A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Understanding Hourly vs. Daily Rates in Los Angeles
When renting a charter bus in Hollywood, your quote will fall into one of two categories: hourly rates or daily rates. For short-term local trips—such as a shuttle service for a premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre (6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028) or a dinner transfer to Musso & Frank Grill—we charge by the hour. Most bus rentals require a 5-hour minimum to ensure the trip is cost-effective for the operator and driver. This is perfect for evening events, wedding shuttles , or short sightseeing tours around the Hollywood Hills.
For trips that span the entire day or involve long-distance travel—like a drive from Hollywood to Santa Monica, Disneyland in Anaheim, or even a weekend trip to Las Vegas—you will likely be quoted a daily rate. Daily rates are often more economical if you plan to keep the bus for 8 hours or more. It’s important to remember 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 factor in a second driver, which will affect the total cost.
The Impact of Seasonality and Demand on Pricing
Just like flights and hotels, charter bus rental prices in Hollywood fluctuate based on demand. Hollywood is a year-round destination, but certain times of the year are significantly busier than others. The peak season runs from April through June (due to proms, graduations, and end-of-year school trips) and again during the holidays in December. If you are planning a trip during these windows, expect prices to be at the higher end of the spectrum due to limited fleet availability.
Hollywood also has its own unique "micro-seasons" driven by the entertainment industry. Major events like the Academy Awards (hosted at the Dolby Theatre), large conventions at the nearby Los Angeles Convention Center, or massive concerts at the Hollywood Bowl (2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068) can cause a surge in demand for local transportation. Booking your bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance is the best way to lock in a competitive rate before inventory tightens up.
Choosing the Right Vehicle: Minibus vs. Charter Bus Costs
The size and type of bus you choose is one of the biggest factors in your final quote. At Charter Bus Rental Company Hollywood, we offer a diverse fleet ranging from compact shuttles to full-sized motorcoaches.
Minibuses and Sprinter Vans ($145 - $225+ per hour): Ideal for smaller groups of 10 to 35 passengers , minibuses are perfect for navigating the narrower, winding streets of the Hollywood Hills or making quick transfers between hotels and venues. They are cost-effective and agile but do not include onboard restrooms or large luggage bays.
Full-Size Charter Buses ($190 - $350+ per hour): If you are moving a large group (up to 56 passengers) or traveling long distances, a full-size motorcoach is the way to go. These buses come equipped with premium amenities like reclining seats, onboard restrooms, undercarriage luggage storage, and entertainment systems. While the hourly rate is higher, the cost-per-person often drops significantly when you fill the seats, making it a very economical choice for large groups like school bands, church groups, or corporate teams.
Additional Costs to Keep in Mind: Parking and Tolls
Your charter bus quote from Charter Bus Rental Company Hollywood includes the vehicle, the driver and fuel. However, there are a few external costs that you should budget for separately. In a city like Los Angeles, parking fees can add up. If you are visiting major attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608), you will need to pay for commercial vehicle parking, which can range from $30 to $60 or more.
Similarly, if your itinerary includes stops that require parking permits—such as the Getty Center or specific beaches—you are responsible for covering those fees. Tolls are less common within Hollywood itself, but if your route takes you into Orange County via toll roads, those costs will be your responsibility. Additionally, while gratuity is included in your quote, it is industry standard to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost for excellent service, which can be paid in cash at the end of the trip or added to your bill beforehand.
Estimated Pricing for Common Hollywood Trips
To help you budget, here are a few examples of estimated costs for popular trips originating in Hollywood. Please note these are estimates only and subject to change based on availability.
- The Corporate Shuttle: A tech company needs to shuttle 50 employees from their office in West Hollywood to a conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the day. They book a 56-passenger charter bus for 8 hours. Estimated Cost: $1,650 - $2,100.
- The Wedding Transfer: A couple is getting married at the Hollywood Roosevelt (7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028) but needs to transport guests to a reception venue in Beverly Hills. They book two 25-passenger minibuses for 6 hours. Estimated Cost: $1,100 - $1,500 per bus.
- The School Field Trip: A local high school takes a senior class trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. They need a full-size charter bus for 10 hours. Estimated Cost: $1,800 - $2,400.
- The Night Out: A group of friends rents a sprinter van for a birthday celebration, hopping between bars on the Sunset Strip and clubs in Downtown LA for 5 hours. Estimated Cost: $800 - $1,100.
