Charter Bus Rentals in West Des Moines, Iowa

A charter bus is a private, pre-arranged vehicle rented by a group for exclusive transportation to one or more destinations on a custom schedule. Unlike public buses or pre-sold tours, charter buses operate entirely on the client’s itinerary—making them ideal for events, trips, or shuttles requiring group travel. Modern charter buses typically seat 35–56 passengers, offer luggage storage, and feature amenities such as reclining seats, climate control, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms.

Charter Bus Company West Des Moines offers a full fleet of vehicles from 15-passenger to 56-passenger motorcoaches available across West Des Moines, Des Moines, and all of Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties. Our minibus options (15–35 passengers) include Grech Motors GM28/GM36, Turtle Top VT3/Terra Transit, and Champion Challenger—ideal for shuttles or short trips. Full-size (40–56 passengers) include Van Hool CX45, Prevost H3-45, MCI J4500/D4505, Setra S417, and Temsa HD35/TS45. We can also provide 18- to 36-seat “mid-size” coaches, school bus rentals (Thomas Built, Blue Bird, IC Bus), and ADA-accessible models with lifts. Most vehicles are available in black, white, silver, or custom wrap.

Most full-size charter buses include reclining seats, individual reading lights, climate control, onboard restroom, luggage bays, overhead parcel racks, 110V power outlets, USB ports, Wi-Fi, and up to six flat-screen video monitors with DVD/Blu-ray input. Many also offer Bluetooth PA systems, auxiliary input for music, and optional HDMI input for gaming consoles or laptops. Newer models may feature leatherette upholstery, wood-look flooring, LED accent lighting, and ceiling-mounted luggage shelves. Minibuses typically include forward-facing cloth or vinyl seats, basic A/C, and optional Wi-Fi or PA system.

Yes, every full-size motorcoach (and most mid-size coaches) include both undercarriage luggage bays and interior overhead parcel racks. Standard baggage allowance is one large suitcase (up to 50 lbs) per passenger in the lower bays, plus one carry-on or backpack-sized item in the overhead rack—similar to airline baggage policy. Oversized items (skis, band instruments, athletic gear) can be accommodated if arranged in advance. Minibuses have limited rear cargo space and overhead shelf; larger items may need to ride in the cabin or be restricted by size.

Yes, we can provide ADA-compliant buses with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and accessible restrooms. Just let us know your accessibility needs when you request a quote, and we’ll make sure your bus meets all requirements.

We provide charter bus rentals for any type of group trip or event in West Des Moines and the entire Des Moines metro area. Common services include corporate shuttles to business parks or downtown offices, wedding guest transportation to venues like Glen Oaks Country Club or the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, school field trips to the Science Center of Iowa or the Iowa State Capitol, sports team travel for games and tournaments, airport transfers to DSM, hospital shuttles to MercyOne or UnityPoint, and multi-day trips to Chicago, Minneapolis, Omaha, or Kansas City. We also handle concerts, festivals, religious retreats, casino outings, brewery tours, and custom itineraries.

Yes, we can provide one-way, round-trip, or multi-day charters to any destination in Iowa or the continental U.S. Popular routes include West Des Moines to Iowa City (Kinnick Stadium), Ames (Iowa State University), Cedar Rapids, Omaha, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Chicago. We also handle longer trips to Denver, St. Louis, Milwaukee, or Indianapolis. The bus can stay with your group for the duration of the trip, making it easy to schedule hotel shuttles, restaurant stops, and local excursions.

Charter bus rental rates in West Des Moines typically range from $170 to $400+ per hour on weekdays, $190 to $500+ per hour on weekends, $1,800 to $3,800+ per day, and $6.00 to $9.95 per mile. Exact pricing depends on the size of the vehicle, length of the trip, time of year, and any additional services requested. Minibuses (15–35 passengers) are less expensive than full-size motorcoaches (up to 56 passengers). For the most accurate pricing, call our team at 563-341-5030 or use our online tool to get an instant quote.

Several factors influence the cost of a charter bus rental: the size and type of vehicle (minibus vs. full-size coach), the distance and duration of the trip, the time of year (peak seasons like spring and fall are more expensive), and any additional amenities or special requests (such as ADA accessibility or luxury interiors). Local events—such as Iowa State Fair week, major concerts at Wells Fargo Arena, or college football game days—can also impact pricing due to increased demand and limited availability. Additional costs may include tolls, parking fees, and driver lodging for overnight trips.

Charter Bus Company West Des Moines is a trusted provider with years of experience and one of the largest fleets in the region. We’ve worked with schools, Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and event planners across Iowa. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support before, during, and after your trip. We prioritize comfort, reliability, and customer service—earning us repeat business and positive reviews from groups of all sizes.

It’s best to book your charter bus as early as possible—ideally 2–6 months in advance—to ensure availability and get the best rate. Spring and fall are peak seasons due to school trips, sports events, and weddings, so buses can sell out quickly. Major events like the Iowa State Fair, college football games, and large conventions also increase demand. Last-minute bookings are possible but may be more expensive and limited in vehicle selection. For trips during holidays or busy weekends, consider booking 6–12 months ahead.

Yes, a deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The deposit amount is typically 30–50% of the total rental cost but may vary based on the size and duration of the trip. Full payment is due 30 days before the departure date. For bookings made less than 30 days in advance, the entire balance is due upfront. We accept major credit cards, ACH transfers, and corporate checks. Payment terms will be outlined in your contract.

Your quote includes the rental of the bus, driver’s wages, fuel, insurance, and any standard amenities (Wi-Fi, power outlets, A/C). Additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and driver lodging are not included and are the responsibility of the client. For example, parking passes at Wells Fargo Arena or Principal Park may cost $20–$40 per vehicle. If the trip requires overnight stays, the client must arrange and pay for the driver’s hotel. Any optional upgrades or special requests will be itemized separately.

You can get an instant quote by calling our 24-hour reservation line at 563-341-5030 or by using the online quote tool on our website. Simply provide the details of your trip—pickup location, destination, date and time, number of passengers, and any special requirements—and we’ll send you a personalized quote within minutes. If you have a complex itinerary or need multiple vehicles, our team can assist you by phone or email.

Yes, you can request a specific bus model, make, or exterior color when booking your charter. Our fleet includes vehicles in black, white, blue, red, silver, and gray, and we can even accommodate custom wraps or branding for corporate and team travel. While we do our best to fulfill exact requests, availability may vary based on the date and size of your group. If your preferred model or color is unavailable, we’ll offer the closest alternative with similar amenities and seating capacity. Just let us know your preference when you request a quote, and we’ll do our best to match it.