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Albuquerque Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Albuquerque Bus Rental Cost?

Charter bus prices in Albuquerque can range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on your trip details and the type of bus you book. The best way to get an accurate, all-inclusive price is to call our team at 505-588-3520 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask for your passenger count, itinerary, travel dates, and amenity requests, then provide a custom quote in about 30 seconds. Below, we’ve outlined average rates for different bus types, explained what factors influence pricing, and shared sample quotes for common trips around Bernalillo County, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and other destinations across New Mexico.

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 Bus Rental Cost?

The price of a charter bus rental depends on the size of the vehicle, the length of your trip, and how far you’re traveling. Here are some average rates for different bus types in Albuquerque:

  • 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
  • 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
  • 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
  • 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile

Keep in mind that these are just averages—your exact price will depend on your specific itinerary. For example, a round-trip shuttle from Uptown Albuquerque to Balloon Fiesta Park will cost less than a multi-day tour to White Sands National Park or Carlsbad Caverns. The easiest way to get an accurate quote is to call our 24/7 team at 505-588-3520 or request a quote online.

What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Albuquerque?

There are several key factors that influence the final price of your bus rental in Albuquerque. Understanding these variables will help you budget more accurately and plan a trip that fits your group’s needs:

  • Travel Dates: Charter bus rates tend to be higher during peak seasons when demand is greatest. In Albuquerque, this usually means spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), especially during major events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta or University of New Mexico graduation. If you’re booking a bus for a wedding, sports tournament, or festival during these times, expect to pay a premium. Rates are generally lower in the winter months, except around the holidays.
  • Trip Duration: Bus rentals are typically billed by the hour, day, or mile, depending on the length of your trip. Local shuttles within Albuquerque (e.g., between Downtown, Nob Hill, and Old Town) are often charged by the hour with a minimum of 4-5 hours. Longer trips to Santa Fe, Taos, or Roswell may be quoted by the day or mile. Multi-day itineraries will include overnight fees for the driver’s hotel and per diem expenses.
  • Distance Traveled: The farther you travel, the higher the cost. A simple airport transfer from ABQ Sunport to a Midtown hotel will be much cheaper than a weekend excursion to Four Corners or Mesa Verde. Be sure to provide us with all your pick-up and drop-off locations so we can calculate the total mileage and give you an accurate quote.
  • Bus Type and Size: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans, but they also offer more amenities (restrooms, WiFi, reclining seats, luggage bays). Choose a bus that matches your headcount and comfort level. For example, a bachelor party bar crawl on Central Avenue might only need a 20-passenger minibus, while a high school band trip to Isotopes Park will require a full-size coach.
  • Amenities: Standard features like air conditioning and cushioned seats are included in every rental, but optional upgrades (PA system, DVD monitors, power outlets, leather interiors) may increase the price slightly. If you have specific requests—such as an ADA-accessible bus with a wheelchair lift—let us know in advance so we can accommodate your group.
  • Additional Fees: Some costs are not included in the base quote, such as parking permits, tolls on I-25 or I-40, park entrance fees at Petroglyph National Monument, or gratuity for your driver (customarily 10-15% of the total fare). You’ll also be responsible for reserving and paying for a hotel room if your trip requires an overnight stay outside of Albuquerque.

If you have questions about what’s included in your quote or how to save money on your next bus rental, our team is available 24/7 to assist you. Call 505-588-3520 anytime!

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Albuquerque, NM and around New Mexico. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

Field Trip to Explora and Old Town Plaza

18 passenger minibus rental

Ms. Garcia is organizing a field trip for her 6th grade class of 28 students from a middle school in Westside Albuquerque. They plan to leave campus at 9:00 AM, spend the morning exploring hands-on science exhibits at Explora, enjoy lunch outdoors at Old Town Plaza, and return to school by 2:30 PM. Because this is a short, local trip with minimal mileage, Ms. Garcia was quoted $1,600 for a 25-passenger minibus with onboard WiFi and storage space for coolers. With 30 passengers including chaperones, the cost comes out to about $53 per person for a safe, comfortable ride that keeps the entire class together and on schedule.

Wedding Shuttle Between Hotel Andaluz and Los Poblanos

56 passenger charter bus

A wedding planner is arranging guest transportation for a Saturday evening ceremony at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm. Most attendees are staying at Hotel Andaluz in Downtown Albuquerque, about 10 miles away. The planner books a 20-passenger minibus to run continuous shuttles between the hotel and venue from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, ensuring guests don’t have to worry about drinking and driving or navigating unfamiliar roads after dark. For 7 hours of service, the quote comes to $2,100, which includes time for multiple round trips and a late-night pickup back to the hotel district.

Corporate Retreat in Santa Fe

56 passenger coach bus

An Albuquerque tech company is hosting a two-day offsite retreat at a resort in Santa Fe. They need transportation for 40 employees from their Uptown office to the hotel, plus a dinner outing on Canyon Road and return trip the following afternoon. The reservation specialist recommends a 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, power outlets, and undercarriage storage for luggage and presentation materials. Total mileage is about 120 miles each way. The quote for this itinerary is $4,200, which covers two days of service, driver accommodations, and all fuel costs. Splitting the cost among the participants makes it an affordable team-building investment compared to reimbursing individual car rentals or mileage.

Unm Lobo Football Away Game in Las Cruces

18 passenger minibus

The University of New Mexico is sending its football team, coaches, and support staff to an away game against NMSU in Las Cruces. The athletic department charters two 56-passenger buses to transport 90 people plus equipment over 225 miles each way. Buses depart from Dreamstyle Stadium on Friday afternoon, stay overnight, and return after the Saturday night game. This long-distance, multi-day trip is quoted at $7,600, which includes driver hotel rooms, per diem meals, and enough cargo space for all uniforms, helmets, and training gear. The university prefers charter buses over flying or renting multiple vans due to cost savings and convenience.

Balloon Fiesta Park Shuttle From Park & Ride Lot

20 passenger minibus

During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a neighborhood association hires a minibus to shuttle residents from a designated park-and-ride lot near Cottonwood Mall to Balloon Fiesta Park, avoiding traffic congestion and limited event parking. The 18-passenger minibus runs loops from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM for the morning ascension, then again from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for the evening glow. For two days of service totaling 16 hours, the quote is $2,400. This solution allows families to enjoy the festivities without worrying about road closures or walking long distances in the dark.

Bachelorette Party Bar Crawl on Route 66

25 passenger minibus

Jessica is planning a bachelorette party for her best friend with stops at several breweries and live music venues along Central Avenue (Historic Route 66). She books a 15-passenger minibus to pick up the group at her house in Nob Hill at 7:00 PM, make stops at Marble Brewery, Sister Bar, Launchpad, and return home by 1:00 AM. For 6 hours of private transportation, the quote is $1,350, which includes an ice chest for drinks, Bluetooth sound system, and no need for anyone to volunteer as designated driver. Splitting the cost among 12 guests makes it an easy choice for a fun, safe night out.