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Charter Bus Prices in Ankeny

Let Ankeny Coach Bus Service make group transportation simple when you call our 24/7 team to book your next trip! We offer custom bus rentals in Ankeny and across Iowa, so you can easily explore the Des Moines area with friends, family, coworkers, and more. Whether you're planning a field trip to the Ankeny Art Center, a corporate event at the FFA Enrichment Center, or a wedding at the Pinnacle Club, we've got the perfect ride for your itinerary. And with our quick and easy online pricing tool, it's never been easier to compare bus rental options and lock in the best deal for your budget. 

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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Ankeny?

The cost of renting a charter bus in Ankeny typically ranges from $1,600 to $4,100+ for multi-day, out-of-town, or full-day service, while local trips under a few hours will generally fall between $450 and $950. Minibuses are slightly less expensive, usually running $1,500–$3,400 per day or $400–$900 for short local service. Larger 56-passenger coaches tend toward the higher end of these ranges. Final pricing depends on your exact itinerary, vehicle size, trip duration, and current availability.

Keep in mind: the only way to get accurate pricing is to call our reservations team with your exact trip details—including pickup location, destination, number of passengers, and travel dates—or use our online quote tool. We'll give you a custom quote in about 30 seconds and you'll know exactly how much your charter bus will cost before you book. There are no hidden fees—everything is explained upfront!

What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Ankeny?

There are several key factors that will influence the price of your charter bus rental in Ankeny:

  • Time of year: Peak season for charter bus rentals in Iowa generally runs from April through June, when schools are organizing field trips and graduations, and couples are hosting spring weddings. You'll likely see higher rates during these months due to increased demand. Conversely, booking during the off-season can help you secure better deals.
  • Type of bus: Larger, full-sized charter buses tend to cost more than smaller minibuses. However, when you break down the cost per passenger, full-sized buses often offer the best value for bigger groups. The specific model and amenities included will also affect the final price.
  • Number of passengers: While the total cost of your rental isn't directly tied to headcount, the size of the bus you need is. Groups traveling with fewer than 35 people can often save money by opting for a minibus instead of a standard charter bus.
  • Number of days: Multi-day trips are billed by the day, so longer itineraries will naturally cost more than single-day excursions. Be sure to account for the full duration of your trip, including any layovers or downtime between events.
  • Distance traveled: Most out-of-town trips are priced by the mile, with rates increasing based on the total distance covered. Local trips within Ankeny and the Des Moines metro area may be billed by the hour instead.
  • Additional expenses: Keep in mind that you'll be responsible for covering certain incidental costs, such as tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations for your driver on overnight trips. It's customary to tip your driver 5–10% of the total rental price as well.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some sample charter bus quotes for real trips we've helped organize in and around Ankeny:

Example #1

18 passenger minibus rental

A local tech company needs a daily employee shuttle from their Ankeny office park to several downtown Des Moines locations. They'll run two shifts per day, five days a week, for six months. After calling Ankeny Coach Bus Service with their schedule and headcount, they receive a contract for a 28-passenger minibus at $1,950 per week. The company signs a six-month agreement at $1,950/week, plus budgeted $350/month for downtown parking permits. This fixed-rate contract helps them control costs and offer reliable transportation during a major construction project.

Example #2

56 passenger charter bus

A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony and reception at a barn venue just outside of town, but most guests are staying at a hotel in Ankeny. They need a shuttle to run back and forth throughout the evening. After requesting a quote online, they book a 25-passenger minibus for $1,650 for the day. They pay a $250 deposit upfront and settle the balance one week before the wedding. The convenience of having a private shuttle keeps their guests safe and the event running on schedule.

Example #3

56 passenger coach bus

An Ankeny elementary school is taking 100 students on a field trip to the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines. They'll need two 56-passenger charter buses for the day. Ankeny Coach Bus Service provides a quote of $2,200 per bus, totaling $4,400 for the trip. The school district covers half the cost, and parents chip in to cover the remainder. Upgrading to charter buses with restrooms and DVD players makes the hour-long drive more comfortable for everyone.

Example #4

18 passenger minibus

A group of high school seniors is embarking on a five-day college tour with stops in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. They'll be traveling in a single 40-passenger bus. The final price comes to $2,800 per day x 5 days = $14,000, plus an estimated $1,200 for hotel rooms for the driver ($240/night x 5 nights). Total = $15,200. The students fundraise throughout the year to offset the cost, and the convenience of having a private bus allows them to stick to a tight schedule.

Example #5

20 passenger minibus

A local soccer club has qualified for a regional tournament two hours away. They'll need a charter bus to transport players, coaches, and equipment. Ankeny Coach Bus Service quotes them $1,900 for a two-day rental, plus a $180 tip for the driver. Splitting the cost among all participants makes it affordable, and having a spacious bus ensures everyone arrives rested and ready to compete.

Example #6

25 passenger minibus

A church youth group is attending a weekend retreat at a campground in rural Iowa. They'll be renting a 30-passenger minibus for three days. The total cost comes to $3,600 for the rental, plus $360 for the driver's accommodations. Sharing a bus fosters camaraderie among the group, and navigating country roads is easier with an experienced driver behind the wheel.

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