Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Lowell Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost to rent a coach bus in Lowell starts at $170 to $500 per hour, with full-day rates ranging from $1,800 to $3,800. However, your exact price will depend on factors like the type of bus you book, your travel dates, how many days you need service, and how far you plan to travel. The only way to get an exact quote is to call our team at 978-970-8430 or use our online quote tool. We’ll get you a personalized estimate in under 30 seconds! Below, we’ve included some estimated rates for different types of buses and detailed information about what goes into your rental price.
Lowell Coach Bus Service is proud to be the leading provider of bus rentals in Lowell, Middlesex County, and all of Massachusetts. We’ve helped thousands of groups travel across New England with transparent pricing and exceptional customer service. Whether you’re planning a field trip to the Lowell National Historical Park, a wedding at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, or a corporate shuttle between Boston and Cambridge, we have the perfect vehicle for your needs.
| 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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour for a coach bus rental in Lowell. Daily rates typically range from $1,800 to $3,800 depending on the size of the bus and the length of your trip. For example, a 56-passenger motorcoach will cost more than a 25-passenger minibus, but it also offers more amenities like onboard restrooms, reclining seats, and extra luggage space.
If you’re looking for the most affordable option, consider booking a smaller minibus or sprinter van. These vehicles are perfect for short-distance trips around downtown Lowell, Chelmsford, or Billerica, and they come equipped with comfortable seating, climate control, and WiFi. For long-distance travel to Worcester, Providence, or New York City, a full-size charter bus is the best choice.
To get an instant quote for your next trip, call Lowell Coach Bus Service at 978-970-8430 or fill out our online form. Our team is available 24/7 to help you find the right bus at the right price.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Lowell?
There are many factors that can influence the cost of your bus rental in Lowell. Here are some of the most important ones to consider:
- Type of Bus: The size and style of bus you choose will have a big impact on your final price. Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) are the most expensive option, but they also offer the most amenities and storage space. Minibuses (18-35 passengers) are more affordable and ideal for smaller groups or local shuttles. Sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) are the cheapest choice and perfect for quick trips around town.
- Trip Duration: Longer trips generally cost more than shorter ones because you’re paying for more hours of service. Most companies require a minimum rental of 4-5 hours, but you can book a bus for as long as you need. Multi-day trips will also include the cost of lodging for your driver, which is usually covered by the renter.
- Mileage and Distance: The farther you travel, the more you’ll pay. Local trips within Lowell or nearby suburbs like Dracut and Tewksbury will be less expensive than long-distance journeys to Cape Cod or Hartford, CT. Some companies charge by the hour, while others charge by the mile—be sure to ask your reservation specialist how pricing is calculated.
- Time of Year: Bus rental prices tend to be higher during peak season, which in Massachusetts is typically April through June (for school field trips and graduations) and September through December (for weddings and holiday parties). If you’re traveling during these months, book early to lock in the best rates. Off-peak months like January and February may offer lower prices and greater availability.
- Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday-Sunday) are usually more expensive than weekday rentals (Monday-Thursday) due to higher demand. If your schedule is flexible, consider traveling midweek to save money.
- Additional Amenities: Premium features like leather seats, hardwood floors, PA systems, TV monitors, DVD players, and onboard restrooms may increase the cost of your rental. Be sure to specify which amenities are essential for your group so we can match you with the right vehicle.
- Tolls and Parking Fees: Any tolls incurred during your trip (such as on the Massachusetts Turnpike/I-90 or Tobin Bridge) will be added to your final bill. Parking fees at venues like TD Garden, Fenway Park, or Gillette Stadium are also the responsibility of the renter.
- Gratuity: While not always required, it’s customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost for excellent service. This can be paid in cash at the end of the trip or added to your invoice.
If you have any questions about what’s included in your quote, just ask! Our team is here to make sure you understand every aspect of your reservation.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Lowell, MA and around Massachusetts. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Umass Lowell Athletics Shuttle
The University of Massachusetts Lowell regularly books charter buses for their Division I athletics program. For a typical away game against Boston University, they’ll reserve one 56-passenger coach bus to transport the men’s basketball team, coaches, and equipment managers from the Tsongas Center to Case Gym. The bus departs campus at 2:00 PM, arrives in Boston by 3:30 PM, waits through the 7:00 PM game, and returns to Lowell by midnight. This 10-hour charter costs approximately $2,200. For longer trips to out-of-state opponents like the University of Vermont or University at Albany, they’ll budget $3,500–$4,000 per day to cover mileage, driver hotel, and tolls.
Lowell High School Field Trip to Museum of Science
Lowell Public Schools frequently organize field trips to Boston’s top museums. A standard itinerary might have three 44-passenger school buses pick up 120 students and chaperones from Lowell High School at 8:30 AM, drop them off at the Museum of Science by 10:00 AM, and return after lunch for a 2:30 PM dismissal. With each bus booked for six hours at $185 per hour, the total cost comes to $3,330—or just $28 per person. The district will also cover the $50 bus parking fee at the museum and recommend a $100 tip per driver.
Corporate Commuter Shuttle From Lowell to Cambridge
A tech company based in Lowell contracts a daily commuter shuttle for employees who live in Somerville and Cambridge. They use a 38-passenger executive minibus with leather seats, WiFi, and power outlets to run two loops each morning and evening between Alewife Station and their office park off Route 3. The shuttle operates Monday through Friday from 6:30–9:30 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM, totaling 30 service hours per week. At a negotiated rate of $225 per hour, the company pays $6,750 weekly ($27,000 monthly) for this private transit solution—still cheaper than reimbursing individual MBTA passes or parking stipends.
Wedding Shuttle Between Tewksbury Church and Lowell Reception Hall
A bride getting married at Saint William’s Parish in Tewksbury arranges transportation for her 100 guests to the reception at Lenzi’s Catering on Merrimack Avenue. She books two 23-passenger minibuses to run continuous shuttles between the church parking lot and venue from 3:00 PM ceremony start until 11:00 PM last call. Each minibus is reserved for eight hours at $175 per hour, totaling $2,800. The package includes ribbon decorations, AUX/Bluetooth sound system for playlists, and a late-night drop-off at the DoubleTree hotel downtown. No need for anyone to designate a driver or worry about Route 38 traffic after celebrating.
Senior Center Day Trip to Encore Boston Harbor Casino
The Lowell Council on Aging plans monthly outings for its members, such as a day trip to Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett. They charter one 32-passenger midsize bus with a wheelchair lift, restroom, and reclining seats to depart the senior center at 10:00 AM, arrive at the casino by 11:00 AM, and return after a buffet dinner by 7:00 PM. This eight-hour rental is quoted at $1,600 ($50 per person), with the option to add bingo games or a movie on the ride down I-93. The council covers the driver’s meal voucher and tips $80 for courteous assistance with walkers and mobility devices.
Private Brewery Tour of Greater Lowell
A group of friends celebrating a 30th birthday decides to visit several craft breweries in the Merrimack Valley without worrying about designated drivers. They hire a 14-passenger sprinter van to pick them up in Chelmsford, hit Navigation Brewing Company in downtown Lowell, then head to Merrimack Ales in Lowell, Oak & Iron Brewing in Andover, and wrap up at Idle Hands Craft Ales in Malden before returning home. The van is booked for nine hours at $150 per hour, bringing the total to $1,350 (or $96 per person). Features include USB chargers, cooler storage for growlers, and an AUX/Bluetooth sound system for playlists between stops. This is a fun and responsible way to sample the region’s best IPAs and stouts without splitting up into multiple Ubers or risking a DUI.