A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Factor 1: The Distance and Duration of Your Trip
The most significant factor in determining the cost of your charter bus rental is how far you are traveling and how long you will need the vehicle. When you call Charter Bus Rental Company Lubbock for a quote, one of the first things we will ask for is your pick-up and drop-off times and addresses. For local trips within the Lubbock city limits—perhaps a shuttle service between a hotel like the Cotton Court Hotel and a conference at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center—we charge by the hour. We usually require a minimum rental period (often 4 to 5 hours) to ensure the trip is cost-effective for the operator. This is perfect for short events like wedding transfers, dinners, or Greek life socials.
For long-distance trips or multi-day excursions—such as taking a church group from Lubbock to Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington or a school field trip to the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico—pricing is calculated by the day or by the mile. A "day" in the charter bus world usually constitutes up to 10 hours of driving time or a 12-hour duty shift for the driver. Providing a detailed itinerary helps us give you the most accurate price possible so there are no surprises later on.
Factor 2: The Time of Year and Local Seasonality
Supply and demand play a huge role in the charter bus industry, and in a college town like Lubbock, the academic and athletic calendar is king. The cost of a bus rental fluctuates significantly depending on when you are traveling. The busiest—and therefore most expensive—times to rent a bus in Lubbock are during the spring (April through June) due to end-of-year school trips, proms, and graduations for institutions like Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University. If you are planning a trip during these months, we highly recommend booking at least six months in advance to secure the best rate and availability.
Another major peak season in Lubbock is the fall, specifically during Texas Tech Red Raiders home football games. On game days, demand for motorcoaches skyrockets as alumni groups, student organizations , and visiting teams flock to Jones AT&T Stadium (2526 6th St, Lubbock, TX 79409). During big rivalry weekends, inventory can sell out completely, and prices will reflect that high demand. Conversely, traveling during the "off-season," such as January or February, can often yield lower rates. If your dates are flexible, ask our reservation specialists if shifting your trip by a week or even a day could save you money.
Factor 3: Your Group Size and Vehicle Type
The size of your group determines the type of bus you need, which directly impacts the price. At Charter Bus Rental Company Lubbock, we offer a diverse fleet ranging from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger full-sized motorcoaches. Naturally, a larger bus with more amenities will cost more than a smaller shuttle vehicle. However, the "per person" cost is often lower on a large charter bus if you fill every seat. For example, splitting the cost of a $1,500 daily rental among 50 passengers is often cheaper than everyone paying for gas and parking for 15 separate cars.
For smaller groups heading to the Depot District for a night out or a corporate team lunch at The West Table, a minibus or sprinter van is a cost-effective and agile choice. These vehicles handle city streets easily and come with comfortable seating and A/C. For long-haul trips or large groups, such as a band competition or a fan bus heading to an away game, a 56-passenger motorcoach is the standard. These buses come equipped with premium amenities like onboard restrooms, undercarriage luggage bays, reclining seats, and TV monitors, which command a higher daily rate but offer superior comfort for long hours on the road.
Factor 4: Deadhead and Route Specifics
"Deadhead" is an industry term referring to the mileage and time a bus incurs while traveling empty to pick up your group or returning to the garage after dropping you off. Since Charter Bus Rental Company Lubbock operates a vast network, we always strive to match you with a bus that is local to your departure point to minimize these costs. However, if your trip starts in a remote area outside of the Lubbock metro—say, a pick-up in a smaller town like Levelland or Snyder—you may be charged for the travel time it takes the bus to get to you.
Additionally, your route specifics matter. If you are planning a one-way transfer from Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (5401 N Martin L King Blvd, Lubbock, TX 79403) to a destination like Amarillo or Midland, you will be responsible for the cost of the bus returning to its home base. Our reservation specialists calculate this all into your quote upfront, so you aren't hit with unexpected fees. We optimize routes to be as efficient as possible, utilizing major thoroughfares like Loop 289 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway to save time and fuel.
Factor 5: Additional Expenses: Parking, Tolls, and Driver Lodging
While your quote from Charter Bus Rental Company Lubbock includes the bus, the driver and fuel, there are a few variable costs that are the responsibility of the renting group. Parking fees are a common extra expense. If your group is visiting attractions like the National Ranching Heritage Center or attending an event at the United Supermarkets Arena, you will need to budget for bus parking if the venue charges for it. While Lubbock is friendly regarding parking compared to major metros like NYC, specific event venues may have premium rates for oversized vehicles.
Another crucial cost to consider for multi-day trips is the driver's lodging. Department of Transportation regulations require drivers to have 8 hours of sleep for every 10 hours of driving. If your itinerary involves staying overnight—perhaps for a weekend wedding in the Texas Hill Country or a multi-day sports tournament—you must provide a hotel room for your driver. It doesn't need to be a 5-star resort, but it must be a comfortable, clean, private room at a 3-star hotel or better to ensure they are well-rested and comfortable to drive the next day. Tolls are rare in the immediate Lubbock area, but if your trip takes you towards Dallas or Houston, you will be responsible for those charges as well.
