How to Charter a Bus for Your Next Family Event

Planning a big meet-up for your extended family?

We get it: as much as you love seeing everyone, it could seem like a big challenge that you just keep putting off. Figuring out activities, food, schedules, and all the logistics can take up so much time. The effort of planning often falls on one or two individuals, and it can feel overwhelming.

So make it easy on yourself, at least when it comes to transportation. If you have a big crew and you want every last cousin to be able to make it, then chartering a bus is probably your best option. You may only think of chartering a bus for very long trips, but in fact, a chartered bus can be the most economical and convenient option for relatively short trips, too.

Here are a few tips for gathering the fam together for the next big event.

Transportation Options for Family Reunions

If you’ve got one of those big sprawling families, you know that it’s no easy feat to get everyone to the same place at the same time. You have a few options when it comes to family reunion transportation, such as:

• Hiring a shuttle bus or charter bus
• Renting a party bus
• Relying on public transportation
• Everyone drives themselves

Of these options, a shuttle bus is often the easiest route for all involved.

What Does It Mean to Charter A Bus?

First off, the basics: what does a chartered bus actually entail? If this is your first time considering a bus rental, then everything probably seems unfamiliar. But a chartered bus is actually perfect for big family reunions.

When you charter a bus, you’ll likely have some options when it comes to vehicle size. Once you decide on the right bus for your group, we will also provide you with a professional driver to safely deliver your group wherever you need to go.

Be sure to reserve your bus in advance, so you know you’ll have transportation on the dates and times you need it.

When Should I Charter a Bus?

A chartered bus is a great option for groups of 10 or more people. You might consider hiring a shuttle bus for events such as:

• Family reunions
• Field trips
• Sporting events
• Birthday parties
• Corporate travel

And that’s just the beginning. Charter buses are perfect for any occasion that requires a group of people to get together and travel significant distances.

Benefits of Chartering a Bus

There are some major benefits that come along with chartering a bus compared to other modes of transportation. A chartered bus or shuttle bus is often the ideal form of event transportation – not only for big groups but for families, too. It’s typically more convenient and affordable than asking everyone to drive separately or find their own public transportation.

First and foremost, a chartered bus allows you and your family to relax: no one has to worry about driving or navigating.

It also makes travel more accessible for everyone. If you have older relatives who aren’t comfortable driving long distances, or family members who don’t have a car, then a bus could be the perfect solution to help them all get from point A to point B safe and sound.

Plus, if your family event involves multiple stops, then a bus is the best way to ensure everyone stays together and arrives on time for everything on your itinerary.

Finally, if you’re all traveling on the same bus, it actually creates more time for your family to connect. No one has to worry about getting lost or finding the right exit. You can enjoy the extra few hours together stress-free.

Step 1: Gather The Info You Need

If you’re looking to hire a shuttle bus, it’s worthwhile to iron out the details of your event before asking for a quote. You’ll need to know:

• Approximate headcount
• Pick-up places and times
• Dates of travel

If you’ve at least decided on those key details, then it’ll be much easier for you to hop on the phone and start making calls to get charter bus quotes or use our convenient quote request form. You’ll also want to provide us with any additional information we might need to know, such as whether you’re expecting guests with wheelchairs, or if you’ll need extra storage space for bikes or other equipment on the bus.

Step 2: Get Quotes

Now it’s time to get a price estimate.

Call us or request a quote for your charter bus online. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on the type of vehicle you need, and the time of year that you’re planning the event.

And while the price is certainly important, it’s not the only factor you should consider. After all, this is your family we’re talking about: safety is a top priority. To put your mind at ease, you can always ask us about the qualifications of our drivers and staff – as a reputable organization, we are more than happy to share some insight into our hiring and training standards.

Step 3: Have Fun!

The whole point of chartering a bus for your family event is to allow you to relax, enjoy time with the people you love most, and make new memories. You’re probably already preoccupied with figuring out what everyone will eat, where you’ll go if it rains, and how many chairs you need. So leave the driving for someone else to worry about.

The final step is the most important one. Have fun at your big family event!