A few of the companies we’ve worked with
What Factors Influence the Price of a Charter Bus in Tempe?
The cost of your Tempe charter bus rental is never a "flat fee" because no two trips are exactly alike. Several key variables determine your final quote, and understanding these can help you find the best value for your group. First and foremost is the duration and distance of your trip. Local transfers within Tempe city limits—such as moving a group from a hotel near Gammage Auditorium to a dinner at Culinary Dropout (149 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281)—are billed at an hourly rate with a five-hour minimum. Conversely, long-distance trips to Tucson or Flagstaff are billed by the mile or by a flat daily rate. The type of vehicle you choose also plays a significant role. A full-size 56-passenger coach, while offering the most amenities like an onboard restroom and massive undercarriage storage, will have a higher hourly rate than a compact 25-passenger minibus.
Seasonality is a major factor in Arizona. Tempe's "busy season" differs from much of the country. Demand for buses skyrockets from February through May. This period encompasses Cactus League Spring Training, major ASU events like graduation and homecoming, and the perfect weather that draws conventions to the area. If you’re booking during this window, you can expect higher rates and limited availability. To secure the best pricing, we recommend booking at least six months in advance for spring travel. Additionally, your specific itinerary impacts costs through "deadhead" miles—the distance your bus travels empty from our terminal to your pickup location. Providing exact addresses for every stop on your route allows us to calculate the most accurate, all-inclusive price for your group.
Sample Price Quotes for Tempe Charter Bus Rentals
To give you a better idea of what to expect for your upcoming event, here are a few real-world examples of recent quotes we’ve provided for groups in the Tempe area. Please remember that these are estimates based on specific itineraries and your final cost will depend on your unique trip details.
Example 1: ASU Game Day Shuttle A local fan group needed a 35-passenger minibus to transport 30 people from a residential area near Kiwanis Park (6111 S All-America Way, Tempe, AZ 85283) to Mountain Island Stadium (formerly Sun Devil Stadium) for a Saturday afternoon football game. The group requested a 6-hour rental to account for tailgating and post-game traffic. At a rate of $185 per hour, the base cost was $1,110.
Example 2: Corporate Convention Shuttle A tech firm hosting a three-day seminar at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel (60 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281) required a 56-passenger charter bus for employee transfers from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and evening dinners at Rustler's Rooste. The daily rate for the full-size coach was $1,950 per day. For three days, the base total was $5,850.
Example 3: High School Field Trip to Sea Life Aquarium An elementary school in South Tempe organized a field trip for 50 students and chaperones to visit the Sea Life Arizona Aquarium (5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282). They required a full-size charter bus with a restroom for a 5-hour local rental. They received a quote of $950 for the 5-hour block.
Example 4: Destination Wedding Shuttle A couple getting married at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix with a reception in Tempe needed a 25-passenger minibus to shuttle guests between the Hyatt House Tempe/University (601 E Ontario Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281) and the venues for 8 hours on a Saturday. The peak season rate was $210 per hour, totaling $1,680.
The Best Time to Rent a Charter Bus in Tempe, Arizona
If you’re looking to save money on your Tempe bus rental, timing is everything. In Arizona, the cost of transportation fluctuates heavily based on the local event calendar and the weather. The most expensive time to rent a bus in Tempe is during the spring months—specifically March and April. This is when the Cactus League Spring Training is in full swing, with fans flocking to Diablo Stadium (2400 W Alameda Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282) and Sloan Park in nearby Mesa. During this time, every bus in the valley is often booked months in advance, and rates can increase by 20% to 30%. Similarly, ASU graduation in May and the return of students in August create high-demand periods that can drive up costs.
Conversely, the "off-season" for bus rentals in Tempe typically falls during the peak of summer—July and August—and the winter months of January and early February. While the Arizona heat is intense in the summer, our entire fleet is equipped with high-powered, industrial-strength air conditioning systems specifically designed for the desert climate, ensuring your group stays cool even when it’s 115 degrees outside. By scheduling your event during these off-peak times, you’ll find the greatest vehicle availability and the most competitive rates. Regardless of when you travel, our advice remains the same: once you have your headcount and date confirmed, call Charter Bus Rental Company Tempe at 602-338-9083 to lock in your quote. Prices only go up as availability goes down!
