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

Planning a trip to the West's Most Western Town? Whether you are organizing a corporate retreat at one of our world-class resorts, a dream wedding in Paradise Valley, or a Spring Training outing to Scottsdale Stadium, transportation is a key piece of the puzzle. At Charter Bus Rental Company Scottsdale, we believe in transparency. We know that budget plays a huge role in planning group travel, which is why we are dedicated to providing clear, competitive, and upfront pricing for all our charter bus rentals in Scottsdale and the surrounding Valley.

While we can't give you a single, flat rate for every bus without knowing your specific details, we can give you a comprehensive guide on what to expect. Charter bus pricing varies based on the time of year, the size of your group, the duration of your rental, and where you are headed. Below, we break down the costs associated with renting a bus in Scottsdale, so you can plan your budget with confidence. Ready for an exact number? Call our 24/7 reservation team at 480-716-1515 for a free, no-obligation quote in minutes, or use our online quote tool to see pricing in under 30 seconds!

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

The Average Cost of a Charter Bus Rental in Scottsdale

When you rent a charter bus in Scottsdale, you have two pricing structures: hourly rates or daily/mileage rates. For local trips that keep you within the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro area—like a shuttle for a wedding at The Clayton House or a corporate dinner at Mastro's City Hall—you will pay by the hour. We usually require a minimum rental time (often 5 hours) to ensure the trip is worth the driver's time and pre-trip preparation.

Estimated Hourly Rates: For a minibus (seating 18-35 passengers), rates often range from $150 to $400+ per hour. For a full-size charter bus (seating 56 passengers), expect rates between $180 and $500+ per hour.

Estimated Daily Rates: If your itinerary involves long-distance travel—perhaps a day trip to the red rocks of Sedona via I-17 or a multi-day tour of the Grand Canyon—pricing shifts to a daily rate or a per-mile charge. Daily rates for a full-size motorcoach range from $1,800 to $3,600+ per day.

Please remember, these are just estimates. The best way to know exactly what your trip will cost is to contact Charter Bus Rental Company Scottsdale directly. We take your specific itinerary into account to give you the best possible price.

Factor 1: When You’re Traveling (Seasonality in the Valley of the Sun)

Unlike many other parts of the country where summer is the peak season, Scottsdale follows a different rhythm. Our "busy season" is driven by our incredible weather and major events. The most expensive times to rent a charter bus in Scottsdale are typically from January through April. Why? Because the weather is perfect, and the city is hosting massive events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction at WestWorld, and, of course, Cactus League Spring Training.

During these months, demand for buses skyrockets. Hotels are full, and fleets are often booked out weeks or months in advance. If you are planning a trip during these peak spring months, expect to pay a premium. Conversely, if you are booking a trip during the summer months (June through August), when temperatures hit triple digits, you may find more availability and slightly lower rates—though our high-quality air conditioning makes summer travel a breeze!

Factor 2: Your Trip Duration and Mileage

How far you go and how long you stay plays a massive role in your final quote. If you are renting a bus for a simple transfer from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, your cost will be significantly lower than a group taking a round-trip tour to Flagstaff or Tucson.

Local Trips: For trips that stay within the Valley—transporting a group from Old Town Scottsdale to a Suns game at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix, for example—you are billed by the hour. Keep in mind that we calculate the time from when the bus leaves the garage until it returns, known as "garage-to-garage" time.

Long-Distance Trips: For trips extending beyond the metro area, such as a tour of the Antelope Canyon or a weekend trip to Las Vegas, pricing is usually calculated by the mile or by the day. Your reservation specialist will calculate the total mileage to ensure you get the most cost-effective rate structure for your specific journey.

Factor 3: The Type of Bus You Choose

The size of your group determines the bus you need, which directly impacts the price. At Charter Bus Rental Company Scottsdale, we offer a diverse fleet ranging from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches.

Minibuses and Sprinters: If you have a smaller group—say, a corporate team heading to Topgolf or a bachelorette party hitting the clubs in the Entertainment District—a minibus is a cost-effective choice. While the hourly rate is lower than a full coach, the price per person might be slightly higher if you don't fill every seat.

