Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Rentals in Clearwater
FAQS
Charter Bus Rental Clearwater is a leading Clearwater charter bus company with the largest and most diverse fleet in Pinellas County. We’ve helped groups of all sizes book private, modern, comfortable transportation for events, trips, and routes of every kind. From 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches, we offer vehicles with the latest amenities, including WiFi, power outlets, leather seats, and onboard restrooms. Our team is available 24/7 to provide instant quotes, answer questions, and coordinate every detail of your rental. We proudly serve Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and beyond with reliable, customized, and professional bus services backed by years of industry experience and thousands of happy customers.
A charter bus is a large vehicle designed to transport groups of people together to a destination of their choice. Unlike public transportation or scheduled intercity buses, a charter bus operates on a flexible schedule and route determined entirely by the customer. It is commonly used for events such as corporate outings, school field trips, weddings, sports team travel, and multi-day tours. The bus is rented with a driver and typically includes comfortable seating, climate control, and additional amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. In short, a charter bus is private group transportation booked for exclusive use.
Most full-size charter buses are around 40 to 45 feet long and have a tall, rectangular profile with large tinted windows running the length of the vehicle. The exterior is typically painted white, black, or a neutral color, though some may feature custom graphics or wraps. Below the windows, there are several luggage bay doors integrated into the lower body panels. The front of the bus has a wide windshield that curves slightly around the corners, with large side mirrors mounted on both sides. Entry is usually through a single door at the front right, accessed by a short set of steps. The roofline is generally flat, and the rear of the bus is squared off with integrated brake and signal lights.
Most full-size charter buses seat between 50 and 56 passengers, with motorcoaches typically offering up to 56 seats. Smaller models may have 47, 49, or 52 seats, while mid-size coaches can range from 28 to 40 seats. For smaller groups, minibuses are available with seating capacities of 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, or 30 passengers. The exact number of seats depends on the make and model of the bus as well as the interior configuration. Buses equipped with an onboard restroom may have slightly fewer seats to accommodate the facility. When requesting a quote, it’s important to specify your group size so we can provide a vehicle that comfortably fits everyone. We offer a range of options to ensure you get the right-sized bus for your needs.
Anyone who needs to move a large group of people at once can rent a charter bus! In Clearwater, we frequently work with schools and universities (like Pinellas County Schools or St. Petersburg College) planning academic trips, athletic travel, or campus shuttles. Corporate clients book buses for employee commuting, training sessions, or conference transportation to venues like Ruth Eckerd Hall or the Clearwater Beach Marriott. Wedding parties use charter buses to shuttle guests between hotels, ceremonies, and receptions at popular venues such as the Sandpearl Resort or the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center. Sports teams and fan groups rely on us for game-day travel to and from facilities like BayCare Ballpark or the Eddie C. Moore Complex. We also serve church groups, senior communities, military organizations, and travelers attending festivals, cruises, or family reunions.
Charter Bus Rental Clearwater offers a wide range of buses in Clearwater, including full-size charter buses, several sizes of minibuses, and specialty vehicles. Our full-size motorcoaches can seat up to 56 passengers and are ideal for large groups or long-distance trips. We offer minibuses with 18, 20, 25, 28, 30, 35, or 38 seats, providing flexible options for smaller groups or short local routes. Each vehicle comes with standard amenities like reclining seats and air conditioning, and many include optional features such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and PA systems. If you’re not sure which size is best, our team can help you choose the right bus based on your group size and trip requirements.
The terms “charter bus” and “coach bus” are often used interchangeably to describe a full-size motorcoach designed for comfortable, long-distance group travel. These buses typically seat 45 to 56 passengers, have forward-facing reclining seats, luggage bays, and amenities like Wi-Fi and restrooms. A “party bus” is a smaller vehicle (often built on a minibus or limo-style chassis) with a custom interior featuring perimeter seating, colored lighting, sound systems, and space for standing or dancing—ideal for weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or nightlife outings. An “entertainer bus” (also called a sleeper coach) is a specialty vehicle used by bands, performers, or VIP groups; it’s fitted with bunks, lounge areas, kitchenettes, and advanced entertainment systems for multi-day tours. The main differences are in size, interior layout, and intended use: charter/coach buses prioritize seating capacity and comfort; party buses focus on socializing and entertainment; entertainer buses provide living space for extended travel.
Many of the buses in our Clearwater fleet come standard with amenities such as cushioned and reclining seats, individual reading lights, climate control, overhead parcel racks, and a PA system or microphone for announcements. Additional amenities can include flat-screen video monitors, DVD players, onboard Wi-Fi, and power outlets or USB ports at each seat. Most larger motorcoaches are equipped with an onboard restroom located at the rear of the bus. There are also spacious undercarriage luggage bays for storing large bags or equipment, as well as interior luggage racks above the seats. Advanced models may offer leather upholstery, tray tables, and Bluetooth-enabled sound systems. If you require specific amenities, please let us know when requesting a quote so we can assign a bus that meets your needs.
