If you are planning a group event in Santa Maria and need reliable transportation, Santa Maria Party Bus Company is here to help you. We offer a wide range of party buses and charter buses at some of the most competitive prices in Santa Barbara County. The cost of your rental will depend on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your trip, and the time of year. To get an accurate quote, call our 24/7 team at 805-998-2860. We will provide you with an instant quote and help you find the best bus for your budget.
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Call Now: 805-998-2860| Type of Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Passenger Sprinter Party Bus | $202 – $313+ | $223 – $325+ | $1,429 – $2,625+ |
| 12 Passenger Sprinter Limo | $200 – $285+ | $220 – $348+ | $1,439 – $2,692+ |
| 14 Passenger Sprinter Limousine | $181 – $273+ | $234 – $347+ | $1,421 – $2,685+ |
| 15 Passenger Sprinter Party Bus | $176 – $318+ | $245 – $333+ | $1,530 – $2,589+ |
| 16 Passenger Party Bus | $203 – $353+ | $254 – $323+ | $1,445 – $2,671+ |
| 18 Passenger Limo Bus | $243 – $327+ | $275 – $378+ | $2,121 – $2,962+ |
| 20 Passenger Party Bus | $216 – $288+ | $307 – $324+ | $1,808 – $3,050+ |
| 24 Passenger Limousine Bus | $289 – $325+ | $263 – $392+ | $2,062 – $2,984+ |
| 25 Passenger Party Bus | $233 – $342+ | $279 – $353+ | $1,926 – $2,543+ |
| 28 Passenger Limousine Bus | $258 – $315+ | $314 – $348+ | $2,209 – $2,797+ |
| 30 Passenger Party Bus | $258 – $371+ | $265 – $386+ | $2,153 – $3,148+ |
| 35 Passenger Limo Bus | $268 – $361+ | $289 – $456+ | $2,315 – $3,179+ |
| 40 Passenger Party Bus | $269 – $342+ | $328 – $421+ | $2,297 – $3,763+ |
| 45 Passenger Party Bus | $299 – $429+ | $370 – $498+ | $2,565 – $3,873+ |
| 50 Passenger Party Bus | $282 – $395+ | $287 – $444+ | $2,438 – $3,509+ |
| 15–35 Passenger Minibus | $112 – $266+ | $147 – $261+ | $1,074 – $2,171+ |
| 40–56 Passenger Charter Bus | $156 – $334+ | $135 – $373+ | $1,178 – $2,626+ |
The average cost to rent a party bus in Santa Maria ranges from $150 to $450+ per hour on weekdays and $150 to $500+ per hour on weekends, with full-day rentals averaging between $1,000 and $2,800 or more depending on the size of the vehicle and trip details. These prices reflect the high demand for party buses in Santa Barbara County, especially during peak seasons like summer and major local events. When you get a quote from Santa Maria Party Bus Company, we include the vehicle, driver, and all standard expenses in one upfront price, so you know exactly what you're paying for. If you need something custom, we can easily adjust the trip details to get you a package that fits your budget.
The total cost of your Santa Maria party bus rental is determined by several key factors. Understanding these variables can help you plan your trip more effectively and find ways to save money. The most significant factors include the time of year, the duration and distance of your trip, the type of bus you choose, and any additional expenses like tolls or parking fees. We always recommend calling our team for the most accurate pricing.
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Call Now: 805-998-2860The length of your trip-both in miles and hours-directly affects your party bus rental cost in Santa Maria. For example, a short shuttle from Orcutt to downtown Santa Maria for a concert at the Santa Maria Fairpark will cost less than a full-day excursion to Paso Robles wine country or a multi-day trip to Las Vegas. Local trips within Santa Maria or Santa Barbara County are billed hourly, while longer out-of-town trips to places like San Francisco or San Diego are quoted as a flat rate based on mileage (per-mile) or as a package price for the entire duration. The farther and longer you travel, the higher the final cost, but you save on a per-person basis compared to everyone driving separately.
