Get a quote online in as little as 30 seconds filling out the form below!
No Email Needed. No Account Needed. Just INSTANT Prices right Online
Once you complete the form you will receive a custom price quote based on the details of your trip. You can easily browse all of the vehicles available for your date, and make your booking right online. If you don't find what you need, just call us. We would love to earn your business!
Want to speak to someone? We're here 24/7/365 available to help you with any questions and get the best deals!
Live agents available 24/7/365!
Call Now: 910-940-9430Wilmington Party Bus Prices
| Type of Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Passenger Sprinter Party Bus | $185–$300+ | $225–$350+ | $1,480–$2,800 |
| 12 Passenger Sprinter Limo | $185–$300+ | $225–$350+ | $1,480–$2,800 |
| 14 Passenger Sprinter Limousine | $185–$300+ | $235–$355+ | $1,480–$2,840 |
| 15 Passenger Sprinter Party Bus | $185–$300+ | $235–$355+ | $1,480–$2,840 |
| 16 Passenger Party Bus | $190–$310+ | $235–$355+ | $1,520–$2,840 |
| 18 Passenger Limo Bus | $240–$300+ | $260–$355+ | $1,920–$2,840 |
| 20 Passenger Party Bus | $235–$310+ | $300–$355+ | $1,880–$2,840 |
| 24 Passenger Limousine Bus | $250–$320+ | $285–$355+ | $2,000–$2,840 |
| 25 Passenger Party Bus | $250–$320+ | $285–$355+ | $2,000–$2,840 |
| 28 Passenger Limousine Bus | $260–$330+ | $285–$360+ | $2,080–$2,880 |
| 30 Passenger Party Bus | $280–$360+ | $300–$400+ | $2,240–$3,200 |
| 35 Passenger Limo Bus | $280–$360+ | $300–$420+ | $2,240–$3,360 |
| 40 Passenger Party Bus | $300–$400+ | $325–$450+ | $2,400–$3,600 |
| 45 Passenger Party Bus | $300–$400+ | $325–$450+ | $2,400–$3,600 |
| 50 Passenger Party Bus | $300–$420+ | $325–$475+ | $2,400–$3,800 |
| 15-35 Passenger Minibus | $120 – $250+ | $150 – $300+ | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| 40-56 Passenger Charter Bus | $150 – $350+ | $170 – $375+ | $1,300 – $2,700 |
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Wilmington?
So how much does a party bus rental cost in Wilmington? Party bus prices in Wilmington typically range from $150–$450+ per hour on weekdays and $150–$500+ per hour on weekends, with full-day packages running $1,000–$2,800 depending on size, trip length, and time of year. Your final quote will depend on several factors, including the size of the bus, trip duration, mileage, time of year, and specific pickup/drop-off locations. Because every trip is unique, it’s important to get a fast, personalized quote that reflects your exact itinerary and needs. When you call Wilmington Party Bus Company, you’ll be connected to a real expert who will break down every cost, answer every question, and help you find the best vehicle for your budget-including options like sprinter vans, minibuses, and full-size charter buses if a party bus isn’t the perfect fit. We serve the entire Wilmington metro area including downtown, Wrightsville Beach, Hampstead, Leland, and Carolina Beach, so you can always count on getting a great price and a great bus.
What Factors Influence the Cost of a Party Bus?
The cost of a party bus rental is influenced by several key factors: the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year, the day of the week, your starting and ending locations, the type and size of bus you select, tolls and parking fees, and how far in advance you book. Understanding these variables can help you plan a trip that fits your budget. For example, shorter local trips (like a bar crawl or wedding shuttle within Wilmington) are often billed hourly, while longer-distance or multi-day trips (such as a beach weekend to Wrightsville or a brewery tour in Raleigh) are priced per day or mile depending on the itinerary. If you have questions about any of these factors, our team is always here to help you find the most affordable option for your group.
Book Your Bus Today!
See Pictures & Prices in Seconds
Live agents available 24/7/365!
