Dubuque Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $173 – $493+ | $1,783 – $3,783 | $6.12 – $10.07 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $175 – $485+ | $1,691 – $3,556 | $6.09 – $10.04 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $146 – $446+ | $1,590 – $3,445 | $4.11 – $10.06 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $147 – $437+ | $1,603 – $3,358 | $4.07 – $9.02 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $141 – $421+ | $1,518 – $3,253 | $4.09 – $8.04 |
| Entertainer Coach | $295 – $530+ | $2,980 – $4,980+ | $6.07 – $10.02 |
| Yellow School Bus | $130 – $435+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.08 – $10.03 |
| Shuttle Bus | $142 – $437+ | $1,511 – $3,646 | $6.10 – $10.05 |
Dubuque Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $172 – $442+ | $204 – $474+ | $984 – $2,884+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $218 – $518+ | $213 – $493+ | $1,200 – $3,500+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $268 – $518+ | $242 – $522+ | $1,491 – $3,891+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $142 – $382+ | $181 – $451+ | $1,011 – $3,911+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 563-341-5030 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Dubuque?
Charter bus rental prices in Dubuque typically range from $1,400 to $4,000+ for most trips, with hourly rates between $185 and $375 depending on the vehicle size and type. Minibuses (15-35 passengers) are $1,400-$2,500 per day, while full-size charter buses (up to 56 passengers) run $2,000-$4,000+ per day. Longer or multi-day trips are billed by mileage at $5.50-$8.00 per mile. Local one-day rentals are usually charged by the hour, while longer out-of-town trips are billed by the mile. Call our team anytime at 563-341-5030 to get an instant quote on your next bus rental in Dubuque!
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Dubuque?
Party bus rental prices in Dubuque typically range from $1,100 to $3,900+ depending on the size of the vehicle, length of the rental, and distance traveled. Smaller party buses that seat 10-20 passengers start around $1,100-$1,800 for a 4-5 hour rental. Larger party buses that accommodate 25-40 passengers can cost $2,000-$3,900 or more for longer rentals or full-day packages. Most companies charge by the hour for local rentals (with a 4-5 hour minimum) and may switch to flat daily or mileage-based rates for longer trips. Additional fees for fuel, tolls, parking, and driver gratuity (typically 10-20%) may apply. Get an instant quote for your Dubuque party bus rental by calling Charter Bus Company Dubuque at 563-341-5030!
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Call Now: 563-341-5030What Factors Affect the Price of Your Dubuque Bus Rental?
Several key factors influence the final price of a Dubuque bus rental: trip distance and duration, time of year, pickup/drop-off location, vehicle type/size, and additional expenses like tolls or parking. Longer trips covering more miles naturally cost more, as do multi-day itineraries requiring overnight stays. Peak travel seasons—spring and fall—see higher demand and rates due to school events, weddings, and sports. Pickups outside major cities incur extra “deadhead” fees. Larger, newer, or specialty vehicles (like party buses) command higher rates. Finally, tolls, parking, and optional amenities add to the total. Booking early secures better availability and pricing. Below, we break down each factor in detail so you can see exactly what goes into your quote.
How Trip Distance and Duration Affect Bus Rental Pricing
The length of your trip is one of the biggest factors in your total cost. Local trips within Dubuque County—like shuttles between downtown Dubuque and hotel districts near the Mississippi Riverwalk—are typically billed by the hour with a 4- or 5-hour minimum. For example, a 6-hour rental might cover a wedding at Hotel Julien Dubuque with photos at Eagle Point Park. Longer trips—such as a multi-day excursion to Chicago via I-90/I-94 or a Cedar Rapids loop on US-151—are charged by the mile or by the day. If your group needs the bus for several days (e.g., a Loras College athletic trip), you’ll pay a daily rate plus mileage. Any downtime when the bus waits for your group (layovers, event breaks) is included in the total duration and affects the price. Be sure to provide your full itinerary when requesting a quote so the company can accurately estimate hours and mileage.