Seasonality plays a significant role in party bus pricing in Santa Maria-especially because demand in Santa Barbara County fluctuates with major events. The peak season runs from late April through June, when local high schools and colleges host proms and graduations, and major events like the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo draw large crowds. Prices are highest during this time due to increased demand. To save money, consider booking your trip during the off-season (winter months like January and February) when rates are lower, or plan your event on a weekday instead of a Friday or Saturday.
For example, a party bus rental for a high school prom in May will cost significantly more than the same bus rented for a birthday party in January. Planning ahead and being flexible with your dates can help you avoid peak pricing.
Weekends are prime time for party bus rentals in Santa Maria, and rates reflect that. A Friday or Saturday night rental for a bachelor party on Broadway or a winery tour in Santa Ynez will cost more per hour than a similar trip scheduled on a Monday or Tuesday. If your event date is flexible, choosing a weekday can lead to substantial savings on your overall rental cost. This is especially true during peak season, when weekend demand is at its highest.
Your pickup and drop-off locations in Santa Maria impact the price of your party bus rental due to "deadhead" costs. Deadhead refers to the mileage and time the bus travels empty to reach your starting point from its nearest depot. For example, if your trip starts in Santa Maria but the closest available bus is garaged in Bakersfield, you'll pay for the hours it takes to get from Bakersfield to Santa Maria before your trip even begins. We minimize this cost by dispatching from the closest available vehicle in our network, but it's a key factor in pricing-especially for trips starting or ending in remote areas or out-of-state destinations.
The type and size of the bus you choose significantly affects your rental price. A standard 15-passenger sprinter van is much more affordable than a 50-passenger party bus with a restroom and full wraparound seating. Larger buses cost more to operate and maintain, but they offer more amenities and space for bigger groups. Choosing a bus that fits your headcount exactly-without excess capacity-is the best way to maximize value. We offer everything from compact minibuses to full-size motorcoaches, so there's an option for every budget.
For example, a 15-passenger party bus might cost $1,200 for a 6-hour rental, while a 40-passenger party bus for the same duration could be $2,000. Matching your group size to the right vehicle ensures you get the best price.
Tolls and parking fees are not included in your initial party bus quote, but they are a necessary expense for many trips in and around Santa Maria. For example, if you're traveling to a concert at the Santa Maria Fairpark or a wedding at a local vineyard, you'll likely need to pay for event parking. Prices for event parking in Santa Maria vary but range from $10 to $25 per vehicle, though private venues may charge more for oversized vehicles like buses. If you're heading to a larger city like Los Angeles or San Francisco, tolls on major highways (such as the Golden Gate Bridge toll or LA Express Lane fees) and high parking costs in downtown areas will add to your total trip cost. We always recommend checking with your destination venues about bus parking requirements and costs in advance, so you can budget accurately.
How far in advance you book your party bus rental directly impacts the price and availability. Waiting until the last minute-especially during peak season-means you'll pay a premium and have fewer vehicle options. To lock in the best rate, book your bus at least three to six months in advance. For major events like prom season, graduation, or a large wedding in Santa Maria, booking six to nine months ahead guarantees you get the exact bus you want at the lowest possible price.
Here are some practical ways to save money on your Santa Maria party bus rental. First, split the total cost among all passengers-when divided among 20 to 50 people, even a large bus becomes very affordable per person. Second, keep your itinerary efficient by minimizing idle time and unnecessary stops. Third, book during the off-season or on a weekday if possible. Fourth, choose the smallest bus that comfortably fits your group size. Finally, plan ahead for all expenses by confirming parking costs at each venue and pre-paying them if required.
By following these tips, you can enjoy all the benefits of a private party bus while staying within your budget.