Yes! Most of the newer model buses in our fleet can be equipped with onboard Wi-Fi. This amenity is available on full-size motorcoaches and many of the larger minibuses. The Wi-Fi connection allows passengers to browse the web, check email, and use social media during the trip. However, bandwidth may be limited, so streaming video or downloading large files is not always supported. If having Wi-Fi is important for your group, please request it when booking your bus so we can assign a vehicle with this feature. There is typically no additional charge for Wi-Fi, but it is always subject to availability.
A standard full-size charter bus offers ample luggage space for large groups. Most motorcoaches are equipped with undercarriage luggage bays that can hold one large suitcase per passenger. In addition, there are overhead parcel racks inside the cabin for smaller bags, backpacks, or personal items. For shorter trips or smaller groups, a minibus may be sufficient, but luggage space will be more limited. If your group is traveling with extra equipment, such as sports gear, musical instruments, or display materials, please let us know in advance so we can recommend a vehicle that will accommodate everything comfortably.
Yes, we can provide ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and accessible restrooms. Just let us know your requirements when you request a quote.
Yes, you can wrap your charter bus for an additional fee. Bus wraps are popular for corporate branding, special events, and advertising campaigns. The wrap must be professionally designed and installed to avoid damage to the vehicle’s exterior. You will need to coordinate the installation and removal of the wrap with our operations team to ensure it fits within the rental schedule. Additional charges may apply for the extra time the bus is out of service. All artwork and materials must be approved in advance. Please mention that you want to wrap the bus when requesting a quote so we can provide pricing and guidelines.
You can request a specific bus model or color, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference based on availability. Our fleet includes vehicles from leading manufacturers such as Van Hool, Prevost, MCI, Setra, and Temsa, as well as various minibus models. Common exterior colors are white, black, silver, and gray. While we cannot always guarantee a specific model or color, we will note your preference and assign the closest available option. If you have a strong preference due to branding, photography, or group coordination, please mention this when booking. We understand that consistency can be important for certain events and will make every effort to meet your request.
Clearwater charter bus rentals are generally charged by the hour, day, or mile depending on your trip. Local trips around town are typically billed hourly (with a 5-hour minimum), longer-distance trips are billed by the mile, and multi-day rentals are billed by the day plus mileage overages. Call our team anytime at 727-624-3280 to get an instant, all-inclusive quote on your next Clearwater bus rental!
Minibus rentals in Clearwater are typically billed by the hour for local trips and by the day for longer or multi-day trips. There is usually a minimum rental period of five hours. Additional charges may apply for mileage, tolls, parking, and driver lodging on extended trips. Contact our team at 727-624-3280 to get an instant quote tailored to your specific itinerary and vehicle size.
Several factors influence the cost of a charter bus rental in Clearwater, including the type and size of the vehicle, the length and duration of the trip, and the time of year. Larger vehicles like full-size motorcoaches cost more than minibuses, but the price per passenger is lower for big groups. Longer trips that cover more miles or require multiple days will be more expensive due to fuel, tolls, and driver lodging. Peak seasons, such as spring and summer, can also drive up prices due to higher demand. Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and optional amenities like Wi-Fi or video screens. One-way trips are generally more expensive than round-trip itineraries because the bus has to return empty. Finally, any special requests, such as wrapping the bus with custom graphics, will add to the total cost.
Your quote includes the rental of the bus, the driver’s time, fuel, insurance, and any standard amenities on the vehicle. Tolls, parking, and driver lodging are billed separately. Optional add-ons like Wi-Fi, video screens, or custom wraps will be itemized. Taxes and fees are included.
It’s best to book your charter bus as early as possible to ensure availability and get the best rate. We recommend booking at least three to six months in advance, especially if your trip is during a busy season or involves a large group. Spring and summer are peak times for charter bus rentals due to school trips, weddings, and sports events. If you’re traveling during these months, try to secure your reservation six months ahead. Last-minute bookings are possible, but your choice of vehicles may be limited and prices may be higher. Once you have your trip dates and itinerary, contact us for a quote and lock in your rental with a deposit.
Getting a quote is quick and easy! Simply call our 24-hour reservation team at 727-624-3280 or fill out the online quote form with details about your trip. We’ll need to know your departure date, pickup and drop-off locations, group size, and any special requests. You’ll receive a personalized quote in minutes.
Yes, we offer flexible packages to suit any itinerary, including one-way trips, round-trip transportation, and multi-day charters. One-way rentals are ideal for groups flying into or out of Tampa International Airport, cruise transfers, or relocations to cities like Orlando or Fort Myers. Round-trip packages are perfect for events where your group needs to be picked up and returned to the same location, such as weddings, corporate outings, or sporting events. For longer excursions, we can provide a bus and driver for multiple days, with custom scheduling for tours, conferences, or tournaments. Just provide your itinerary when requesting a quote, and we’ll tailor the rental package to fit your needs.
Yes, we offer long-distance and out-of-state bus rentals from Clearwater to any destination you choose. Whether you’re planning a multi-day trip to Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, or beyond, we can provide a comfortable and reliable vehicle for the journey. Our full-size motorcoaches are ideal for long-distance travel, with reclining seats, onboard restrooms, and entertainment systems to keep passengers comfortable on the road. We regularly handle trips across state lines for school groups, sports teams, corporate outings, and tour groups. Just provide your destination and itinerary when requesting a quote, and we’ll arrange a bus and driver for your long-distance trip.
