A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Factors That Influence Your Charter Bus Rental Quote
Every trip is unique, and so is every quote. When you call Charter Bus Rental Company Fontana to book a ride, our reservation specialists take several specific variables into account to build your price. We don't just pull a number out of thin air; we calculate it based on the resources required to make your trip safe and comfortable. The primary factors include the duration of the trip, the distance traveled, the time of year, and the size of the bus.
For example, a quick transfer from a hotel in downtown Fontana to the Ontario International Airport (ONT) (2500 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761) will cost significantly less than a multi-day tour taking a youth group from Fontana High School up to Big Bear Lake or over to Los Angeles. We also factor in "deadhead" costs—the time and mileage it takes for the bus to leave our yard and get to your pickup location. Since we are locally based in the Inland Empire, we can often keep these costs lower than competitors coming from further away, but it is always a factor in the final equation.
Availability is another massive factor. If you are booking a bus during a major local event—like a NASCAR race weekend at the Auto Club Speedway (9300 Cherry Ave, Fontana, CA 92335)—demand is high, and supply is low, which can drive up rates. We always recommend booking as far in advance as possible to lock in the best rate before our fleet is fully committed.
The Impact of Trip Duration and Distance on Costs
How we bill your trip depends largely on your itinerary. Charter bus pricing is broken down into two main categories: hourly rates and daily/mileage rates.
Hourly Rates: For local trips that take place within and around Fontana and the immediate San Bernardino County area, we charge by the hour. There is usually a 5-hour minimum to ensure the booking is viable for the driver and the vehicle. This is the standard pricing model for events like wedding shuttles , corporate dinners, or prom transportation where the bus stays relatively local. For instance, if you are hosting an event at the Center Stage Theater (8463 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92335) and need a shuttle to ferry guests from the Hilton Garden Inn Fontana (10543 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92337), you will likely be quoted an hourly rate.
Daily or Mileage Rates: For long-distance travel—such as a trip from Fontana to Las Vegas, San Diego, or San Francisco—we switch to a daily rate or a price-per-mile calculation. Daily rates are more cost-effective for trips where the driver and bus are with you for 8+ hours or multiple days. It’s important to note that Department of Transportation regulations limit drivers to 10 hours of driving time and 15 hours of on-duty time per day. If your itinerary exceeds these limits, your quote will need to include the cost of a second driver to ensure safety and compliance.
Choosing the Right Vehicle: Minibuses vs. Charter Buses
The size of your group directly dictates the size of the bus you need, which in turn affects the price. At Charter Bus Rental Company Fontana, we offer a diverse fleet ranging from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches .
Minibuses: If you are moving a smaller group—perhaps a corporate team heading to a meeting at the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center or a bridal party heading to a rehearsal dinner—a minibus is a cost-effective solution. These vehicles cost $150 to $300+ per hour (depending on season and availability). They are nimble, easy to park, and perfect for navigating city streets.
Full-Size Charter Buses: For large groups, such as a senior class trip from Summit High School or A.B. Miller High School, a full-size motorcoach is necessary. These buses cost $180 to $350+ per hour or have daily rates ranging from $1,400 to $2,800+. While the total cost is higher than a minibus, the per-person cost is often much lower when you fill all 56 seats. These buses also come equipped with premium amenities like onboard restrooms and large luggage bays, making them essential for long-haul trips.
Seasonal Demand: When You Travel Matters
The charter bus industry is highly seasonal. Just like booking a flight or a hotel, the timing of your trip plays a huge role in the final price. In Fontana and the greater Southern California area, our busiest months tend to be April, May, and June. This is "peak season" due to the convergence of end-of-year school field trips , proms, graduations, and the start of the summer wedding season.
If you are looking to save money, consider booking your trip during the off-peak months, typically January and February. However, regardless of the month, weekends (Friday through Sunday) will almost always command a higher rate than a Tuesday or Wednesday. If your schedule is flexible, shifting your trip to a weekday can result in significant savings.
Furthermore, local events can cause spikes in pricing regardless of the season. If a major festival is happening at the San Manuel Amphitheater in nearby San Bernardino, or if it is a race weekend in Fontana, availability drops sharply. We strongly advise booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance for trips during these high-demand periods to ensure you get the bus you want at a fair price.
Extra Costs to Consider: Parking, Tolls, and Lodging
When you receive a quote from Charter Bus Rental Company Fontana, it includes the bus, the driver, fuel, and gratuity. However, there are some external costs that you, the renter, are responsible for handling. It is important to budget for these so there are no extra charges on the day of your trip.
- Parking Fees: You are responsible for paying for parking at your destination. For example, if you are taking a group to a specialized event at the Steelworkers' Auditorium (8437 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92335) or heading into Los Angeles for a game at Dodger Stadium, you will need to cover the cost of bus parking.