Ready to get an exact price for your Santa Maria party bus rental? Call Santa Maria Party Bus Company today at 805-998-2860 to speak with a reservation specialist. We're available 24/7 to answer your questions, check availability, and provide you with a free, personalized quote in minutes. You can also use our online quote tool to compare prices and options instantly.
Here are some real-world examples of recent Santa Maria party bus rentals to help you estimate your budget:
A group of 15 wine enthusiasts booked a party bus for a half-day tour of Santa Maria Valley wineries. They were picked up at a hotel near Santa Maria Inn at 10:00 AM and visited Presqu'ile Winery, Riverbench Vineyard, and Cambria Estate Vineyard before returning at 4:00 PM. The total trip lasted 6 hours and covered approximately 50 miles. The cost for a 15-passenger party bus was $1,350, which included the bus, driver, and all mileage. The group split the cost evenly, paying $90 per person for comfortable transportation with a designated driver and onboard amenities between tastings.
A local high school arranged transportation for 25 students to tour Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cuesta College. The trip started with a 7:00 AM pickup at the high school and included stops at both campuses with scheduled tours and lunch breaks. The group returned to Santa Maria at 5:00 PM. This 10-hour, 70-mile round-trip required a 28-passenger minibus with comfortable seating and storage for backpacks. The total cost was $1,700, or $68 per student. The school district appreciated the convenience of keeping everyone together on one vehicle.
A couple hosted their wedding ceremony at a church in Santa Maria and reception at a vineyard near Santa Barbara. To transport 40 guests comfortably, they booked a 44-passenger party bus for a 6-hour evening shuttle. The bus picked up guests at their hotel, took them to the ceremony, then shuttled everyone to the reception venue and back to the hotel afterward. The total cost was $2,400, or $60 per guest. This price included all travel time and mileage between Santa Maria and Santa Barbara, ensuring everyone had a designated driver after celebrating.
A local high school booked a 30-passenger party bus for their senior prom. The trip included pickups in Orcutt and downtown Santa Maria, transportation to the prom venue at the Santa Maria Fairpark, and drop-offs at multiple locations after the event. The rental lasted 5 hours on a Friday night during peak season. The final price was $1,800, which included the bus, driver, and all mileage. The cost was split among the students, making it an affordable and comfortable option for everyone to enjoy the night without worrying about driving.
A group of 12 friends planned a bachelor party trip to San Luis Obispo. They booked a 15-passenger sprinter limo for a Saturday night. The itinerary included pickups in Santa Maria, stops at several bars and restaurants in downtown SLO, and a late-night return. The trip lasted 6 hours and was billed at $200 per hour, totaling $1,200. The price included the vehicle, driver, and all miles traveled. The cost per person was $100, providing a fun and convenient way to celebrate without the need for designated drivers.
A Santa Maria-based company needed transportation for 25 employees to attend a full-day conference in Santa Barbara. They booked a 28-passenger minibus with amenities like reclining seats and WiFi. The bus picked up employees at the office at 7:00 AM, dropped them off near the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and returned them to Santa Maria by 6:00 PM. The 11-hour rental included all mileage and driver expenses, costing the company $1,650. This flat rate was more cost-effective than reimbursing individual mileage or renting multiple cars.
A group of 35 music fans wanted to see a concert at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. They booked a 40-passenger party bus for a full-day trip. The bus picked up passengers in Santa Maria at noon, drove to LA, parked near the venue, and returned after the show. The total trip lasted 12 hours and covered over 300 miles. The final price was $2,200, which included the vehicle, driver, and all mileage. The group split the cost, making it an affordable way to travel together without dealing with LA traffic or paying for separate parking.
A local business organized a team-building event for 20 employees with a winery tour in Paso Robles. They booked a 25-passenger minibus for an 8-hour trip on a Thursday. The itinerary included visits to several wineries and a group lunch reservation. The cost of the rental was $1,600, which included the bus, driver, and all mileage. The price did not include tasting fees or lunch, but it provided a convenient way for the entire team to travel together and enjoy the day without worrying about driving.
