1. South Bend Shuttle Bus Rentals /
  2. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS

The cost of renting a shuttle bus in South Bend typically ranges from $1,100 to $5,500 or more depending on the size of the bus, length of the trip, and specific itinerary details. Pricing can be charged either by the hour (usually $155–$295 per hour) or by the day (typically $1,900–$5,500 per day), with exact rates determined by your trip’s mileage, duration, and other factors like time of year and current demand. For example, a local 5-hour rental might cost around $1,500–$2,000, while a full-day or multi-day trip will fall at the higher end of the range.

Several key factors influence the final price of your South Bend shuttle bus rental: the number of passengers traveling, the size and type of vehicle you select (18-, 20-, 25-, or 56-passenger), the total distance and duration of your trip, the number of days you’ll need the bus, and the exact pickup/drop-off locations. Additional costs may include tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations for the driver on multi-day trips. Peak demand periods—such as Notre Dame football weekends, local festivals, or spring/fall wedding seasons—can also impact availability and pricing, so it’s important to book early and provide detailed information when requesting a quote.

You can get a quote from South Bend Shuttle Bus Rentals by calling our office anytime at 574-381-6720 or using the online quote form on our website. To provide an accurate price, we’ll need details about your trip including the date(s) of travel, pickup and drop-off locations, number of passengers, and any special requests or stops along the way. Once we have your itinerary, we’ll quickly generate a personalized quote with exact pricing and available vehicle options. Most quotes are provided within minutes, and you can easily compare packages and amenities before making a reservation.

Your quote includes the base rental fee for the shuttle bus and driver for the duration of your trip, plus any standard amenities onboard the vehicle. Additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and driver hotel accommodations (if required) are not included in the base price and will be either billed separately or handled directly by the customer during the trip. A full list of terms and conditions is provided with every quote so you know exactly what’s covered before you book.

You should book your South Bend bus rental at least four to six weeks in advance to ensure availability and lock in the best rates. During peak times—such as Notre Dame football weekends, graduation season, or major local events—it’s smart to reserve your vehicle even earlier, ideally two to three months ahead of your trip. Last-minute reservations can sometimes be accommodated if vehicles are still available, but selection will be limited and prices may be higher due to increased demand.

South Bend Shuttle Bus Rentals offers four main types of buses in South Bend: 18-passenger minibuses, 20-passenger minibuses, 25-passenger minibuses, and 56-passenger full-size charter buses. The 18-, 20-, and 25-passenger models are ideal for smaller groups, airport transfers, or shuttling between local venues, while the 56-passenger coach is perfect for large-group transportation such as school trips, corporate events, or athletic travel. All vehicles come with forward-facing seats and can be customized with additional amenities based on your needs.

Amenities available on South Bend shuttle bus rentals include cushioned reclining seats, air conditioning, overhead storage racks, rear luggage compartments, LED lighting, tinted windows, and optional Wi-Fi and power outlets. Larger coaches can also be equipped with flat-screen video monitors, DVD players, PA systems, and onboard restrooms. If you have specific amenity requests, let us know when booking and we’ll match you with a vehicle that fits your requirements.

Yes, South Bend Shuttle Bus Rentals offers flexible packages including one-way trips, round-trip service, and multi-day rentals for extended itineraries. Whether you need a quick transfer to Chicago O’Hare, a weekend shuttle for a wedding at Notre Dame, or a week-long charter for a band tour or corporate retreat, we’ll build a custom package around your schedule. Multi-day rentals can include out-of-town lodging and meal stops as needed.

Yes, we offer long-distance bus rentals out of South Bend to any destination in the continental United States. Whether you’re planning a multi-day school trip to Washington D.C., a corporate retreat in northern Michigan, a band tour across the Midwest, or need group transportation to Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, or beyond, we’ll provide the right vehicle at a competitive price. Our fleet includes comfortable, modern buses equipped with reclining seats, climate control, onboard restrooms, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems—ideal for long hours on the road. We’ve handled countless long-distance charters for universities, athletic teams, church groups, and business clients, so you can count on us to get your group there efficiently and affordably.

If your trip itinerary requires an overnight stay, you will need to provide hotel accommodations for your driver. The hotel must have available rooms and provide basic amenities such as restroom facilities. If your trip does not require an overnight stay, you do not need to provide separate accommodations.

We provide airport transfer services to and from all major airports in the region, including South Bend International Airport (SBN), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). We also serve smaller regional airports such as Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) and Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA). Whether you need a shuttle for a student group flying into SBN or a corporate transfer to O’Hare, we’ll get you to the terminal on time with room for all your luggage.

We provide charter bus and minibus transportation to all major sports venues in the area, including Notre Dame Stadium, Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center, Compton Family Ice Arena, Four Winds Field (home of the South Bend Cubs), and local high school athletic facilities. Traveling with a fan group or visiting team? We’ll drop you off steps from the entrance and handle all gameday traffic and parking. Out-of-town trips to venues like Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, or Gainbridge Fieldhouse are also available.

We provide private event transportation to all concert venues and music festivals in the region, including the Morris Performing Arts Center, Howard Park Event Center, Century Center Bendix Theater, St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, and outdoor festival sites. Avoid rideshare surge pricing and crowded parking lots by booking a shuttle that runs on your schedule. Heading to a show in Chicago or Indianapolis? Make it a road trip with friends and enjoy the ride together.

We serve every wedding venue in the South Bend area—including popular locations like Gillespie Conference Center, Palais Royale, Morris Estate, Brick, The Blue Heron at Blackthorn, St. Joe Farm, Tippecanoe Place, and all campus venues at Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s, and Holy Cross. Hosting your ceremony at the Basilica and reception downtown? We’ll run custom shuttles between every site on your itinerary so guests never worry about directions or parking. Out-of-town venues across Michiana are also covered.

South Bend Shuttle Bus Rentals provides service to all nearby cities and suburbs including Mishawaka, Elkhart, Goshen, Plymouth, La Porte, Michigan City, Niles (MI), Benton Harbor (MI), and Granger. No matter where you’re headed in the Michiana region, we have a vehicle available to meet your needs!

We provide group transportation to all major events and festivals in the area, including the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair, Best. Week. Ever., Art Beat, Redbud Ride, Notre Dame home game tailgates, and downtown parades and block parties. Beat the crowds with a private shuttle that keeps everyone on the same schedule.

We provide convention and trade show transportation to the Century Center in downtown South Bend as well as nearby facilities like the Gillespie Conference Center. Flying into SBN with a team of colleagues? We’ll pick you up at the terminal curb and shuttle you to your hotel or meeting venue. Onsite parking at Century Center is limited, so a private shuttle is the easiest way to get your group to the exhibit hall on time.