Full-Size Charter Buses: These are the large motorcoaches you see on the highway. They come equipped with onboard restrooms, cavernous undercarriage luggage bays, and reclining seats. While the daily rate is higher, if you split the cost among 50+ passengers, it is often one of the most affordable ways to travel per person. This is the ideal option for school field trips to the OdySea Aquarium or large wedding shuttles.

Factor 4: How Far in Advance You Book

Procrastination can be costly in the charter bus industry! As we mentioned regarding seasonality, buses sell out quickly in Scottsdale, especially during the Spring. We recommend booking your charter bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance.

If you are planning a wedding for a Saturday in March, you should be booking 6 to 9 months out. Booking early locks in your rate and ensures you get the exact vehicle you want. Last-minute bookings (less than 30 days out) are subject to availability, and prices often rise as the supply of buses decreases. If you know your dates, don't wait—call us at 480-716-1515 to lock in your price.

Sample Trip Pricing Scenarios

To help you visualize the costs, here are a few examples of recent trips we have quoted for clients in the Scottsdale area:

Example 1: The Wedding Shuttle

A couple is getting married at the Desert Botanical Garden and needs a shuttle to transport guests from the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. They need two 56-passenger charter buses for 8 hours to run loops before the ceremony and after the reception.

Estimated Cost: $2,800 - $3,300 total (approx. $1,400 - $1,650 per bus).

Example 2: The Corporate Retreat to Sedona

A tech company in North Scottsdale wants to take their team of 25 employees to Sedona for a day of hiking and team building. They rent a 25-passenger minibus for 10 hours. The driver takes them up I-17, waits while they hike Cathedral Rock, takes them to dinner in Tlaquepaque, and drives them back.

Estimated Cost: $1,600 - $2,100.

Example 3: Spring Training Outing

A group of 15 friends is in town for a bachelor party during Spring Training. They want a sprinter van for 6 hours to take them from their Airbnb in Arcadia to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick to watch a Diamondbacks game, and then to Old Town for dinner.

Estimated Cost: $900 - $1,300.

Note: These are examples only. Your actual price will vary based on live availability and your specific date.

Book Your Scottsdale Charter Bus Rental Today

Now that you have a better understanding of how charter bus pricing works in Scottsdale, it’s time to get your trip on the calendar! At Charter Bus Rental Company Scottsdale, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, reliable transportation with transparent pricing. Whether you are staying local near Fashion Square or heading out on an Arizona adventure, we have the perfect bus for you.

Don't leave your transportation to the last minute. Call our 24/7 reservation team today at 480-716-1515 to get a free, personalized quote. You can also use our online quote tool for instant pricing in under 30 seconds. We look forward to earning your business!

Frequently Asked Questions About Scottsdale Pricing

How do I get an accurate quote for my Scottsdale trip?

Getting a quote is fast and easy! You can call our reservation specialists 24/7 at 480-716-1515 with your trip details (dates, pickup locations, destination, passenger count). Alternatively, you can use our online quote tool to get an instant estimate in less than 30 seconds. To get the most accurate price, have your itinerary ready!

What if my trip goes overtime?

We understand that sometimes events run late or traffic on the Loop 101 is heavier than expected. If your trip exceeds the contracted time, you will be billed for the additional time at the hourly rate specified in your contract. We recommend padding your itinerary with a little extra time to account for traffic or delays so you don't have to worry about the clock.

Do I need to pay for the driver's hotel?

Yes, if your trip involves an overnight stay (for example, a multi-day trip to the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas), you are responsible for booking and paying for the driver's hotel room. For safety and regulatory reasons, drivers require a private room to ensure they get the necessary 8 hours of sleep required by the DOT. We ask that the hotel be safe, clean, and reasonably close to where the bus is parked/where the group is staying.

What amenities are included in the price?

Most of our standard charter buses and minibuses come equipped with cushioned reclining seats, climate control (essential for Scottsdale summers!), and overhead storage. Many of our buses also feature free WiFi, power outlets, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Full-size motorcoaches (56-passenger) also include an onboard restroom. If you have specific amenity requests, such as ADA accessibility or leather seats, just let us know when you book, and we will match you with the perfect vehicle.