Charter Bus Rentals Des Moines, Iowa

The cost of a charter bus rental in Des Moines typically ranges from $1,100 to $3,500 or more, depending on the size of the vehicle, length of the trip, and time of year. Smaller vehicles like 18-passenger minibuses start around $1,100–$1,400 per day, while a full-size 56-passenger charter bus runs $1,700–$2,600 per day. For longer or multi-day trips, pricing is often billed by the mile ($4.50–$8.00) or by the hour ($175–$295), plus additional fees for tolls, parking, and driver lodging. Peak months (spring and fall) and special events (Iowa State Fair, Drake Relays) can increase rates by 10–25%. Call 515-904-8790 anytime to get an instant quote.

Here are some recent examples of actual pricing for bus rentals in Des Moines:

• One day minibus rental (20 passengers) for a corporate event downtown: $1,250
• Full-size charter bus (55 passengers) for a Saturday wedding in West Des Moines: $2,100
• Two-day school trip to Omaha Zoo (56-passenger bus): $4,400
• Shuttle service for the Iowa State Fairgrounds (four 28-passenger buses, 8 hours): $6,800
• Three-day sports team charter to Minneapolis (50-passenger bus): $7,200

For exact pricing on your trip, call our 24-hour team at 515-904-8790 or request a quote online. We’ll get you an all-inclusive estimate in minutes.

Several factors influence the cost of a charter bus rental in Des Moines:

• Vehicle size/type: Larger buses (50–56 passengers) cost more than minibuses (18–35 passengers); specialty/luxury models (party buses, sprinter vans) may have premium rates.
• Trip duration: Rentals are billed by the hour, day, or mile; longer trips (multi-day, out-of-state) increase the total cost.
• Distance traveled: Local trips (downtown, WDM, DSM) are less expensive than charters to Chicago, Minneapolis, Omaha, or Kansas City.
• Time of year: Spring and fall (school/sports seasons) are peak months; summer and winter rates may be lower except during major events.
• Day of week: Weekend rentals (Friday–Sunday) are in higher demand and may cost more than weekday trips.
• Pickup location: Starting or ending the trip outside the metro (Ames, Newton, Fort Dodge) adds “deadhead” mileage.
• Special events: Large events (Iowa State Fair, Drake Relays, Cyclone/Hawkeye games) increase demand and pricing.
• Additional fees: Tolls, parking, hotel/meals for driver(s), and optional amenities (Wi-Fi, PA system) are extra.

For an exact quote, call Charter Bus Rental Des Moines at 515-904-8790 with your trip details.

Charter Bus Rental Des Moines is a top choice for charter bus rentals in Des Moines because we offer one of the largest and most diverse fleets in the region, backed by 24/7 customer support and fully customized packages. We’ve helped schools, businesses, event planners and families book reliable transportation to destinations across Polk County and beyond. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide quick quotes, and assist with trip planning from start to finish. We understand local logistics—from downtown pick-up zones to venue parking—and can accommodate special requests such as multi-day rentals, ADA-accessible vehicles, or last-minute changes. With transparent pricing, modern vehicles, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Charter Bus Rental Des Moines makes it easy to rent a bus in Des Moines that fits your group and your budget.

Any group, organization or business needing private transportation can rent a bus with us! We serve schools, universities, sports teams, corporations, wedding parties, church groups, military and government agencies, senior citizens, hospital staff, construction crews, convention attendees, and more. Whether you need a single bus for a day trip or multiple vehicles for a large-scale event, we can help you find the best bus for your group’s size and itinerary.

We offer a wide range of buses for rent in Des Moines, including full-size charter buses, several different models of minibus, party buses, and sprinter vans. Our vehicles can accommodate anywhere from 18 to 56 passengers, making it easy to find the right size bus for your group. We proudly serve Des Moines and the surrounding areas, including West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, and more.

Most modern charter buses offer a variety of amenities designed to keep passengers comfortable and entertained during their journey. Common features include plush reclining seats, individual reading lights, climate control, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets or USB ports at each seat, and flat-screen monitors with DVD players. Many larger buses also come equipped with a PA system for group announcements and a spacious luggage bay beneath the cabin for storing bags and equipment. For longer trips, restroom facilities are typically available at the rear of the bus. Additional amenities may include tray tables, cup holders, and tinted windows for privacy. Some newer models even offer Bluetooth audio systems and HDMI inputs for connecting laptops or gaming consoles to the video screens.

