Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Rentals in Lowell
FAQS
Charter Bus Rental Lowell is a leading charter bus company in Lowell because we offer one of the largest and most diverse fleets in Middlesex County, exceptional customer service, and fully customized packages for groups of any size. We operate 18-, 20-, 25-, 28-, 35-, 40-, and 56-passenger vehicles from top brands like Van Hool, Prevost, MCI, Setra, and Grech—so you’ll always get exactly the vehicle you need. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide quotes, and support your trip from start to finish. We’ve helped schools, businesses, wedding parties, sports teams, and event planners book reliable transportation to Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, and beyond. Call us anytime at 351-221-7670 to get an instant quote and see why so many people choose us!
A charter bus is a large, professionally operated motorcoach that’s rented by a private group to provide custom transportation on a schedule and route of their choosing. Unlike a public bus or a pre-sold tour, a charter bus runs exclusively for your party—whether that’s a sports team, wedding guests, corporate employees, or students on a field trip. Modern charter buses typically seat 40 to 56 passengers and come equipped with comfortable reclining seats, strong air conditioning, onboard restrooms, luggage bays, and optional amenities like WiFi and TV monitors. Smaller groups can book a minibus (15–35 seats) with many of the same features. People choose charter buses because they’re the most efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective way to move large groups over short or long distances.
A charter bus is a full-size, single-deck coach that’s about 40 to 45 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, with a flat front, large tinted windows, and a high roofline. Most have a smooth fiberglass or aluminum exterior that can be painted white, black, silver, or custom colors, and the sides may display the operator’s logo or a full vinyl wrap. There are two or three passenger doors: one at the front by the driver, one mid-bus, and sometimes one at the rear. Below the floor are luggage bays with locking doors, and above each row of seats are interior parcel racks. The rear end is squared-off with large taillights and sometimes a window. The overall look is sleek, modern, and built for highway cruising.
Most full-size charter buses seat between 50 and 56 passengers in a 2-by-2 arrangement across the aisle. Common configurations include 47, 50, 52, 54, or 56 seats depending on the exact model and whether there’s extra legroom, a rear restroom, or space for a wheelchair lift. Smaller “mid-size” coaches might have 36 to 40 seats, while larger European-style models can go up to 58. Minibuses typically range from 18 to 35 seats. All seating is forward-facing, and groups can request a specific capacity when booking.
Anyone who needs to move a large group of people at once can rent a charter bus! In Lowell, we frequently work with K-12 schools and universities (like UMass Lowell) planning field trips, athletic travel, or campus shuttles; corporate groups heading to conferences, training sessions, or team-building events; wedding parties needing guest transportation between venues; sports teams and fan groups traveling to games; church and community organizations organizing outings or retreats; and event planners coordinating attendee arrivals for festivals, concerts, or trade shows. We also provide airport transfers, employee shuttles, and private charters for family reunions or sightseeing tours. If you have a group and a destination, we have a bus that can get you there.
We offer a full range of buses in Lowell, including 18-passenger, 20-passenger, 25-passenger, and 28-passenger minibuses; 35-passenger and 40-passenger mid-size coaches; and 56-passenger full-size charter buses. Our fleet includes vehicles from top manufacturers like Van Hool, Prevost, Setra, MCI, Grech, and Executive Coach Builders. Many models are available in multiple seating configurations—for example, a Grech minibus can be set up for 18, 20, or 25 passengers, while a Van Hool CX45 seats up to 56. We can also provide ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts. If you need something even larger, several buses can be sent together for groups of 100 or more.
A charter bus (also called a coach bus) is a large vehicle designed to transport groups of 30–56 people comfortably over short or long distances. It’s commonly used for school trips, corporate events, weddings, and sports team travel. A party bus is smaller (15–40 passengers) and custom-built for celebrations, with perimeter seating, colorful LED lighting, a sound system, and space to stand or dance. An entertainer bus (or sleeper coach) looks like a charter bus on the outside but is outfitted inside with 6–12 bunks, a lounge area, kitchen, and bathroom with shower—perfect for bands, performers, or VIPs who need to travel and sleep on the road. The main differences are seating layout, amenities, and intended use: charter/coach for standard group travel, party bus for events and nightlife, entertainer bus for touring professionals.
Most modern charter buses come standard with high-back reclining seats, strong air conditioning, overhead parcel racks, reading lights, and a PA system. Additional amenities can include free WiFi, 110V power outlets or USB ports at every seat, flat-screen TV monitors with DVD/Blu-ray player or HDMI input, Bluetooth audio, and an onboard restroom at the rear. Larger coaches have underfloor luggage bays for suitcases, while minibuses offer the same upscale seating and climate control but may skip the restroom and luggage bay. Premium options include leather upholstery, individual tray tables, and custom lighting. All vehicles are clean, comfortable, and designed for smooth highway travel.
