A few of the companies we’ve worked with
How We Calculate Your Charter Bus Quote
At Charter Bus Rental Company Winston-Salem, we use a dynamic pricing model. This means your quote is built specifically for your itinerary. We don't believe in extra charges; we want you to know exactly what goes into the cost of your rental. When you call us to book a bus, our reservation agents look at several key variables to generate your price.
The primary components of your quote include the vehicle type, the duration of the rental, the mileage covered, and the date of your trip. For local trips within Winston-Salem—perhaps a shuttle between the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (401 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101) and a reception venue—we charge by the hour with a five-hour minimum. For long-distance trips—say, taking a church group from Winston-Salem to Washington D.C. or a sports team to an away game in Charlotte—we usually charge by the day or by the mile.
It is important to have your itinerary as finalized as possible when you call for a quote. Knowing your exact pickup and drop-off locations allows us to calculate "deadhead" costs (the time it takes for the bus to leave our garage to get to you) and ensure you aren't paying for time you don't need. Our goal is to provide you with a fair, accurate price that fits your budget.
The Influence of Time and Seasonality on Bus Rentals
Just like booking a hotel or a flight, the cost of a charter bus rental in Winston-Salem fluctuates based on supply and demand. The time of year you choose to travel plays a massive role in your final quote. In the transportation industry, we have "peak seasons" where demand is high, and availability is lower, which naturally drives up prices.
In Winston-Salem, our busiest months tend to be April, May, and June. This is due to end-of-year school field trips, proms, and major graduations at local institutions like Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. If you are planning a trip during these months, we highly recommend booking at least 6 to 9 months in advance to secure the best rate. Another peak time is October, as the fall foliage in North Carolina draws tour groups and wedding parties to the area.
Conversely, the winter months (January and February) are typically the most affordable times to rent a bus in the Piedmont Triad area. If your dates are flexible, scheduling your trip during the off-season or even on a weekday rather than a weekend can result in significant savings. Weekends—especially Saturdays—are prime time for weddings and events, so weekday rentals often come with a lower hourly rate.
Bus Type and Size: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
The size and style of the bus you select will directly impact your price. At Charter Bus Rental Company Winston-Salem, we offer a diverse fleet ranging from compact 18-passenger minibuses to spacious 56-passenger full-size charter buses. Naturally, a larger bus with more amenities will cost more than a smaller shuttle vehicle.
Minibuses: If you are moving a smaller group—perhaps a corporate team heading to a lunch at The Katharine Brasserie or a wedding party taking photos at the Old Salem Museums & Gardens (900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101)—a minibus is a cost-effective choice. These vehicles typically seat between 18 and 35 passengers and come with amenities like A/C and cushioned seats. They are priced lower per hour than full-size coaches.
Full-Size Charter Buses: For large groups, long-distance travel, or teams carrying equipment, the 56-passenger motorcoach is the standard. These buses come equipped with premium amenities like onboard restrooms, undercarriage luggage storage, reclining seats, and TVs. While the daily rate for a full-size bus is higher, the cost-per-person often drops significantly when you fill every seat. If you have a group of 50 students visiting the Reynolda House Museum of American Art (2250 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106), splitting the cost of a large coach is often cheaper than renting multiple vans or reimbursing drivers for gas.
Trip Duration and Distance: Hourly vs. Daily Rates
How you use the bus determines how you are billed. Charter Bus Rental Company Winston-Salem structures pricing based on the most logical format for your specific itinerary.
Hourly Rates: For local events where the bus is needed for a specific block of time within the Winston-Salem metro area, we use an hourly rate. Most rentals require a 5-hour minimum to cover the costs of preparing the vehicle and dispatching the driver. This is common for wedding shuttles, corporate dinners, or prom transportation. For example, if you need a shuttle for a Dash baseball game at Truist Stadium (951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101), you would likely be billed hourly.
Daily/Mileage Rates: For trips that span multiple days or involve long distances (usually over 150 miles), we switch to a daily rate or a mileage rate. If you are taking a group from Winston-Salem to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro or over to the Outer Banks, a daily rate is applied. This flat fee covers the use of the bus for the day, though you must adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations regarding driver hours. Drivers can only drive for 10 hours and be on duty for 15 hours before they are legally required to take an 8-hour break. If your trip requires more driving than this, you may need to pay for a second driver, which will affect your cost.
