A few of the companies we’ve worked with
The Basics of Charter Bus Rentals in Ontario
The cost of a charter bus rental in Ontario ranges from $150 to $300+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day, depending on the vehicle type, time of year, and trip duration. It is important to remember that these are estimated ranges. Because we tailor every rental to the specific needs of our clients, your final quote will reflect the exact details of your journey.
Generally, smaller vehicles like minibuses and sprinter vans are more affordable than full-size charter buses, but when you break down the cost per passenger, a full-size 56-passenger motorcoach often offers the best value for large groups. For example, if a full-day rental costs $2,000 for a 50-passenger group, the cost is only $40 per person—far cheaper than rideshares or reimbursing multiple drivers for gas and parking at venues like the Toyota Arena (4000 E Ontario Center Pkwy, Ontario, CA 91764). When you call Charter Bus Ontario, our reservation specialists will help you analyze your group size to find the most cost-effective vehicle option for your budget.
Distance and Duration: How Your Itinerary Impacts Cost
How far you go and how long you need the bus are the two most significant factors in determining your price. For local trips within Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, or Fontana, we charge by the hour with a five-hour minimum. This is perfect for events like wedding shuttle services between the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport (222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764) and a nearby ceremony site, or for corporate dinners in the Guasti District.
However, if your itinerary involves long-distance travel—such as a multi-day tour from Ontario to Las Vegas, San Francisco, or the Grand Canyon—pricing is usually calculated by the day or by the mile (between $4.00 and $7.50 per mile). We also have to factor in "deadhead" costs, which is the mileage the bus travels without passengers to reach your pickup location or return to our headquarters after dropping you off. By providing our reservation team with a detailed itinerary that includes all pickup and drop-off addresses, we can give you the most accurate price possible, ensuring there are no surprises later on.
The Time of Year: Seasonal Demand in the Inland Empire
Just like hotels and airlines, the charter bus industry has peak seasons where demand—and consequently prices—are higher. In Ontario and the broader Southern California region, the busiest times tend to be the spring months (April through June) due to prom season, graduations, and end-of-year school field trips. We also see high demand during the summer for family reunions and weddings.
If you are planning a trip during these peak times, we highly recommend booking at least three to six months in advance to secure the best rate and ensure vehicle availability. Conversely, traveling during the "off-season" months like January or February can often yield lower rates. Additionally, major local events can spike demand. For instance, if there is a massive concert or sporting event at the Toyota Arena or a large convention at the Ontario Convention Center (2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764), availability may be tighter. Our team at Charter Bus Ontario monitors these local trends to help you find the best possible deal for your specific dates.
Understanding Your Vehicle Options: Size Matters
The type of bus you choose plays a major role in your final quote. Charter Bus Ontario offers a diverse fleet to suit groups of all sizes. A standard 56-passenger charter bus is the gold standard for large groups. These buses come equipped with onboard restrooms, undercarriage luggage storage, reclining seats, and entertainment systems, making them ideal for long-distance travel or large corporate moves. Because they are larger and require more fuel, they have a higher base rate than smaller vehicles.
On the other hand, if you are moving a smaller group for a short distance—perhaps a team outing to Topgolf (1050 N Archibald Ave, Ontario, CA 91764) or a shuttle for airport transfers at Ontario International Airport (2500 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761)—a minibus or sprinter van might be the more economical choice. Minibuses typically seat between 18 and 35 passengers. While they may lack onboard restrooms and large luggage bays, they are perfect for navigating city streets and offer a more budget-friendly hourly rate. Our reservation specialists can help you decide if you need the full amenities of a motorcoach or the efficiency of a minibus.
How to Secure the Best Rates for Your Ontario Group Trip
We want to help you get the most value out of your rental. To secure the best charter bus prices in Ontario, we recommend booking as early as possible. As mentioned earlier, prices tend to rise as availability decreases closer to the date. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance locks in your rate and guarantees you get the specific bus features you want.
Another tip is to finalize your headcount early. You don't want to book a 56-passenger coach if you only have 20 people committed to the trip; a minibus would save you significant money in that scenario. However, if you are on the cusp, it is often safer to book the slightly larger bus to ensure everyone is comfortable. Finally, have a detailed itinerary ready when you call 951-618-7440. The more precise you can be about pickup times, drop-off locations (like the Ontario Mills Mall at 1 Mills Cir, Ontario, CA 91764), and stops along the way, the more accurate and competitive your quote will be. We strive to provide transparent pricing with no additional fees.
Sample Trip Costs for Ontario Events
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are a few examples of common trips we service in the Ontario area and their estimated costs. Please note these are examples only, and your actual price will vary.
The Corporate Shuttle: A company needs to transport 40 employees from their headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga to the Ontario Convention Center for a day-long trade show. They need the bus for 8 hours. A standard charter bus rental for this duration might range between $1,300 and $1,800.
The Wedding Transfer: A couple needs to shuttle guests between the Azure Hotel & Suites (1945 E Holt Blvd, Ontario, CA 91761) and a wedding venue in Chino Hills. They need two 25-passenger minibuses for 6 hours. The total cost for both vehicles might range from $2,200 to $2,800, ensuring comfortable transport for all guests.
The School Field Trip: A local high school band is traveling to a competition in San Diego. They need a 56-passenger charter bus for a full 12-hour day to accommodate students and instruments. A rental of this nature ranges from $1,900 to $2,600.
Book Your Ontario Charter Bus Rental Today
Ready to hit the road? Charter Bus Ontario is here to make your group transportation easy, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you are planning a local shuttle in the Inland Empire or a cross-country adventure starting in Ontario, our team has the experience and the fleet to make it happen. We are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and provide you with a fast, free, no-obligation quote. Don't wait until the last minute—secure your transportation today!
Call our 24/7 reservation team at 951-618-7440 to get an instant quote and book your next charter bus rental in Ontario!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario Pricing
Do I need to make a deposit to reserve a bus?
Yes, we require a deposit to secure your bus reservation. This ensures that the vehicle is taken out of our available inventory and reserved specifically for your group. The deposit amount will be discussed with your reservation specialist at the time of booking. The remaining balance is typically due a few weeks prior to your trip date. This standard industry practice guarantees that your transportation is locked in, allowing you to focus on planning the rest of your event in Ontario.
How far in advance should I book my charter bus in Ontario?
We generally recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date and major details are confirmed. Ideally, you should aim to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. This is especially critical if your trip falls during the busy spring season (proms and graduations) or major holidays. However, because we have access to one of the largest fleets in Southern California, we can often accommodate last-minute requests. If you have a sudden transportation need, call us immediately at 951-618-7440, and we will do our best to find a vehicle for you.
Do I have to pay for the driver's hotel?
Yes, if your trip spans multiple days and requires the driver to be off-duty overnight away from our home base in Ontario, you are responsible for providing a private hotel room for the driver. This is a federal safety requirement to ensure drivers are well-rested. We ask that the hotel be safe, clean, and reasonably close to where the bus is parked. Many hotels offer discounted or complimentary rooms for bus drivers when you book a block of rooms for your group, so be sure to ask the hotel concierge when making your reservations.
Bus types Available in Ontario
More About Group Travel in Ontario
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