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Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Rentals in Billings

FAQS

A charter bus is a large motorcoach rented by groups for private transportation to events, trips, or multi-day tours. It seats 18–56 passengers, features forward-facing upholstered seats, and offers amenities like restrooms, luggage storage, WiFi, power outlets, video monitors, and reclining seats. Charter buses operate on a schedule set by the customer—not fixed routes—making them ideal for school trips, corporate shuttles, sports travel, weddings, and custom group itineraries.

A charter bus typically has between 18 and 56 seats, depending on the model. Standard full-size coaches seat 50–56 passengers in forward-facing rows with an aisle down the middle. Smaller minibuses and mid-size buses can have 18, 20, or 25 seats but use similar high-back seating. Buses with restrooms may lose one row of seats to accommodate the lavatory at the rear.

The outside of a charter bus is a long, rectangular vehicle with a flat front, large windshield, and either two or three axles depending on length. It has smooth sides with few windows—usually one per seating row—plus a destination sign above the windshield and exterior mirrors mounted on both sides. The body sits high off the ground to allow room for underfloor luggage bays accessible through side doors. Most charter buses are painted white or another solid color, sometimes with company branding or a custom wrap.

The inside of a charter bus features rows of forward-facing, high-back seats upholstered in cloth or vinyl, typically arranged two on each side of a central aisle. Overhead parcel racks run above the seats for carry-on items, while larger luggage is stored in exterior bays beneath the floor. The cabin includes amenities such as individual reading lights, air conditioning vents, video monitors mounted at the front or along the ceiling, and sometimes a small restroom at the rear. The interior color scheme is usually neutral, with patterned seat fabric and light-colored walls and ceiling to create a spacious feel.

The cost of renting a charter bus in Billings starts at $1,625–$2,100 per day, $3,200–$6,000 per week, or $325–$375 per hour with a five-hour minimum—but the exact price depends on your trip details. You’ll pay either an hourly, daily, or mileage-based rate depending on your itinerary, plus additional charges for tolls, parking, and driver hotel rooms on multi-day trips. Get an instant quote online or call our team anytime to find out your exact cost fast.

Charter bus pricing in Billings depends on several key factors: the type and size of vehicle you choose (18-, 20-, 25-, or 56-passenger bus), the length and duration of your trip (miles traveled or hours/days booked), the time of year and demand level (peak season vs. off-season), and the pickup location relative to your destination. Additional costs may include tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations for the driver on multi-day trips. Because every itinerary is different, we calculate each quote based on your exact schedule, headcount, and service requirements to ensure you get the best value for your budget.

You can get a quote from Coach Bus Billings by calling our reservation specialists anytime at 406-506-3910 or using the online quote form on our website. Just provide your pickup location, destination, travel dates, passenger count, and any special requests—we’ll give you a personalized price estimate quickly. Once you receive your quote, you can review the options, ask questions about vehicles and amenities, and confirm your booking with a signed contract and deposit. Our team is available 24/7 to help you plan your trip and answer any questions about pricing, vehicles, or availability.

Your quote includes the base rental fee for the bus and driver, calculated by hour, day, or mile depending on your itinerary. Not included are additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and hotel/lodging for the driver on overnight trips. You’ll also need to budget for a standard gratuity (usually 10–20%) paid directly to the driver at the end of the trip. We’ll break down all estimated costs upfront so you know exactly what’s covered before you book.

To rent a charter bus with our company, simply contact us with your trip details—including pickup location, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers—and we will provide you with a free, instant quote. Once you receive your quote, you can reserve your bus by signing the rental agreement and submitting a deposit. The remaining balance is due before the date of your trip. Our reservations team is available 24/7 to assist you with the booking process and answer any questions you may have.

You should book your bus rental as soon as you know your trip details—ideally at least 4–6 weeks before your departure date. Buses are first-come, first-served, and availability gets tight during peak travel times like spring break, summer vacation, holidays, and major event weekends. If you’re traveling during a busy season or need multiple vehicles, lock in your reservation early to guarantee the best selection and pricing. Last-minute bookings are possible if we have open vehicles, but advance reservations always get the best choice of equipment and schedules.

We offer 18-, 20-, 25-, and 56-passenger buses only, including minibuses, mid-size coaches, and full-size charter buses. All vehicles come with forward-facing seats, and select models include upgraded amenities like reclining seats, video monitors, and modern interiors. You can choose the exact size and floorplan that fits your group—we do not operate school buses, double-decker buses, or party buses.

Amenity availability varies by bus model, but most modern charter buses include cushioned seats with armrests and recline function, heating and air conditioning, onboard restroom with toilet and sink, overhead parcel racks, underfloor luggage compartments, video monitors with DVD player or HDMI input, 110V/USB power outlets at each row, WiFi hotspot, public address system, and tinted windows with pull-down shades. Premium options may feature leatherette upholstery, upgraded sound system, wireless microphone, and beverage galley. Please specify which amenities are required when booking.

Yes, many charter buses have 110V power outlets and/or USB charging ports at each seating row. Outlets are typically located either below the window, on the aisle-side armrest, or in the panel between seat backs. Not all older models have this feature, so please request a bus with outlets if you need to run laptops, charge phones, or power other devices during your trip.

Yes, WiFi is available on most newer charter buses as an optional amenity. The onboard WiFi system connects to cellular networks and provides a wireless hotspot for passengers to check email, browse the web, and use apps. Bandwidth is limited and may not support streaming video or large downloads. Be sure to request a bus with WiFi when you book if internet access is important for your group.

Yes, full-size charter buses (typically 40 feet or longer) are equipped with a compact restroom at the rear of the passenger cabin. The restroom includes a toilet, small sink or hand sanitizer dispenser, mirror, and ventilation fan. While adequate for basic needs, the facility is smaller than a household bathroom and is intended for limited use between rest stops. Some minibuses do not have restrooms; please confirm availability based on the vehicle size you select.

Yes, a charter bus has ample storage space for luggage and equipment. Large suitcases, duffel bags, and bulky items are stored in locking exterior compartments located beneath the passenger floor, accessible from curbside doors. Carry-on bags, backpacks, and personal items can be placed in open overhead parcel racks above the seats. Additional storage for small items is available in mesh pockets or trays attached to seat backs. The combination of underfloor bays and overhead racks allows each passenger to bring multiple pieces of luggage subject to operator guidelines.

Yes, most modern charter buses are equipped with video monitors for entertainment and information. Screens are typically mounted either at the front of the cabin above the windshield or in the ceiling panels at intervals along the aisle. Depending on the model, there may be one large central monitor or several smaller screens positioned so they are visible from each seating section. The video system can play movies from DVD/Blu-ray players, display live TV if satellite service is installed, or show content from external devices connected via HDMI/VGA inputs. Audio is broadcast through ceiling speakers or headphone jacks at each seat. Video entertainment helps pass the time on longer trips and can also be used for safety briefings or group announcements.

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