Scranton Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Bus Rental Cost in Scranton

Estimated Charter Bus Rental Rates in Scranton

The cost of renting a charter bus in Scranton varies based on the specific needs of your trip. There is no single flat rate for every bus; instead, pricing is calculated based on the duration of the rental, the mileage, and the type of vehicle selected. However, having a baseline can help you build your preliminary budget.

For local trips within Scranton, Dunmore, and Wilkes-Barre that are billed hourly, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300+ per hour, usually with a 5-hour minimum. For full-day rentals or long-distance trips—such as taking a group from Scranton to New York City or Philadelphia—prices range from $1,800 to $3,200+ per day.

Minibuses (accommodating 18–35 passengers) are more affordable, often ranging from $140 to $275+ per hour. These are perfect for smaller groups attending events at PNC Field or traversing the tighter streets of downtown Scranton.

Full-size Charter Buses (accommodating 56 passengers) sit at the higher end of the spectrum due to their size and amenities, such as onboard restrooms and large luggage bays. These are ideal for long-haul trips or large groups, like University of Scranton athletic teams or large wedding parties.

Please note: These are estimated ranges. For an exact figure tailored to your specific itinerary, call Charter Bus Scranton at 585-685-2181 for a free, no-obligation quote.

Factor 1: Trip Duration and Distance

How far you go and how long you stay are the two biggest driving forces behind your quote. When you call Charter Bus Scranton, our reservation specialists will look at your itinerary to determine if your trip should be priced by the hour, by the day, or by the mile.

• Hourly Rates: If you are staying local—perhaps shuttling guests between a ceremony at St. Peter’s Cathedral and a reception at the Scranton Cultural Center—you will likely be billed by the hour. We require a minimum rental time (typically 5 hours) to ensure the driver is fairly compensated for their prep and travel time.
• Daily/Mileage Rates: For trips taking you out of Lackawanna County, such as a multi-day tour of the Finger Lakes or a casino trip to Wind Creek Bethlehem, pricing switches to a daily rate or mileage rate. The Department of Transportation limits drivers to 10 hours of drive time per day. If your itinerary requires more driving than that, you will need a second driver, which will increase the cost.

Deadhead Miles: Your quote also accounts for "deadhead"—the distance the bus travels without passengers to get to your pickup location. Since Charter Bus Scranton has a vast fleet within Pennsylvania, we minimize this cost by dispatching buses local to the 570 area code whenever possible.

Factor 2: The Time of Year and Seasonality

Supply and demand play a massive role in the cost of your charter bus. In Scranton, certain times of the year are significantly busier than others, driving up the price of rentals due to limited availability.

• Peak Season (April – June): This is the busiest time for the charter bus industry statewide and in Northeast PA. Between end-of-year school field trips for the Scranton School District, proms, graduations at Marywood University and the University of Scranton, and the start of wedding season, buses are in high demand. Expect prices to be at their highest during these months.
• The St. Patrick’s Day Surge: Scranton is famous for hosting the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country relative to the population. If you are trying to book a bus in March, specifically around Parade Day weekend, you must book months in advance, and you should expect premium pricing due to the massive influx of visitors.
• Fall Foliage and Sports (September – October): Fall is another busy season with foliage tours in the Poconos and football season transport.
• Off-Peak (January – February): Winter is generally the most affordable time to rent a bus in Scranton, though ski trips to Montage Mountain or Elk Mountain can keep weekends busy. If you are flexible with your dates, traveling during these months can save you money.

Factor 3: Vehicle Type and Amenities

The type of bus you choose directly impacts your bottom line. Charter Bus Scranton offers a diverse fleet, allowing you to pay only for the space you need.

If you have a group of 20 people heading to a RailRiders game at PNC Field, booking a 56-passenger motorcoach might be overkill and more expensive than necessary. In this case, a 25-passenger minibus would be the cost-effective choice. However, if you are a group of 45 traveling to Washington D.C. with luggage, the full-size coach is necessary.

Standard vs. Luxury: Most of our buses come standard with WiFi, reclining seats, and climate control. However, if you require specific luxury amenities—such as leather seating, satellite TV, or specific branding for corporate events—pricing may reflect those upgrades. School buses are also available for the most budget-conscious groups traveling short distances, though they lack the comfort of air conditioning and reclining seats found in our charter fleet.

Real-World Scranton Trip Pricing Examples

To help you visualize the costs, here are a few examples of common trips we book in the Scranton area. Note: These are estimates only and vary by date and availability.

Example 1: The Wedding Shuttle

A couple is getting married at the beautiful Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic. They want to ensure their guests get back to their hotel in downtown Scranton safely. They rent two 25-passenger minibuses for 8 hours to shuttle guests before the ceremony and loop them back after the reception.

• Vehicle: 2 Minibuses
• Duration: 8 Hours
• Estimated Cost: $2,600 – $3,100 total (approx. $1,300 - $1,550 per bus).

Example 2: The School Field Trip

A local high school history club is planning a day trip to Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. They need a 56-passenger charter bus to accommodate 45 students and 5 chaperones. The trip is 12 hours long.

• Vehicle: 56-Passenger Charter Bus
• Duration: 12 Hours (Day Rate)
• Estimated Cost: $1,900 – $2,400.

Example 3: The Corporate Airport Transfer

A business in Scranton needs to transport a team of 14 executives to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) for an international conference. They require a sprinter van or small minibus for a one-way transfer.

• Vehicle: 18-Passenger Minibus
• Duration: One-way Transfer (approx. 2.5 hours + deadhead return)
• Estimated Cost: $750 – $950.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Scranton Bus Rental

If you are working with a tight budget, there are several strategies you can use to lower the cost of your charter bus rental with Charter Bus Scranton.

1. Book Early: We recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance. The closer you get to your date, the fewer buses are available, and the higher the prices climb. For events like the Parade Day in March, booking 6 to 9 months out is advisable.
2. Finalize Your Headcount: Don't pay for empty seats. If you only have 20 people, don't book a 56-passenger coach "just in case." A minibus is significantly cheaper and easier to maneuver.
3. Be Flexible: If your schedule allows, try to avoid peak times. Booking a trip in February or July is often cheaper than May or September. Additionally, if your event can start earlier or later to avoid rush hour traffic on I-81 or the North Scranton Expressway, you might save on hourly overages caused by traffic delays.
4. Detailed Itinerary: Provide our reservation specialists with a detailed itinerary upfront. This allows us to calculate the most efficient route and give you the most accurate price, avoiding potential overtime charges later.

Get Your Instant Scranton Charter Bus Quote Today!

Ready to hit the road? Charter Bus Scranton is here to make your group travel effortless. Whether you are heading to the Electric City Trolley Museum, organizing a ski trip, or planning a corporate event, we have the fleet and the experience to get you there.

Our process is simple. Call our 24/7 reservation team at 585-685-2181 with your itinerary, and we will provide you with a free, personalized quote in minutes. You can also use our online quote tool to see vehicles and pricing in under 30 seconds. We look forward to earning your business and helping you explore Scranton, Pennsylvania!