Thinking about booking a charter bus rental in San Francisco, but not sure where to begin? We are here to help! Below is our guide to renting a charter bus in San Francisco, from charter bus types to charter bus pricing and amenities to anything else you need to know. 

Your first question might be: Why should I rent a charter bus?

Renting a charter bus in San Francisco for private events is beneficial for many reasons. For one, it keeps your entire group together, as opposed to splitting up your group and staggering arrival times. You also don’t have to worry about driving or parking, as you will have a professional charter bus driver handle the roads for you. This is also beneficial if you want to rent a wedding charter bus for your bachelorette party, as you can have a designated driver. Most charter bus companies allow drinking aboard buses as long as you keep the buses clean and don’t leave a mess behind. 

With a charter bus rental, you have fixed pricing, unlike rideshares, which are subject to surge fees. In addition, you have the benefit of built-in amenities like WiFi and TVs that many cars and public transportation options lack. 

A charter bus also moves according to your time and schedule, offering privacy and flexibility that you can’t get from any other type of ground transportation. From employee shuttle bus rentals that run according to your worker’s schedule to late-night charter buses that can pick your group up after partying on Union Street all night, a San Francisco charter bus is there exactly when you need it.  

three friends in front of a charter bus

Types of San Francisco Charter Buses

We have a variety of minibus and charter bus rentals in San Francisco for your group. The minibus models in our network fit anywhere from 18 to 25 passengers comfortably, while a full-size charter bus rental can accommodate up to 56 passengers with ease. Smaller groups will most likely rent either an 18-passenger minibus rental or a 25-passenger minibus rental, which is great for smaller events or quick trips across town. We have an experienced reservation team that knows how to match groups with the right San Francisco charter bus for their travel needs.  

We source our California charter bus rentals from reputable charter bus companies all across California that share our commitment to safety, dependability, and inclusivity. Due to the scope of our partnerships, you can use our network to book charter bus rentals in San Jose and other neighboring cities around San Francisco. We only work with the best of the best, and that includes charter bus drivers and charter bus amenities. 

Amenities Available with a San Francisco Charter Bus Rental

A California charter bus comes with all the amenities you need, whether you’re renting a charter bus in Sacramento for government meetings at the capital and need WiFi and power outlets, or if you’re renting a sports team charter bus rental and need extra storage for sporting equipment. 

Standard amenities on every charter bus include a climate-controlled cabin, A/C, cushioned seats, AM/FM radio, and overhead storage big enough for one carry-on item per passenger. If you rent a larger San Francisco charter bus, you can expect amenities like an onboard restroom and undercarriage storage. Other charter bus amenities available depending on the model you rent include TVs with DVD players, a PA system, and reclining seats. 

For groups with any passenger with special mobility needs, we have options for you. For example, say you are looking to book a field trip charter bus rental for your high school class and have a student in a wheelchair. You can rent a full-size charter bus rental with a wheelchair ramp and widened aisle space for the same price as a non-ADA counterpart. Let our team know any special requests for amenities, ADA-compliant or otherwise, and we will find a charter bus in San Francisco that has what you need. 

Your San Francisco Charter Bus Driver

Wondering who will be behind the wheel of your San Francisco charter bus? We’ve got you covered. Your San Francisco charter bus driver will have on-the-road experience along with a Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement, which means they have passed numerous tests including:

  • A background check
  • A driving performance exam 
  • Random drug and alcohol screenings
  • A routine physical exam to ensure fitness to drive
  • A vision and hearing test

Your charter bus driver will be committed to providing the best service possible for your and your group aboard your San Francisco bus rental. They handle all the driving and parking so that you don’t have to! If you ask, they will also be more than happy to help your group loans and unload luggage from your charter bus. 

San Francisco Charter Bus Pricing

While we have a table that offers pricing estimates on our charter bus pricing page, these are just estimates and not a reflection on what your specific San Francisco charter bus rental will end up costing you. Charter bus pricing is broken down either by day, by hour, or by mile, and your reservation specialist will determine your price when you give them your trip details. For example, if you rent a Santa Rosa charter bus to go to San Francisco an hour away for a day trip, you will most likely be charged by the day, as there is a five-hour minimum for daily charter bus rentals.  

There are also other factors to consider that affect the pricing of your charter bus rental. This includes fees like parking, a hotel room for your driver (if your trip spans multiple days), and toll fees. Keep in mind that a charter bus driver is required by law to take an eight-hour break after driving for 10 or more hours. Some hotels may be willing to work with you and give your driver a discounted room if you ask. 

When considering pricing, be sure to factor in a tip for your charter bus driver. It is customary to tip 5 to 10 percent of the cost of your charter bus rental in cash at the end of your trip. If you prefer, we can add that into the overall cost of your San Francisco charter bus rental when you book, instead. 

a group of people with luggage step aboard a charter bus

The Process of Renting a San Francisco Charter Bus 

We want to make it as simple as possible to rent a charter bus in San Francisco, whether you need a tour group charter bus rental to see the Bay Area’s top sights or just want to get some friends together for a private event. But how does the bus rental process even work?

First things first, make sure your itinerary is ironclad. That means get your passenger count, travel dates, and itinerary (with addresses) solidified. This will help our reservation team find you a San Francisco charter bus at the best price. Be sure to call as far in advance as possible, preferably at least six months if you can, for the best availability, as charter bus rentals are in high demand in more crowded cities like San Francisco. 

With your itinerary set, call our reservation team at 415-404-6456. We are available 24/7 to take your call and have trained reservation specialists who can help you with all your group transportation needs. Give them your itinerary details, and they will work up a free quote for you in a matter of minutes. You are under no obligation to book once you receive your quote. But if you decide you are ready to book, you will put down 10% of the cost of your San Francisco charter bus rental. This deposit is non-refundable and will secure your reservation. 

Book a Charter Bus Rental in San Francisco Today!

We hope you have less questions about San Francisco charter buses after reading our handy guide! If you have any more questions about renting a charter bus in San Francisco or want to get a quote for your next group travel experience, give our team a call at 415-404-6456. We would be happy to assist you!