Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of renting a shuttle bus in Santa Maria typically ranges from $1,695–$4,250+ per day, $195–$495+ per hour, or $5.50–$9.50+ per mile depending on the size of the vehicle, length of your trip, and other factors. Smaller 18-passenger minibuses start around $1,695–$2,995 per day, while larger 56-passenger charter buses run $2,995–$4,250+ per day. You’ll pay either an hourly rate, a flat daily rate, or a per-mile rate based on your itinerary. Additional expenses like tolls, parking, and driver hotel/lodging (if required) are not included in the base price.

Several key factors influence the price of your Santa Maria bus rental: travel dates (peak season vs. off-season), trip duration (number of days/hours), total mileage, pickup and drop-off locations, number of vehicles needed, and the type/size of bus selected. Peak demand periods—such as local event weekends, holidays, or spring wine festivals—can increase rates due to limited availability. Longer trips with overnight stays will incur additional charges for driver accommodations. The exact make/model of the bus and its amenities package also impact final pricing.

To get an instant quote from Santa Maria Shuttle Bus Rentals, call our reservation team anytime at 805-998-2480 or use the online quote form on our website. Provide details about your trip—including pickup location, destination, travel dates, passenger count, and any special requests—and we’ll generate a personalized price estimate within minutes. Once you receive your quote, you can easily compare options, ask questions, and confirm your booking with a deposit.

Your quote includes the base rental fee for the bus and driver, calculated either by hour, day, or mile depending on your itinerary. It does NOT include additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, or driver hotel/lodging costs (if applicable). You are responsible for covering these extra charges separately. Gratuity for the driver is optional but recommended (standard is 10%–20%). A deposit is required to secure your reservation, with the balance due before the date of your trip.

You should book your Santa Maria bus rental at least 4–6 weeks in advance to lock in the best rates and ensure vehicle availability. During peak times—such as major events, wedding season, or school trip periods—buses can sell out quickly, so it’s smart to reserve even earlier if possible. Last-minute bookings are accepted if equipment is available, but selection may be limited and prices may be higher due to increased demand.

Santa Maria Shuttle Bus Rentals offers 18-, 20-, 25-, and 56-passenger buses in Santa Maria, so you can easily find the perfect vehicle for your group size! Our largest 56-passenger models have forward-facing seats with five on each row (two on one side of the aisle and three on the other) and feature an onboard restroom at the back. Smaller options like our 18-, 20-, and 25-passenger minibuses come with forward-facing seats and either no restroom or a compact lavatory depending on the exact model. No matter which size you choose, you’ll get a comfortable, modern vehicle built for long-distance travel anywhere in California!

When you book a bus rental in Santa Maria with Santa Maria Shuttle Bus Rentals, you get a vehicle loaded with the best amenities in the industry—perfect for keeping everyone comfortable on those long drives up and down the Central Coast. Standard features include cushioned reclining seats, powerful air conditioning, overhead parcel racks, underfloor luggage bays, and tinted windows. Upgraded models add flat-screen video monitors, DVD/Blu-ray players, HDMI inputs, WiFi hotspot connectivity, USB charging ports at every seat, 110V power outlets, PA/microphone systems, and full galley kitchens with sinks and refrigerators. Many of our buses also have custom LED lighting, wood-look flooring, leatherette upholstery, and upgraded sound systems. If you need something specific—like a rear lounge area or extra luggage space—just ask! We can match you with a bus that has exactly the features you want.

Yes, we offer flexible packages including one-way trips, round-trip service, and multi-day charters to fit any itinerary. Whether you need a simple airport transfer, a round-trip shuttle to a wedding venue, or a multi-day wine tour through Santa Barbara County, we’ll customize a plan that fits your schedule and budget. Multi-day packages are ideal for school trips, corporate retreats, and out-of-town events requiring overnight travel.

Absolutely! We provide long-distance bus rentals from Santa Maria to any destination in California or across state lines—including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fresno, San Diego, Sacramento, and more. Perfect for band tours, college visits, athletic tournaments, and extended group travel.

If your trip itinerary requires an overnight stay, you are responsible for providing hotel accommodations for the driver. The hotel must be a private room at a reasonably priced establishment. This cost is not included in your initial quote and should be arranged prior to the trip. For multi-day trips, drivers are subject to hours-of-service regulations and must have adequate rest breaks.

We serve every airport in the region including Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX), San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and all smaller municipal fields. Count on us for curbside pickups, terminal shuttles, and baggage transfers.

We provide transportation to every major sports venue in the area including Elks Field, Joe White Memorial Gymnasium, Righetti High School Stadium, Hancock College Football Field, and local soccer complexes. Perfect for team travel, fan groups, and tournament shuttles.

We serve all local concert venues such as the Santa Maria Fairpark, Presqu’ile Amphitheater, and Clark Center for the Performing Arts. Book a private shuttle for your next live music outing and skip the hassle of parking and rideshares.

We provide wedding transportation to every venue in the region including the Historic Santa Maria Inn, Presqu’ile Winery, Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery, and Rancho De Las Palmas. Keep your guests on schedule with a private shuttle between the hotel, ceremony, and reception.

Santa Maria Shuttle Bus Rentals provides charter bus service to every city near Santa Maria including Orcutt, Guadalupe, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Vandenberg Village, and San Luis Obispo. No matter where your event is located, we’ll get you there comfortably and on time.

We provide group transportation to every major event and festival in the area including the Santa Barbara County Fair, West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals, Elks Rodeo & Parade, Downtown Friday Nights, Strawberry Festival, and local wine tasting weekends. Avoid traffic and parking headaches by riding together on a private shuttle bus.

We offer convention and trade show transportation to the Santa Maria Fairpark, Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, and all meeting venues along Broadway and Skyway Drive. Book a corporate shuttle for your next industry event and keep attendees moving between hotels and exhibit halls.