Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Bellingham Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Coach bus rental prices in Bellingham typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day, depending on the size of the vehicle, length of your trip, and time of year. A 56-passenger charter bus will generally cost more than a 25-passenger minibus, but the exact rate depends on many factors. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call our team at 564-565-2110 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask about your headcount, itinerary, and must-have amenities, then provide you with a price in just 30 seconds! Below are some estimated rates and a breakdown of what goes into your Bellingham bus rental 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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Coach bus rentals in Bellingham generally cost between $170 and $500+ per hour, with daily rates ranging from $1,800 to $3,800+. Smaller vehicles like minibuses (18–35 passengers) are on the lower end of that spectrum, while full-size charter buses (40–56 passengers) are more expensive. For example, you might pay around $250 per hour for a 25-passenger minibus, $350 per hour for a 35-passenger mid-size bus, or $450+ per hour for a 56-passenger motorcoach. Sprinter vans (10–15 passengers) are the most affordable option, starting at $170 per hour. These prices include the bus, driver, mileage, and fuel, but do not include tolls, parking, or driver gratuity (typically 10–20%).
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Bellingham?
Several key factors affect the total cost of your coach bus rental in Bellingham:
- Trip Duration: Longer trips generally cost more, but the price per hour or per mile may decrease for multi-day rentals. Most companies charge by the hour (with a 5-hour minimum), by the day (8–12 hours), or by the mile (for long-distance travel).
- Distance and Itinerary: The total mileage covered, number of stops, and whether the bus stays with your group or makes multiple pickups/drop-offs all impact the price. Local trips within Bellingham (Fairhaven, Downtown, Western Washington University) are less expensive than traveling to Seattle, Vancouver BC, Spokane, or Eastern Washington.
- Vehicle Type and Size: Larger buses with more seats and premium amenities (WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, reclining seats, luggage bays) cost more than smaller, basic models. ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts are available at no extra charge, but must be requested in advance.
- Season and Demand: Peak season for Bellingham bus rentals is May through September, when schools, universities, and wedding venues are busiest. Rates are higher during these months, as well as during major events like Ski to Sea, Bellingham Bay Marathon, WWU graduation, and holiday weekends. Off-peak months (November–March) offer the lowest prices.
- Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday–Sunday) are more expensive than weekday trips, due to higher demand for weddings, concerts, and sporting events.
- Lead Time: Booking your bus 3–6 months in advance gives you the best selection and rates. Last-minute reservations (less than 2 weeks) may incur rush fees or limited availability, especially during peak season.
- Additional Costs: Tolls (e.g., I-5, SR-520, Canadian border crossings), parking fees (Lumen Field, Climate Pledge Arena, cruise terminals), ferry fares (Washington State Ferries to San Juan Islands), and driver lodging (required for overnight trips more than 150 miles from Bellingham) are not included in the base rate. You are responsible for covering these expenses.
- Gratuity: While not mandatory, it is customary to tip your driver 10–20% of the total rental cost for excellent service. This can be paid in cash at the end of the trip or added to your invoice.
To get an exact quote tailored to your itinerary, call Bellingham Coach Bus Service at 564-565-2110 or fill out our online form. We’ll need to know your passenger count, pickup/drop-off locations, schedule, and any special requests (ADA access, ski storage, etc.).
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Bellingham, WA and around Whatcom County. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Western Washington University Campus Shuttle
A student organization at Western Washington University is hosting a late-night study session at the Viking Union and wants to provide safe transportation back to off-campus housing in Happy Valley, Sehome, and York neighborhoods. They book a 25-passenger minibus to run continuous loops from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM (5 hours). The bus is equipped with WiFi, USB charging ports, and overhead storage for backpacks. The total cost for this local shuttle service is $1,250 ($250 per hour), which works out to just $50 per student if fully utilized. This is an affordable and convenient way to keep students safe and focused during finals week.
Bellingham Wedding Shuttle to Lairmont Manor
A couple is getting married at Lairmont Manor in Fairhaven and needs transportation for 100 guests staying at hotels in Downtown Bellingham and Barkley Village. They rent two 40-passenger midsize buses to shuttle guests to the venue before the ceremony, run a continuous loop during the reception, and return everyone safely at the end of the night. The rental is for 8 hours (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM) and includes multiple trips between the hotels and Lairmont Manor. The total cost is $2,800 ($1,400 per bus), which the couple splits with their families. This ensures no one has to drive after celebrating, and everyone arrives on time for the big day.
Field Trip to North Cascades National Park
A middle school in Lynden is planning a field trip to North Cascades National Park for 60 students and 6 teachers. They book a 56-passenger charter bus with a restroom, DVD player, and undercarriage storage for backpacks and coolers. The itinerary includes a 2-hour drive each way, a ranger-led hike at the Visitor Center, and a picnic lunch at Diablo Lake Overlook. The bus departs the school at 8:00 AM and returns by 4:00 PM (8 hours total). The quoted price is $2,000 ($250 per hour), which the PTA covers through fundraising. Parents appreciate the comfort and safety of having everyone together on one bus.
Corporate Retreat in Semiahmoo Resort
A tech company in Barkley Village is hosting a two-day corporate retreat at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. They hire a 35-passenger minibus to transport employees from the office to the resort on Friday afternoon, then back to Bellingham on Sunday morning. The bus stays overnight at the resort (company pays for driver’s room) and is available for optional excursions to Birch Bay State Park and downtown Blaine. The total mileage is 50 miles each way, with some additional local driving. The cost for this weekend package is $3,200 ($1,600 per day), which is much cheaper than reimbursing everyone for individual mileage or rental cars.
Concert Trip to Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
A group of friends from Sudden Valley wants to see their favorite band play at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. They charter a 20-passenger minibus for a round-trip journey, departing Bellingham at 4:00 PM, arriving at the venue by 7:00 PM, and returning home after the show ends at 11:00 PM. The driver drops them off close to the entrance and waits nearby until the concert is over. The total duration is 8 hours, plus 180 miles round trip. The quoted price is $1,800 ($225 per hour), which the group divides among themselves. They enjoy not having to worry about traffic, parking, or designating a sober driver.
Sports Team Transportation for Bellingham United Fc
Bellingham United FC needs reliable transportation for away games against Tacoma Stars and Spokane Shadow. They book a 56-passenger charter bus for players, coaches, and equipment. The bus departs Civic Stadium on Saturday morning, drives to Tacoma for a 7:00 PM match, then continues to Spokane overnight (driver’s hotel provided by team). After Sunday’s game, the bus returns to Bellingham late at night. The total distance is over 700 miles, with two days of service. The all-inclusive rate is $4,500, which covers fuel, tolls, and driver expenses. The team appreciates the comfortable seating, onboard restroom, and ability to review game footage on the flat-screen monitors.