How Seasonal Demand Affects Dubuque Bus Rental Prices
Just like airfare and hotels, bus rental rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand. In Dubuque, peak season generally runs from April through June and again from September through November. Spring brings a surge of school field trips (to places like the National Mississippi River Museum), proms, graduations (University of Dubuque events), and spring sports tournaments. Fall is busy with homecoming games, college tours, and autumn weddings at venues like Steeple Square. During these high-demand months, availability is tight and rates are higher. Summer and winter tend to be slower seasons, except for holiday events and ski trips to nearby resorts. You’ll get the best rates if you can schedule your trip during an off-peak time. Even shifting your event by a week or two can make a noticeable difference in price.
How the Day of the Week Affects Dubuque Bus Rental Prices
Weekends are the busiest and most expensive days to rent a bus in Dubuque. That’s when most people schedule weddings, sporting events, and group outings. If you can plan your trip on a weekday—especially Tuesday through Thursday—you’ll get a lower rate. Buses are in less demand midweek, so companies offer better deals to keep their vehicles on the road. For example, a Thursday corporate outing to the Grand River Center will cost less than a Saturday rental for the same itinerary. School groups visiting the Mathias Ham Historic Site can also save by traveling on off-peak days.
How Your Starting and Ending Locations Affect Dubuque Bus Rental Pricing
Bus rentals in Dubuque are typically priced starting from the moment the bus leaves the company’s garage until it returns, not just from when your group boards to when you disembark. If your pick-up location is far from the operator’s base—such as requesting service in a remote area outside Dubuque or across the river into Wisconsin—you may incur additional “deadhead” charges to cover the extra mileage and time. Similarly, if your drop-off point isn’t near the starting location (for example, a one-way trip ending in Iowa City or Rockford), you’ll pay for the bus to return empty. To avoid any additional fees, always ask where the company is based and request all transportation legs be included in your quote.
How Bus Type and Size Affect Dubuque Bus Rental Pricing
The size and type of bus you choose significantly impacts your rental price. Larger vehicles like a 56-passenger motorcoach cost more than smaller 18 or 25-seat minibuses. Specialty buses—such as party buses with custom interiors or luxury coaches with upgraded amenities—also come at a premium. However, bigger isn’t always more expensive per person: a full-size coach may have a higher base rate but offers the lowest cost per seat for large groups. Standard models with basic features (A/C, reclining seats) are the most budget-friendly. Upgrading to a newer vehicle or requesting extras like onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, or video screens will increase your total. When requesting a quote, specify your minimum seating needs and desired amenities so the company can match you with the most cost-effective option.
How Tolls and Parking Fees Affect Dubuque Bus Rental Pricing
Tolls and parking fees are typically not included in your initial bus rental quote—they’re additional expenses that you’ll need to cover during your trip. If your route includes toll roads like the U.S. 20 Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge (which has a toll for crossing the Mississippi River) or if you’re traveling to cities with toll highways such as I-88 to Chicago or I-380 to Cedar Rapids, those costs will be added to your bill. Similarly, parking fees at popular Dubuque destinations—like the Port of Dubuque ramp ($10–$20 flat rate), Five Flags Center lot ($15 event parking), or Loras College Athletic Fields ($10)—are the renter’s responsibility. Urban hotel zones and event venues may charge $25–$40 per day for oversized vehicle parking. It’s up to you to research and budget for parking at your destinations. Ask your reservation specialist about typical tolls and parking fees for your itinerary so you can plan ahead. These costs are usually paid separately—either directly by you during the trip or reimbursed to the company afterward.
How Advance Booking Affects Dubuque Bus Rental Pricing
Booking your bus rental well in advance gives you access to the best rates and availability. As the departure date approaches, supply becomes limited—especially during peak seasons—and prices rise accordingly. Last-minute bookings also leave little time to coordinate special requests or secure permits, potentially incurring expedited processing fees. Aim to reserve your bus at least three to six months ahead of your event, particularly for large groups, multi-day trips, or travel during busy periods. Early booking ensures you get the vehicle type you want at the most competitive rate.
Cost-saving Tips for Bus Rentals in Dubuque
To minimize the cost of your bus rental in Dubuque, start by selecting the smallest vehicle that comfortably fits your group—filling every seat maximizes value. Schedule your trip during off-peak months and midweek days when rates are lower. Consolidate your itinerary to reduce idle time and eliminate unnecessary layovers. Arrange pickups and drop-offs at locations with free or low-cost parking, such as suburban park-and-rides instead of downtown ramps. Share estimated tolls and expenses upfront to avoid surprises. Book early to lock in favorable rates, and request a standard vehicle without luxury add-ons. Finally, compare quotes from multiple providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal for similar levels of service.
