Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Clearwater

Clearwater Minibus Company is proud to be one of the leading charter bus companies in Clearwater, Florida. Since 2011, we’ve served thousands of groups across Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area with high-quality transportation for every occasion. Our fleet includes everything from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches, so we can handle trips of any size or distance. Whether you need a shuttle for Clearwater Beach weddings, a charter bus for spring training at BayCare Ballpark, or a custom itinerary to Orlando theme parks, we have the experience and resources to make it happen. Call our team anytime at 727-855-4830 to get instant quotes and answers to all your questions!

We serve every kind of group in Clearwater and beyond! Some of our most popular services include wedding shuttles between Sand Key resorts and downtown venues, corporate transportation to Tampa Convention Center or St. Pete offices, school field trips to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Busch Gardens, or MOSI, sports team charters for little league tournaments or college games, and private party buses for concerts, cruises, and nightlife. We also provide long-distance trips to Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, New Orleans, and anywhere else you want to go. No matter what brings you together, we’ll get you there comfortably and on time.

A charter bus (also called a motorcoach) is a large, full-size vehicle designed to carry 40–56 passengers over long distances. These buses are built for comfort, with reclining seats, air conditioning, overhead storage, undercarriage luggage bays, and an onboard restroom. Most modern coaches also feature free WiFi, power outlets, USB ports, TV monitors with DVD players, and PA systems. Charter buses are ideal for moving big groups—like sports teams, school classes, wedding guests, or company employees—on schedules that you set. They’re perfect for getting everyone to the destination together rather than having people drive separate cars.

A minibus is a smaller version of a charter bus, usually seating between 15 and 35 passengers. It’s great for short trips around town or shuttling people back and forth between locations. While minibuses don’t have as much storage space or as many amenities as a full-size coach, they still offer comfortable seats, strong air conditioning, and sometimes extras like WiFi, power outlets, or video screens. Minibuses are a smart choice for moving small groups—such as wedding parties, church groups, youth sports teams, or cruise ship passengers—without paying for more capacity than you need.

Most charter buses seat between 40 and 56 passengers. The exact number depends on the model and how it’s configured. Common sizes include 47, 50, 52, and 56 seats. The biggest coaches can hold up to 60 people if you choose a layout with less legroom and no restroom. Each seat is cushioned, reclines, and has its own armrest and reading light. There’s overhead storage above the seats for small bags and large luggage compartments underneath the floor for suitcases, coolers, or equipment. If you’re not sure what size bus your group needs, just ask us—we’ll help you pick the right one.

Minibuses come in several sizes, typically ranging from 15 to 35 seats. Popular options include 18-passenger, 20-passenger, 24-passenger, 28-passenger, and 30-passenger models. The smallest ones are about the size of an airport shuttle van, while the largest are almost as big as a school bus. Minibuses don’t have restrooms or much space for luggage, but they’re easy to maneuver through city streets and can drop off passengers right at the curb. They’re perfect for quick trips where you don’t need all the features of a full-size coach.

Our Clearwater fleet includes a wide range of vehicles to fit any group size or budget. We have full-size charter buses that seat 47, 50, 52, 54, or 56 passengers, with premium brands like MCI, Prevost, Setra, and Van Hool. For smaller groups, we offer minibuses with 15, 18, 20, 24, 28, 30, or 35 seats, including models from Grech, Turtle Top, Starcraft, and Glaval. We also have executive sprinter vans for 10–14 people and specialty coaches with extra luggage space or custom interiors. If you need something specific—like an ADA-accessible bus, a black exterior, or a luxury package—just let us know. We’ll find the best option for your trip.

We offer a huge selection of amenities to make your ride more enjoyable. Standard features on most charter buses include reclining cloth or leatherette seats, strong air conditioning, overhead parcel racks, underfloor luggage bays, and a restroom with toilet and sink. Many coaches also have free WiFi, individual power outlets or USB charging ports, flat-screen monitors with DVD player, Bluetooth-capable sound system, microphone/PA, and tinted windows. Upgrades may include genuine leather upholstery, wood-look flooring, LED accent lighting, tables for working or playing cards, and even kitchenettes with fridge and coffee maker. Minibuses usually come with basic seating, AC, and a radio/CD player, but some can be equipped with WiFi, TV, or custom branding. Tell us what’s important to you, and we’ll match you with a bus that has it.

Most of our newer buses have either an AUX input, Bluetooth pairing, or both, so you can play your own playlists through the speakers. Just bring your phone, tablet, or laptop and connect it to the bus’s audio system. If your bus doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can use a 3.5mm AUX cable instead. Some coaches also have USB ports for charging devices and RCA inputs for video playback. If you have specific requirements—like wanting to use Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube—we can confirm compatibility before you book. For karaoke, movies, or slideshow presentations, the PA and monitors will handle it.

