room in a safe, clean, and comfortable hotel. If you are booking a room block for your group, simply add one extra room for your driver!
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans change. Our cancellation policy varies depending on the specific contract and how close to the departure date you cancel. If you cancel more than 14 days before your trip, you may receive a refund minus a service fee or deposit. Cancellations made within 14 days of the trip are usually non-refundable. When you book, your reservation specialist will walk you through the specific terms and conditions for your rental so you know exactly where you stand.
How do I get a quote?
Getting a quote is fast and easy! You can call our 24/7 team at 970-509-3625 to speak with a reservation specialist who will build a custom itinerary for you. Or, use our online quote tool to get pricing and vehicle availability in under 30 seconds. We just need a few pieces of information: your pickup and drop-off locations (e.g., Lakewood to Downtown Denver), the dates and times of your trip, and the number of passengers. We look forward to helping you plan your next adventure!