Guide to Bus Rentals Coach vs Mini vs School Bus

Traveling by bus is an excellent way to experience North America like few people ever do. The United States boasts the world’s largest network of highways and interstates, which makes visiting multiple metropolitan areas feasible in a short period. If you’re traveling with a large group, there’s no better way to experience rural and urban American than by bus.

Before you reach out to a company that can provide bus rentals tailored to your needs, you must consider your group size, desired amenities, and several other factors. In this guide to bus rentals, we’ll explore three common bus types and provide helpful tips on choosing the right type of bus for your group.

Coach Buses

Coach buses are generally the largest option available. They can sometimes hold upwards of 60 seats, but typically accommodate closer to 55 individuals at one time. While they’re also the most expensive bus type, coach buses come with a variety of amenities to help your group experience comfortable travel to and from your desired destinations. Examples of these amenities include air conditioning, audio system, bathroom, TV/DVD capability, and power outlets.

In terms of seating, coach buses offer the most comfortable and spacious seats in comparison to other bus types. This is primarily why they are the best bus type for long-distance travel. Another perk of coach buses is that they offer generous storage space in large underneath compartments. Some even provide overhead storage for smaller bags that you’d like access to when in transit.

Coach buses are the best choice for long-distance travel. This could include, but is not limited to, large groups heading to an out-of-town festival, students competing in case competitions, or sports teams traveling for a big game.

Mini Buses

If we swing to the opposite end of the spectrum, we’ll find mini buses. These are generally the smallest option available. They are capable of seating an average of 21 passengers, which, as you might expect, makes them a much more cost-effective bus rental option for smaller groups. While mini buses typically don’t include all of the amenities as coach buses, they do offer accessibility for all individuals.

Mini buses are the best choice for smaller groups exploring a variety of local destinations. Their size and maneuverability make them much easier to navigate popular urban centers. Parking is also much easier in a mini bus. If you’re renting a mini bus, your trip will typically cover no more than a 300 miles.

Renting a mini bus with a private driver is an ideal option for groups under 30 looking to explore local hot spots. It is also a fun and safe choice for groups attending weddings, conferences, or corporate events.

School Buses

School buses take us for a trip down memory lane, even if you’re not renting it for a class trip. They present a happy medium between the coach bus and the mini bus. They seat an average of 47 passengers and are much more cost-effective than coach buses. In terms of amenities, school buses offer an auxiliary input for playing music, more underneath storage space than a mini bus, and air conditioning if you don’t want to roll the windows down and enjoy the cool summer breeze.

A school bus is the ideal vehicle for travelling locally with a medium-sized group. When traveling in a busy metropolitan area, school buses have the added benefit of being easily recognizable from a distance. In addition, school buses are equipped with safety features to ensure the health of your passengers, including specialized brake systems, lighting, emergency exits, and escape hatches in the roof.

One drawback of renting a school bus is that it won’t have a suspension system, which can make longer trips uncomfortable. As such, school buses are best for trips under 3 hours or 125 miles. As you might guess, school buses are an ideal choice for class field trips, but they are also a popular choice for wedding organizers looking for an easy way to transport out-of-town guests from hotel to wedding venue.

Choosing the Right Bus For You

The first step to finding the right bus is to estimate your group size. If you’re not sure exactly how many passengers you’ll have, start by estimating a range. Figure out which of the following ranges your group falls in: 0 to 25, 25 to 50, and 50+. If you fall somewhere almost between two of these ranges, it’s best to air on the side of caution and choose the larger bus.

After you have an estimate of your group size, consider the type of trip you’ll be taking. If you plan to cover a lot of mileage everyday, you want a bus that passengers can be comfortable in. On the other hand, if you’re going to stay local, you might want to place a higher priority on a bus that’s easier to handle and smaller to fit in tight parking areas.

Next, start looking at amenities. If your group is traveling during the heat of the summer, air conditioning is a must. If you plan on showing a video, the bus you choose must have TV/DVD capability. Take time to thoroughly understand your group’s needs so you can choose a bus rental that exceeds them.

One more thing to consider is storage space. If you’re just taking a day trip, passengers might not mind carrying personal bags on their laps, but if you’re traveling over 300 miles to a sporting event, you’ll need storage space for personal bags, gear, and any other supplies you’ll need when you arrive at your destination.

Rent a Charter Bus Today!

Transportation can make or break a group’s experience. Sports teams that don’t travel comfortably tend to underperform. Wedding guests that have to endure a sweaty bus ride to the venue generally struggle to enjoy the ceremony. Take the time to research companies that offer bus rentals tailored to your needs so that you can guarantee efficient and enjoyable transportation for your group.