- Tolls: If your route takes us through toll roads—such as the nearby Toll Roads of Orange County or express lanes—those costs are the responsibility of the client.
- Driver Lodging: If you are booking a multi-day trip that requires the group to stay overnight (for example, a trip from Fontana to the Grand Canyon), you must provide a private hotel room for your driver. This ensures they get the federally mandated rest required to drive you safely the next day.
- Gratuity: While often included in your base quote, it is industry standard to tip your driver 10-20% of the rental cost for excellent service. The drivers work hard to keep you comfortable, and a tip is a great way to show appreciation.
Example Pricing Scenarios for Fontana Trips
To help you visualize what your trip might cost, we have put together a few examples based on common requests we receive in Fontana. Please note these are estimates only and actual prices will vary.
Example 1: The Local Wedding Shuttle A couple is getting married at the beautiful Sierra Lakes Golf Club (16600 Clubhouse Dr, Fontana, CA 92336). They want to ensure their guests don't drink and drive, so they hire a shuttle to run between the venue and a local hotel block. They need a 25-passenger minibus for 6 hours on a Saturday evening in June. Estimated Cost: $1,100 – $1,500.
Example 2: The Corporate Conference Transfer A logistics company in Fontana needs to transport 50 employees to the Los Angeles Convention Center for a major industry expo. They require a 56-passenger charter bus for a full 10-hour day on a Tuesday in October. This allows the team to work on the bus using WiFi and arrive together. Estimated Cost: $1,600 – $2,200.
Example 3: The School Field Trip A local elementary school wants to take students to the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center (7621 Granite Hill Dr, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509). They need two full-sized charter buses for a 5-hour trip on a Wednesday morning in March. Estimated Cost: $1,400 – $1,800 per bus.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Your Bus Rental
We want to help you get the best value for your money. Here are a few insider tips for securing the best rates with Charter Bus Rental Company Fontana:
Book Early: As mentioned, the earlier you book, the better. As buses sell out, the prices for the remaining vehicles go up. Try to finalize your date 3-6 months out.
Finalize Your Headcount: Don't pay for empty seats. If you only have 20 people, don't book a 56-passenger coach unless you really want the extra space. A minibus will be much cheaper and easier to maneuver.
Be Flexible: If your event date isn't set in stone, ask our reservation specialists which days have the best rates. Moving a trip from a Saturday to a Sunday, or even a Friday, can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars.
Detailed Itinerary: Providing a precise itinerary helps us give you the most accurate quote. We need to know every stop to calculate mileage and hours correctly. This prevents overtime charges later on.
Ready to Book Your Fontana Charter Bus? Get Your Quote Today!
Planning a group trip should be exciting, not stressful. At Charter Bus Rental Company Fontana, we are dedicated to making the process simple, transparent, and affordable. Whether you are heading down Sierra Avenue for a local event or hitting I-10 for a cross-state adventure, our team is ready to get you there.
Don’t wait until the last minute! 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 760-718-1780 for your free, no-obligation quote!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fontana Pricing
How far in advance should I book my charter bus?
We generally recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance. For trips during peak seasons (April through June) or major holidays, booking 6 to 9 months ahead ensures you get the best selection of vehicles and the most competitive pricing . However, we can often accommodate last-minute bookings, so don't hesitate to call us at 760-718-1780 regardless of your timeline.
Is a deposit required to reserve a bus?
Yes, a deposit is required to secure your reservation. This takes the bus out of our available inventory for your specific dates. The remaining balance is usually due anywhere from 14 to 30 days prior to your trip departure. Your reservation specialist will provide all payment deadlines and details when you receive your quote.
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
In most cases, yes, alcohol is permitted on board for passengers of legal drinking age, provided a refundable damage deposit is paid in advance. However, this must be arranged at the time of booking. For school trips or groups with minors, alcohol is strictly prohibited. Glass bottles are generally discouraged for safety reasons; cans or plastic cups are preferred. Please ask your reservation agent about our specific alcohol policies.
Do I need to pay for the driver's hotel room?
Yes, if your trip involves an overnight stay, you are responsible for booking and paying for the driver's lodging. The driver requires a private, safe, and clean hotel room to ensure they are well-rested and compliant with DOT safety regulations. We recommend booking the driver at the same hotel as your group for convenience, or a nearby hotel with truck/bus parking availability.
What happens if our trip goes over the scheduled time?
If your trip runs longer than the time specified in your contract, you may be billed for the additional time at an hourly overtime rate. We understand that traffic and delays happen, and the drivers are flexible, but significant changes to the itinerary or duration should be communicated to our dispatch team as soon as possible. Drivers also have strict legal limits on how many hours they can drive in a day, so extending a trip significantly may require a second driver or an overnight stop.
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