Call Now: 910-940-9430Distance and Duration of Your Trip
The distance and duration of your trip are two of the most significant factors in determining the cost of your party bus rental. Local trips within Wilmington-such as shuttling guests between hotels and a wedding venue downtown or at Wrightsville Beach-are typically billed by the hour with a minimum rental period of around four hours. Longer trips that require significant mileage-like a day trip to Raleigh or a weekend excursion to Myrtle Beach-are usually billed either per mile or per day. The more time and distance required, the higher the cost, as this rate covers not just fuel, but also the driver’s time, potential overtime, and wear and tear on the vehicle. If your trip involves an overnight stay, you’ll need to factor in accommodations for the driver as well as the daily rental rate. For example, a four-hour local rental might cost $800, while a two-day trip out of town could be $2,200 or more.
The Time of Year
The time of year has a big impact on the cost of your party bus rental in Wilmington, especially during peak seasons. In the transportation industry, the busy season runs from April through June, when demand is highest due to proms, graduations from UNCW and Cape Fear Community College, and the start of the wedding season. Prices during this period can be significantly higher than during the off-season months of January, February, and November. If you’re planning an event during this time-like a spring wedding at Airlie Gardens or a summer concert shuttle-it’s important to book early to lock in the best rates before vehicles sell out. Conversely, booking a trip during the off-season can save you a substantial amount of money, as companies often lower rates to attract business during slower months.
How the Day of the Week Impacts Pricing
The day of the week you choose for your rental will influence the final price. Weekends-especially Friday evenings through Sunday morning-are the busiest times for party bus rentals in Wilmington due to weddings, nightlife in downtown Wilmington, and events at venues like the Wilson Center or Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Because demand is higher, rates are typically increased compared to weekday rentals. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider booking your event or shuttle on a weekday (Monday through Thursday), when prices are generally lower and there is more availability. This simple shift can often save you 10-20% on your total cost, making it a great option for corporate events or private tours that aren’t tied to a weekend schedule.
How Your Starting and Ending Locations Affect Pricing
Your pickup and drop-off locations are critical factors in determining your party bus rental quote. If your trip starts or ends outside of our main service area in Wilmington-for example, in a nearby suburb like Hampstead, Leland, or Carolina Beach-your quote may include additional charges known as “deadhead” fees. Deadhead refers to the time and mileage the bus travels without passengers onboard-either getting to your initial pickup point or returning to the depot after your final drop-off. For instance, if your event starts in Hampstead (25 minutes north of downtown Wilmington) and ends in Wrightsville Beach, your quote will cover the mileage between those points plus the return to our nearest depot. To avoid unexpected costs, always provide the most accurate and complete addresses for every stop on your itinerary. We’ll calculate your quote to include all necessary travel so there are no extra charges.
Choosing the Right Bus Type and Size
The type and size of the bus you choose will directly impact your final price. Larger vehicles, such as a 50-passenger party bus or a full-size charter bus, generally cost more than smaller options like a 15-passenger sprinter van or a minibus due to higher operating expenses. However, larger buses often come equipped with more amenities (wraparound seating, fiber optic lighting, Bluetooth sound systems) and allow you to split the cost among more passengers. When comparing vehicles, consider both your group size and your budget. If you have a smaller group, a minibus may be more economical, but if you need space for a big celebration (like a bachelor/bachelorette party with 40+ guests), a full-size party bus or even a charter bus with upgraded seating might be the best value. Our fleet includes everything from sprinter vans to large party buses and charter buses, so we can find the right fit for any group size or budget.
Tolls and Parking
Tolls and parking fees are not included in your initial party bus quote and are the responsibility of the customer. In Wilmington, parking fees can vary significantly depending on your destination. For example, event parking at a venue like Live Oak Bank Pavilion or Wilson Center can cost $20-$40 per bus, while beach access parking at Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach can be $15-$25 per day. If your itinerary includes travel on toll roads outside Wilmington-such as the Triangle Expressway (NC-540) near Raleigh-those tolls will be added to your final bill. To avoid extra charges, check the parking policies for each planned stop on your itinerary and budget accordingly. Our team can help you estimate these costs based on your specific route and destinations.