Get an Instant Quote on Your Dubuque Bus Rental
Need a quick estimate for your upcoming trip? Call Charter Bus Company Dubuque at 563-341-5030 or use our online quote tool to get an instant, all-inclusive price on your next bus rental. Our team is available 24/7 to help you compare options, answer questions, and find the best vehicle for your budget. Once you have a quote, you can easily view pictures of the bus, review amenities, and book online. We serve all of Dubuque County and the surrounding tri-state area, including Galena, Platteville, and Dyersville. Whether you need a single minibus or multiple full-size coaches, we’ll make sure you get a great value backed by professional service.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Dubuque, IA and around Iowa. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Ms. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 22 students from a local elementary school in Dubuque. They will visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium for a guided educational tour. The group will depart the school at 9:00 AM, spend approximately 3 hours at the museum, have lunch on-site, and return by 2:30 PM. Including 3 chaperones, they require a 25-passenger minibus. Since this is a local, half-day trip with minimal mileage, the quoted cost is $1,650. With 25 people on board, the cost comes to $66 per person.
Wedding Guest Shuttle Between Ceremony and Reception
A bride and groom are hosting their wedding ceremony at St. Raphael Cathedral in downtown Dubuque, with the reception scheduled at the Grand River Center along the riverfront. To ensure guests arrive comfortably and on time, they’re chartering a 20-passenger minibus to run continuous shuttles between the venues. The service will operate for five hours to accommodate the end of the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the post-reception return. At a rate of $225 per hour, the total comes to $1,125. After adding a 15% driver gratuity ($168), the full cost of the wedding shuttle is $1,293.
Sporting Event Charter for High School Team
The Hempstead High School basketball team has qualified for a regional tournament in Cedar Rapids. The athletic director needs to transport 16 players, 4 coaches, and equipment—requiring a vehicle with ample storage. They depart Saturday at noon, play at 4:00 PM, and return home the same evening. A 20-passenger minibus with luggage bays is ideal. At $200 per hour for an 8-hour round trip, the base cost is $1,600. Factoring in fuel and a 10% tip, the total is approximately $1,800.
Employee Shuttle for Construction Project
A Dubuque construction firm won a contract to renovate facilities at John Deere Dubuque Works. To address limited on-site parking and staggered shifts, they’re contracting a 30-passenger minibus to shuttle workers between a designated lot and the jobsite. The shuttle will run 12 hours per day over a 6-week project. At a discounted daily rate of $2,100 for extended service, the weekly cost is $14,700. Over six weeks, the total comes to $88,200. This investment reduces absenteeism, improves site access, and keeps the project on schedule.
Church Retreat to Camp Ewalu
A Dubuque-area church is taking 32 youth group members and leaders to a weekend retreat at Camp Ewalu near Strawberry Point. They’ll depart Friday at 5:00 PM, spend two nights at the camp, and return Sunday after lunch. A 35-passenger minibus accommodates everyone comfortably. With a flat daily rate of $2,000 for two days plus mileage charges for the 120-mile round trip, the total is $4,600. Families split the cost, bringing it to $144 per attendee.
Corporate Event Shuttle for Downtown Conference
A regional bank is hosting a corporate training event at the Hotel Julien Dubuque. With attendees staying at multiple hotels downtown, organizers are arranging a continuous loop shuttle to run between lodging, the conference venue, and dinner reservations. Two 15-passenger minibuses will operate simultaneously for 7 hours. At $175 per hour per vehicle, the total is $2,450. Adding $150 for parking and gratuity brings the final cost to $2,600.
Bachelorette Party Bus to Galena
For a bachelorette celebration, a party of 14 friends is booking a minibus to visit wineries and shops in nearby Galena, Illinois. The itinerary includes four pre-selected stops, dinner, and a comfortable return to Dubuque—all within a 6-hour window. Priced at $180 per hour, the outing totals $1,080. Split among 14 participants, each pays $77 for the convenience and comfort of group transportation.