Charter buses are built to carry lots of luggage. Each full-size coach has two or three underfloor bays that can hold about one large suitcase per passenger, plus overhead racks inside the cabin for backpacks, purses, or small items. That’s enough room for everyone to bring a week’s worth of clothes, sports gear, musical instruments, or trade show materials. Minibuses have less storage—usually just a rear trunk or limited space behind the last row of seats—so pack light if you choose one of those. If your group has oversized items like coolers, folding tables, or banners, let us know so we can reserve a bus with extra capacity.

Yes, we do. We can provide ADA-compliant buses with wheelchair lifts, priority seating, wider aisles, and accessible restrooms upon request. These coaches meet all federal guidelines for mobility assistance and can accommodate multiple passengers using wheelchairs or scooters. If someone in your group has special needs—such as requiring a service animal, oxygen tank, or other medical device—please tell us when you book so we can make the necessary arrangements. Accessibility is important to us, and we want everyone to travel safely and comfortably.

Absolutely! We can arrange for your bus to be fully wrapped with custom graphics, logos, or advertisements. This is a popular option for sports teams, political campaigns, corporate sponsors, or event promoters who want maximum visibility. A full wrap turns your bus into a moving billboard that gets noticed everywhere it goes. We can also do partial wraps, magnetic signs, window decals, or interior branding if you prefer something less permanent. Just provide us with the artwork and specifications, and we’ll take care of the rest. Wrapping does add cost and requires advance notice, so plan ahead if this is part of your marketing strategy.

Yes, you can. While we can’t guarantee that every make and model will be available on your dates, we’ll do our best to honor requests for a particular brand (such as MCI, Prevost, or Van Hool), year, or exterior color (white, black, blue, etc.). If your group wants matching buses for a parade, film production, or VIP convoy, let us know the details and we’ll coordinate it. We can also arrange for interior features like leather seats, woodgrain floors, or tinted windows to create the look you want. Customization is one of the advantages of renting from Clearwater Minibus Company.

The price of renting a charter bus in Clearwater depends on several factors: the size of the bus, the length of the trip, the time of year, and any extra services you need. As a rough estimate, expect to pay $150–$250 per hour for a full-size coach, with daily rates ranging from $1,200 to $2,500. Multi-day trips are usually billed by the day plus mileage. High season (March–August) and big events (spring break, sports playoffs) may cost more due to demand. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call us at 727-855-4830 with your itinerary and passenger count. We’ll give you a custom price in minutes.

Minibuses are generally cheaper than full-size coaches, with hourly rates starting around $125 and daily rates from $900 to $1,500. The final cost depends on how many seats you need, how far you’re traveling, and whether you want any upgrades like WiFi or leather seats. For short local runs—such as shuttling wedding guests between hotel and venue—a minibus is an economical choice. If you’re splitting the bill among passengers, it often works out to less than taking rideshares or taxis. Call us for a quick quote based on your exact needs.

Several things influence the price of a bus rental: the type and size of vehicle, the total distance and duration of the trip, the pickup and drop-off locations, the dates and times of service, and any optional features or branding. Longer trips that require overnight stays will cost more because of additional miles and driver accommodation. Peak seasons like spring break or holidays see higher rates due to increased demand. Special requests such as ADA accessibility, luxury interiors, or custom wraps add to the base price. To get the best deal, book early, be flexible with your schedule, and provide all the details upfront so we can give you an accurate quote with no hidden fees.

Your quote covers the use of the bus, fuel, mileage, and basic amenities like AC, seats, and storage. It also includes tolls, parking, and taxes unless otherwise specified. If your trip requires the driver to stay overnight away from home, you’ll need to cover their hotel room (minimum 2-star) and provide a daily meal allowance. Optional extras like WiFi, entertainment system, or branding will be itemized separately. There are no surprise charges—as long as the itinerary doesn’t change after booking, the price you see is the price you pay.

We recommend booking your bus as early as possible—ideally 3–6 months before your event. This gives you the best selection of vehicles and locks in current rates before they go up. For major events like festivals, graduations, or conventions, even more lead time is helpful. Last-minute bookings are possible if we have availability, but your options may be limited and prices higher. Once you know your dates and headcount, call us to reserve a bus. We only require a deposit to hold the reservation; the balance is due closer to departure.

Yes, we do. You can book a bus for a simple one-way transfer (such as airport pickup), a round-trip excursion (day trip to Disney or Universal), or a multi-day tour with multiple stops across Florida or out of state. We customize the schedule to fit your needs, whether that means staying with your group for several days or returning later to pick you up. If you have a complex itinerary involving different pickup times, hotel shuttles, or recurring service over weeks or months, we can handle it. Just give us the details and we’ll build a package that works for you.

