Charter Bus Prices in Grand Forks, North Dakota: How Much Does a Grand Forks Bus Rental Cost?

Day of the Week

Weekends are typically more expensive than weekdays because there is higher demand for buses. If you can schedule your trip on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you may be able to secure a lower rate. This is especially true for events like weddings or sporting events, which often take place on Fridays and Saturdays.

Your Starting and Ending Locations

Where your trip begins and ends also affects pricing. If you’re starting in Grand Forks—whether downtown, at UND, or near the airport—you’ll pay less than groups requiring the bus to come from out of town. But if you need service in a rural area or small town (like Thompson, Larimore, or Emerado), you’ll incur a “deadhead” fee for the extra miles the bus travels empty before pick-up or after drop-off. Ending your trip far from the starting point—such as a one-way drop in Fargo or Winnipeg—also adds deadhead charges. Providing exact addresses for all pick-up and drop-off locations helps us estimate these costs accurately.

Bus Type and Size

The size and type of bus you choose impacts your price per hour or mile. Larger vehicles cost more but also hold more passengers, so your cost per person goes down. A 56-passenger motorcoach is the most expensive option but comes standard with reclining seats, luggage bays, WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms. Smaller 18- to 28-passenger minibuses are 20-30% cheaper and work well for local shuttles or short trips. When you request a quote, specify your headcount and any must-have amenities. We’ll recommend the most efficient vehicle that fits your group comfortably. Upgrading to a newer model or requesting custom features (like leather seats or branded signage) increases the rate.

Tolls and Parking Fees

Tolls and parking fees are not included in your base rental quote and are billed separately. While Grand Forks itself doesn’t have toll roads, longer trips to Minneapolis via I-94 or to Chicago will encounter tolls that add to your total cost. Local parking fees can also impact your budget. For example, parking a bus at the Alerus Center costs $20, downtown ramps charge $10–$15 per day, and UND lot passes are $25–$50 depending on proximity. If your itinerary includes multiple stops with paid parking—such as hotel zones, arenas, or event venues—these fees can add up quickly. It’s your responsibility to cover all tolls and parking expenses incurred during the trip. Ask your reservation specialist about typical fees for your route so you can budget accordingly. Some venues offer pre-paid bus parking passes, which can be added to your invoice for convenience.

Booking Timing

How far in advance you book plays a big role in your final price. Last-minute bookings pay a premium because there are fewer buses available, and it’s harder to coordinate drivers and schedules on short notice. Ideally, you should reserve your bus 3–6 months ahead for the best availability and rates. For peak-season trips—like spring sports tournaments, summer weddings, or fall school outings—book even earlier if possible. Large events requiring multiple buses should secure their fleet at least six months in advance. Once you receive a quote, locking it in with a deposit guarantees your rate even if prices go up later.

Cost-saving Tips to Consider

To get the best value on your bus rental, share a detailed itinerary upfront, choose the right vehicle size, and book early. Consolidate pick-up and drop-off locations to minimize deadhead mileage, and schedule trips during off-peak months if possible. Splitting longer journeys into two half-day segments can sometimes reduce driver lodging costs. Ask about available discounts for schools, non-profits, or multi-day bookings. Finally, compare the per-person cost of different vehicle sizes to find the most budget-friendly option for your group.

Call Now for an Instant Quote

Ready to get an exact price for your trip? Call Charter Bus Company Grand Forks anytime at 701-738-1450 or use our online quote tool to compare options and book your bus in minutes. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, run custom estimates, and help you find the best value on any type of group transportation in Grand Forks or beyond.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are real-world examples of bus rental packages and what each customer paid. Every trip is unique, but these sample scenarios can help you estimate the ballpark cost of your own rental.

