A Group Travel Guide to Durham, North Carolina's Best Destinations

Welcome to the Bull City! Whether you are planning a university tour of the prestigious Duke campus, organizing a corporate retreat in Research Triangle Park, or rallying the family for a reunion in the heart of the Piedmont, Durham offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and innovation. But navigating the Triangle—especially with a large group—can be a logistical challenge. Between traffic on the Durham Freeway (NC-147) and limited parking in the historic districts, keeping a group together requires a solid plan.

That is where Charter Bus Rental Company Durham steps in. We provide the most reliable, comfortable, and customized charter bus rentals in Durham, serving every corner of the Triangle including Raleigh and Chapel Hill. With a private bus rental, you dictate the schedule. You choose the pickup locations. And most importantly, you get to relax in a climate-controlled cabin with plush reclining seats while a driver handles the navigation. From 18-passenger minibuses for intimate tours to 56-passenger motorcoaches for large-scale events, we have the perfect vehicle for your itinerary. Ready to explore? Here is our guide to the top destinations in Durham, perfect for visiting by bus.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

No trip to Durham is complete without a visit to one of the premier public gardens in the United States. Located within Duke University, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens offers 55 acres of specialized gardens in the heart of the university. It is a stunning location for wedding photos, educational field trips, or a relaxing afternoon stroll with your senior community group. However, parking at the Anderson Street lot often fills up rapidly, especially during spring blooms and autumn color changes.

When you book a charter bus rental with Charter Bus Rental Company Durham, you can bypass the stress of finding multiple parking spots or paying individual metered rates. Your driver can drop your group off right at the main entrance (420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708), allowing you immediate access to the Terraces, the Asiatic Arboretum, and the native plant gardens. After your walking tour, your group will appreciate retreating to a cool, air-conditioned bus, perhaps utilizing the onboard WiFi to share photos of the wisteria instantly. Whether you are bringing a garden club from Charlotte or a school group from Greensboro, we ensure your arrival is as beautiful as the destination.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park

If you are in town during baseball season, catching a game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) is mandatory. Home to the most famous minor league baseball team in the world—thanks to the movie Bull Durham—this stadium offers a quintessential American sports experience. Located in the American Tobacco District, the area buzzes with energy on game days. For corporate outings, bachelor parties, or youth league end-of-season celebrations, a private bus rental is the ultimate way to attend a game.

Avoid the downtown gridlock and the expense of parking decks by consolidating your group into a single vehicle. Charter Bus Rental Company Durham can provide a shuttle directly to the ballpark (409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701). Our full-size charter buses feature ample undercarriage storage, meaning you can bring along coolers, banners, and tailgating gear without cluttering the aisle. Once the game ends and the fireworks display concludes, you won't have to worry about finding your car or navigating post-game traffic; your driver will be waiting to take you comfortably to your next destination, be it a local brewery or back to your hotel.

Museum of Life and Science

For school field trips, summer camps, and family reunions with young children, the Museum of Life and Science is a top-tier destination. This 84-acre interactive science park features a two-story science center, a butterfly conservatory, and outdoor exhibits including a dinosaur trail and a railway. It is an educational playground that requires a full day to explore. Coordinating a convoy of parent volunteers or school district yellow buses can be a headache. Upgrade your educational experience with a modern charter bus rental.

We work with the best providers to offer buses equipped with DVD players and flat-screen TVs, perfect for playing educational documentaries on the way to the museum (433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704). Teachers and chaperones can relax in comfortable seating while keeping an eye on students. Plus, with a private charter bus, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time if the kids are having too much fun in the Hideaway Woods. We make student travel safe, reliable, and comfortable.

Duke University Chapel and Campus

Duke University is the crown jewel of Durham, and its Gothic architecture draws visitors from around the globe. The centerpiece is the Duke University Chapel (401 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27708), with its soaring 210-foot tower. Whether you are organizing a prospective student tour, an alumni gathering, or a wedding, navigating the sprawling campus can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the layout.

Charter Bus Rental Company Durham specializes in campus shuttle services. We can transport your group from off-site parking or hotels directly to the Chapel Circle or the Bryan Center. If you are planning a wedding at the Chapel, a dedicated shuttle bus is essential for moving guests between the ceremony and reception venues in downtown Durham or nearby Chapel Hill. Your guests can enjoy the celebration without worrying about navigating campus maps or walking long distances in formal wear. Let us handle the logistics while you soak in the collegiate history.

American Tobacco Campus

Once a tobacco factory complex, the American Tobacco Campus has been revitalized into a bustling entertainment, business, and residential district. It is a prime example of Durham's renaissance, featuring restaurants, the Full Frame Theater, and a man-made river coursing through the historic brick buildings. It is an excellent stop for corporate groups looking for lunch, dinner, or entertainment after a day of meetings.