Choose the Right Bus for Your Tempe Group Outing
Selecting the appropriate vehicle is a crucial step in managing your budget and ensuring passenger comfort. At Charter Bus Rental Company Tempe, we offer a diverse range of vehicles tailored to different needs. For smaller groups or local shuttles, the minibus is a fantastic, cost-effective option. Available in sizes ranging from 15 to 35 seats, these buses are perfect for navigating the busy streets near Mill Avenue or transporting wedding parties between hotels and local chapels. Minibuses offer a more nimble profile for city driving while still providing amenities like reclining seats, climate control, and WiFi. If your group is under 35 people and you don't have excessive luggage, a minibus will almost always be your most affordable choice.
For large-scale events or long-distance travel, the full-size charter bus is the gold standard. These 56-passenger motorcoaches are built for the long haul, offering massive undercarriage storage bays for sports equipment, luggage, or trade show materials. They come standard with an onboard restroom, which is essential for trips lasting more than a few hours, such as a journey to the Grand Canyon or a corporate retreat to Sedona. If you’re moving a large crowd, renting one 56-passenger coach is nearly always more economical than renting two smaller minibuses. We also offer specialty vehicles like party buses and sprinter vans. A party bus is the ultimate choice for a high-energy celebration, featuring wraparound seating, fiber-optic lighting, and premium sound systems. Sprinter vans are ideal for executive airport transfers at PHX or small VIP groups who need elite, discreet transportation.
Tempe Corporate and Business Shuttle Pricing
Tempe is a thriving hub for tech, finance, and higher education, which means professional transportation is a daily necessity. Charter Bus Rental Company Tempe specializes in corporate shuttle programs that boost employee morale and streamline logistics for businesses of all sizes. Whether your company is located near the offices of Salt River Project (1500 N Priest Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281) or within the bustling Novus Innovation Corridor, we can design a commuter route that works for you. Private shuttles allow your team to bypass the stress of the I-10 commute, arriving at the office refreshed and ready to work. With onboard amenities like power outlets and fast WiFi, travel time becomes productive time.
Pricing for corporate services is highly flexible. For one-time events like a holiday party at Topgolf (9500 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256) or a conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, we offer hourly or daily rates. For long-term needs, such as daily employee shuttles between the Tempe Transportation Center and suburban park-and-ride lots, we offer custom contract pricing that fits your company’s budget. Providing a private shuttle is a top-tier employee perk that helps attract and retain talent in a competitive market. Our reservation team has over 15 years of experience coordinating complex corporate moves, so you can trust us to handle the scheduling and routing while you focus on your business goals.
Tempe Wedding Shuttle Bus Rental Costs
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the last thing you want is for your guests to be stressed about parking or navigating unfamiliar roads. Tempe offers some of the most stunning wedding venues in Arizona, from the modern architecture of the Tempe Center for the Arts (700 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281) to the historic charm of the Hackett House. Providing a dedicated wedding shuttle ensures that everyone arrives together and on time, creating a seamless flow for your celebration. Our minibuses and charter buses are the perfect way to transport guests between the ceremony, the reception, and local hotels like the Westin Tempe or the Canopy by Hilton.
Wedding shuttle pricing is based on an hourly model, as most events require several hours of service with gaps between pickups. We can arrange for "split-shift" service, where a bus picks guests up in the afternoon and returns in the late evening, or a "continuous loop" service that stays on-site for the duration of the event. Having a driver serves as a built-in designated driver, allowing your loved ones to fully enjoy the reception without worry. You can even customize your bus with decorations or a custom playlist to set the mood the moment guests step onboard. Call us at 602-338-9083 to discuss your wedding timeline, and we’ll build a custom package that ensures your day is as perfect as you’ve always imagined.
