Ankeny Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $510+ | $1,800 – $3,800 | $6.06 – $10.01 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $173 – $483+ | $1,717 – $3,582 | $6.11 – $10.06 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $164 – $464+ | $1,621 – $3,476 | $4.12 – $10.07 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $148 – $438+ | $1,606 – $3,361 | $4.05 – $9.00 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $158 – $438+ | $1,534 – $3,269 | $4.10 – $8.05 |
| Entertainer Coach | $335 – $570+ | $3,015 – $5,015+ | $6.05 – $10.00 |
| Yellow School Bus | $129 – $434+ | $1,533 – $3,668 | $6.09 – $10.04 |
| Shuttle Bus | $152 – $447+ | $1,510 – $3,645 | $6.14 – $10.09 |
Ankeny Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $186 – $456+ | $201 – $471+ | $989 – $2,889+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $220 – $520+ | $218 – $498+ | $1,192 – $3,492+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $234 – $484+ | $225 – $505+ | $1,503 – $3,903+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $179 – $419+ | $160 – $430+ | $1,011 – $3,911+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 515-416-9533 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rentals in Ankeny typically cost between $2,000 and $3,800 per day depending on the size of the bus, length of the trip, and time of year. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus traveling from Ankeny to downtown Des Moines for a full day of shuttling between the East Village, Principal Park, and the Iowa State Capitol will likely fall in the $2,400 to $3,200 range. If you’re planning a multi-day trip to Kansas City or Minneapolis, expect to pay closer to $3,800 per day plus lodging costs for your driver. Hourly rates are available for shorter local trips, usually with a 4- or 5-hour minimum. These full-size buses are great for moving large groups, sports teams, or wedding guests across Polk County and beyond. They come equipped with amenities like reclining seats, restrooms, TVs, WiFi, and plenty of storage space.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?
Party bus rentals in Ankeny generally cost $200 to $400 per hour depending on the size of the vehicle, features, and duration of your rental. Smaller party buses that seat 10 to 20 people are perfect for bar crawls in downtown Des Moines, birthday celebrations in West Glen, or bachelor/bachelorette parties heading to Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona. Larger party buses holding 25 to 40 passengers are ideal for bigger groups who want to enjoy perimeter seating, color-changing lights, Bluetooth sound systems, and coolers for drinks. Most party bus rentals require a minimum booking of 4 to 5 hours, especially on weekends. Daily rates for party buses can range from $1,800 to $3,500+ depending on how long you need the vehicle and how far you plan to travel. These are popular choices for proms, weddings, and nights out in the Des Moines metro area.
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Call Now: 515-416-9533What Factors Affect the Cost of Your Charter Bus Rental?
There are many different things that can impact the price of your bus rental. The biggest ones are the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year you’re traveling, the day of the week, your starting and ending locations, the type and size of bus you choose, and how far in advance you book. Additional expenses like tolls, parking, and driver accommodations (for multi-day trips) are not included in your quote and should be factored into your overall budget. Below, we’ll break down each of these factors in more detail so you know exactly what to expect when you rent a bus with Charter Bus Company Ankeny.
Distance and Duration
The two biggest factors that influence the cost of your charter bus rental are the distance and duration of your trip. Local trips within Ankeny or the Des Moines metro area are usually billed by the hour, with a 4- or 5-hour minimum. For example, if you’re shuttling wedding guests between the District at Prairie Trail and a reception at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, you’ll pay an hourly rate. Longer trips outside the region—such as a weekend in Kansas City or a three-day tour to Chicago—are priced by the day or by the total mileage. The farther you travel and the longer you need the bus, the higher the overall cost. Multi-day trips also require you to cover hotel expenses for your driver(s), which is an additional out-of-pocket expense.
The Time of Year
Charter bus pricing in Ankeny is highly seasonal. The busiest (and most expensive) times of year are spring and fall, when schools are in session and demand for field trips, sports team travel, and college shuttles peaks. April, May, September, and October are prime months for graduations, homecoming games, and marching band competitions across Polk County and Central Iowa. Summer rates (June through August) are moderate, with steady business from youth camps, church retreats, and family reunions at Big Creek State Park or Saylorville Lake. Winter is the slowest season, so you may find lower prices from December through February unless you’re booking around the holidays. If you have flexibility in your schedule, traveling during the off-season can save you money.
Day of the Week
Weekends are the most popular (and expensive) days to rent a charter bus in Ankeny. Fridays and Saturdays book up quickly with weddings, concerts at Wells Fargo Arena, and nightlife shuttles to Court Avenue. If you can schedule your trip on a weekday—especially Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday—you’ll likely get a better rate. This is a smart option for corporate outings, school field trips to the Science Center of Iowa, or senior group tours to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Sunday rates can vary depending on demand, but they’re generally lower than Saturday night pricing. Always check your venue’s schedule and try to avoid peak days if you’re looking to reduce costs.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Where your trip begins and ends has a major impact on your quote. Buses are dispatched from our base locations across Iowa, so if you’re starting in a remote area outside Polk County, there may be additional charges for “deadhead” mileage—the distance the bus travels empty to reach your pickup point. For example, a charter bus picking up in Ames and dropping off in Cedar Rapids will be more expensive than a round-trip within the Des Moines metro. One-way trips that leave the bus far from its home base (such as a drop-off in Omaha or Minneapolis) will incur extra fees to cover the cost of returning the vehicle. Whenever possible, plan for a round-trip itinerary that starts and ends in the same general area to keep prices down.
