Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Decatur Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Coach bus rental prices in Decatur, Illinois, vary depending on several factors, but you can generally expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. The final cost will depend on your travel dates, group size, trip distance, and how long you need the bus. For the most accurate pricing, call Decatur Coach Bus Service at 447-529-2650 anytime to get an instant quote in less than 30 seconds. You can also use our online quote tool to compare prices and pictures of different buses across Illinois. Below, we’ll break down average rates for each type of bus and explain what factors influence your total cost.
Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
---|---|---|---|
56-Passenger Coach Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
25-Passenger Minibus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
20-Passenger Minibus | $157 – $414 | $1,300 – $3,100 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
18-Passenger Minibus | $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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost to rent a coach bus in Decatur is $170 to $350 per hour, $1,800 to $2,700 per day, or $2,100 to $3,800 for multi-day trips. These full-size buses can seat 47 to 56 passengers and are perfect for large groups traveling long distances—like school field trips to Springfield, corporate shuttles to Champaign-Urbana, or band tours across the Midwest. Each coach comes equipped with comfortable reclining seats, onboard restrooms, climate control, luggage bays, and entertainment systems with TVs and DVD players. If you want premium amenities like WiFi, power outlets, or leather interiors, let us know when you book so we can get you a bus that fits your needs and budget. Smaller minibuses (18-35 passengers) cost $150 to $250 per hour or $1,500 to $2,200 per day, while party buses (15-40 passengers) range from $200 to $400 per hour depending on size and features. Sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) are the most affordable option at $150 to $225 per hour or $1,200 to $1,800 per day.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Decatur?
Several key factors will determine the final price of your Decatur bus rental:
- Travel Dates: Bus rental prices are highest during peak season (April-June and September-December) when schools, universities, and wedding planners book the most trips. Rates are lower in January-March and July-August. Major events like Millikin University graduation, high school homecomings, or Decatur Celebration weekend can also increase demand and prices.
- Trip Duration: You can rent a bus by the hour, day, or week depending on your itinerary. Local trips within Decatur (like shuttling guests between wedding venues downtown) usually have a 5-hour minimum. Longer trips to Chicago, St. Louis, or Indianapolis are priced by the day or mile. The more hours or days you book, the higher the total cost—but the lower the hourly rate.
- Distance Traveled: The farther you travel, the more you’ll pay in mileage, fuel, and driver time. For example, a round-trip from Decatur to Springfield (80 miles) will cost less than a charter to Chicago (360 miles) or Nashville (900 miles). Be sure to provide exact pickup and drop-off addresses when requesting a quote.
- Group Size: Larger buses cost more to rent but have a lower price per seat. Always choose a vehicle that matches your headcount so you’re not paying for extra capacity you don’t need. If you’re not sure what size bus is best, our team can help you decide.
- Bus Type: Full-size coaches are the most expensive option but offer the most amenities and storage space. Minibuses are cheaper and ideal for short trips with smaller groups. Party buses command premium rates due to their luxury interiors and high-end sound systems. ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts are available at no extra charge but must be requested in advance.
- Itinerary Complexity: Trips with multiple stops, tight schedules, or overnight travel require more planning and may incur additional fees. For example, a continuous shuttle between Decatur Airport and downtown hotels will cost more than a simple point-to-point transfer. If your itinerary includes late-night pickups, out-of-town excursions, or long layovers, let us know so we can build an accurate quote.
- Driver Accommodations: For multi-day trips, you are responsible for providing a hotel room for the driver each night. The hotel should be clean, safe, and located near the bus parking area. If your schedule requires more than 10 hours of driving per day, we may need to assign a second driver to stay compliant with FMCSA hours-of-service regulations. This will increase the overall cost but ensures your group’s safety and punctuality.
- Additional Costs: Tolls, parking fees, and gratuity are not included in the base rental price. You’ll need to cover any highway tolls (like I-72 toward Springfield), parking permits (such as at the Decatur Civic Center or ADM headquarters), and optional tips for your driver (typically 10-20% of the total fare). These expenses can be paid in cash or added to your final invoice upon request.
To get an exact quote for your next trip, call Decatur Coach Bus Service at 447-529-2650 or fill out our online form with your trip details. We’ll send you a personalized estimate in 30 seconds or less!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Decatur, IL and across Central Illinois. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Decatur to Springfield Field Trip