Absolutely. We regularly send buses from Clearwater to destinations all over Florida and the southeastern United States. Popular routes include Orlando (theme parks), Miami (cruise terminals), Atlanta (sports events), Charlotte (conferences), and New Orleans (festivals). Long-distance charters are more comfortable than flying or driving yourself because you can relax, sleep, watch movies, and socialize en route. The bus will stay with your group for the duration of the trip, providing local transportation at your destination before bringing you back home. Interstate travel is our specialty.

If your trip lasts more than one day and involves overnight stays away from Clearwater, you are responsible for booking a hotel room for the driver. The room should be clean, safe, and located near where the bus will be parked (minimum 2-star rating). Drivers are subject to federal hours-of-service regulations, which limit how many hours they can be on duty before taking a mandatory rest period. Providing proper lodging ensures they are well-rested and ready to operate the vehicle safely. For single-day trips or late-night returns, no accommodation is needed.

Getting a quote is fast and easy. Just call us at 727-855-4830 or fill out the online form on our website with your trip details: date, time, pickup location, destination, number of passengers, and any special requests. One of our reservation agents will review your information and send you a customized quote within minutes. There’s no obligation to book until you’re ready. If you have multiple itineraries or need advice on planning, we’re happy to help. Customer service is available 24/7 to answer questions and make changes to existing reservations.

Plan ahead and book early, especially during busy seasons like spring break or holiday weekends. Have an accurate headcount so we can match you with the right size bus. Provide a detailed itinerary with addresses, times, and contact numbers for each stop. Consider traffic patterns and allow extra time for crossing bridges or navigating crowded beach areas. Communicate any special needs such as ADA accessibility, dietary restrictions for meals, or storage for bulky items. Stay in touch with your driver throughout the trip in case plans change. And most importantly, relax and enjoy the ride—let us handle the logistics while you focus on having fun.

We provide charter bus service to all major airports in the region, including Tampa International Airport (TPA), St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Whether you’re flying in a group for a family vacation, business conference, or destination wedding, we can pick you up at the terminal and take you directly to your hotel, cruise port, or event venue. For departing flights, we’ll get you to the airport with plenty of time to check in and clear security. Avoid the hassle of parking, rideshares, or rental cars by letting us handle the ground transportation.

Sports fans love riding with us to games at Raymond James Stadium (NFL Buccaneers), Amalie Arena (NHL Lightning), Tropicana Field (MLB Rays), and BayCare Ballpark (Philadelphia Phillies spring training). We also serve college venues like USF’s Yuengling Center and high school complexes across Pinellas County. For youth tournaments, we can shuttle teams between fields, hotels, and restaurants. Tailgate supplies, coolers, and banners are welcome on board. Skip the parking headache and arrive together ready to cheer.

Catching a show? We’ll take you to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Coachman Park, MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Jannus Live, or any other music venue in the area. Enjoy the performance without worrying about traffic, directions, or finding a designated driver. Our buses run on your schedule, waiting nearby until you’re ready to leave. For festivals like Clearwater Jazz Holiday or Gasparilla Music Fest, group transportation makes the experience safer and more social.

We’ve provided wedding shuttles to dozens of beautiful venues including Sandpearl Resort, Opal Sands, Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites, Carlouel Yacht Club, Kapok Special Events Center, and Belleview Inn. Whether your ceremony is on the sand or in a ballroom, we’ll transport guests smoothly between hotel, church, reception, and after-party. No one has to drive, get lost, or miss a moment of the celebration. Decorate the bus with ribbons or signage to match your theme. For destination weddings, we handle airport transfers and rehearsal dinners too.

In addition to Clearwater, we serve all surrounding cities and towns such as Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Seminole, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Bradenton, and Sarasota. Need to go farther? We regularly send buses to Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Naples, Fort Myers, Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Atlanta, and beyond. Wherever your group needs to be, we’ll get you there on time and together.

We provide transportation for all kinds of events and festivals throughout the year, including Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Sugar Sand Festival, Super Boat National Championship, Pier 60 Sunset Cinema, Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Florida State Fair, and Pride parades. For large gatherings where parking is limited, chartering a bus is the easiest way to move crowds efficiently. We can run continuous loops between remote lots and the main entrance, keeping attendees happy and reducing congestion. Event planners rely on us for reliable service and flexible scheduling.

Business travelers appreciate our direct service to Tampa Convention Center, St. Petersburg’s Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Ruth Eckerd Hall, and various hotel conference facilities. Arrive at meetings, trade shows, or corporate retreats refreshed and ready to network. Onboard WiFi lets you check emails or rehearse presentations en route. For multi-day conventions, we can provide daily shuttles between venue, lodging, and offsite dinners. Impress clients and colleagues with punctual group transport that reflects well on your organization.

We work with educational institutions of all levels, from elementary schools to universities. Popular destinations for field trips include Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, and Kennedy Space Center. For campus tours, we serve University of South Florida (USF), University of Tampa, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg College, and Pinellas Technical College. School administrators choose us for our professionalism and commitment to student safety.