Booking Timing
How far in advance you book your party bus rental plays a major role in securing the best price. Booking early-ideally several months before your event-ensures you have access to the largest selection of vehicles at the lowest rates. As your event date approaches, especially during peak season (April-June), availability decreases and prices increase due to higher demand. This is particularly true for large events in Wilmington like Azalea Festival, UNCW graduations, or summer weddings, when buses can sell out weeks in advance. To lock in the best rate and guarantee the exact vehicle you want, we recommend booking at least three to six months ahead of time. Last-minute reservations can often be accommodated, but may require flexibility on the type of bus or features available.
Cost Saving Tips to Consider
To save money on your party bus rental, consider a few simple strategies: First, reduce the total rental time by tightening your itinerary and limiting unnecessary stops. Second, book during the off-season or on a weekday to take advantage of lower rates and special promotions. Third, choose a bus size that matches your group exactly; don’t pay for extra seats you won’t use. Finally, split the total cost evenly among all passengers to make the trip affordable for everyone. If you’re traveling for a specific event, ask about package deals or discounts for multi-bus rentals. Our team is always happy to work with you to find the most budget-friendly solution for your needs.
Book Your Next Wilmington Party Bus Rental Today!
Ready to get an exact price for your next trip? Call Wilmington Party Bus Company at 910-940-9430 or use our online quote tool to get an instant, personalized quote on your next party bus rental. We’re here 24/7 to help you find the perfect vehicle at the best price!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are REAL examples of party bus rental prices for actual trips in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington Wedding Shuttle Transportation
This wedding party needed a shuttle bus to get them to and from the ceremony and reception. A 30-passenger party bus picked up all 30 guests from their hotel at 2 p.m. and transported them to the venue for a 3 p.m. ceremony. After the ceremony, the bus provided continuous shuttle service between the venue and the reception until 11 p.m. The total cost of the party bus rental was $1,950.
Wilmington to Raleigh Concert Trip
A group of friends from Wilmington wanted to attend a concert in Raleigh, North Carolina. They booked a 15-passenger party bus to take them to the show at Red Hat Amphitheater and back home the same night. The bus picked up the group at a central location in Wilmington at 3:00 p.m. and dropped them off at the venue at 6:30 p.m. After the concert, the bus picked them up and drove them back to Wilmington, arriving at 2:00 a.m. The total cost of the party bus rental was $1,650.
Beach Bash at Wrightsville Beach
A local high school booked a 40-passenger party bus for their annual senior beach bash at Wrightsville Beach. The bus picked up students from the high school campus at 10:00 a.m. and provided shuttle service to and from Wrightsville Beach throughout the day. The bus featured wraparound seating, LED lighting, and a Bluetooth sound system for students to enjoy music during the ride. The total cost of the party bus rental was $1,100.
Brewery Tour in Downtown Wilmington
A group of 20 friends booked a 20-passenger party bus for a brewery tour in downtown Wilmington. The bus picked up the group at a central location at 5:00 p.m. and provided transportation to several local breweries, including Front Street Brewery and Waterline Brewing Company. The bus featured comfortable seating, a sound system, and a built-in bar.
Bachelor Party in Myrtle Beach
A bachelor party of 18 people needed transportation from Wilmington to Myrtle Beach for a weekend celebration. They booked an 18-passenger party bus with Wilmington Party Bus Company for the trip. The bus picked up the group in Wilmington on Friday evening and drove them to Myrtle Beach, where they spent two nights. The bus then drove the group back to Wilmington on Sunday afternoon. The total cost of the party bus rental was $2,400.
Bachelorette Party in Charleston
This bachelorette party needed transportation from Wilmington to Charleston for a weekend getaway. A 15-passenger sprinter limo picked up all 15 guests from their hotel in Wilmington on Friday afternoon and transported them to Charleston. The bus then provided transportation around Charleston for the weekend, including trips to the beach and downtown. The total cost of the sprinter limo rental was $2,200. The price included the bus, driver, and fuel. The group did not tip the driver.
Uncw Basketball Game Shuttle
A group of 25 UNCW students needed transportation to a Seahawks basketball game at Trask Coliseum. A 25-passenger party bus picked up all 25 students from campus housing and transported them to the game. The bus then waited for the students during the game and transported them back to campus housing after the game. The total cost of the party bus rental was $850.
