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Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Gary Coach Bus Rental Cost?

If you’re looking to rent a bus in Gary, Indiana, Gary Coach Bus Service makes it easy to get instant online quotes in under 30 seconds! Our prices vary depending on where you’re going, how many people you’re bringing, and what kind of bus you need—but most rentals will cost between $170 and $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day. To get an exact price for your trip, call our team at 219-376-0470 anytime, 24/7, or use our online quote tool to compare pictures, amenities, and prices from different local companies. Below, we’ve listed some estimated rates and explained all the factors that go into your final cost.

Whether you’re planning a field trip to the Indiana Dunes, a wedding shuttle in Merrillville, or a corporate event in downtown Chicago, we’ll help you find the perfect bus at the best price!

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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day for a coach bus rental in Gary. The exact price will depend on several factors, including the size of the bus, the length of your trip, and the time of year you’re traveling. For example, a 56-passenger coach bus will cost more than a 25-passenger minibus, and a multi-day trip to Indianapolis will be more expensive than a local shuttle around Lake County. If you’re traveling during peak season (April-June), prices may be higher due to increased demand from school trips, graduations, and weddings. To get an accurate quote for your specific trip, call our team at 219-376-0470 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask you a few questions about your itinerary and send you a personalized quote in less than a minute!

What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Gary?

The biggest factor in determining your bus rental cost is the size and type of vehicle you choose. We offer everything from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches, and each one comes with different amenities and price points. Larger buses with premium features like WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms will cost more than smaller, more basic models.

Another major factor is the duration of your rental. Most companies charge by the hour for local trips (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), by the day for longer trips, or by the mile for out-of-town charters. The longer you need the bus, the more you’ll pay—but you may get a better rate per hour or per day if you book for multiple days. For example, a single-day trip from Gary to South Bend will be priced differently than a three-day excursion to Cincinnati or Detroit.

The distance you travel also affects your quote. Longer trips require more fuel, more driving hours, and possibly overnight accommodations for your driver. If you’re planning a multi-city tour or a long-distance charter outside of Indiana, expect to pay more than you would for a simple point-to-point transfer within Lake County.

Timing matters too. Demand for charter buses peaks during certain times of year, especially spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when schools are in session and wedding season is in full swing. If you’re booking during these months, or around major holidays like Memorial Day or Thanksgiving, prices may be higher due to limited availability. Conversely, you might find lower rates in the winter months when fewer groups are traveling.

Additional expenses can include tolls, parking fees, and gratuity for your driver (usually 10-20% of the total cost). If your itinerary requires the driver to stay overnight, you’ll need to provide lodging or cover the cost of a hotel room. Some venues in Gary, Hammond, or Chicago may charge extra for bus parking, so be sure to check with your destination in advance.

Finally, the best way to get an accurate price is to provide as much detail as possible when requesting a quote. Let us know your exact headcount, pickup and drop-off locations, schedule, and any special requests. The more information we have, the more precise your quote will be. And remember, the only way to lock in your rate is to sign a contract and put down a deposit—prices are subject to change until you do!

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Gary, IN and around Indiana. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

Field Trip to the Indiana Dunes National Park

18 passenger minibus rental

A local middle school is planning a field trip to the Indiana Dunes National Park for 75 students and 8 chaperones. They will need two 40-passenger buses to transport everyone from the school to the park and back. The total distance for the round trip is 60 miles, and the group will spend 6 hours at the park. The estimated cost for this trip is $2,400, which includes the bus rental, driver’s time, and fuel. The school will also need to budget for park entrance fees and a tip for each driver.

Wedding Shuttle Service in Crown Point

56 passenger charter bus

A bride and groom are getting married at a church in downtown Crown Point and hosting their reception at a banquet hall 10 miles away. They want to provide continuous shuttle service for their 120 guests between the two venues for 8 hours. The best option is to use two 25-passenger minibuses running back and forth all evening. The estimated cost for this service is $2,000, which covers the buses, drivers, and unlimited trips between locations. This ensures that all guests have a safe and convenient way to enjoy the celebration without worrying about parking or driving.

Corporate Event Transportation to Downtown Chicago

18 passenger minibus rental

A Gary-based company is hosting a corporate event in downtown Chicago and needs to transport 40 employees to and from the venue. They will depart Gary at 3:00 PM, arrive in Chicago by 4:30 PM, and return after the event ends at 10:00 PM. The total distance is 60 miles each way, and the bus will remain on standby in Chicago during the event. The estimated cost for this charter is $1,800, which includes the bus rental, driver’s waiting time, tolls, and parking fees in the city. This option provides door-to-door service and eliminates the hassle of coordinating carpools or reimbursing mileage.

Sports Team Travel to Indianapolis

18 passenger minibus rental

A high school basketball team needs transportation for an away game against a rival school in Indianapolis. The roster includes 15 players, 3 coaches, and 2 managers, so a 20-passenger minibus is sufficient. The team will depart Gary at noon, play the game at 6:00 PM, and return home by midnight. The round-trip distance is 320 miles, and the bus will wait at the gym during the game. The estimated cost for this charter is $1,500, which covers the bus, driver’s time, fuel, and a meal allowance for the driver. This arrangement allows the team to travel together, review game plans en route, and avoid the fatigue of driving after a late game.

Multi-day Church Retreat in Nashville, Tennessee

18 passenger minibus rental

A church group is organizing a three-day retreat in Nashville, Tennessee, and needs transportation for 35 members. They will leave Gary on Friday morning, arrive in Nashville by evening, and return Sunday afternoon. While in Nashville, the bus will take the group to various sites and activities. The total mileage for the trip is 900 miles, and the bus will be needed for approximately 50 hours over three days. The estimated cost for this charter is $5,500, which includes the bus rental, driver’s daily rate, fuel, and two nights’ hotel accommodation for the driver. This package provides reliable transportation for the entire weekend and allows the group to focus on fellowship and worship.

Airport Transfer to O’hare International Airport

18 passenger minibus rental

A family of 10 is flying out of O’Hare International Airport and wants a private shuttle to take them and their luggage from Gary to the terminal. Their flight departs at 9:00 AM, so they need to be picked up at 5:30 AM to allow for traffic and security screening. The one-way distance is 55 miles, and the minibus will drop them off curbside at the departure level. The estimated cost for this airport transfer is $350, which includes the vehicle, driver, tolls, and airport access fee. This option is more comfortable and convenient than taking multiple cars or relying on public transit, especially with bulky suitcases and early-morning departure.