Melbourne Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Bus Rental Cost in Melbourne

Planning a group trip to the Space Coast? Whether you are organizing a corporate retreat near the aerospace hubs, a beachside wedding in Indialantic, or a field trip to the Brevard Zoo, understanding the cost of transportation is the first step in building a successful itinerary. At Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne, we believe in transparency. We know that budget is a major factor for our clients, which is why we strive to provide clear, competitive, and all-inclusive pricing for every trip.

While we can't give you an exact number without knowing the specifics of your journey—because every trip is as unique as the group taking it—we can provide a comprehensive guide on how we calculate our rates. From the time of year to the type of vehicle you choose, several variables impact the final cost of your rental. Below, we break down everything you need to know about charter bus pricing in Melbourne, Florida, so you can book with confidence. When you are ready for a hard number, our team is available 24/7 at 239-932-0858 to provide a free, no-obligation quote in minutes.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

How Trip Duration and Distance Impact Your Quote?

The two most significant factors in your charter bus rental cost are how far you are going and how long you will be gone. In the charter bus industry, trips are billed in one of three ways: by the hour, by the day, or by the mile. For local trips within Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Viera, we use an hourly rate with a five-hour minimum. This is perfect for events like wedding shuttles moving guests between the Hilton Melbourne (200 Rialto Pl, Melbourne, FL 32901) and a ceremony site, or a corporate dinner outing to Chart House (2250 Front St, Melbourne, FL 32901).

For long-distance trips—perhaps a multi-day excursion to Key West or a pilgrimage to Atlanta—pricing is usually calculated by the day or by mileage. It is important to note that the "clock" for your rental begins when the bus leaves the garage and ends when it returns. This is known as "deadhead." Therefore, if you are planning a one-way drop-off from Melbourne to Orlando International Airport (MCO), you will also cover the driver's return time to our Melbourne headquarters. Providing a detailed itinerary allows us to calculate these variables precisely to give you the most accurate price possible.

The Effect of Seasonality on Melbourne Bus Rentals

Like hotels and airlines, the charter bus industry in Florida is subject to seasonal demand. Melbourne, situated on the beautiful Space Coast, sees specific peaks that differ slightly from the rest of the country. Generally, the busiest times for group transportation are during the spring months (March through May) due to the influx of Spring Break travelers, end-of-year school field trips, and prom season. During these months, demand exceeds supply, and rates tend to be higher. If you are planning a trip during this window, we recommend booking at least six months in advance to lock in the best rate.

Conversely, the summer months in Florida can sometimes offer more competitive pricing, though this is balanced by family reunion and summer camp travel. Winter is also a busy season in Melbourne due to "snowbirds" and holiday travel. If you have flexibility in your schedule, booking your trip for a weekday rather than a weekend, or aiming for the "shoulder season" (like late January or September), can often result in significant savings. Regardless of when you travel, Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne works hard to find you the best vehicle at the best price point available.

Choosing the Right Vehicle: Minibus vs. Charter Bus

The size and style of the bus you select will play a major role in your final quote. Naturally, a full-size motorcoach costs more to operate than a smaller minibus, but the cost-per-person often decreases as the vehicle size increases. For smaller groups—such as a corporate team heading to a meeting at L3Harris Technologies or a bachelorette party exploring the Eau Gallie Arts District—a minibus is an economical and efficient choice. These vehicles typically seat between 18 and 35 passengers and offer a nimble way to navigate city streets.

For larger groups, such as a senior class trip from Melbourne High School (74 Bulldog Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901) or a church congregation heading to a retreat, a 56-passenger full-size charter bus is the standard. These buses come equipped with amenities designed for long-haul comfort, such as onboard restrooms, reclining seats, and cavernous undercarriage luggage bays. While the daily rate for a full-size coach is higher, splitting the cost among 50+ passengers often makes it one of the most affordable travel options available. When you call us, our reservation specialists will help you determine which vehicle best fits your passenger count to ensure you aren't paying for empty seats.

