Are you considering a Washington D.C. charter bus rental for your next group event or trip, but you’re unsure where to start? You’re in the right place! We at DC Charter Bus Company want to make the experience of renting a charter bus as simple and stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve outlined everything you need to know—from what a charter bus is to what you need to book one—so you can hit the road with peace of mind.

Below is an outline of how to access our group transportation services, but check out our frequently asked questions or call 202-903-0059 if you anything isn’t clear. Whether you’re nailing down accurate D.C. bus rental pricing information or need to make a last-minute change to your bus reservation, our team is available 24/7 to help you book the ideal bus rental in Washington D.C. and the surrounding area!

A line of charter bus rentals parked along a tree-lined curb

Washington D.C. Bus Sizes and Types

Also called a motorcoach or coach bus, a charter bus rental is a large-scale vehicle you can rent by mile, hour, or day. Minibuses—sometimes known as minicoaches—are private rental vehicles smaller than a charter bus but larger than a sprinter van rental. Both types of vehicles are available in our Washington D.C. bus rental network, and both have their merits depending on where you want to go and how many passengers need a ride.

Not sure what kind of bus you need to rent in D.C.? Here are some defining factors of both charter bus and minibus rentals, to help you pick the right vehicle for the job!

Bus Rental Capacities

Charter buses are primarily used for large crowds, as most can comfortably seat 55 or 56 passengers. Minibuses range in passenger capacities, with some offering 15 seats, some offering 35 seats, and many others still offering a range of accommodations in between.

Bus Rental Sizing

Minibus rentals come in a wide range of sizes, depending on the seating capacity and in-cabin features. A 56-passenger charter bus in Washington D.C. also varies in length, but you can expect your full-sized motorcoach to be around 40 to 45 feet long

Washington D.C. Charter Bus Storage

As always, the exact storage situation changes depending on the bus you book. Most full-sized charter bus rentals in Washington D.C. offer overhead parcel racks throughout the cabin and an undercarriage luggage bay that can fit one suitcase or duffel bag per passenger. Minibus rentals generally have less storage space, but our reservation team can pair your group with overhead racks that can accommodate your carry-ons, backpacks, purses, and small suitcases as needed.

ADA-Compliant Charter Bus Rentals in Washington D.C.

If you’re traveling with passengers with mobility aids, be sure to inquire about ADA-compliant charter buses in Washington D.C. At no additional cost, our team can pair your group with a motorcoach that has an entry lift, wider aisleways with extra handrails, and designated spots for wheelchair users to lock in while the bus is moving.

Amenities Aboard your Bus Rental

Besides the basic features—plush seats, big windows, etc.—your Washington D.C. charter bus or minibus can also include a wide range of features to keep passengers comfortable and entertained. You can even ask your reservation representative to find you a bus that offers:

  • In-cabin WiFi connectivity
  • Individual power outlets and USB ports
  • Reclining seats with footrests
  • Multiple TV screens with a DVD player
  • A compact restroom with a small sink

A woman with headphones types on a laptop aboard a charter bus

What to Expect While Aboard Your Charter Bus Rental

Travel Mileage and Distance

How far can your bus go? It depends on your destination! DC Charter Bus Company can accommodate all lengths of group trips—whether you need a quick bus rental to Arlington, a weekend Roanoke charter bus, or a long-distance motorcoach across the East Coast.

How many miles your charter bus can go in one tank will depend on the make, model, and age of your specific vehicle. But you can expect to stop every few hours or so to fuel up and stretch your legs.

Types of Group Transportation Services

Much like your bus rental options and mileage, what kind of group trip you can book with a charter bus is flexible. Our more popular transportation services include corporate shuttle services for business trips and conferences, wedding bus rentals for ceremony-to-reception transfers, school field trip charter bus rentals into Washington D.C. museums, and sporting event shuttle bus rentals for both teams and fan groups.

That being said, we can accommodate nearly any type of group trip you can think of! From regularly scheduled sightseeing tour bus rentals to family reunions and other private group events, we’re happy to work with you to ensure your group has smooth transportation logistics from beginning to end.

Eating and Drinking on a Bus Rental

Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are not only welcome but encouraged! Just be mindful of making a mess—your group can incur a $250 cleaning fee if there are any spills or trash left behind.

When it comes to bringing alcohol aboard your charter bus, please let your reservation specialist know if you want to drink while on the road. Some providers allow passengers to bring alcohol and others do not, though we will be happy to help you find a ride that lets the good times roll between destinations upon request.

Restroom Breaks

Yes, you can rent a charter bus that includes a clean, in-cabin bathroom—but it’s recommended you save your bus’s restroom for emergencies only. If you’re worried about having to go while on the road, just talk with your reservation specialist and driver to ensure there are enough pit stops built into your itinerary for a comfortable trip.

Personalized Bus Rental Pricing and Booking Your Bus

The Final Cost of Your Charter Bus

The overall price of your minibus or charter bus rental will depend on a variety of factors specific to your trip details. How many buses you book, when you make your reservation, when your trip will take place, particular amenity requests—all these factors will affect how much it’ll cost to rent your bus for a day, so the best way to receive an accurate estimate is to call 202-903-0059. Our reservation team is available 24/7 to take down your information and provide a no-obligation, free quote within minutes.

For a more detailed breakdown of bus rental costs and some pricing examples, check out our pricing guide!

Driver Tips and Gratuity

As with any service industry, tipping your bus driver is not mandatory but is highly encouraged if you’re happy with your trip. A customary tip for a charter bus driver totals about 10% of your trip’s total cost, and most groups prefer pooling together a cash tip from the passengers as they approach the final destination.

How to Book your Washington D.C. Charter Bus

DC Charter Bus Company makes it easy to reserve your charter bus or minibus rental! Even if you’re new to renting a charter bus, our team can help you every step of the way.

Here are the four steps you need to take to secure your bus:

  • Finalize your itinerary. — It’s okay if you have to make changes later, but you’ll want an accurate list of travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations, and a passenger count.
  • Call 202-903-0059. — Our reservation team will be happy to chat about your transportation needs and pair you with a charter bus or minibus rental that ticks every box.
  • Receive a bus rental quote. — Once we determine the best bus rental for your Washington D.C. trip, we can provide a personalized estimate for your reservation within minutes.
  • Book! — Like what you hear? Tell your representative, and you can rent your bus right then and there, so you can get back to dreaming about your group’s next excursion in Washington D.C. and beyond!