Ways to Save on Group Transportation in the Twin City
We want to help you get the best possible deal on your transportation. Here are a few insider tips from Charter Bus Rental Company Winston-Salem on how to keep your costs down:
Book Early: As mentioned, prices go up as availability goes down. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance locks in your rate before the seasonal rush hits. Last-minute bookings often come with a premium price tag.
Right-Size Your Vehicle: Don't pay for empty seats. If you have 20 people, don't book a 56-passenger coach unless you really need the extra luggage space. A minibus will be much more affordable. Our reservation specialists can help you choose the perfect size.
Optimize Your Itinerary: Since you pay for the time the bus is in your possession, try to streamline your schedule. Avoid long gaps where the bus is sitting idle if you are paying hourly. If you are paying daily, maximize your time by planning efficient routes.
Split the Cost: If you are traveling for a private event like a family reunion or a friends' trip to the Yadkin Valley wine country, splitting the total cost among all passengers often makes a private charter bus cheaper—and certainly more comfortable—than rideshares or rental cars.
Sample Trip Costs for Winston-Salem Events
To give you a better idea of what to expect, we’ve put together a few examples of typical trips in the Winston-Salem area. Please keep in mind that these are estimates only and actual prices will vary based on your specific date and availability.
Example 1: The Wedding Shuttle A couple is getting married at the Millennium Center (101 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101) downtown. They need a 25-passenger minibus to shuttle guests from the Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center to the venue and back. They need the bus for 6 hours on a Saturday in June. Estimated Cost: $900 - $1,200
Example 2: The University Away Game A collegiate club sports team needs to travel from Winston-Salem to Durham for a tournament. They need a 56-passenger charter bus to accommodate 40 players and their equipment. The trip is a one-day round trip on a Saturday in October, lasting about 12 hours total. Estimated Cost: $1,600 - $2,100
Example 3: The Corporate Conference A business is hosting a multi-day conference at the Benton Convention Center (301 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101). They need a 56-passenger motorcoach to pick up attendees from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), bring them to Winston-Salem, provide shuttle service for dinner for two nights, and return them to the airport on day three. Estimated Cost: $3,800 - $4,500 (plus driver lodging)
Book Your Winston-Salem Charter Bus Rental Today
Ready to get an exact price for your trip? Charter Bus Rental Company Winston-Salem is here to make the process simple. Our team handles the logistics so you can focus on the fun parts of your trip. Whether you are exploring the arts district, attending a conference, or cheering on the Demon Deacons, we have the perfect bus for you.
Our warm and welcoming reservation agents are here to answer your request, help you with any questions, offer you the best available deals/pricing and help you get exactly what you need. There’s no pressure to book at the time of your call, our job is to guide you throughout the process so you find what you need at a price that fits your budget.
Call us today at 336-732-9000 for a free, personalized quote. We are available 24/7 to help you hit the road!
Frequently Asked Questions About Winston Salem Pricing
How far in advance should I book my bus in Winston-Salem?
We recommend booking your charter bus rental as soon as you have your date and itinerary confirmed. Ideally, you should book 3 to 6 months in advance. If your trip falls during peak seasons like spring (prom and graduation season) or October, try to book 6 to 9 months ahead to ensure availability and the best pricing. However, we can often accommodate last-minute requests, so don't hesitate to call us even if your trip is coming up soon!
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, a deposit is required to secure your bus reservation. When you receive your quote and decide to move forward, you will pay a deposit of roughly 10-30% of the total trip cost. This takes the bus off the market for other customers. The remaining balance is usually due 14 to 30 days prior to your trip departure date.
Can I change my itinerary after booking?
Yes, you can usually make changes to your itinerary after booking, though significant changes might affect your final price. If you need to change pickup times, add a stop, or change the destination, please let us know as soon as possible. Minor adjustments are often easy to handle, but changes that increase mileage or driver hours may result in an updated quote. Our team is happy to work with you to adjust your plans.
Bus types Available in Winston Salem
More About Group Travel in Winston Salem
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