School Field Trip to Turtle River State Park

A local elementary school is planning a field trip to Turtle River State Park, about 22 miles west of Grand Forks. They need transportation for 60 students and 5 teachers. The trip will depart from the school at 8:00 AM, spend the day at the park, and return by 3:00 PM. Total mileage is approximately 44 miles round-trip, and the bus will be needed for 7 hours. The school requests a full-size, 56-passenger charter bus.

Estimated cost: $2,100 ($300 per hour x 7 hours)

This price includes the bus, driver, fuel, and all standard amenities. There are no tolls or parking fees at the state park. The school booked the trip one month in advance, securing a competitive rate.

Und Hockey Fan Bus to Fargo (scheels Arena)

A group of University of North Dakota hockey fans wants to charter a bus to see the Fighting Hawks play a rival game against NDSU in Fargo. They have 40 people committed to the trip. The bus will leave Grand Forks at noon, drive 80 miles to Scheels Arena, wait during the game, and return home the same night. Total duration is 8 hours, with 160 miles of travel. A 44-passenger charter bus is recommended.

Estimated cost: $2,880 ($180 per hour x 8 hours = $1,440 + $9 per mile x 160 miles = $1,440)

Parking at Scheels Arena is $20. The group split the cost among all riders, making it an affordable way to attend the game.

Wedding Shuttle Between Downtown Hotels and Alerus Center

A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony at a downtown Grand Forks church and the reception at the Alerus Center. To keep guests on schedule, they’re hiring a shuttle to run back and forth between five hotels and both venues. With 150 out-of-town guests, they need three 56-passenger buses making continuous loops from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM (9 hours). All locations are within a 3-mile radius, so this is billed hourly.

Estimated cost: $8,100 (3 buses x $300 per hour x 9 hours)

The Alerus Center charges $25 per bus for reserved parking, which is not included in the base rate. The couple booked six months ahead for their June wedding.

Corporate Employee Shuttle to Grand Sky Business Park

A technology company at Grand Sky is launching a daily employee shuttle from downtown Grand Forks to its office 15 miles west. With 30 workers on each shift, they need a 32-passenger minibus making two round-trips per day (60 miles total) on a 12-month contract. Corporate clients receive a discounted daily rate for recurring service.

Estimated cost: $900 per day ($1,800 per day x 50% discount for annual contract)

There are no tolls, and Grand Sky provides free bus parking. The company signed a one-year agreement, locking in the rate despite fluctuating fuel prices.

High School Sports Team Traveling to Minneapolis Tournament

Central High School’s basketball team qualified for a regional tournament in Minneapolis. The district is chartering a 56-passenger coach for 18 players, coaches, and gear. The bus departs Friday at noon, travels 320 miles to Minneapolis, stays two nights, and returns Sunday evening. Total duration is 54 hours with 640 miles of travel. The coach will remain parked at the hotel and tournament venue.

Estimated cost: $5,760 ($180 per hour x 54 hours = $9,720 + $9 per mile x 640 miles = $5,760)

The hotel offers free bus parking. The school booked two months in advance and received a package deal for the multi-day trip.

Church Retreat to Red Willow Bible Camp

A Grand Forks church is taking 25 youth group members to a weekend retreat at Red Willow Bible Camp, 90 miles away. A 28-passenger minibus is sufficient. The group departs Friday at 5:00 PM, spends two nights at the camp, and returns Sunday after lunch. Total trip duration is 48 hours with 180 miles round-trip.

Estimated cost: $2,160 ($180 per hour x 48 hours = $8,640 + $9 per mile x 180 miles = $1,620)

There are no tolls, and the camp provides free parking. The church offset the cost with a fundraising dinner.

Construction Site Shuttle for Hwy 29 Resurfacing Project

A road construction contractor needs a 20-passenger minibus to shuttle crew members between a remote Hwy 29 job site and their staging area 10 miles away. The bus will make four round-trips per shift (80 miles daily) for the duration of the 6-week project. This is billed at a flat daily rate.

Estimated cost: $1,200 per day

There are no tolls, and equipment staging is free. The contractor factored transportation into the project bid.