Field Trip and School Event Transportation in Tempe
Safety and reliability are our top priorities when it comes to transporting students. Charter Bus Rental Company Tempe has been a trusted partner for school districts, universities, and youth organizations across Arizona since 2011. Whether you’re planning a class trip to the Hall of Flame Fire Museum (6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008) or taking a group of high school seniors to tour the campus of Arizona State University, we provide an upgrade from the traditional yellow school bus . Our charter buses feature seatbelts, climate control, and onboard restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for students, teachers, and chaperones alike.
For educational groups, a charter bus offers several advantages. Students can stay entertained with DVD players and TV screens during longer rides, while WiFi allows older students to complete assignments or research their destination en route. We also provide transportation for athletic teams, band competitions, and Greek Life events. If your student organization is planning a formal or a retreat, our 24/7 team can help you find an affordable minibus or party bus that fits your group’s budget. We understand the specific requirements of school transportation —including the need for drivers—and we work relentlessly to provide the highest level of service for every academic outing. From the initial quote to the final drop-off, your school group is in capable hands with us.
Lock in the best rates for your group transportation in Tempe
Don’t wait until availability is low! Call Charter Bus Rental Company Tempe today at 602-338-9083 to speak with one of our experienced reservation specialists. We are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions, walk you through our fleet options, and provide a free, no-obligation quote in just minutes. You can also use our online quote tool for instant pricing in under 30 seconds. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, or a cross-country tour, let us show you why we’ve been Tempe’s #1 choice for charter bus rentals since 2011. Your perfect trip starts with a single call—reach out today and let’s get your group on the road!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tempe Pricing
Do I need to pay for my driver’s hotel and meals?
Yes, for any trip that involves an overnight stay, the customer is responsible for the driver’s accommodations. This is an industry-standard practice intended to ensure your driver is well-rested and ready to safely operate the vehicle. Most hotels will offer a discounted or complimentary room for a bus driver if you are booking a large block of rooms for your group, so be sure to ask your hotel coordinator! Regarding meals, while you are not strictly required to pay for them, it is common practice and highly appreciated to include the driver in your group’s meal plans or provide a small daily stipend. Remember, your driver is an essential part of your trip’s success, and keeping them comfortable ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
How far in advance should I book my Tempe bus rental?
To ensure the best selection of vehicles and the most competitive pricing, we strongly recommend booking your Tempe charter bus rental at least 3 to 6 months in advance. If your trip falls during the peak Arizona travel season—which includes February, March, and April (Spring Training season) and May (ASU Graduation)—you should aim to book 6 to 9 months ahead. Tempe is a major destination for events and conventions, and our fleet often sells out completely during these high-demand periods. Booking early allows you to lock in the current rates and ensures you get the specific amenities you desire, such as onboard WiFi or a specific bus size. While we can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests, availability becomes extremely limited and prices tend to rise as the date approaches.
What amenities are standard on Tempe charter buses?
When you book with us, you’re getting a vehicle designed for maximum comfort. Standard amenities on our full-size charter buses include high-back reclining seats, powerful climate control with individual air vents, overhead parcel racks for carry-on bags, and large undercarriage storage bays for luggage. Many of our buses also come equipped with a PA system, flat-screen monitors with a DVD player, and an onboard restroom. Upon request, we can also provide vehicles with premium features such as high-speed WiFi, personal power outlets/USB ports at every seat, and leather upholstery. For groups with mobility needs, we offer ADA-accessible buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and designated securement areas at no additional cost—just let your reservation specialist know your requirements when you call 602-338-9083.
Do you offer airport transfers to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)?
Absolutely! We provide 24/7 airport transfer services to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) (3400 E Sky Harbor Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85034) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). Navigating the airport terminals with a large group can be chaotic, especially during peak flight times. Our private shuttles offer a streamlined alternative to public transit or waiting in long taxi lines. Your driver will meet your group at a designated curbside pickup area—specifically the North Curb of Terminal 3 or the North Curb of Terminal 4—and handle all the luggage loading for you. Whether you’re heading to a resort in Scottsdale, a corporate office in Downtown Tempe, or catching a connecting flight across the valley, we provide direct, door-to-door service that operates on your flight’s schedule, not ours.