Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Key West Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Coach bus rental prices in Key West, Florida, can range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. The exact cost depends on several factors like the size of the bus, how long you need it, and what time of year you’re traveling. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus will generally cost more than a 25-passenger minibus, and you’ll pay higher rates during peak tourist season (like spring break or around Fantasy Fest). To get the most accurate price for your trip, call Key West Coach Bus Service at 645-300-2720 anytime, 24/7, or use our online quote tool. We’ll give you an instant quote in less than 30 seconds! Below, we’ve broken down estimated rates, explained what affects your price, and provided sample quotes for popular local itineraries.
| 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?
On average, you can expect to pay about $170-$250 per hour for a standard 56-passenger coach bus in Key West or Monroe County, with daily rates ranging from $1,800 to $3,800 depending on the length of your trip and how many miles you travel. Minibuses (which seat 18-35 passengers) are slightly less expensive, averaging $150-$200 per hour or $1,400-$2,600 per day. If you’re looking for something smaller, sprinter vans that seat up to 15 people start at around $135 per hour or $1,350 per day. These prices include the bus, driver, fuel, and mileage—so there are no hidden fees!
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Key West?
There are a lot of factors that go into determining the price of your bus rental in Key West:
- Travel Dates: Bus rentals are more expensive during peak seasons like spring break (March-April), summer vacation (June-August), and major events such as Fantasy Fest in October or the Key West Songwriters Festival in May. If you’re traveling during these times, expect to pay higher rates due to increased demand. Off-peak months like September or early December typically offer lower prices.
- Trip Duration and Distance: The longer your trip and the more miles you cover, the higher your rental cost will be. Local trips within Key West or nearby islands (like Stock Island or Big Pine Key) are usually billed by the hour, while long-distance journeys to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando are priced by the day or mile. For example, a day trip from Key West to Marathon will cost less than an overnight excursion to Disney World.
- Bus Size and Type: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans. Premium features such as onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, and reclining seats also affect the price. If you need a luxury coach with all the amenities for a wedding at the Ernest Hemingway Home or a corporate event at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel, expect to pay top dollar.
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, tight schedules, or routes that require navigating narrow streets in Old Town Key West can increase your quote. Buses may need special permits or parking arrangements near Duval Street, Mallory Square, or Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, which can add to the cost.
- Advance Booking: Reserving your bus at least 3-6 months in advance gives you the best selection and rates. Last-minute bookings (less than 2 weeks out) are subject to availability and often come with a premium price tag.
- Additional Expenses: You are responsible for covering your driver’s hotel room for overnight trips (required by law for any trip over 10 hours of driving or 8 hours of continuous work), as well as tolls, parking fees, and gratuity (typically 10-20%). In Key West, overnight parking for large buses can be challenging and expensive, especially near popular venues like the Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater or Smathers Beach.
If you have questions about what kind of vehicle you need or how much it will cost, our team is available 24/7 to help. Just call 645-300-2720 and we’ll walk you through the process!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Key West, FL and around South Florida. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Key West Wedding Shuttle
A couple is getting married at the Southernmost House and needs transportation for 100 guests between their hotels on Duval Street and the venue. They book two 56-passenger charter buses for an 8-hour day, including multiple trips before and after the ceremony. The total cost for both buses is $3,200 ($1,600 each), which comes out to $32 per guest for door-to-door service. This quote includes staging the buses nearby during the reception and making late-night drops at several downtown locations. Additional fees may apply if the buses need to wait in paid parking zones or if the schedule runs long due to after-parties on Simonton or Greene Street.
Key West Cruise Port Transfer
A travel agent is arranging ground transportation for a group of 30 cruise passengers arriving at Mallory Square. They need a minibus to pick them up at the pier, store their luggage, and drop them off at three different resorts along North Roosevelt Boulevard. The entire job takes 2 hours and costs $400 ($200 per hour), or just over $13 per person. Since this is a short local transfer, there are no extra charges for mileage or driver accommodations. However, the group will need to cover any port access fees charged by the city, which are typically $50-$100 per bus.
Field Trip to the Turtle Hospital
An elementary school in Key West is planning a field trip to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. They need a 47-passenger charter bus to transport students and chaperones for a full day. The bus will depart Key West at 8:00 AM, arrive in Marathon by 10:00 AM, and return after lunch, getting back to the school by 3:00 PM. The total cost for this 7-hour rental is $1,400, which includes all mileage, tolls, and a stop at Bahia Honda State Park for a picnic. The school will need to provide a boxed lunch for the driver and budget for a $100 tip.
Miami Airport Shuttle
A corporate client is flying a team of 20 employees into Miami International Airport and needs a sprinter van to shuttle them to a week-long retreat at the Casa Marina Key West. The van will pick up the group at MIA, make the 160-mile drive down US-1, and stay in Key West for five days before returning everyone to the airport. The total package price is $4,500, which covers two days of travel, five days of local standby service, and a hotel room for the driver. This works out to $225 per person for round-trip transportation, which is much cheaper and easier than renting multiple cars or relying on public transit.
Fantasy Fest Parade Shuttle
A local nonprofit is sponsoring a float in the Fantasy Fest parade and needs to move 40 volunteers between the assembly area at Truman Waterfront Park and the disbanding point near White Street Pier. They book a single 44-passenger bus for a 6-hour window, with continuous loops before, during, and after the parade. The flat rate for the night is $1,200, which the organization splits among several sponsors. Because this event takes place during peak season, the price is higher than a typical weeknight rental. Road closures and heavy traffic may also require the bus to stage in remote lots and coordinate with police escorts.
Key West to Orlando Theme Park Trip
A youth group is planning a weekend trip from Key West to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. They charter a 56-passenger bus for three days, departing Friday afternoon, spending Saturday at the parks, and returning Sunday evening. The all-inclusive rate for this itinerary is $5,400, which covers approximately 800 miles of travel, two nights of hotel for the driver, and parking fees at both theme parks. With a full bus, the cost per rider is just under $100 for comfortable, door-to-door transportation with onboard movies and reclining seats.