Shuttle Bus Prices in Chicago, Illinois
Shuttle bus rental prices in Chicago typically range from $1,400 to $4,000+ per day, $185–$375 per hour, or $5.50–$8.50 per mile depending on the size of the vehicle, trip length, and exact itinerary details. You’ll pay either an hourly rate, a daily rate, or a per-mile rate depending on the nature of your trip. Multi-day and long-distance trips are usually billed by the day; short local service may be billed hourly (with a 4–5 hour minimum) or by total mileage.
Rates are higher during peak seasons (spring/fall), for large vehicles (like 56-passenger buses), or for trips that require the driver to stay overnight. Additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and hotel rooms for drivers (if required) are not included in the base rate. Final pricing is always based on your exact itinerary, so have all your trip details ready when requesting a quote.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Shuttle Bus Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 25-Passenger Shuttle Bus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 20-Passenger Shuttle Bus | $157 – $414 | $1,300 – $3,100 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 18-Passenger Shuttle Bus | $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 Shuttle Bus Rental Cost in Chicago?
The cost to rent a shuttle bus in Chicago ranges from $1,400 to $4,000+ per day, $185–$375 per hour, or $5.50–$8.50 per mile depending on the size of the vehicle, trip length, and exact itinerary details. You’ll pay either an hourly rate, a daily rate, or a per-mile rate depending on the nature of your trip. Multi-day and long-distance trips are usually billed by the day; short local service may be billed hourly (with a 4–5 hour minimum) or by total mileage.
Rates are higher during peak seasons (spring/fall), for large vehicles (like 56-passenger buses), or for trips that require the driver to stay overnight. Additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and hotel rooms for drivers (if required) are not included in the base rate. Final pricing is always based on your exact itinerary, so have all your trip details ready when requesting a quote.
What Factors Influence Shuttle Bus Rental Pricing in Chicago?
Several factors influence the final price of your Chicago shuttle bus rental. The most significant include the size of the vehicle, the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year, and any additional amenities or special requests. Larger buses generally cost more than smaller ones, but they also offer more seating and storage space, which can be more economical for bigger groups.
Trip distance and duration are also major factors—longer trips that require the driver to stay overnight will increase the overall cost, as you’ll need to cover the driver’s lodging expenses. Seasonality plays a role as well; prices tend to be higher during peak travel times such as summer months, holidays, and major event dates like Chicago Marathon weekend or Lollapalooza. Additional costs may include tolls, parking fees, and optional amenities like WiFi, power outlets, or upgraded entertainment systems. Understanding these variables will help you better estimate your total rental cost and plan your budget accordingly.
Sample Trip Pricing in Chicago
To help you get a better idea of how much it costs to rent a shuttle bus in Chicago, we’ve put together several real-world pricing examples based on actual trips we’ve handled for customers. Each example breaks down the full itinerary—including pickup and drop-off locations, total mileage, hours or days of service, and any extra expenses—so you can see exactly how the final price was calculated. Use these sample quotes as a reference point when planning your own trip, but keep in mind that every itinerary is unique and your actual cost may vary depending on your specific needs.
Example #1
A downtown law firm is hosting a corporate event at McCormick Place and needs round-trip transportation for 40 employees from their office in the Loop. They book a 56-passenger shuttle bus to accommodate everyone comfortably. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., but the client requests the bus arrive at 5:00 p.m. for early boarding and wait until 11:00 p.m. to ensure all guests are returned safely. Total service time is six hours. The final cost for this rental comes to $2,100, which includes the base rate, driver’s time, and a standard gratuity. This option is significantly cheaper than reimbursing employees for individual rideshares or parking fees and keeps the group together on a single schedule.
Example #2
A bride and groom are getting married at a country club in Schaumburg but have reserved a block of rooms for guests at a hotel in downtown Chicago. To simplify logistics and avoid drinking and driving, they hire a 25-passenger shuttle bus to run back-and-forth between the two locations before and after the ceremony. The bus makes two trips each way over a span of eight hours. Because the venue is more than 30 miles outside the city, the rental is billed at a flat day rate plus mileage, totaling $2,800. The couple splits this expense with another family member and agrees it’s worth every penny for the peace of mind and convenience it provides their out-of-town friends and relatives.
Example #3
A high school basketball team from Evanston qualifies for a regional tournament in Milwaukee and needs transportation for players, coaches, and equipment. The athletic director rents an 18-passenger minibus for the 90-mile journey. The team departs Saturday morning, plays two games, stays overnight in a budget hotel, and returns Sunday afternoon. The two-day rental costs $3,200, which covers the bus, driver’s hotel room, tolls, and a tip. Compared to the hassle of organizing a carpool convoy or risking breakdowns in personal vehicles, the coach considers the charter bus a smart investment in safety and team spirit.
Example #4
A university in the South Loop welcomes a group of 30 international students arriving at O’Hare Airport. Rather than navigating the Blue Line with luggage, the school arranges a private shuttle bus to pick them up curbside and deliver them directly to campus. The driver monitors the flight status, assists with baggage, and provides a warm first impression of Chicago. The one-way trip takes about an hour and costs $850 including airport fees. The dean of student affairs budgets for this expense annually, recognizing that it sets a positive tone for new arrivals and streamlines the move-in process.
Example #5
A construction company wins a contract to renovate a hospital in Hyde Park but struggles with limited parking near the site. To keep workers arriving on time, management leases a 20-passenger shuttle bus for $1,600 per week to ferry crews from a remote lot in Bronzeville. The bus runs a fixed route four times a day: before dawn, mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and after dark. Over the course of a six-month project, the shuttle proves more reliable and cost-effective than reimbursing employees for CTA fares or dealing with ticketed and towed vehicles.
Example #6
A group of craft beer enthusiasts organizes a Saturday afternoon brewery crawl through the West Loop and Fulton Market District. They chip in to rent a 25-passenger shuttle bus for five hours at a rate of $250 per hour. The driver follows a custom itinerary to six different taprooms, allowing passengers to sample flights without worrying about DUIs or rideshare surge pricing. At the end of the night, everyone is dropped off safely at a designated meeting point. The total cost of $1,250 works out to about $50 per person, making it an affordable and memorable outing compared to booking individual taxis or limousines.
Get live availability & our best deals by calling or using our online quote tool. We're here 24/7/365 and would love to earn your business!