Yes, most of our modern charter buses and minibuses can be equipped with onboard WiFi. This amenity is available on many vehicles in our Lowell fleet, but it’s always best to request it specifically when you book so we can guarantee your bus has it. The WiFi connection is suitable for emailing, browsing the web, and using apps, but streaming video or downloading large files may be slower due to bandwidth limits on cellular networks. If you need fast or robust WiFi for your trip, let our team know in advance so we can match you with a coach that meets your needs. WiFi is included in the base price of many rentals, but some carriers may charge a small additional fee.
A full-size charter bus has ample luggage space for large groups. Most 56-passenger coaches are equipped with undercarriage luggage bays that can hold up to 8–10 large suitcases (standard airline-size roller bags) plus additional smaller items. Inside the bus, overhead parcel racks run the length of both sides of the cabin and are perfect for backpacks, briefcases, coats, or carry-on-size bags. As a rule of thumb, each passenger can bring one large suitcase for the baggage bay and one smaller item for the overhead rack. If your group has extra luggage—such as musical instruments, sports equipment, or presentation materials—let us know when booking so we can recommend a vehicle with sufficient storage or arrange for additional space.
Yes, we can provide ADA-accessible charter buses and minibuses with wheelchair lifts in Lowell and anywhere else you need service. Just let us know what accommodations you need when you call for a quote. We can send a vehicle with a lift, wider aisles, space for one or more wheelchairs to be secured, and accessible restroom facilities if required. Our team is experienced in handling special requests and will make sure everyone in your group can travel comfortably.
Yes, you can wrap your charter bus with a custom graphic or advertisement, but there are some conditions. Full wraps, partial wraps, and window decals are allowed as long as the design does not cover safety equipment, block emergency exits, or violate local laws. You will need to provide the artwork and pay for installation and removal. Any damage to the paint or body caused by the wrap will be your responsibility. Wraps are popular for sports teams, corporate branding, and special events. Ask your reservation specialist about size and material guidelines.
We will do our best to accommodate requests for a specific bus model, manufacturer, or exterior color. Popular models like the Prevost H3-45, Van Hool CX45, and MCI J4500 are available in several colors, including white, black, silver, and custom paint. While we cannot always guarantee a specific vehicle, we can usually match your preference if you book early. Let your reservation specialist know what you need, and we’ll find the closest available option.
The cost of a charter bus rental in Lowell depends on the size of the vehicle, the length of the trip, and the time of year. Large, 56-passenger motorcoaches typically cost $3,000–$6,000 for a multi-day, out-of-town trip (such as a weekend in New York City or Washington, DC), while local, half-day rentals start around $1,300–$2,500. Minibuses (18–35 seats) are less expensive, with local charters starting at $900–$1,800 and full-day rates of $2,000–$3,500 for longer itineraries. Busy months like May–June (school trips, graduations) and September–October (weddings, sports) are more expensive than winter or mid-summer. Additional costs include tolls, parking, driver lodging, and gratuity. Call 351-221-7670 for an exact quote.
Minibus rentals in Lowell typically cost $700–$1,600 for a local, half-day charter (four to six hours), and $1,800–$3,200 for a full-day or longer-distance trip. Pricing is based on either the number of hours booked or the total mileage if traveling out of town. Peak months like May–June and September–October are more expensive due to high demand from schools, weddings, and sports teams. Additional expenses may include tolls, parking fees, and a recommended driver gratuity of 10–20%. For the most accurate pricing, call 351-221-7670 with your exact itinerary.
Several factors affect the price of a charter bus rental in Lowell: the size and type of vehicle (minibuses are less expensive than full-size coaches), the distance traveled (local trips are billed hourly, while longer trips are billed by the mile or day), the duration of the trip, the time of year (spring and fall are peak seasons), and any additional amenities requested (such as WiFi or a PA system). Additional expenses may include tolls, parking fees, lodging for the driver on overnight trips, and a recommended gratuity of 10–20%. The best way to get an accurate price is to call 351-221-7670 with your itinerary.
Your quote includes the bus rental, driver’s wages, fuel, insurance, and any requested onboard amenities (WiFi, power outlets, TV screens). Additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and driver lodging for overnight trips are not included and will be your responsibility. A recommended driver gratuity of 10–20% is also not included in the base price. Your reservation specialist will provide a detailed breakdown of all included and excluded items when you receive your quote.
