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Columbus Charter Bus Rental

full-size coach bus

Ready for your next Columbus charter bus rental?

With a focus on safety and seamless planning, we handle the logistics, so your trip runs smoothly. Whether it’s taking 150 high school students from the Columbus Downtown High School on a field trip, or transporting corporate employees of Connolly Companies for their Christmas Party, or transporting 100 wedding guests to multiple destinations around Columbus for different ceremonies over two days, we offer transportation solutions to meet your needs with flexibility, care, and unbeatable value. Call us now for your Columbus bus charter needs at 614-412-2190!

We offer private charter bus rental and shuttle service options and itineraries that are customized to your needs for bus types, amenities, convenient parking, and flexible schedules, relieving you of the burden and worry of planning. From corporate charters, employee shuttles, party buses, to wedding transportation, Metropolitan Shuttle Columbus charter bus rentals serve groups of all sizes covering the entire metro area. Our agents are standing by 24/7 to assist you with a custom itinerary, to create the perfect Columbus charter bus rental, and to explore Columbus together! Call us now to book your next Columbus bus rental at (614) 412-2190!

How much does a Columbus charter bus cost?

This is an important question!. Charter bus pricing can vary significantly depending on when you travel, the size of your group, the type of bus, and special needs you have. Our extensive network of charter bus operators offers competitive rates for every group and destination. Your exact Columbus charter bus rental quote will be customized to your needs and variables, such as:

  • How big is your group? The group size determines the size of the bus. Smaller groups with less than 35 passengers will need a minibus that costs $1,400 to $1,900 per day in Columbus. Larger groups will need a full size charter bus which can cost between $1,600 to $2,650
  • For how long do you need the bus? The length of your trip is a key factor in determining the cost of your charter bus rental. Hourly, daily, or longer-term rentals will have different cost structures. Most charter buses have a minimum requirement for a five hour rental and overnight rentals will incur additional fees for driver accommodation. 
  • How far will you go? In addition to how long the bus is rented, distance travelled may also impact the cost of the rental. A per mile charge may apply for longer trips. Trips out of Columbus will incur mileage charges in addition to hourly fees. 
  • What type of bus do you need? The cost of your charter rental will also depend on the type of bus you rent. School buses are often a low-cost option for groups. A specialty bus like a party bus or a limo bus is more expensive. Costs also vary depending on amenities such as restrooms, entertainment systems, and specialty features like a wet bar in the bus. 
  • Are there peak times or high seasons? Yes, high demand on holidays, weekends, and peak seasons frequently drives up costs. Events such as the Columbus Arts Festival, ComFest, Buckeyes games, etc., will drive up prices due to high demand. 

Are there any other extra fees or charges? Yes, there could be additional charges based on your needs. Parking, tolls, driver’s lodging (for overnight excursions), and tip are all additional fees based on usage. City restrictions like no bus parking zones, accessibility, and traffic may also add to costs.

The rates below give you a guideline for estimating costs for your perfect trip. 

Type of BusPer HourPer DayPer Mile
Charter bus$165-$285$1,600-$2,650$4.00-$6.00
Minibus$150-$220$1,400- $1,900$3.00-$5.00
12-14 Passenger Van$125-$160$1,100-$1,700$1.50- $3.00
School Bus$120-$145$950-$1,450$2.50- $3.50

Columbus Charter Bus Rentals – Safe, Professional, and Reliable

With a Columbus charter bus rental, you’ll enjoy efficient transportation with premium amenities that keep your group together, comfortable, and on schedule. No need to worry about parking, traffic, or coordinating multiple vehicles—just sit back, relax, and explore the many attractions of Columbus, like the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Center for Science and Industry (COSI), or catch a game at the Ohio Stadium. Whether you’re a tourist to the city, a group in town for a celebration, a corporate retreat, or a planner arranging a group event, you can rely on us for a seamless and memorable trip to Columbus. Our extensive network of trusted operators makes us the go-to choice for any Columbus charter bus or shuttle bus rental. For more than two decades, Metropolitan Shuttle has earned the trust of corporations, families, party groups, universities, and businesses across Columbus and Ohio for charter bus rentals. Our clients rely on us for our history of performance – on-time arrivals, transparent billing, and responsive support when plans inevitably shift. Every trip is backed by real people, not automated systems, who monitor and adapt in real time. Call (614) 412-2190 or request a quote online today. 

