Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Rapid City Coach Bus Rental Cost?
When you book a coach bus in Rapid City, the price will depend on several different factors. You can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour, or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a full-size 56-passenger charter bus. Minibuses are more affordable, with rates ranging from $150 to $350 per hour, or $1,600 to $2,800 per day. To get an exact quote for your trip, call our team at 605-981-3430 or use our online quote tool. We’ll give you a custom price in less than 30 seconds!
Below, we’ve put together some sample pricing information for popular trips in Rapid City and across South Dakota. We’ll also explain the main factors that affect your rental cost, so you can plan your budget with confidence.
Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
---|---|---|---|
56-Passenger Coach Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
25-Passenger Minibus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
20-Passenger Minibus | $157 – $414 | $1,300 – $3,100 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
18-Passenger Minibus | $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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost of renting a coach bus in Rapid City is $180 to $325 per hour, $1,600 to $2,800 per day, or $4,000 to $8,000 per week. These prices are for a standard 56-passenger coach bus, which comes with amenities like reclining seats, onboard restrooms, TVs, WiFi, and luggage bays. If you need a smaller vehicle, a minibus rental will cost $125 to $250 per hour, $1,400 to $2,200 per day, or $3,500 to $6,000 per week. Minibuses can seat between 15 and 35 passengers and are perfect for local shuttles, airport transfers, or private tours.
For the most accurate pricing, contact Rapid City Coach Bus Service today. We’ll ask you a few questions about your trip—such as your headcount, itinerary, and preferred amenities—and send you a personalized quote in under a minute. Our team is available 24/7 to help you find the best bus at the best price!
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Rapid City?
There are several key factors that determine the final cost of your coach bus rental in Rapid City:
- Travel Dates: Bus rental prices are higher during peak season (May through September) when demand is highest. If you’re traveling during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Mount Rushmore Fourth of July fireworks, or a major event at The Monument, expect to pay premium rates. Off-peak months (October through April) are generally more affordable.
- Trip Duration: Most companies charge by the hour for local trips (with a 5-hour minimum), by the day for longer excursions, or by the mile for out-of-state travel. The longer you need the bus, the higher the total cost—but the lower your hourly or daily rate will be.
- Distance Traveled: The number of miles between your pickup and drop-off points will impact your quote. For example, a round-trip from Rapid City to Sioux Falls (340 miles each way) will cost more than a local shuttle between downtown hotels and the Rapid City Regional Airport.
- Bus Type and Size: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches are more expensive than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans. Premium features such as leather seats, hardwood floors, or custom wraps will also increase your price. ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts are available at no extra charge, but must be requested in advance.
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, layovers, or changes to your schedule may require additional planning and coordination, which can affect your quote. Be sure to provide a detailed itinerary when booking.
- Driver Accommodations: For multi-day trips, you are responsible for providing lodging for your driver(s). Hotels should be clean, safe, and located near the bus parking area. If your itinerary requires more than 10 hours of driving per day, you may need to hire a second driver, which will double this portion of your cost.
- Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any fees associated with road tolls, park entrance (e.g., Custer State Park, Badlands National Park), or overnight parking will be added to your invoice. Some venues in downtown Rapid City or Deadwood may require advance permits for oversized vehicles.
- Gratuity: While not mandatory, it is customary to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost for excellent service. Tips can be paid in cash at the end of the trip or included in your final payment.
If you have any questions about what’s included in your quote, just ask! Our team is here to make sure there are no surprises on your final bill.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Rapid City, SD and around South Dakota. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Rapid City School Field Trip to Mount Rushmore

Mr. Johnson is organizing a field trip for his 5th grade class of 24 students from Robbinsdale Elementary. They’ll depart Rapid City at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and return by 3:30 PM. The itinerary includes a ranger-led educational program, lunch at the Carvers’ Café, and a short hike on the Presidential Trail. For this six-hour trip, Mr. Johnson was quoted $1,200. With 24 students, two teachers, and three parent chaperones, he booked a 28-passenger minibus, bringing the cost to about $43 per person.
Wedding Shuttle From Rapid City to Spearfish Canyon

Emily is getting married at Spearfish Canyon Lodge and wants to provide transportation for 40 guests staying at hotels in downtown Rapid City. The shuttle will make two trips: one to pick up guests before the ceremony, and another to bring them back after the reception ends at 10:00 PM. The distance between Rapid City and Spearfish Canyon is approximately 50 miles each way, and the bus will need to wait on-site for several hours. For this itinerary, Emily was quoted $1,750 for a 40-passenger charter bus, which includes all mileage, wait time, and a late-night drop-off.
Corporate Retreat Shuttle to Deadwood

A local tech company is hosting a weekend retreat at a casino resort in Deadwood for 30 employees. They’ve arranged for a minibus to pick up staff at the office park off Elk Vale Road, drive them to Deadwood on Friday afternoon, and return on Sunday morning. The bus will stay overnight in Deadwood, requiring hotel accommodations for the driver. Total mileage for the round trip is 100 miles, and the bus will be on call for local shuttles to restaurants and attractions. The quote for this two-day rental is $2,400, plus $150 for the driver’s hotel room, bringing the total to $2,550.
Sports Team Charter to Sioux Falls

The Rapid City Central High School basketball team has an away game against Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls. Coaches need transportation for 18 players, four coaches, and equipment bags. Departure is scheduled for 7:00 AM, with arrival in Sioux Falls by 1:00 PM. After the game, the team will have dinner and head back to Rapid City, arriving around midnight. This long-distance, same-day turnaround covers 700 miles and requires two drivers to comply with hours-of-service regulations. The school was quoted $3,600 for a 36-passenger coach bus, which includes all mileage, driver swaps, and onboard restroom facilities.
Concert Trip to the Monument

A group of friends from Box Elder wants to rent a party bus to see a concert at The Monument in Rapid City. They’ll be picked up at a private residence, dropped off at the venue, and picked up again after the show ends at 11:00 PM. The total duration of the rental is five hours, with minimal mileage but some waiting time. For this local trip, the group was quoted $950 for a 20-passenger minibus with Bluetooth sound system and LED lighting. Split among 15 riders, the cost comes to $63 each—less than the price of two Uber rides across town.
Church Group Outing to Badlands National Park

A church in Black Hawk is planning a Saturday excursion to Badlands National Park for 32 members of its congregation. The bus will leave the church parking lot at 8:00 AM, spend the day touring scenic overlooks and visitor centers, and return by 6:00 PM. The package includes park entry fees, boxed lunches stored in an onboard cooler, and a PA system for announcements. The quote for this ten-hour day trip is $1,800 for a 35-passenger mid-size coach, or just $56 per person. Optional add-ons like WiFi and DVD monitors are available for an extra $100.