It’s best to book your charter bus as early as possible—ideally at least one to three months in advance—especially if you need transportation during peak seasons (spring and fall) or require a large number of vehicles. Last-minute rentals are possible, but availability may be limited and prices higher. For major events, multi-day trips, or special requests (such as an ADA-accessible bus), booking three to six months ahead is recommended. Once you have your itinerary, contact Charter Bus Rental Lowell to secure your reservation.
Getting a quote is quick and easy—just call our team at 351-221-7670 or fill out the online quote form with your trip details. We’ll need to know your pickup location, destination, departure and return dates, group size, and any special requests. Within minutes, you’ll receive a free, no-obligation quote with exact pricing and available vehicle options. If you decide to book, you can do everything online or over the phone.
Yes, we offer flexible packages to accommodate any type of trip. You can book a one-way transfer (such as to Logan Airport or TD Garden), a round-trip charter (for weddings, games, or corporate events), or a multi-day package with custom scheduling. Multi-day rentals are common for out-of-town tournaments, conferences, or multi-stop tours. The bus stays with your group as needed, and pricing is structured accordingly.
Absolutely! We can provide long-distance bus rentals from Lowell to any destination in New England or the East Coast, including New York City, Hartford, Providence, Albany, and more. Full-size coaches are ideal for long trips, with comfortable seating, restrooms, and entertainment systems. Multi-day and overnight trips are easily accommodated. Just provide your itinerary for a custom quote.
Yes, if your trip requires an overnight stay, you are responsible for providing hotel accommodations for the driver. The hotel should offer easy parking for the bus and basic amenities. Many groups arrange a discounted room block and include the driver’s room. For multi-day trips, drivers must comply with federal hours-of-service regulations, requiring 8 hours off after 10 hours of driving.
Book early, especially for spring and fall events. Know your exact itinerary—pickup times, addresses, and schedule changes affect pricing. Consider traffic around Lowell’s busy areas: Route 495, downtown, and the UMass Lowell campus often have congestion. Budget for tolls, parking, and driver gratuity. Request amenities like WiFi or power outlets when booking. Confirm if your venue has bus parking or staging areas. Communicate any special needs, such as ADA accessibility or extra luggage. Stay in touch with your reservation specialist for a smooth trip.
We provide charter bus service to and from all major airports in the region, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), and Worcester Regional Airport (ORH). Buses can pick up and drop off passengers directly at the terminal, making airport transfers easy for groups of any size. Private bus service is also available to T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Providence and smaller regional airports.
Charter Bus Rental Lowell provides game-day transportation to all major sports venues in the region. In Lowell, we serve the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell (home to River Hawks hockey and basketball), Cushing Field Complex (soccer/lacrosse), and Edward A. LeLacheur Park (baseball). We also run fan and team charters to Boston’s TD Garden (Celtics, Bruins), Fenway Park (Red Sox), Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (Patriots, Revolution), and local high school or youth sports complexes. Out-of-town trips to the DCU Center in Worcester, SNHU Arena in Manchester, and Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence are available as well. Whether you’re moving a college team, a youth league, or a group of fans, we’ll get you to the game on time.
We provide group transportation to concerts and live events at all major venues in the area. In Lowell, that includes the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, Boarding House Park (Lowell Summer Music Series), and the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. We also run charters to the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, TD Garden and MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, the DCU Center in Worcester, and SNHU Arena in Manchester. Whether you’re traveling with a group of fans or performing artists, we’ll get you to the show safely and on time.
We provide wedding shuttle services to all popular venues in and around Lowell, including the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, the Whistler House Museum of Art, the Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill, and the Tsongas Center. We also serve local churches, reception halls, and outdoor venues along the Merrimack River. Hosting your ceremony and reception at different locations? Need guests picked up from hotels or the airport? We’ll handle all the transportation logistics so everyone arrives safely and on time.
Charter Bus Rental Lowell operates in cities and towns across Middlesex County and beyond, including Chelmsford, Billerica, Tewksbury, Dracut, Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Burlington, Woburn, and Cambridge. We also serve Boston, Worcester, Manchester NH, and more. Need to go out of state? We can do that too!
We provide transportation to major events and festivals in Lowell, including the Lowell Folk Festival, Winterfest, the Southeast Asian Water Festival, and the Lowell Summer Music Series. Planning a group outing to a parade, street fair, or cultural celebration? We’ll get you there together.
We offer convention and conference transportation to the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, the Tsongas Center, and other meeting venues in the city. Traveling to a larger event? We also serve the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the Hynes Convention Center, and the DCU Center in Worcester.