Safety That Exceeds the Standard: Safety is the foundation of everything we do, and our safety oversight protocols ensure we exceed compliance standards on every trip, from local transfers to multi-day itineraries. Our network of operators conducts regular inspections and maintains all safety features and comfort amenities to exceed state and FMCSA safety standards, providing you with peace of mind. Every Columbus rental bus operator that we work with carries at least $5 million in liability coverage, and Metropolitan Shuttle adds another $6 million in umbrella protection.  Call (614) 412-2190 today or request a quote online! Experience why we’re the trusted choice for Columbus bus charter and shuttle rentals. See why organizations across the city trust Metropolitan Shuttle for Columbus charter bus rentals – professional service, proven safety, and travel done right. 

What types of buses can I charter in Columbus?

Mini Bus

18-30 PASSENGERS

For mid-size groups without the need for extra capacity of a full-size motor coach.

coach bus

Coach Bus

35-56 PASSENGERS

For large groups seeking a comfortable ride with reclining seats and quality amenities.

Specialty Buses

18-56 PASSENGERS

For exclusive events that call for style, plush interiors, comfort, and premium amenities.

Enjoy our premium Columbus bus rental features

Free wifi and
HD TV

Stay connected with free WiFi or stream your favorite shows and movies on HD TV on your Columbus charter bus rental.

Reclining seats with power outlets

Stretch out and get comfortable in recliner seats while you keep all your devices charged as you cruise down Lake Shore Drive in your own private Columbus bus rental.

Onboard restrooms

There’s a lot to see in Columbus. Don’t waste your time stopping to use the restroom. Fully functional and clean restrooms are readily available onboard.

Luggage storage

Packing heavy for Columbus is never a problem. Spacious luggage storage keeps your bags out of the way while you enjoy your charter bus rental in Columbus.

Plan your trip using our interactive map

Nearby Suggestions

Discover These Popular Local Attractions on Your Charter Bus Columbus Excursion

Columbus is the capital of Ohio and home to Ohio State University, as well as 860,000 people. The city’s economy runs on research, banking, defense, aviation, and more: five Fortune 500 companies make their headquarters there, and Columbus has been called one of the best cities in the Midwest by magazines like BusinessWeek and Money.

If you’re in town for an event, there’s no better company to help you rent a charter bus in Columbus, Ohio than Metropolitan Shuttle. What makes Columbus special? Districts like Short North, where art galleries and restaurants abound and events like the monthly Gallery Hop bring an injection of culture to the city. The German Village lends an historic flavor to the city with cobblestone streets and diverse architecture. But there are plenty of modern amenities as well, from shopping at the Easton Town Center to sports at the Nationwide Arena or concerts at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion.

Here are just a few of the things you can see and do from the vantage point of a charter bus in Columbus.

Easton Town Center

The Easton Town Center is a shopping complex intended to be reminiscent of a mid-20th-century town. Its homey charm attracts 25 million visitors a year to its over 240 retail shops, including a Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Apple Store, Trader Joe’s, American Eagle, Macy’s, as well as the 30-screen AMC Dine-in Movie Theatre. The Easton Town Center is divided into several areas. The south district is devoted to concerts and events, while the dining district includes everything from a Cheesecake Factory to Panera Bread.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Home to over four hundred plant species, the Franklin Park Conservatory appears on the National Register of Historic Places. The ninety-acre facility recently became the first of its kind to feature a seasonal butterfly exhibition, showing off tropical butterflies in its Pacific Island Water Garden since 1994. The gardens also include classrooms, a library, a gift shop, and a cafe where visitors can relax and take in the natural splendor. The Franklin Park Conservatory is the perfect destination for a bus rental in Columbus.

Ohio Theatre

Book a Columbus charter bus for a day at the theater! The “Official State Theatre of the State of Ohio” and a national historic landmark, the Ohio Theatre of Columbus stands on the site of the old Columbus City Hall. It first opened as a Spanish Baroque movie palace in 1928, and ran films until its closing in 1969. Thanks to the efforts of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), the theater was restored through the 1970s and remains open to this day for theatrical performances, orchestra shows, and large musicals.