Bus Type and Size
The type and size of bus you choose will determine your base rate. Full-size charter buses (47 to 56 passengers) are the most expensive option, but they offer the most seats, luggage space, and amenities like restrooms, DVD players, and WiFi. These are ideal for moving large groups long distances, such as a high school band trip to St. Louis or a company outing to Adventureland Park. Mini buses (18 to 35 passengers) are more affordable and perfect for short-distance shuttles, airport transfers to DSM, or small-group excursions to Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona. Party buses (10 to 40 passengers) fall in the middle, with pricing based on features like perimeter seating, lighting, and sound systems. ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts are available at no extra charge, but must be requested in advance.
Tolls and Parking
Tolls and parking fees are not included in your charter bus quote and must be paid separately. While Iowa doesn’t have any toll roads, you may encounter them if your trip crosses into Illinois (I-88, I-90), Missouri (some river bridges), or other states. Be prepared to cover these costs either in cash or by reimbursing your driver. Parking can also add up, especially in downtown Des Moines, where event venues like Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall, or Principal Park charge $20 to $40 for oversized vehicle parking. If you’re visiting multiple sites in one day—such as a museum tour, restaurant stop in the Historic East Village, and concert drop-off—factor in parking fees at each location. Some hotels and attractions offer free bus parking, but always confirm in advance to avoid surprises.
Booking Timing
How far in advance you book your charter bus will affect the price. The earlier you reserve, the better your chances of locking in a lower rate. We recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months ahead for major events like weddings, school trips, or festival shuttles during RAGBRAI or the Iowa State Fair. Last-minute reservations (less than 2 weeks out) are subject to availability and may cost significantly more due to high demand or limited fleet options. If you’re planning travel during peak season—spring break, graduation week, or college football Saturdays—it’s best to secure your bus as soon as your dates are confirmed. Early booking also gives you more flexibility to choose the exact vehicle type and amenities you want.
Cost-saving Tips
To get the best possible price on your Ankeny charter bus rental, follow these tips: book early (at least 3-6 months in advance), travel during off-peak seasons (winter or mid-summer), choose the smallest bus that fits your group size, consolidate pickups and drop-offs to minimize extra mileage, and plan a round-trip itinerary that starts and ends in the same location. Sharing a bus with another group, eliminating unnecessary stops, and being flexible with your schedule can also help reduce costs. Always ask about package deals for multi-day events or recurring shuttles, and compare quotes from different providers to ensure you’re getting the most value for your budget.
Get an Instant Quote Online
The fastest way to find out exactly how much your charter bus will cost is to use our online quote tool or call Charter Bus Company Ankeny at 515-416-9533. We’ll ask you a few questions about your trip—dates, destinations, group size, and any special requests—and provide you with a custom quote in less than a minute. There’s no obligation to book, and our team is available 24/7 to help you compare options, answer questions, and finalize your reservation. With Charter Bus Company Ankeny, you get transparent pricing, flexible packages, and the largest fleet of buses in Iowa—all backed by years of experience and thousands of happy customers.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Ankeny, IA and around the state. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Ankeny School Field Trip to Des Moines
A local elementary school is planning a field trip from Ankeny to the Science Center of Iowa and Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. They need two 56-passenger charter buses to transport 100 students and 10 chaperones. The itinerary includes a 9:00 AM departure, morning at the Science Center, afternoon at the zoo, and return to Ankeny by 3:00 PM. Total rental time is 6 hours per bus. Estimated cost: $1,250 per bus x 2 = $2,500. No tolls, but budget $20 per bus for parking at each venue.
Wedding Shuttle Between Ankeny and Downtown Des Moines
A bride is hosting her ceremony at a church in Ankeny and the reception at a hotel in downtown Des Moines. She books a 25-passenger minibus to run continuous shuttles for 8 hours (3:00 PM to 11:00 PM) so guests don’t have to drive. Estimated cost: $1,600. Add $40 for parking at the hotel and a 10% tip for the driver.
Corporate Outing to Adventureland
An Ankeny-based company is treating employees to a day at Adventureland Park in Altoona. They rent a 40-passenger charter bus for a round-trip shuttle, departing at 10:00 AM and returning at 8:00 PM. Total rental time is 10 hours. Estimated cost: $1,900. Adventureland offers free bus parking, so no extra fees.
Bachelorette Party Bus to West Des Moines
A group of 15 friends hires a party bus for a bachelorette night out, visiting bars in West Glen, Court Avenue, and Prairie Trail. The rental is for 6 hours (7:00 PM to 1:00 AM) with multiple stops. Estimated cost: $1,350. Plan for $15-$20 parking at each entertainment district.
Multi-day Sports Team Trip to Cedar Rapids
A high school baseball team needs transportation from Ankeny to Cedar Rapids for a weekend tournament. They book a 56-passenger charter bus for three days: Friday afternoon departure, all-day Saturday games, and Sunday evening return. Estimated cost: $3,600 ($1,200 per day). The team is responsible for providing a hotel room for the driver (approx. $120/night). No tolls, but parking at the sports complex may be $25/day.
Church Group Excursion to Omaha Zoo
A local church organizes a day trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. They rent a 35-passenger minibus, leaving Ankeny at 7:00 AM and returning by 8:00 PM. Total distance is 280 miles round-trip, with 13 hours of service. Estimated cost: $2,000. The zoo charges $20 for bus parking. No tolls on this route.
Daily Commuter Shuttle From Ankeny to Downtown Des Moines
A large employer contracts a 30-passenger minibus to run daily commuter shuttles from a park-and-ride lot in Ankeny to multiple office buildings in downtown Des Moines. Service operates Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, for a total of 5 hours per day. Monthly rate: $7,500. This long-term arrangement helps reduce employee parking costs and supports corporate sustainability goals.
