A few of the companies we’ve worked with
The Basics of Bus Rental Costs in the Treasure Coast
When you contact Port St. Lucie Charter Bus for a quote, you will typically see pricing structured in one of three ways: per hour, per day, or per mile. Understanding which structure applies to your trip is essential for budgeting.
Hourly Rates: For local trips that take place within Port St. Lucie and the immediate surrounding areas—such as Stuart, Fort Pierce, or Jensen Beach—we typically use an hourly pricing model. This is ideal for short-term events like wedding shuttles, corporate dinners at Tradition Square, or church outings. Most bus companies, including us, require a minimum rental period, usually around 4 to 5 hours. This ensures that the cost of prepping the bus and dispatching the driver is covered. Whether you use the bus for the full five hours or just three, the minimum ensures you have dedicated transportation ready when you need it.
Daily Rates: If your itinerary involves keeping the bus for a full day (usually 8 hours or more) or traveling out of town—perhaps a day trip to Kennedy Space Center or a weekend at Disney World—you will likely be quoted a daily rate. Daily rates are generally more cost-effective for long-duration trips than paying by the hour. It provides you with the flexibility to keep the bus for the entire day without watching the clock constantly.
Mileage Rates: For long-distance, one-way trips or multi-state travel starting from Port St. Lucie, pricing may be calculated by the mile. This is common for university tours or sports teams traveling to away games in different states.
How Group Size and Bus Type Affect Your Rate
One of the most significant factors influencing your quote is the type of vehicle you choose. At Port St. Lucie Charter Bus, we offer a diverse fleet ranging from compact minibuses to spacious full-size motorcoaches. Selecting the right size for your group ensures you aren't paying for empty seats.
Minibuses (18-35 Passengers): If you are moving a smaller group—say, a wedding party heading to a reception at the Pelican Yacht Club or a corporate team heading to a meeting—a minibus is a fantastic, budget-friendly option. These vehicles are nimble, easily navigating the traffic on Gatlin Blvd or Prima Vista Blvd, and cost less to operate than their full-size counterparts. Prices for minibuses in the Port St. Lucie area range from $140 to $300 per hour, depending on the specific model and amenities requested.
Full-Size Charter Buses (56 Passengers): For large groups, school field trips, or long-distance travel, the 56-passenger motorcoach is the standard. These buses come equipped with onboard restrooms, extensive undercarriage luggage storage, and reclining seats, making them perfect for trips from Port St. Lucie to locations like Tampa or Jacksonville. While the daily rate for a full-size coach is higher—ranging from $1,700 to $3,200 per day—the cost-per-passenger often drops significantly when the bus is filled to capacity. If you have 50 people, splitting the cost of a luxury coach is often cheaper than everyone buying their own gas or airfare.
Seasonal Demand: When to Book in Port St. Lucie
In the travel industry, timing is everything. Port St. Lucie has specific peak seasons that can drive up the demand—and consequently the price—of charter bus rentals. Being aware of these trends can help you secure a better rate.
Spring Training Season (February - March): Port St. Lucie is the proud spring training home of the New York Mets. During February and March, visitors flock to Clover Park (31 Piazza Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986) to catch the games. During these months, bus availability tightens as teams, fan groups, and tourists book up transportation. If your trip coincides with Spring Training, we highly recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance to lock in the best price.
Wedding and Prom Season (April - June): Like much of the country, late spring is prime time for weddings and proms in the Treasure Coast. Venues like the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens (2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952) and the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center are often booked solid. Consequently, weekend rates for party buses and shuttles are at a premium during these months.
The "Snowbird" Effect (January - April): Florida’s population swells in the winter months. With more people on the roads and more social groups organizing outings to places like the Savannas Preserve State Park, demand for charter services increases. Conversely, booking a trip in the middle of summer (July or August) can sometimes yield lower rates, provided you book early.
Distance and Duration: Local Shuttles vs. Long-Distance Trips
The "where" and "how long" of your trip are critical components of your quote. Our reservation specialists at 407-593-6615 calculate pricing based on the total mileage and the driver’s on-duty hours.
Local Trips: A trip that stays within the Port St. Lucie city limits—for example, shuttling employees from a parking lot to a job site in Tradition—incurs minimal mileage costs. However, the driver’s time is still a factor. Even if the bus is parked for three hours during a dinner at West End Grill, you are renting the bus for that duration because the driver cannot take other jobs in the interim.