Ohio Stadium

Are you ready for some football? Gather your friends onto a party bus rental in Columbus, Ohio and head for the stadium. Known as “the Horseshoe,” the Ohio Stadium is home to the Ohio Buckeyes football team, but also plays host to the OSU University Marching Band, as well as a past venue for such bands as Metallica, Pink Floyd, and the Rolling Stones. Built in 1922, the stadium had an initial capacity of 66,000 people, which has since grown to over 104,000 — making it the third largest football stadium in the U.S. In 2014, the stadium installed permanent lights, making regular night games possible for the first time.

Center for Science and Industry (COSI)

The Center for Science and Industry opened in 1964 as a science museum with over 300 interactive exhibits. COSI is noted for having one of the most extensive outreach programs in the U.S., including a COSI on Wheels program and distance learning and video conferencing programs. Its many exhibits include an ocean exhibit with an “underwater cave,” a space exhibit including a replica of John Glenn’s Friendship 7 capsule, and many hands-on experiments for students to explore science and industry.

When you choose Metropolitan Shuttle, you gain access to an extensive selection of charter buses, all coordinated through one point of contact. Here’s how simple it is to arrange a Columbus charter bus with us. Our customer representatives will help you through the process every step of the way.

  1. Gather your trip information:
    Get a headcount and your itinerary including how long you need the bus for, where will you go, will you stop on the way, and any special needs or amenities such as restrooms on the bus, wifi, or on board entertainment systems. 
  2. Request a Quote:
    Fill out our online form or call us at (614) 412-2190 to get started. We’ll provide a detailed quote (often the same day!) and answer any questions about pricing or payment terms you may have.
  3. Select Your Vehicle:
    Choose the option that best fits your group’s size and needs. From spacious charter buses and fun party shuttles to cozy minibuses, we’ll find the perfect vehicle for every occasion.
  4. Finalize your rental and pay the deposit:
    We’ll walk you through every detail of the rental agreement so you know exactly what to expect. Once you’re ready, sign the contract to secure your reservation.
    Select from a variety of secure, flexible payment options to finalize your booking.

With everything taken care of, all that’s left is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! Contact us today and discover why so many organizations trust Metropolitan Shuttle to coordinate their Columbus charter bus requirements. Our reservation specialists are standing by to answer any questions about your upcoming trip.

FAQs

General Questions

How can a charter bus rental accommodate different group sizes?

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Our charter bus services offer a range of vehicles, from smaller minibuses suitable for 18 passengers to larger buses that can comfortably seat up to 56 passengers, ensuring that groups of any size can be accommodated.

Are there accessible options for individuals with mobility concerns?

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Yes, Metropolitan Shuttle offers ADA-accessible buses, catering to travelers with mobility needs to ensure everyone can travel comfortably and safely.

What level of professionalism can be expected from your charter bus services?

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Metropolitan Shuttle works with the most experienced local operators and professionals, ensuring that you have a skilled driver to manage your group’s travel needs.

Which cities or regions are you able to serve?

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All of the major cities and many smaller cities in the United States are served by our nationwide charter bus services.

How can I determine what kind of bus I require?

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Our experts assist you in choosing the best bus rental for your needs based on your schedule, group size, and preferred amenities.

What kinds of charter buses are available?

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Metropolitan Shuttle offers motor coaches, minibuses, party buses, executive coaches, limo buses, school buses, shuttle buses, and luxury buses are just a few of the many vehicles we provide.

How many video monitors do the buses have?

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Deluxe charter buses will typically have four to six video monitors. Minibuses will have 1-3.

Can I charter a minibus for an overnight trip?

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Minibuses are not designed for long-distance travel. They are much lower to the ground and therefore far less comfortable for passengers travelling on the highway. Few, if any, operators will allow their minibuses to travel much more than 100 miles out of a given city.

Who arranges and pays for the driver’s hotel room?

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Typically, the client will be responsible for booking the driver’s room on overnight trips. Often, if you ask, hotels will add a complimentary room for the driver when you book rooms for a large group.

If I don’t need the bus for the whole day, will I still need to pay for it for the entire day?

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Most charter services have four- or five-hour minimums on bus rentals. Therefore, if your event is from 9am to 5pm and you’re renting a bus for transportation both to and from, it could cost the same amount to keep the vehicle for the day as it would to have it leave and come back for the return trip. However, there are occasions when we can offer special one-way transfer rates to accommodate those types of circumstances.

Ready to book your Columbus trip? Get a free quote today

Do you have questions about chartering a bus in Columbus? Ready to get a free quote on your next trip? 

Get in touch with our helpful Columbus charter bus rental professionals.