Sample Trip: Corporate Event at Kennedy Space Center

To help you visualize pricing, let’s look at a common scenario. A tech company based in the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (1 Air Terminal Pkwy, Melbourne, FL 32901) business park wants to take 45 employees to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953) for a team-building day. They need a bus from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on a Tuesday in October.

For this trip, a 56-passenger charter bus is the ideal vessel, providing ample space for the team to relax and perhaps watch a space documentary on the onboard TV screens during the 45-minute drive. Since the driver will need to wait on-site while the group explores the Atlantis exhibit and takes the bus tour, the group will be billed for the full day. An estimated quote for this 9-hour rental might range between $1,300 and $1,600. However, the group leader should remember to budget separately for parking fees at the Visitor Complex.

Sample Trip: Wedding Shuttle in Indialantic

Consider a couple getting married at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront (2605 N Hwy A1A, Melbourne, FL 32903). To ensure their guests enjoy the reception safely, they want to provide shuttle service from a designated hotel block in Viera. They need a shuttle to run loops from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on a Saturday in May.

Because guests will be arriving and departing at staggered times, a 25-passenger minibus is a perfect solution to run continuous loops. This ensures that guests who want to leave early can do so, while the party animals can stay until the last dance. Given that May is the peak wedding season, the demand is higher. A quote for this 8-hour service on a prime weekend date would likely fall between $1,100 and $1,400. This investment provides peace of mind, ensuring safety for all guests and punctuality for the main event.

Sample Trip: Sports Team Travel to Orlando

Let's look at a travel sports scenario. A youth soccer team from West Melbourne Community Park (3000 Minton Rd, West Melbourne, FL 32904) needs to travel to Orlando for a regional tournament. They have 20 players, 4 coaches, and several parents, totaling 40 passengers. They also have bulky equipment bags, coolers, and folding chairs. The tournament is a two-day event, requiring transportation on Saturday and Sunday.

Even though they only have 40 passengers, the amount of equipment necessitates a full-size 56-passenger charter bus for the undercarriage storage capacity. A minibus simply wouldn't hold the gear. The bus will drive them to Orlando on Saturday morning, shuttle them between the hotel and the fields, and return them to Melbourne on Sunday evening. Since the driver is staying overnight, the team will need to cover the cost of the driver's hotel room. The charter bus rental itself for two full days might range from $2,800 to $3,400. Splitting this cost among 40 travelers makes it roughly $70-$85 per person for the entire weekend of private, comfortable travel.

Book Your Melbourne Charter Bus Today!

Navigating the costs of group transportation doesn't have to be rocket science—even here on the Space Coast! At Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne, we are dedicated to making the booking process as simple and stress-free as possible. Whether you need a sleek minibus for a night out in Historic Downtown Melbourne or a fleet of motorcoaches for a convention, we have the resources and expertise to get you there.

Don't leave your transportation to chance. Trust the company that has been moving Melbourne since 2011. Call our 24/7 reservation team today at 239-932-0858. We will ask a few simple questions about your itinerary and provide you with a free, personalized quote in minutes. Let us handle the traffic on I-95 and US-1 so you can focus on enjoying your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions About Melbourne Pricing

How much is a deposit to reserve a bus?

To secure your reservation with Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne, we typically require a deposit of approximately 10% to 30% of the total trip cost, depending on the specifics of your booking. This deposit ensures that your bus is taken off the market and reserved specifically for your group. The remaining balance is generally due 14 to 30 days prior to your trip departure date.

What if my trip itinerary changes?

We understand that plans can change. If you need to adjust your itinerary—such as changing pickup times or adding a stop—please contact us as soon as possible. Minor changes can often be accommodated easily. However, significant changes to mileage or duration may result in an adjustment to your final price. Our 24/7 support team is always here to help you modify your reservation to fit your evolving needs.

Can I leave items on the bus overnight?

If you have booked the bus for multiple days, you generally can leave items on the bus overnight, as the driver will lock the vehicle. However, Charter Bus Rental Company Melbourne is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. We highly recommend taking expensive valuables (like laptops, wallets, or cameras) with you when you disembark for the night. If you need access to the bus after the driver has gone off-duty, it may not be possible until the next morning, so plan accordingly.