Ankeny Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Ankeny Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Ankeny typically range from $170 to $500 per hour, or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on the vehicle you choose and the details of your trip. Your price will depend on factors such as the type of bus, number of passengers, distance traveled, and length of time you need the bus. To get an instant quote tailored to your specific trip, use our online booking tool or call our team at 515-313-0295. We have been helping people book transportation in Iowa since 2011 so we can help you plan any kind of trip! Below, you’ll find estimated rates for different types of buses and a breakdown of the main factors that affect pricing.
| 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 Bus Rental Cost?
Bus rentals in Ankeny are generally priced by the hour, day, or mile. Here are some average rates to give you an idea of what to expect:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
Keep in mind that these are just averages—your actual price may vary based on your itinerary and travel dates. The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact our team with your trip details.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Ankeny?
There are several key factors that influence the cost of renting a charter bus in Ankeny. Understanding these can help you plan your trip and budget more effectively:
- Type of Bus: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses are more expensive than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans. Specialty vehicles like party buses may also cost more due to their unique features.
- Passenger Count: The size of your group determines the size of the bus you need, which affects the price. Make sure to choose a bus that fits your group comfortably without paying for unnecessary extra seats.
- Distance Traveled: Longer trips that cover more miles will generally cost more. Local trips within Ankeny may be charged by the hour, while longer journeys to places like Des Moines or Ames might be priced by the mile or day.
- Duration of Trip: The length of time you need the bus also impacts the price. Short trips may have a minimum hourly requirement, while multi-day trips will be charged by the day.
- Time of Year: Prices can fluctuate based on demand. Peak seasons like spring (for school field trips) and fall (for sports events) may see higher rates, while off-peak times could be more affordable.
- Additional Amenities: Buses with premium amenities such as WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, or extra luggage space may cost more than basic models.
- Tolls and Parking Fees: Any tolls or parking fees incurred during the trip are usually passed on to the customer. Make sure to factor these into your budget if your route includes toll roads or paid parking areas.
- Gratuity: While not always required, it’s customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost for good service.
By considering these factors and planning ahead, you can find the right bus at the right price for your next event or trip in Ankeny.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Ankeny, IA and around Iowa State. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Exploring the Outdoors
Mrs. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 22 students from Prairie Trail Elementary School. They plan to leave Ankeny at 9:00 AM, visit the Jester Park Nature Center for educational exhibits, have lunch by Saylorville Lake, and return by 3:30 PM. She received a quote of $1,700 for a 25-passenger minibus, which averages out to about $74 per person including chaperones. This option provides enough space for students, teachers, and lunch coolers, making it an affordable choice for local school outings.
Wedding Shuttle to Downtown Des Moines
Emily and Jake are getting married at the District Venue in Prairie Trail but want to provide guests with a safe ride to and from hotels in downtown Des Moines. They’re expecting 80 guests and need continuous shuttle service for six hours on a Saturday evening. Their quote for two 40-passenger minibuses came to $3,600, including travel time, wait time between trips, and late-night return. The couple appreciated that their guests didn’t have to worry about parking or driving after the reception, and the cost fit well within their wedding transportation budget.
Corporate Retreat to Lake Okoboji
An Ankeny-based tech company is hosting a three-day team-building retreat at Lake Okoboji. They have 35 employees and want everyone to travel together from their office in the Prairie Trail district. The round-trip journey covers about 350 miles each way, plus local shuttles between the resort and off-site activities. The company booked a 40-passenger charter bus with WiFi and power outlets for $6,200 total, which includes three days of service, mileage, and overnight accommodations for the driver. Splitting the cost among departments made it an economical and efficient solution for long-distance corporate travel.
Bachelorette Party in West Des Moines
Sara is planning a bachelorette party for her best friend with dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, bar hopping at West Glen Town Center, and a late-night stop at Smash Park. She booked a 20-passenger party bus for five hours at $1,900, which included LED lighting, Bluetooth sound system, and ice buckets for drinks. With 15 guests, the cost came to about $127 per person. The group loved having a private ride for the night and not worrying about rideshares or designated drivers.
Senior Group Casino Day Trip
The Ankeny Senior Community Center is organizing a day trip to Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel in Tama. They have 32 participants and need accessible transportation with a lift and space for walkers. Their quote for a 35-passenger ADA-compliant charter bus was $2,400 for a 10-hour day, including restroom onboard and undercarriage storage for mobility aids. The seniors enjoyed the comfort and convenience, and the center was able to cover most of the cost through fundraising and participant contributions.
High School Sports Team Championship Game
Ankeny High School’s girls’ soccer team qualified for the state championship in Cedar Rapids. The athletic director arranged transportation for 24 players, coaches, and equipment. They booked a 25-passenger minibus for a two-day trip at $3,200, which covered travel to the game, hotel transfer, and return after the final. The team appreciated having a dedicated ride, and the school booster club helped offset expenses. This option provided reliable and flexible transport for student-athletes competing out of town.