Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tips and Info. Increase your awareness. Read over important information in the Tips & Info section to help guide you through the charter bus rental process.

About Our Fleet

what is the booking process
Once you have submitted a request for a quote either online or by phone, you will be contacted by an Account Executive. You will be required to sign a reservation confirmation as well as make a 30% deposit when booking a order.

what happens after i book an order
A Quality Assurance coordinator will contact you after your trip has been booked. Your Quality Assurance coordinator will work with you by setting up final payment and helping you with your trip details.

is a minibus able to travel long distances
Typically, most operators will not allow a minibus to travel over 200 miles round trip. Minibuses are not built for extended travel since it makes the ride less comfortable for passengers.

do i need to find a hotel room for the driver
Typically, it is the responsibility of the client to find a room for the driver. Often a hotel will include a complimentary room for the driver if you have a large group staying at the hotel.

do your buses have air conditioning
Yes, most of our buses have air conditioning available. Our economy buses have limited air conditioning availability so please specify your needs to the Account Executive at time of booking.

is there any entertainment on-board for kids
Ask your Account Executive for a motor coach with a DVD or VCR so you can play children's movies to keep them occupied during travel. You can also find out if the bus has a cassette or CD player onboard.

how many tv monitors will my bus have
Depending on the size of the bus there are usually 2-6 monitors on the bus. But not all buses have video monitors; if you require them please notify your Account Executive.

is alcohol and/or smoking allowed on board
This varies from operator to operator. If you want alcohol let your Account Executive know ahead of time so he or she can search for that option. Some operators require refundable or non-refundable alcohol deposits

what if my bus is late or has a breakdown
Charter Bus has a 24 hour rapid response dispatch line to assist you in any emergency.

can i bring a cooler on the bus
Coolers are allowed on most buses, however the cooler must be placed on a seat so that the aisles are clear.

i am having a bachelor party can i drink on the bus
This varies from operator to operator. If you want alcohol let your Account Executive know ahead of time so he or she can search for that option. Some operators require refundable or non-refundable alcohol deposits.

will my bus look like the one on your web site
The buses shown on our Web site are examples of the buses we charter. If you have a specific question about a certain bus and its look or layout, please contact your Account Executive for assistance.

are you able to get buses that have handicap accessibility
Yes, we do have buses with ADA accessibility available. Please request that option of your Account Executive at time of booking.

Payment and Cost

what type of deposit is required
Charter Bus requires a minimum of 25% deposit at the time of booking to secure your price and availability. The exact deposit required is stated on the proposal and is based on the size of the order. Full payment is due 31 days prior to the travel date.

what is the refund policy
Your deposit is refundable up to 32 days prior to departure date. Service cancelled within 30 days prior to departure will forfeit deposit. Any service cancelled within 14 days of departure will be assessed a fee of no more than 50% of the cost of trip. Any service that is cancelled within 7 days of departure will forfeit the full amount of paid trip.

when is final payment due
The final payment is due 31 days before departure. Trips booked within 31 days of departure require full payment at time of booking.

is there a discount for renting more then one bus
Typically, when booking 5 or more buses in a single area you will receive a quantity discount. Discounts are always dependent on availability and time of year.

what if my trip runs longer than expected
The cost of your trip is based on the itinerary that was given to us by the group organizer. If there are additional hours added to the trip you will be responsible for covering those costs.

if i don't need the bus for the whole day do i still need to pay for it all day
Typically, operators have a 4 or 5 hour minimum on their buses. However, there are some operators who offer a transfer rate if you have a one-way short trip (i.e. Airport Transfer).

do i pay for parking or tolls
Parking, bridge tolls, and road tolls are not included in your cost.

do i need to tip the driver
You are not obligated to tip a driver but we recommend that if you are satisfied with your service, you tip the driver directly or include it in your payment.

how can i pay
Charter Bus accepts PayPal, Google checkout, Visa, MC, AMEX, Diners Club, checks, money orders, and wire transfers.

is there a tax deduction for non-for-profit organizations
Tax regulations are handled on a state-by-state basis. Please communicate your tax needs at time of booking.

how do you handle change of plans
Generally, we can accommodate just about any changes to your trip. When changes involve moving up or postponing your trip, this is generally handled as a cancellation and rebook. We can sometimes waive cancellation fees on re-booking as long as there is availability, the same bus partner is used, and the total cost of your trip does not change.

Our Suppliers

do you have buses with spab certification
Yes, we do work with operators who are School Pupil Activity Buses (SPAB) certified. Please make this request to your Account Executive at time of booking.

can i get proof of insurance
Yes, Charter Bus only partners with operators who have a minimum of $1.5 million in insurance. If necessary, we can get you proof of insurance after your booking.

how do you select your bus partners
We have a very rigorous bus operator certification process that reviews an operator's insurance, safety program, driver certification and customer feedback.

Business Groups

can i pay on an account
You must have made 5 or more orders with us to be considered for an account. We also require that you make at least 25 orders with us a year. If you meet these requirements our financial department will help you set up an account.

does Charter Bus do convention transportation
Yes, your Account Executive and your Quality Assurance Coordinator will work together to ensure your event transportation is handled.

can i get a wrap for the bus
Charter Bus can definitely help you get your wrap made and put on the bus.

how can Charter Bus help with competitive bids
Many companies require competitive bids when booking trips. We offer a no-cost Request for Proposal (RFP) service presenting several different options for you to choose from. We will work with you from beginning to end to ensure you the best option for your needs.

can you provide ground handlers
Just let your Account Executive know you're interested in our AmBussador Program. We will tailor this service to your needs.

Affiliates Program

when can i expect payment on my commission
Commission is paid one month post-travel.