Yes, most full-size charter buses (40–56 passengers) have a restroom located at the rear of the bus. The restroom includes a toilet, hand sanitizer, and sometimes a small sink. Minibuses (18–35 passengers) typically do not have a bathroom due to space limitations. For longer trips, your driver can schedule regular stops at rest areas or gas stations with full restroom facilities. If an onboard restroom is important for your trip, please request a full-size coach when booking.

Yes, most newer charter buses and minibuses are equipped with 110V power outlets and/or USB charging ports. These may be located at each seat, between pairs of seats, or along the walls of the bus. This allows passengers to charge phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices during the trip. If access to power outlets is important for your group, please mention this when booking so we can assign a vehicle with the appropriate amenities. Older models may have fewer outlets, but most of our fleet is modern and well-equipped.

Yes, most of our charter buses and minibuses offer onboard Wi-Fi. This amenity is standard on many newer models and allows passengers to browse the internet, check email, and use apps while traveling. However, because the connection relies on cellular data, speeds may vary depending on the route and coverage area. For example, Wi-Fi will be strong in downtown Des Moines or along I-35 and I-80, but it may be slower in rural areas. If reliable Wi-Fi is essential for your trip, please mention this when booking so we can assign a vehicle with the best available connectivity.

Yes, all of our buses have dedicated luggage space. Full-size charter buses offer large undercarriage bays that can hold suitcases, equipment cases, or coolers, while overhead racks inside the cabin are perfect for smaller bags and backpacks. Minibuses and sprinter vans provide rear cargo areas and overhead storage for personal items. If your group has oversized or additional luggage—such as sports gear or musical instruments—let us know when booking so we can recommend a vehicle with ample storage.

Our fleet includes vehicles that can accommodate anywhere from 18 to 56 passengers. Minibuses typically seat 18, 20, 25, 28, or 35 passengers, while full-size charter buses can carry 40, 50, or 56 passengers. For very large groups, we can arrange multiple buses to run together as a convoy or provide continuous shuttle service between locations. When requesting a quote, please provide an accurate headcount so we can recommend a vehicle that comfortably fits your entire group.

In downtown Des Moines, there are several designated areas where you can park and load a charter bus. Popular locations include the Iowa Events Center (Wells Fargo Arena), the State Capitol Complex, Principal Park, and larger hotel or convention venues. Many of these sites have specific zones for bus loading and unloading. For extended parking, contact the venue ahead of time or check with city parking authorities about available surface lots or designated bus areas. Schools, corporate campuses, and suburban locations like West Des Moines or Ankeny often have large lots that can accommodate a charter bus for pickup and drop-off.

It’s best to book your charter bus rental as early as possible—ideally at least one to three months in advance. Spring and fall are peak seasons due to school trips, sports events, and weddings, so buses can sell out quickly during these times. For major events like the Iowa State Fair or large-scale conferences, consider booking six months ahead. Last-minute rentals are possible if we have availability, but you’ll have more vehicle options and better pricing if you reserve early.

You can get a quote by calling our team at 515-904-8790 or by using the online quote form on our website. Just provide details about your trip, including the date, pickup location, destination, number of passengers, and any special requests. We’ll send you a personalized quote with pricing and vehicle options. If you have questions or need to make changes, our team is available 24/7 to assist you.

Your quote includes the cost of the bus rental, driver’s pay, fuel, and any standard amenities (Wi-Fi, power outlets, PA system). Additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and the driver’s hotel (for overnight trips) are not included and will be billed separately. Gratuity for the driver (typically 10–20%) is appreciated but not included in the base price. Your reservation specialist will explain all charges before you book.

Once you receive a quote and are ready to book, simply contact our team to confirm the reservation. We’ll send you a contract to review and sign electronically. A deposit is required to secure the booking, with the balance due before the date of your trip. Payment can be made by credit card, ACH transfer, or company check. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation with all trip details, and our team will remain available for any questions or changes.

Yes, you can rent a bus for multiple days or even weeks at a time. We frequently handle overnight trips, out-of-town excursions, and multi-day events. The driver will need a minimum number of hours off each day to comply with federal regulations, and you’ll be responsible for providing their lodging on overnight trips. Multi-day rentals are common for school trips, sports tournaments, corporate retreats, and destination weddings.

Yes, we offer long-distance charter bus rentals to and from Des Moines. Whether you’re traveling to Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, or beyond, we can provide a comfortable and reliable bus for your journey. Our team will help plan rest stops, meal breaks, and overnight accommodations as needed. Long-distance trips are priced based on mileage and duration, with the same level of service and amenities as local rentals.