Pick the right coach
Most groups fit one of four bus sizes. If you are between sizes, go one size up so nobody is squeezed into the last row with luggage on their lap.
| Vehicle | Seats | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Minibus | up to 28 | Rehearsal dinners, mid-size corporate groups, game days |
| Shuttle bus | up to 36 | Hotel loops, convention shuttles, wedding guests |
| Charter bus | up to 49 | Company outings, school and church trips, tournaments |
| Full-size motorcoach | up to 56 | Large delegations, long-distance and multi-day tours |
More than 56 people? We run coordinated convoys: two, five or ten coaches moving on the same schedule, with one dispatcher tracking every vehicle. See how many people fit on a charter bus for luggage and seating details.
What Tampa groups charter us for
- Company outings and offsites. Team-building days, client events and all-hands trips across Tampa Bay.
- Conventions and conferences. Airport arrivals, hotel-to-venue loops and dinner transfers for events at the Tampa Convention Center and area resorts.
- Sports teams and fans. Tournament travel, away games and game-day groups headed to Raymond James Stadium or Amalie Arena.
- Schools, churches and nonprofits. Field trips, youth retreats, choir tours and mission trips.
- Weddings. Guest shuttles between hotels, ceremony and reception so nobody drives after the toast.
- Tours and day trips. Orlando theme parks, Sarasota, the Gulf beaches, or multi-day trips to South Florida.
Long-distance and multi-day charters
We plan longer trips around the federal hours-of-service rules for bus drivers. A driver can be behind the wheel for up to 10 hours, and cannot drive after 15 hours on duty, before a required rest period. For a long day or an overnight trip, that means planning either a second driver or a hotel room for your driver near your destination.
We build that into your quote up front, so the schedule you approve is one the driver can legally run. Common long runs from Tampa include Orlando (about 1 hour 30 minutes), Miami and Fort Lauderdale (about 4 to 4.5 hours) and the Panhandle.
For multi-day tours, send us the full itinerary with hotel addresses. We will flag days where the driving and waiting time adds up past the legal limit before you commit to it.
What a Tampa charter bus costs
Charter pricing depends on the size of the bus, the number of hours, the miles driven, the date and whether the driver needs lodging. Weekends in spring and fall, Gasparilla weekend and big game days book up first and cost more.
We quote every trip individually and show you exactly what is included. For typical national rates and a worked example, read our guide: How much does a charter bus cost?
How to book
- Send the basics. Date, headcount, pickup and drop-off addresses, and the times you need to arrive and leave.
- Get a plan and quote. We recommend the bus size or vehicle mix, routing and timing, then send a written quote.
- Confirm. You get your confirmation, schedule and a single point of contact for the day.
- Ride. Your driver arrives early and dispatch monitors the trip from start to finish.
For peak dates, book 6 to 8 weeks ahead. For most other trips, 2 to 4 weeks is comfortable, and we can often cover short-notice requests.
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit on a charter bus?
A full-size motorcoach seats up to 56 passengers. We also run charter buses up to 49, shuttle buses up to 36 and minibuses up to 28. Larger groups get multiple coordinated coaches.
Is the driver included?
Yes. Every charter includes a licensed, background-checked professional driver. We do not rent buses for self-drive.
Can we bring luggage?
Full-size coaches have luggage bays under the floor, which usually fit one large suitcase per passenger plus a carry-on inside. Tell us about oversized items like golf bags or equipment so we size the vehicle correctly.
Do you do one-way trips, like Tampa to Orlando?
Yes. One-way and round-trip charters are both available. One-way quotes include the time for the bus to return to Tampa.
How far ahead should we book?
Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead for peak weekends, Gasparilla and major game days. Two to four weeks is usually enough otherwise. Call dispatch for anything sooner.