Yes, if your trip requires an overnight stay, you will need to provide hotel accommodations for the driver. The driver must have a private room and access to basic amenities. For multi-day trips, the driver’s hotel should be located near the group’s lodging or event venue. If the bus is parked overnight at a hotel or facility, ensure there is secure parking available. The cost of the driver’s accommodation is not included in the base rental fee and will be added to your final invoice. Our team can recommend suitable hotels and assist with booking if needed.
When renting a charter bus in Clearwater, it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully and communicate all details to the rental company. Provide exact pickup and drop-off locations, including addresses and any special instructions for accessing the site. Be aware of local traffic patterns, especially during peak hours on routes like US-19 and the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Allow extra time for crossing bridges or navigating congested areas near Clearwater Beach. Confirm parking arrangements at your destination, as some venues require advance permits or have designated bus zones. Make a list of all amenities needed onboard, such as Wi-Fi or power outlets, and verify their availability. Finally, review the rental contract for payment terms, cancellation policies, and any additional fees.
We provide private airport shuttle services to and from all major airports in the region. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the primary airport serving Clearwater, and we can pick up or drop off groups directly at the charter bus staging area on the ground transportation level. We also serve St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) for domestic and budget-friendly flights. For groups flying into or out of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Orlando International Airport (MCO), or Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, we can arrange direct ground transportation to your destination. Our airport shuttles are ideal for airline crews, student travel groups, corporate travelers, and vacationers needing reliable service to and from the terminal.
We provide charter bus services to all major sports venues and stadiums in the Clearwater-Tampa Bay area. In Clearwater, we frequently serve BayCare Ballpark, home of the Clearwater Threshers and Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training, as well as the Eddie C. Moore Complex for softball tournaments. Just across the bridge in Tampa, we provide transportation to Raymond James Stadium (home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and USF Bulls), Amalie Arena (Tampa Bay Lightning), and Steinbrenner Field (New York Yankees Spring Training). In St. Petersburg, we serve Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Whether you’re traveling as a fan group, athletic team, or event staff, we can get you to the game on time with a vehicle sized for your group. Buses can be staged in designated lots for easy post-game departure.
Charter Bus Rental Clearwater provides group transportation to every major concert venue in Clearwater and the Tampa Bay area. We frequently serve Ruth Eckerd Hall, Coachman Park’s new outdoor amphitheater, and the Sound at Clearwater Harbor for local events. In nearby Tampa, we operate shuttles to Amalie Arena, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, and the Yuengling Center. St. Petersburg destinations include Jannus Live, the Mahaffey Theater, and Vinoy Park. For larger events or festivals, we can coordinate pickup and drop-off at designated bus zones, even if it requires off-site staging. Whether you’re attending a single show or organizing transportation for a multi-venue music festival, we’ll get your group to the concert safely and on time.
We provide wedding transportation to venues across Clearwater, including the Sandpearl Resort, Opal Sands, Carlouel Yacht Club, Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, and Chapel by the Sea. We also serve popular ceremony and reception sites in nearby Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Belleair, and Clearwater Beach. If your wedding involves multiple locations—such as a church ceremony followed by a beachfront reception—we can run continuous shuttles to keep guests on schedule. Out-of-town guests staying at local hotels will appreciate having direct transportation to the event. Buses can be decorated with window signs or ribbons to match your wedding theme.
Charter Bus Rental Clearwater operates in all of Pinellas County and beyond, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Seminole, and Pinellas Park. We also serve nearby Pasco County destinations such as New Port Richey and Holiday. Longer-distance trips to Orlando, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakeland are easily arranged. If you need to travel out of state, we can coordinate multi-day charters to any city in the Southeast. Just provide your pickup and drop-off locations when requesting a quote.
We provide group transportation to all major events and festivals in the Clearwater area, including the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Sugar Sand Festival, Sea-Blues Festival, and Pier 60 Sunset Celebrations. In nearby Dunedin, we serve Highland Games and Mardi Gras parades. Tampa Bay events such as Gasparilla, the Florida State Fair, and regional art or food festivals are also within reach. Event organizers can book multiple buses for large groups, while attendees traveling together can avoid parking hassles by arriving in a single vehicle. We coordinate pickup and drop-off at designated festival entrances.
We provide shuttle services to the Clearwater Beach Island Community Center and the St. Petersburg College Conference Center for local business events. Across the bay, we serve the Tampa Convention Center, a major venue for regional and national conferences. In St. Petersburg, we operate at The Coliseum and the Mahaffey Theater for trade shows and corporate gatherings. For multi-day conventions, we can run continuous shuttles between the venue, nearby hotels, and off-site dinner locations. Larger groups attending events at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando or the RP Funding Center in Lakeland can also be accommodated. We coordinate arrival and departure times to match the conference schedule and ensure smooth transportation for all attendees.