Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Rentals in Grand Forks

Charter Bus Rental Grand Forks is a leading charter bus company in Grand Forks because we offer one of the largest, most diverse, and most modern fleets in the region backed by 24/7 customer support and fully customized service. We’ve helped groups of all sizes travel anywhere in and around Grand Forks—from UND campus shuttles to Alerus Center event transportation—so we know how to solve any problem or special request. Our team is available 24/7 to provide fast quotes, answer questions, and help you plan the perfect trip. We’re committed to providing the best customer service in the industry, with flexible policies, transparent pricing, and a focus on making your experience easy and stress-free. Just read our reviews to see why so many people trust us!

A charter bus is a large, commercial vehicle that is rented by a private group to transport people to a specific destination according to a custom schedule. Unlike a public bus or a pre-scheduled tour bus, a charter bus operates entirely on the renter’s itinerary. It is commonly used for school trips, corporate events, sports team travel, weddings, and multi-day group tours. Charter buses are designed for comfort on longer trips, offering cushioned seating, climate control, and additional amenities such as onboard restrooms and entertainment systems.

A charter bus is a large, boxy vehicle with a high roofline and a flat front or slightly sloped nose. Most have a white or neutral-colored exterior, though some may be painted in black, silver, or custom colors. The sides feature large, tinted windows that run the length of the passenger cabin, providing natural light while maintaining privacy. Below the windows, you’ll see several luggage bay doors integrated into the lower body panels—these open outward to reveal spacious storage compartments. The bus rides on six wheels (three axles), with dual tires at the rear for stability. Entry is via a wide, forward-mounted door just behind the front axle, accessed by several steps up from the curb. The overall appearance is sleek, modern, and built for highway travel, with minimal exterior trim or decoration unless custom graphics are applied.

Most full-size charter buses seat between 50 and 56 passengers. The exact number depends on the model and interior configuration—some may have as few as 47 or as many as 60 if designed with tighter seating. Common capacities include 50, 52, 54, and 56 seats. Smaller “mini-coaches” can seat anywhere from 18 to 40 passengers, while larger double-decker or specialty coaches might accommodate up to 60. All seating is typically forward-facing and arranged in pairs on either side of a central aisle.

Anyone who needs to move a large group of people at once! In Grand Forks, we frequently work with K-12 schools, colleges, and universities (like UND) for field trips, athletic travel, and campus shuttles. Sports teams and fan groups book buses for games, tournaments, and away trips. Corporations and businesses use charter buses for employee shuttles, training sessions, conferences, and team-building events. Wedding parties and guests rely on us for ceremony and reception transportation. Event planners, religious groups, military organizations, and even groups of friends or families traveling together also rent charter buses for a wide variety of trips and occasions.

We offer a full range of vehicles—from 18-, 20-, and 25-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches—plus party buses, sprinter vans, and custom VIP coaches. Most large buses seat 50–56; minibuses seat 18–35.

A charter bus (or coach bus) is built for comfortable, long-distance group travel with forward-facing seats and optional amenities like Wi-Fi and restrooms. A party bus is a smaller vehicle (often built on a van or minibus chassis) designed for social events, featuring perimeter seating, upgraded sound systems, lighting effects, and space to stand or dance. An entertainer bus—also called a sleeper coach—is a custom-built vehicle used by bands or touring performers, outfitted with bunks, lounge areas, a kitchen, and sometimes a private bedroom or shower. It’s designed for living on the road rather than just traveling between points.

Standard amenities on most charter buses include reclining seats with headrests, individual reading lights, overhead parcel racks, and climate control (heating and air conditioning). Larger coaches typically feature one or more flat-screen monitors mounted at the front or mid-cabin, a DVD/Blu-ray player, a public address (PA) system with microphone, and a restroom at the rear of the cabin. Many newer buses offer onboard Wi-Fi, 110V or USB power outlets at each seat, and additional luggage space in underfloor bays. Optional upgrades may include leather upholstery, larger video screens, and custom seating configurations.

Yes, most newer charter buses can be equipped with onboard Wi-Fi. This allows passengers to browse the internet, check email, and use social media during the trip. However, bandwidth may be limited—especially in rural areas—so streaming video or large downloads might be restricted. If Wi-Fi is important for your group, be sure to request it when booking the bus.

A standard full-size charter bus offers substantial luggage capacity, with both underfloor storage bays and interior overhead racks. The underfloor compartments span the length of the bus between the axles and can accommodate large suitcases, equipment cases, or bulky items. Inside the cabin, overhead racks above the seats provide space for carry-on bags, backpacks, or smaller items. For a typical 56-passenger coach, total luggage capacity is approximately one large suitcase plus one carry-on bag per passenger. As a rough estimate, the underfloor bays can hold 50–60 large roller bags, while the overhead racks handle smaller personal items. If your group has oversized or additional luggage—such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or display materials—please mention this when booking so we can ensure adequate space or arrange for a trailer if needed.

Yes! We can provide ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and accessible restrooms. Just ask our team.

Yes, you can wrap a charter bus with custom graphics, branding, or advertising for your event, organization, or special occasion. Full or partial wraps are commonly used for sports teams, corporate groups, political campaigns, and touring performers. If you’d like to wrap your bus, please let us know in advance so we can provide a vehicle with a suitable exterior and coordinate scheduling. Additional fees may apply for installation and removal, and all artwork must be approved prior to application.

We will do our best to accommodate requests for specific bus models, colors, or exterior finishes (such as all-black or all-white coaches). However, availability depends on our fleet schedule and the size of your group. If you have a strong preference for a particular model—such as a Prevost, Van Hool, MCI, or Setra—or need matching vehicles for a large event, please mention this when requesting a quote. We can often provide photos of the exact coach assigned to your trip once the booking is confirmed.