How to Secure the Best Rates for Your Hollywood Group Trip
Everyone loves a deal, and there are several strategies to keep your charter bus rental costs down. First and foremost: book early. As mentioned, prices rise as availability shrinks. Securing your bus 6 months in advance can save you significant money compared to a last-minute booking.
Second, be flexible with your itinerary if possible. If you can avoid the peak rush hour times (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM), you might avoid paying for extra time spent sitting in traffic on the 101 Freeway. Finally, ensure you are booking the right size bus. You don't want to pay for a 56-passenger coach if you only have 30 people; a minibus would be much more affordable. Our reservation specialists at Charter Bus Rental Company Hollywood are experts at right-sizing your vehicle to ensure you aren't paying for empty seats.
The Value of Booking with Charter Bus Rental Company Hollywood
When you rent a bus in Hollywood, you aren't just paying for a vehicle; you are paying for comfort, reliability, and peace of mind. Charter Bus Rental Company Hollywood partners only with the most reputable operators. Navigating the traffic of Los Angeles and the tight turns of the Hollywood Hills is not a job for amateurs.
Beyond comfort, we offer a level of customer service that is unmatched. From the moment you call for a quote until the moment your trip ends, our 24/7 support team is here to assist you. Whether you need to make last-minute changes to your route, add a stop at In-N-Out Burger on Sunset Blvd, or extend your rental time, we handle it all with efficiency and care. We've served clients ranging from A-list celebrities to local elementary schools, treating every group with VIP status.
Ready to Book? Get Your Hollywood Bus Rental Quote Today!
Don’t let the logistics of moving a large group through Los Angeles stress you out. Let Charter Bus Rental Company Hollywood handle the driving so you can focus on the fun. Whether you are walking the Walk of Fame, catching a show at the Pantages, or hosting a corporate summit, we have the perfect bus at the right price.
Our process is simple, fast, and transparent. Call our team today at 626-225-9143 to discuss your itinerary and get a free, personalized quote in minutes. Or, use our online quote tool to see pricing and vehicle options instantly. Experience the best group transportation Hollywood has to offer with Charter Bus Rental Company Hollywood!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hollywood Pricing
Do I need to pay for my driver's hotel room?
If your trip involves an overnight stay—for example, a multi-day tour from Hollywood to San Francisco or Las Vegas—you are responsible for providing a hotel room for your driver. For safety and compliance with DOT regulations, drivers require 8 hours of sleep for every 10 hours of driving. You must book a private, safe, and comfortable room at the same hotel where your group is staying or a nearby hotel with comparable amenities. Be sure to ask your hotel about discounted rates for bus drivers!
Is a deposit required to book a bus in Hollywood?
Yes, we require a deposit to secure your reservation. This ensures that your bus is taken off the market and reserved specifically for your group. The deposit amount varies depending on the total cost of your trip but is around 10-20% of the total rental price. The remaining balance is usually due 14 to 30 days prior to your departure date. Our reservation specialists will provide you with all payment deadlines and details at the time of booking.
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
In most cases, yes! Alcohol is permitted on board our charter buses and party buses , provided that all passengers are of legal drinking age (21+). However, you must notify us in advance if you plan to bring alcohol so we can ensure you are matched with a vehicle and provider that allows it. Please note that a refundable cleaning deposit may be required, and glass bottles are often discouraged for safety reasons. Kegs are not allowed. Your driver reserves the right to terminate the ride if behavior becomes unruly or unsafe.
Are there any additional fees I should know about?
At Charter Bus Rental Company Hollywood, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing. Your quote will include the cost of the bus, the driver's time, and fuel. We will clearly outline what is not included, which consists of parking fees, road tolls and driver hotel accommodations (for overnight trips). We do not believe in surprise charges. If you change your itinerary or extend your rental time during the trip, additional hourly charges may apply, but these will be communicated clearly.
What if my trip goes overtime?
We understand that traffic in Hollywood can be unpredictable and events can run late. If your trip exceeds the time booked in your reservation, you will be billed for the additional time at the hourly rate specified in your contract. We recommend padding your itinerary with a little extra time to account for LA traffic (especially on the 101 or 405 freeways) to avoid potential overtime charges. Drivers are flexible and will do their best to accommodate schedule changes whenever possible.
Bus types Available in Hollywood
More About Group Travel in Hollywood
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