A few of the companies we’ve worked with
How Trip Distance and Duration Affect Your Quote
The two biggest factors in your rental price are how far you are going and how long you will be gone. When you call our reservation team, we will ask for your pickup and drop-off locations and times to determine the best pricing model for you.
Hourly Rates: If your trip is local to Florence—perhaps a shuttle service between the Hyatt Place Florence / Downtown (100 E Evans St, Florence, SC 29506) and a wedding venue like The Columns—you will likely be charged by the hour. We typically require a 5-hour minimum for these local rentals to ensure fair compensation for the drivers and crew.
Daily or Mileage Rates: For long-distance trips, such as taking a church group from Florence to Sight & Sound Theatres in Pennsylvania or a school field trip to Washington D.C., you will be quoted a daily rate or a price per mile. If your group plans to travel extensively over multiple days—say, a tour of colleges including Francis Marion University (4822 E Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29506), Coastal Carolina, and Clemson—a daily rate is the most cost-effective option.
It is important to provide a detailed itinerary when requesting a quote. While we are happy to accommodate last-minute changes when possible, significant detours or extra mileage (like a spontaneous trip to Buc-ee's on I-95) may incur additional fees. Our goal is to give you the most accurate price upfront so there are no surprises later.
Choosing the Right Bus: Vehicle Type and Pricing
The size and style of the bus you choose will directly impact your quote. At Charter Bus Rental Company Florence, we offer a diverse fleet to match groups of all sizes and budgets.
Standard Minibuses (18-25 Passengers): These are perfect for smaller groups, such as corporate teams heading to a lunch meeting at Town Hall (101 W Evans St, Florence, SC 29501) or a bridal party needing transportation for a photoshoot at Timrod Park. Minibuses are generally more affordable than full-sized coaches, ranging on the lower end of the hourly spectrum. They offer comfort and efficiency without the bulk of a larger vehicle.
Full-Size Charter Buses (56 Passengers): If you are moving a large group, such as the entire Francis Marion University Patriots basketball team or a large senior tour group, you will need a full-size motorcoach. These buses come equipped with amenities like onboard restrooms, undercarriage luggage storage, and reclining seats. While the daily rate is higher for these vehicles, the cost-per-passenger is often lower when you fill every seat. It is the most economical way to move 50+ people safely and comfortably.
Party Buses and Sprinter Vans: For special occasions like proms, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or VIP airport transfers to Florence Regional Airport (FLO), you might opt for a party bus or luxury sprinter. These vehicles often command a premium due to their specialized amenities like wrap-around seating, LED lighting, and premium sound systems.
Seasonal Demand in the Pee Dee Region
Supply and demand play a significant role in charter bus pricing. In the travel industry, prices fluctuate based on the time of year and local events.
Peak Season (April – June): This is the busiest time of year for group transportation in Florence. With end-of-year school field trips, proms, graduations at the Florence Center (3300 W Radio Dr, Florence, SC 29501), and the start of wedding season, demand is high. If you plan to travel during these months, we recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance to secure the best rates.
Race Weekends: Florence is the gateway to the "Track Too Tough to Tame." During major NASCAR events at Darlington Raceway (1301 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington, SC 29532), specifically around the Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend and the spring races, bus availability tightens significantly. Prices may surge during these weekends due to the influx of race fans requiring shuttle services from Florence hotels to the track.
Off-Peak Savings: If you have flexibility, booking a trip in January or February can often result in lower rates. These months are generally quieter, allowing us to offer more competitive pricing for your winter retreats or corporate outings.
Money-Saving Tips for Your Florence Group Trip
We want to help you get the best value for your money. Here are a few insider tips from the Charter Bus Rental Company Florence team to help you save:
Book Early: The earlier you book, the better. As buses get booked up, the remaining inventory becomes more expensive. Booking 6 months in advance locks in availability and price.