Factor 6: How Far in Advance You Book
Procrastination can be costly in the charter bus world. As availability decreases, prices almost always increase. To lock in the most competitive rates for your Lubbock bus rental, we recommend booking as early as possible. For major events like weddings or large conventions where you know the dates 6 to 12 months in advance, booking early secures your preferred vehicle type and price. If you try to book a bus for a Texas Tech graduation weekend only two weeks prior, you will likely face premium "last-minute" pricing due to the scarcity of available buses.
Ideally, you should aim to book your charter bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance. However, Charter Bus Rental Company Lubbock understands that plans can pop up suddenly. Our large network allows us to accommodate last-minute requests better than most, but for the sake of your budget, the earlier you call 325-307-5576, the better.
Sample Trip Costs for Lubbock Charter Bus Rentals
To help you visualize how these factors come together, here are a few examples of estimated costs for common trips originating in Lubbock. Please note these are just examples and actual prices will vary.
Example 1: The Wedding Shuttle A couple is getting married at the beautiful Spirit Ranch (701 Regis St, Lubbock, TX 79403). They want to provide a shuttle for guests from the Overton Hotel to the venue and back at the end of the night. They need one 25-passenger minibus for 6 hours on a Saturday in May. Estimated Cost: $900 – $1,200
Example 2: The University Field Trip A professor at Texas Tech needs to take a class of 45 geology students to Caprock Canyons State Park for the day. They depart campus at 8:00 AM and return by 5:00 PM. They need a 56-passenger charter bus on a Tuesday in October. Estimated Cost: $1,400 – $1,700
Example 3: The Away Game A local high school football team needs transportation to an away game in Abilene. They need a 56-passenger charter bus with undercarriage storage for pads and equipment. The trip is roughly 6 hours round trip plus game time, totaling about 10 hours on a Friday night in September. Estimated Cost: $1,800 – $2,400
Call Today for Your Personalized Quote
At Charter Bus Rental Company Lubbock, we are committed to making group transportation simple, transparent, and affordable. We know that every dollar counts, whether you are a non-profit organization, a school district, or a family planning a reunion. Our reservation specialists are experts in the local Lubbock market and can help you tweak your itinerary to get the most value out of your rental. Don't leave your transportation budget to chance.
Call us today at 325-307-5576. We are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions, discuss your specific needs, and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote in minutes. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your time in the Hub City!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lubbock Pricing
How much of a deposit is required to reserve a bus in Lubbock?
To secure your charter bus rental in Lubbock, we require a deposit of roughly 10% to 30% of the total trip cost at the time of booking. This deposit guarantees that your bus is taken off the market and reserved specifically for your group. The remaining balance is usually due 14 to 30 days prior to your departure date. This ensures that everything is finalized well before your trip begins. When you call 325-307-5576, our reservation specialist will give you the exact deposit amount and payment schedule for your specific trip.
Is gratuity included in the price of the charter bus rental?
In most cases, gratuity for the driver is not automatically included in the base price of your quote unless specifically stated otherwise on your contract. While it is discretionary, it is industry standard and highly appreciated to tip your driver, especially if they have provided excellent service, helped with luggage, and kept your group safe and on schedule. We recommend a tip of 10% to 20% of your total rental cost. You can pay this in cash directly to the driver at the end of the trip, or you can ask your reservation specialist to include it in your final invoice if you prefer to handle everything in one payment.
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
Yes, in most cases, adult groups are permitted to consume alcohol on our party buses and charter buses, provided that all passengers are over the age of 21. If you plan to have alcohol on board for a bachelor party, winery tour to Llano Estacado, or a tailgate, please let us know at the time of booking. A refundable damage deposit may be required in case of spills or excessive mess. Please note that for safety reasons, glass bottles are often discouraged in favor of cans or plastic cups. The driver always reserves the right to terminate the ride if passenger behavior becomes unsafe.
Do I need to pay for my driver's meals?
You are not strictly required to pay for your driver's meals, but it is a courteous gesture that is always appreciated! Drivers will pack their own food or find a quick place to eat while your group is at an attraction or event. However, if your group is stopping for a sit-down lunch or dinner, inviting the driver to join or providing a small stipend for their meal is a great way to say thank you. The only mandatory expense regarding the driver is their lodging for any trip that involves an overnight stay away from Lubbock.
What if my trip itinerary changes after I book?
We understand that plans can change! At Charter Bus Rental Company Lubbock, we try to be as flexible as possible. Minor changes, such as adjusting a pick-up time by 15 minutes or changing a local restaurant stop, can usually be accommodated easily if you let us know in advance. However, significant changes—such as adding an extra day, changing the destination from Amarillo to Austin, or upgrading to a larger bus—will likely alter the price of your rental. Please contact us at 325-307-5576 as soon as you know of any changes so we can update your reservation and adjust your quote accordingly.
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