Long-Distance Travel: If you are planning a trip from Port St. Lucie to Orlando (approx. 2 hours via Florida’s Turnpike) or Miami (approx. 2 hours via I-95), mileage becomes a larger factor. Fuel consumption increases, and there is more wear and tear on the vehicle.
Sample Pricing Scenarios for Port St. Lucie Trips
To help you visualize what your trip might cost, here are a few examples of common charter bus rentals in the Port St. Lucie area. Please note these are estimated ranges and actual prices will vary based on availability and specific dates.
Example 1: The Wedding Shuttle A couple is getting married at the Santa Lucia River Club (3325 SE Ballantrae Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952). They need a 25-passenger minibus to shuttle guests from a hotel in St. Lucie West to the venue and back at the end of the night. They need the bus for a total of 8 hours. Estimated Cost: $1,300 – $1,600 total. Why: This is a local rental billed at a day rate or high hourly block. The minibus is cost-effective for the group size.
Example 2: The Corporate Day Trip A company based in Tradition needs to transport 50 employees to a conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. They require a 56-passenger motorcoach. The bus departs at 7:00 AM and returns at 7:00 PM. Estimated Cost: $1,900 – $2,300 total. Why: This involves significant mileage on the Turnpike and a full 12-hour day for the driver.
Example 3: The Mets Spring Training Outing A senior group wants to see a Mets game at Clover Park. They need a 56-passenger bus for a 6-hour round trip from a community center in Fort Pierce. Estimated Cost: $900 – $1,200 total. Why: This is a shorter duration local trip, but likely falls during peak season (March), which keeps the price competitive but reflective of high demand.
Tips for Getting the Best Value on Your Rental
At Port St. Lucie Charter Bus, we want you to get the best bang for your buck. Here are a few expert tips to keep your costs down:
Book Early: The closer you get to your travel date, the lower the availability, which often drives up prices. Try to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for spring travel in Port St. Lucie.
Right-Size Your Vehicle: Don’t pay for seats you don’t need. If you have 20 people, don’t book a 56-passenger coach unless you really need the luggage space. A minibus will be much more affordable.
Be Flexible: If your schedule allows, try to avoid peak times. Moving a trip from a Saturday to a Sunday or a weekday can sometimes result in significant savings.
Finalize Your Itinerary: Knowing exactly where you are going helps us give you the most accurate quote. Last-minute deviations or unplanned stops can add mileage costs or push the driver into overtime.
Book Your Port St. Lucie Charter Bus Today
Ready to hit the road in Port St. Lucie? Whether you are heading to the PGA Village for a golf outing, exploring the Riverwalk Boardwalk, or transporting a team to a tournament, Port St. Lucie Charter Bus makes the process seamless. We offer transparent pricing, modern vehicles, and 24/7 customer support to ensure your trip is a success.
Don't leave your transportation to chance. Call our team today at 407-593-6615 for a free, no-obligation quote. You can also use our online quote tool to see pricing in under 30 seconds. Let us handle the traffic on Crosstown Parkway while you sit back and enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St Lucie Pricing
Does the charter bus come with a driver?
Yes, absolutely. Every charter bus, minibus, and sprinter van rental from Port St. Lucie Charter Bus comes with a driver. We do not rent "bare" buses for you to drive yourself.
How much luggage can we bring?
This depends on the vehicle you choose. A full-size 56-passenger charter bus features spacious undercarriage storage bays that can hold a suitcase and a carry-on for every passenger. It also has overhead bins for personal items. Minibuses (18-35 passengers) typically have limited storage space, usually just overhead racks or a small rear compartment. If your group has heavy luggage—like sports equipment for a tournament at the lush sports fields in Port St. Lucie—we recommend upgrading to a larger bus to ensure plenty of room.
What happens if our trip goes longer than expected?
We understand that events don't always run on time. If your trip extends slightly beyond the contracted time, you may be billed for the additional hours at the hourly rate specified in your contract. However, it is crucial to communicate with your driver. If a delay would cause the driver to exceed their legal driving limit, the bus may not be able to continue without a relief driver, which would incur extra costs. We recommend padding your itinerary with extra time to account for traffic or delays.
Do you require a deposit to book?
Yes, to secure your bus and take it off the market for your specific date, we require a deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is typically due 30 days prior to your trip. This ensures that your vehicle is reserved and guaranteed for your event. If you are booking a trip that is less than 30 days away, the full amount may be due at the time of booking. Our reservation specialists will explain all payment terms clearly when you call 407-593-6615.
Bus types Available in Port St Lucie
More About Group Travel in Port St Lucie
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