Rates typically range from $1,200–$3,000+ per day for a full-size coach, depending on distance, duration, and season. Local Grand Forks trips (e.g., UND shuttles, Alerus Center events) may start around $1,200–$1,800. Longer out-of-town trips (Fargo, Minneapolis) are priced by mileage or day. Call 701-885-7810 for an exact quote.

Minibuses are less expensive than full-size coaches, with typical rates ranging from $600 to $1,500 per day depending on the size of the vehicle (18, 24, or 28 passengers), distance traveled, and length of the charter. Local shuttles and short trips within Grand Forks are at the lower end of the range, while longer or multi-day rentals cost more. Contact us for a precise quote based on your itinerary.

Several factors influence the cost of renting a charter bus: trip distance, duration, vehicle size, time of year, and any additional services or amenities requested. Longer trips and multi-day charters cost more due to increased mileage and driver hours. Larger coaches are more expensive than minibuses. Peak travel seasons—such as spring and fall for school trips or summer for weddings—can result in higher rates. Additional costs may include tolls, parking, driver lodging, and optional amenities like Wi-Fi or custom wraps. Contact us with your trip details for an accurate quote.

Our quotes include the bus, driver, fuel, insurance, tolls, and standard amenities. Additional fees may apply for parking, driver lodging, or special requests.

We recommend booking your charter bus as early as possible—ideally 3 to 6 months in advance—to ensure availability and secure the best rates. Peak periods such as spring (for school trips and graduations) and summer (for weddings and sports tournaments) can book up quickly. Last-minute rentals are possible but may be more expensive and have limited vehicle options. Once you have your trip dates and itinerary, contact us to reserve a bus.

You can get an instant quote by calling our 24-hour reservation specialists at 701-885-7810 or by using the online quote tool on our website. Simply provide your trip details—including departure and destination cities, travel dates, group size, and any special requirements—and we’ll send you a personalized quote. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and help you choose the best vehicle for your needs.

Yes! We can do single-day, multi-day, one-way, round-trip, and custom packages.

Yes, we can provide long-distance and even out-of-state bus rentals to anywhere you need to go. Common destinations include Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Sioux Falls, Minneapolis, and more. Our team can help you plan rest stops, meals, and overnight accommodations for extended trips.

For multi-day or overnight trips, the chartering party is responsible for providing hotel accommodations for the driver. The hotel should have safe parking for the bus and be located reasonably close to the group’s lodging. Most hotels offer discounted rates for drivers. For day trips or short charters, no accommodation is needed. If you need assistance booking a hotel for the driver, our team can help recommend options.

Plan your itinerary with precise pickup and drop-off locations—many venues have specific zones for buses. Allow extra time for construction or weather delays, especially in winter. Coordinate parking in advance; some downtown or campus areas restrict bus access. Inform us of any special luggage, equipment, or accessibility needs. Book early during peak seasons—UND events, graduations, and tournament weekends fill up fast. Finally, provide a manifest with a group contact person in case of changes en route.

We provide charter bus service to and from Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) for airline crew transfers, passenger pickups, and group arrivals. Need to connect to a larger hub? We also serve Hector International Airport (FAR) in Fargo and can provide direct service to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) for longer-distance air travel. Buses can be staged curbside at GFK’s main terminal, with advance coordination for larger groups.

Sports teams and fans can book charter buses to any local venue, including the Alerus Center (home of UND football), Ralph Engelstad Arena (hockey), Choice Health & Fitness fields, and local high school stadiums. Traveling to an away game? We can take you to the Fargodome, Scheels Arena, the Bismarck Event Center, or any other facility in the region. Buses can park in designated lots at each venue for easy access before and after the game.

Attending or performing at a concert? We serve the Alerus Center, Ralph Engelstad Arena, Empire Arts Center, and any other local music venue. Larger groups traveling to regional shows can book a bus to Bluestem Amphitheater in Moorhead, the Fargo Civic Center, or the Bismarck Event Center. We handle artist transportation, crew shuttles, and fan groups, with curbside drop-off and post-show pickup.

Popular wedding venues we serve include the Gorecki Alumni Center at UND, the Alerus Center event spaces, local churches, and reception halls like the Canad Inns Destination Centre. Hosting your ceremony or reception out of town? We provide wedding transportation to rustic barns, country clubs, and lakeside resorts across the region. Guests can leave their cars behind and enjoy a safe ride between the hotel, ceremony, and reception.

We proudly serve groups traveling to and from nearby cities such as East Grand Forks (MN), Crookston (MN), Grafton, Devils Lake, Thief River Falls (MN), and Bemidji (MN). Planning a longer trip? We can also provide service to Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Sioux Falls (SD), and even Minneapolis–St. Paul. Whether you need a one-way transfer or a multi-day charter, we’ll get you there safely and comfortably.

Book a shuttle to local favorites like Potato Bowl USA, the Grand Forks Art Fest, UND Homecoming, the Sertoma 4th of July Festival, and the Greenway Takeover music festival. Heading out of town? We also serve regional events such as the Fargo Marathon, Norsk Høstfest in Minot, and the Downtown Street Fair in Bismarck. Avoid parking hassles and enjoy the festivities with a private bus for your group.

We provide business transportation to the Alerus Center, Grand Forks’ premier venue for trade shows, conventions, and large corporate events. Need a shuttle to a regional conference? We also serve the Fargo Civic Center, the Bismarck Event Center, and hotel-based meeting spaces across the state. Meeting planners can arrange custom schedules with hotel pickups, lunch shuttles, and airport transfers for attendees.