Shuttle Bus Prices in Des Moines, Iowa
Shuttle bus rental prices in Des Moines typically range from $1,600–$3,200+ per day, $175–$350+ per hour, or $4.50–$7.00+ per mile depending on the size of the vehicle, length of your trip, and time of year. Minibuses (18–25 passengers) are generally less expensive than full-size charter buses (up to 56 passengers). You’ll pay either by the hour, by the day, or by the mile—whichever adds up to more based on your itinerary. Additional costs may include driver gratuity (standard is 10–20%), tolls, parking fees, and hotel/lodging for the driver if required. The best way to get an accurate price is to call our team at 515-415-9990 with your exact trip details—we’ll give you a fast, personalized quote and help you find the right vehicle for your group and budget.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Shuttle Bus Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 25-Passenger Shuttle Bus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 20-Passenger Shuttle Bus | $157 – $414 | $1,300 – $3,100 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 18-Passenger Shuttle Bus | $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 Shuttle Bus Rental Cost in Des Moines?
Shuttle bus rental prices in Des Moines typically cost between $1,600 and $3,200+ per day, $175–$350+ per hour, or $4.50–$7.00+ per mile depending on the size of the vehicle, length of your trip, and time of year. Minibuses (18–25 passengers) are generally less expensive than full-size charter buses (up to 56 passengers). You’ll pay either by the hour, by the day, or by the mile—whichever adds up to more based on your itinerary. Additional costs may include driver gratuity (standard is 10–20%), tolls, parking fees, and hotel/lodging for the driver if required. The best way to get an accurate price is to call our team at 515-415-9990 with your exact trip details—we’ll give you a fast, personalized quote and help you find the right vehicle for your group and budget.
What Factors Influence Shuttle Bus Rental Pricing in Des Moines?
There are several factors that will impact the final price of your bus. These include the dates of your trip, how far you’re traveling, the number of passengers, the pickup/dropoff location, and the type of bus. Keep in mind that you may also need to pay for additional travel-related expenses such as road tolls, parking permits, and a driver’s tip (we recommend tipping 10–20% of the total rental price).
It’s important to note that each company packages their pricing differently. Some companies charge by the hour while others charge by mileage or by day. Make sure to clarify what’s included in your quote before signing your rental agreement. Ask about cancellation policies, deposit requirements, and any other terms and conditions that could affect your rental. If you have questions about your shuttle bus quote, contact our team at 515-415-9990.
Sample Trip Pricing in Des Moines
The best way to understand how much a bus rental costs is to see real examples from past customers. Below are sample trips with actual pricing for different types of itineraries in Des Moines. Each example includes the trip details, total price, and price per person based on the number of passengers. Use these examples to estimate your own trip cost or call us for a custom quote.
Example #1
A bride is hosting her ceremony and reception at Rollins Mansion but has many out-of-town guests staying at hotels in downtown Des Moines. She books a 25-passenger minibus to run a continuous shuttle loop between the hotels and the venue before and after the event. The service lasts 6 hours and covers 30 total miles. Her price: $2,100 ($84 per guest if full).
Example #2
A local company is sending employees to a full-day conference at the Iowa Events Center. They need round-trip transportation from their office in West Des Moines to the venue and back at the end of the day. The total distance is 24 miles round-trip, and they book a 56-passenger charter bus for 10 hours. Their price: $2,850 ($51 per employee if full).
Example #3
An elementary school is taking 100 students and 10 teachers on a field trip to Blank Park Zoo. They need two 56-passenger charter buses for a 5-hour rental, including travel time and waiting time at the zoo. The total distance traveled is 40 miles. Their price: $2,200 per bus, $4,400 total ($44 per person).
Example #4
A group of 40 Drake University basketball fans wants to cheer on the Bulldogs at the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in St. Louis. They book a 56-passenger charter bus for a 3-day, 800-mile round trip. Their price: $6,000 ($150 per fan).
Example #5
The Iowa State Fair hires multiple 25-passenger minibuses to shuttle staff and volunteers between remote parking lots and the fairgrounds. Each minibus runs a 12-hour shift with frequent short trips totaling 60 miles per day. Their price: $2,400 per minibus per day.
Example #6
Organizers of the IMT Des Moines Marathon arrange 18-passenger minibuses to transport runners from the finish line back to the starting area. Each minibus operates for 4 hours and travels 15 miles. Their price: $1,800 per minibus.
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