Located at 300 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701, the campus is adjacent to the DBAP and the Durham Performing Arts Center. Parking can be tight, especially on event nights. A minibus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Durham allows your corporate team or tour group to be dropped off curbside. You can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, take a stroll by the water tower, and then hop back on your bus to head to your next stop. With power outlets available at your seat, your team can even keep their devices charged and stay productive between locations.

Eno River State Park

Just minutes from the city center lies a natural oasis perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Eno River State Park offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking along the banks of the Eno River. It is a fantastic destination for scout troops, church youth groups, and team-building retreats looking to disconnect and enjoy nature. However, the park has multiple access points, and coordinating a meetup can be difficult if everyone drives separately.

Rent a charter bus to transport your entire group to the Fews Ford access (6101 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC 27705) or any other trailhead. Our buses offer massive storage bays under the vehicle, providing plenty of room for hiking boots, backpacks, picnic coolers, and fishing gear. After a long day on the trails, there is nothing better than sinking into a reclining seat in a climate-controlled bus for the ride home. We handle the driving so you can handle the adventure.

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)

Consistently ranked among the top theaters in the U.S., DPAC hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy events that draw crowds from all over North Carolina. Located at 123 Vivian St, Durham, NC 27701, it is the cultural heartbeat of the city. If you are planning a group outing to see a show like Hamilton or The Lion King, transportation should be the least of your worries.

Avoid the pre-show traffic jams and the high cost of event parking by booking a sleek minibus or coach with Charter Bus Rental Company Durham. We can arrange a pick-up from a pre-show dinner at a local restaurant and drop you off right in front of the theater. For senior groups or those with mobility concerns, our ADA-accessible bus options ensure everyone can enjoy the arts without barriers. Make your night at the theater truly VIP with door-to-door service.

Bennett Place State Historic Site

For history buffs, Bennett Place is a significant landmark. It is the site of the largest surrender of Confederate troops effectively ending the American Civil War. Located at 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd, Durham, NC 27705, this site offers guided tours and living history events that are perfect for educational groups and history clubs.

When you visit with a charter bus, you keep your group focused and together. Use the travel time to brief your group on the historical context of the site using the onboard PA system. The drivers can navigate to historical sites and will ensure your group arrives on time for your scheduled tour. It is an immersive way to experience history without the distraction of logistics.

Rent a Bus in Durham Today with Charter Bus Rental Company Durham

Ready to explore the best of the Bull City? Charter Bus Rental Company Durham is here to make your group travel effortless. Whether you are planning a corporate shuttle, a wedding transfer, or a school field trip, our team is dedicated to providing you with the best bus rental experience in North Carolina. We offer transparent pricing, 24/7 support, and a fleet that can accommodate any group size. Do not let transportation stress ruin your itinerary.

Call our reservation specialists today at 336-732-9000 to get a free, no-obligation quote for your Durham charter bus rental. We are ready to help you hit the road!

Frequently Asked Questions About Durham Group Travel Transportation

How much does a charter bus rental cost in Durham?

Charter bus pricing varies based on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your trip, the time of year, and the distance traveled. For example, a rental during the busy spring graduation season at Duke or UNC may cost more than a trip in January. We offer transparent, personalized quotes to ensure you only pay for what you need. Call us at 336-732-9000 with your itinerary, and we can provide you with an accurate price in minutes.

What amenities come on a standard charter bus?

Our full-size 56-passenger charter buses typically come equipped with a standard suite of premium amenities designed for comfort on long trips. This includes reclining seats, ample legroom, air conditioning, overhead storage bins, and an onboard restroom. Many buses also feature WiFi, power outlets at the seats, and flat-screen monitors with DVD players. If you have specific amenity requests, such as ADA accessibility, please let us know when you book so we can match you with the perfect bus.

How far in advance should I book my bus rental?

We recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date and venue are confirmed. For peak travel times—such as wedding season (May, June, October) or during major university events—it is best to book at least 6 to 9 months in advance to ensure availability. For standard trips, 3 to 6 months is usually sufficient. However, we can often accommodate last-minute requests, so do not hesitate to call us regardless of your timeline.

Do you service areas outside of Durham city limits?

Absolutely! While we are proud to serve Durham, our service area extends throughout the entire Research Triangle and beyond. We regularly provide transportation to Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Greensboro, and Charlotte. We can also facilitate long-distance trips to destinations like Washington D.C., Atlanta, or Charleston. Whether you are staying in Durham County or crossing state lines, Charter Bus Rental Company Durham has you covered.