Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Jonesboro Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a coach bus in Jonesboro, AR depends on several factors, including the type of bus, the length of your trip, your destination, and the time of year you’re traveling. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a full-size charter bus. Minibuses are slightly less expensive, with hourly rates ranging from $150 to $350 and daily rates from $1,200 to $2,400. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call Jonesboro Coach Bus Service at 870-641-8710 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask you a few questions about your trip and give you an instant price estimate.
Below, we’ve put together some sample pricing information and detailed explanations of the main factors that affect Jonesboro bus rental costs. Use this guide to help you budget for your next group trip, whether you’re planning a field trip to Craighead Forest Park, a wedding at The Silos, or a corporate event in downtown Jonesboro.
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?
A full-size coach bus rental in Jonesboro typically costs between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. These buses can seat 40 to 56 passengers and are ideal for long-distance trips, large groups, or anyone who wants premium amenities like reclining seats, onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, and TV monitors. For example, if you’re taking a youth sports team from Jonesboro to Little Rock for a weekend tournament, you can expect to pay around $3,200 for a two-day rental. If you’re organizing a church retreat to Branson, MO, the total cost will depend on how many hours the bus is in service each day and whether you need to cover the driver’s hotel room.
Minibuses are a more affordable option for smaller groups. These vehicles come in several sizes, ranging from 15 to 35 seats, and cost between $150 and $350 per hour or $1,200 to $2,400 per day. While minibuses don’t have restrooms, they do offer comfortable seating, climate control, and optional features like WiFi and PA systems. A typical minibus rental for a local shuttle service—such as transporting wedding guests between hotels and a reception venue—might cost $1,500 for eight hours of continuous service.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Jonesboro?
There are many things that can influence the price of your bus rental, but the three biggest are the dates you’ll be traveling, the size of bus you rent, and how far you plan to travel. Here’s how these factors can affect your quote:
- Travel Dates: Spring and fall are peak seasons for charter bus rentals in Arkansas due to school field trips, graduations, and football games. If you’re traveling during these months, especially on a weekend, expect higher rates. Summer is also busy for family reunions and church camps. Winter tends to be slower, so you may find better deals from December through February (except around major holidays).
- Bus Type and Size: Larger buses with more amenities cost more than smaller, basic models. A 56-passenger motorcoach is more expensive than a 25-passenger minibus, but it also offers more features and storage space. Specialty vehicles like party buses or entertainer coaches command premium prices due to their luxury interiors and custom layouts. Jonesboro Coach Bus Service offers one of the largest fleets in Arkansas, so we can match you with the perfect bus for your group size and budget.
- Trip Distance and Duration: Local trips within Jonesboro or Craighead County are usually billed by the hour, with a minimum of 4 to 5 hours. Long-distance trips—such as traveling to Memphis, Little Rock, or Fayetteville—are priced by the day or by the mile. The farther you go and the longer you keep the bus, the higher the total cost. Multi-day trips require you to provide lodging for the driver, which adds to the expense.
- Itinerary Complexity: Simple point-to-point transfers are less expensive than itineraries with multiple stops, tight schedules, or late-night pickups. If your bus has to navigate heavy traffic, wait idle for several hours, or make detours outside the original route, this can increase the price. Be sure to share your full itinerary with us when requesting a quote so we can give you an accurate estimate.
- Optional Amenities: Most standard amenities—such as reclining seats, A/C, and luggage racks—are included in the base price. However, if you request premium features like WiFi, individual power outlets, DVD players, or leather upholstery, there may be an extra charge. ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts are available at no additional cost, but must be reserved in advance.
- Driver Expenses: Your quote covers the driver’s wages, but you are responsible for providing meals and hotel accommodations on overnight trips. The hotel should be a clean, safe property with a private room and access to restroom facilities. Industry standard is one room per driver per night. For trips lasting several days, federal regulations require drivers to have at least 8 hours off-duty between shifts.
- Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any tolls, parking fees, or special permits incurred during the trip are not included in the base rate and must be reimbursed separately. For example, if your bus needs to park at First National Bank Arena during an Arkansas State University game, or cross a toll bridge into Memphis, those costs will be added to your invoice.
If you have any questions about what’s included in your quote or how to reduce your overall cost, our team is happy to help. We’ve been serving Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas since 2011, and we know how to plan efficient routes that save time and money.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Jonesboro, AR and around Arkansas. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Little Rock

Mrs. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 22 students from Jonesboro to Little Rock. The group will depart at 7:00 AM, spend the day touring the Arkansas State Capitol, Museum of Discovery, and Little Rock Zoo, then return to Jonesboro by 6:00 PM. Since this is a long day trip covering about 300 miles round-trip, Mrs. Johnson was quoted $2,100 for a 25-passenger minibus. This rate includes all mileage, driver’s wages, and onboard amenities like WiFi and power outlets. With 24 people in the group, the cost comes out to $87 per person.
Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Jonesboro

Emily is getting married at The Glass Factory and wants to provide a continuous shuttle for her guests between the venue and two nearby hotels (Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn). She books a 20-passenger minibus for 8 hours of service, from 4:00 PM to midnight, at a rate of $175 per hour. The total cost for the evening is $1,400, which she splits with her fiancé’s family. This ensures that all guests have a safe ride to and from the reception without needing to worry about parking or designated drivers.
Corporate Retreat to Greers Ferry Lake

A local manufacturing company is planning a weekend retreat for 40 employees at a resort on Greers Ferry Lake. They rent a 56-passenger charter bus for three days, departing Friday afternoon and returning Sunday evening. The daily rate is $1,250, for a total of $3,750. The company also pays for the driver’s hotel room ($120 per night) and covers tolls/parking ($30). Grand total: $4,020, or $100 per person. Employees appreciate the comfortable ride, onboard restroom, and ability to socialize en route.
Band Competition in Memphis

The Jonesboro High School marching band is traveling to Memphis for a regional competition at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. With 85 students, directors, and chaperones, they need two 56-passenger motorcoaches. The itinerary calls for an early morning departure, all-day rehearsal/competition, and late-night return—about 14 hours total. Each bus is quoted at $1,900 for the day, plus $50 in bridge tolls and $40 for stadium parking. The school boosters budget $3,880 for transportation, which includes under-floor storage for instruments, restrooms, and video screens for reviewing performances.
Bachelorette Party in Downtown Jonesboro

Sara is hosting a bachelorette party for 12 friends with stops at several bars and restaurants in downtown Jonesboro. She books a 15-passenger minibus for 6 hours (7:00 PM to 1:00 AM) at $150 per hour, totaling $900. The bus makes continuous loops between Main Street, Madison Avenue, and a private residence where the group is staying. Split 12 ways, the cost is $75 per person—cheaper than multiple rideshares and much more fun.
Church Day Trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park

A local church group is planning a day trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, AR. The group consists of 30 adults and children, so they rent a 35-passenger minibus for the excursion. The park is approximately 200 miles from Jonesboro, making this a full-day commitment for the driver. The quote comes out to $2,300, which covers all mileage, driver’s time, and fuel. The church takes up a collection to cover the cost, allowing everyone to enjoy a day of digging for gemstones without worrying about transportation logistics.