Mrs. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 32 students from Decatur to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. The group will depart from Stevenson Elementary School at 8:00 AM, spend the day touring historic sites downtown, and return to Decatur by 3:30 PM. Since this is a single-day trip covering about 90 miles round-trip, she was quoted $1,950 for an 34-passenger minibus with an onboard restroom, DVD player, and WiFi. With two teachers and four parent chaperones joining the students, the total headcount fits comfortably in one bus, making the cost about $61 per person. This package includes all transportation, driver’s gratuity, and parking fees at the museum. If Mrs. Johnson had requested a larger 56-passenger coach, the price would have been closer to $2,350 for the day.
Wedding Shuttle Between Downtown Decatur and Mt. Zion

A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony at the Decatur Club downtown followed by a reception at a banquet hall in Mt. Zion, about 8 miles southeast of the city. They want to provide continuous shuttle service for 120 guests between venues from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM so no one has to drive after drinking. We recommended booking two 56-passenger coach buses to run back and forth every 30 minutes. The total cost for 8 hours of service was quoted at $2,800 per bus, or $5,600 total. This includes staging the buses near Central Park, multiple trips along IL-121, and final drop-offs at area hotels. Smaller weddings could use a single bus or even a pair of minibuses for less.
Corporate Commuter Shuttle to Adm Headquarters

An agricultural company based in Forsyth wants to offer a daily commuter shuttle for employees working at the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) headquarters on East Eldorado Street. The route picks up riders at three park-and-ride lots in Bloomington-Normal, Clinton, and Maroa before arriving at the Decatur campus by 7:45 AM. The bus departs again at 5:15 PM to return workers to their cars. This contract runs Monday through Friday for six months, with each round-trip covering 110 miles and lasting about 2.5 hours each way. We quoted $1,900 per day for a 40-passenger minibus equipped with reclining seats, power outlets, and WiFi for remote work. Over 26 weeks, the total comes to approximately $247,000, which the company budgets as part of its employee retention program. Similar shuttles can be arranged for hospitals, factories, or business parks anywhere in Macon County.
Millikin University Athletics Away Game Charter

The Millikin University women’s basketball team needs transportation for an away game against Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. The athletic department requests a 56-passenger coach bus to accommodate 18 players, 4 coaches, trainers, and equipment bags. Departure from Griswold Center is scheduled for 2:00 PM, with tipoff at 7:00 PM and return to Decatur by midnight. This 140-mile round-trip falls well within a single day’s work, so the quoted price is $2,200 including all mileage, tolls on I-55, and driver wait time during the game. Amenities include an onboard restroom, DVD monitors for reviewing game film, USB charging ports, and underfloor storage for coolers and gear. If the team advances to postseason play requiring overnight stays, additional costs for hotel rooms and per diem would apply.
Senior Citizen Day Trip to Peoria Riverfront Museum

A local church is planning a day trip for its senior ministry group to visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum and enjoy lunch overlooking the Illinois River. The itinerary departs from the church parking lot at 9:00 AM, arrives in Peoria by 11:00 AM, allows four hours for exhibits and dining, then returns to Decatur by 6:00 PM. With 22 participants, a midsize 25-passenger minibus was quoted at $1,650 for the day. Features include a low-step entry, wide aisles for walkers, reclining seats, climate control, and a PA system for announcements. The museum offers free bus parking, which helps keep costs down. Optional add-ons like boxed lunches or an extra stop at Par-A-Dice Casino can be included for a modest surcharge.
Multi-day Band Tour to Chicago and Milwaukee

An indie rock band based in Decatur is booking a mini tour with shows in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison over three nights. They need a 38-passenger minibus to transport five musicians, two crew members, and all instruments/merchandise. The itinerary leaves Decatur on Thursday afternoon, plays a gig in Wicker Park that night, continues to Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood on Friday, hits a college bar in Madison Saturday, and drives back home Sunday. Total mileage exceeds 700 miles with three hotel overnights required for the driver. We quoted $4,900 for the entire package, which breaks down to $1,633 per day. This includes all fuel, tolls on I-294 and I-94, parking near venues, and secure storage for guitars and amps. Bands with larger followings may opt for a full-size coach with bunks and a lavatory, while solo artists can save money with a basic sprinter van.