Finalize Your Headcount: Don't pay for empty seats. If you only have 20 people, don't book a 56-passenger coach "just in case." A 25-passenger minibus will be much more affordable and just as comfortable for a shorter trip. Conversely, if you have 60 people, booking one large bus is almost always cheaper than booking two smaller ones—though you might need to squeeze a few people into cars or book two 35-passenger mid-sized buses.
Be Flexible: If your schedule allows, try to avoid the peak weekends mentioned above. Traveling on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday can sometimes yield significant savings.
Real-World Pricing Examples for Florence Trips
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are a few examples of charter bus pricing for common trips originating in Florence, SC. Please note, these are estimated examples and actual prices will vary.
Example 1: The Wedding Shuttle A couple is getting married at the Drengaelen House (formerly the opulent home of Dr. and Mrs. FH McLeod) and needs a shuttle for guests staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Florence. They need a 25-passenger minibus for 8 hours to shuttle guests to the ceremony, then to the reception, and back to the hotel at the end of the night. Estimated Cost: $1,300 – $1,600 total.
Example 2: The School Field Trip A local elementary school is planning an educational trip to the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. They need two 56-passenger charter buses to transport 100 students and chaperones. The trip departs Florence at 8:00 AM and returns at 4:00 PM on a Tuesday in March. Estimated Cost: $1,500 – $1,900 per bus.
Example 3: The Darlington Race Day A group of NASCAR fans wants a party bus to take them from Florence to the Darlington Raceway for the Southern 500. They need the bus for 12 hours to accommodate tailgating and the race itself. Estimated Cost: $2,500 – $3,200 total (due to high demand/special event pricing).
Example 4: The Corporate Retreat A business based in the Florence Downtown Historic District is taking 30 employees to a 3-day retreat in Charleston, SC. They need a 35-passenger minibus for the duration of the trip. The company covers the driver's hotel room separately. Estimated Cost: $3,800 – $4,500 total.
Ready to Book Your Bus in Florence?
Now that you have a better understanding of how charter bus pricing works, you are ready to take the next step. Charter Bus Rental Company Florence has representatives available 24/7/365 to assist you with finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. If you’d like a free personalized quote for your next group trip, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 803-853-1360. You can also use our online quote tool for instant online charter bus pricing in under 30-seconds. With just a few pieces of information, you can instantly see images and prices of available vehicles in your area.
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.
And we get it — booking transportation isn’t always so easy, and you definitely want to feel comfortable about who you choose! That’s why we’re here for you. Weekdays, weekends, holidays, late nights, early mornings… our team is always ready to help you, always ready to walk you through your questions, always ready to provide you with amazing customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florence Pricing
How far in advance should I book my charter bus in Florence?
We generally recommend booking your bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance. This ensures you have the widest selection of vehicles to choose from and helps you lock in the best pricing. For trips during major events like the Pecan Festival or Darlington race weekends, booking 6 to 9 months ahead is advisable. However, we know plans can change or arise suddenly—if you need a last-minute rental, give us a call at 803-853-1360! We have a large fleet and can often accommodate short-notice requests, though vehicle choices may be more limited.
Do I need to pay a deposit to reserve a bus?
Yes, to secure your bus and take it off the market for your specific dates, we require a deposit at the time of booking. This deposit is applied toward the total cost of your rental. The remaining balance is typically due 30 days prior to your trip departure date. Our reservation specialists will explain the payment schedule clearly when you receive your quote so you can plan your budget accordingly.
What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
We understand that life happens and plans change. Our cancellation policy varies depending on how close to the trip date you cancel. Generally, if you cancel more than 30 days before your trip, you may be eligible for a refund (minus the deposit). Cancellations made within 30 days of the trip may be subject to partial or full payment obligations. We strive to be as flexible as possible. When you book, your reservation specialist will provide you with the specific terms and conditions regarding cancellations for your trip.
Bus types Available in Florence
More About Group Travel in Florence
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