1. Rapid City Minibus Company /
  2. Bus Rental Prices

Rapid City Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Rapid City Bus Rental Cost?

Rapid City charter bus rental prices typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on your trip details. The total cost of your bus will depend on several factors like when you’re traveling, where you’re going, how many people you need to transport, and what kind of bus you book. The only way to get an accurate, instant quote is to call our team at 605-872-5740. or use our online quote tool. Once you provide your trip details, we’ll give you a personalized quote in minutes. Below, we’ve included some estimated rates and explained what factors will affect your price.

Get Your 30 Second Online Quote

No Email Needed. No Account Needed. Just instant pricing online.

Vehicle Type Per Hour* Per Day* Per Mile*
56-Passenger Coach Bus $197 – $519 $1,600 – $3,800 $5.00 – $8.00
25-Passenger Minibus $165 – $428 $1,300 – $3,200 $4.00 – $7.00
20-Passenger Minibus $157 – $414 $1,300 – $3,100 $4.00 – $7.00
18-Passenger Minibus $145 – $404 $1,300 – $3,000 $4.00 – $7.00

*Prices vary and fluctuate with fuel costs, holidays, and availability. Booking early usually secures the lowest rate. For exact pricing, please call our reservations team.

How Much Does a Bus Rental Cost?

The price of a charter bus rental in Rapid City depends on the size of the bus, length of the trip, and time of year. In general, you can expect to pay around $197–$519 per hour for a 56-passenger charter bus, $165–$428 per hour for a 25-passenger minibus, $157–$414 per hour for a 20-passenger minibus, and $145–$404 per hour for an 18-passenger minibus. Daily rates range from $1,300 to $3,800 depending on the vehicle. We also offer party buses, sprinter vans, and specialty vehicles—just ask! For the most accurate pricing, call 605-872-5740 anytime to get an instant quote tailored to your exact itinerary.

What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Rapid City?

Several key factors determine the final cost of your charter bus rental in Rapid City. The biggest factor is the type and size of vehicle you choose—larger buses like a 56-passenger motorcoach generally cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans, but may be more economical per-person for big groups. Your trip duration also impacts pricing: most local trips are billed hourly (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while out-of-town or multi-day charters are quoted by the day or by total mileage. Busy seasons—like summer tourist months or major event weekends—can increase rates due to high demand. Additional costs may include tolls, parking fees at destinations like Main Street Square or Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, and lodging for the driver if your itinerary requires an overnight stay outside Rapid City (such as trips to Deadwood, Badlands National Park, or Mount Rushmore). Optional amenities—such as onboard WiFi, power outlets, or PA systems—are usually included but should be confirmed when booking. Finally, gratuity for your driver (typically 10-20%) is appreciated for excellent service and may be added to your quote upon request. For the most accurate price, have details like passenger count, pickup/drop-off locations, and your full schedule ready when you contact us.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Rapid City, SD and around South Dakota. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

School Field Trip to Mount Rushmore

18 passenger minibus rental

A middle school in Rapid City is planning a field trip to Mount Rushmore for 100 students and 10 chaperones. They need transportation from the school to the monument, with a stop at Custer State Park for lunch, and then back to the school. The total trip will take about 8 hours. We recommended two 56-passenger charter buses to accommodate everyone comfortably. The quote for this itinerary came out to $3,000 ($1,500 per bus), which includes all mileage, tolls, and driver expenses. The school was able to cover the cost through a combination of fundraising and a small fee from each student.

Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Rapid City

56 passenger charter bus

A bride and groom are getting married at the Dahl Arts Center and hosting their reception at The Rushmore Hotel. They want to provide a continuous shuttle service for 6 hours to transport guests between the venues and nearby hotels like Hotel Alex Johnson and Holiday Inn Rapid City Downtown. We quoted them $2,400 for a 25-passenger minibus running back and forth all evening. This price includes unlimited trips within the timeframe, so guests can come and go as they please. The couple appreciated the peace of mind knowing their friends and family had a safe ride.

Corporate Retreat to Deadwood

56 passenger coach bus

A local tech company is organizing a two-day retreat to Deadwood for 40 employees. They need a bus to pick up everyone at their office, drive to a resort in Deadwood, stay overnight, and return the next afternoon. We provided a 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats, WiFi, and power outlets for $4,200. This rate covers the round trip, driver’s hotel room, and all associated fees. The HR manager compared this to the cost of reimbursing mileage for personal vehicles and found the charter bus was more cost-effective and better for team bonding.

Sports Team Travel to Sioux Falls

18 passenger minibus

A youth hockey team needs transportation to a tournament in Sioux Falls. They have 18 players, 4 coaches, and lots of equipment bags. The schedule requires leaving Rapid City early Saturday morning, playing two games, staying overnight, and returning Sunday evening after the final match. We suggested a 20-passenger minibus with extra luggage space for $3,500. This package includes all driving, wait time, and overnight costs. The coach liked that everyone would arrive together and there’d be room for coolers and gear.

Concert Trip to the Monument

20 passenger minibus

A group of friends wants to rent a party bus to see a concert at The Monument (formerly Rushmore Plaza Civic Center). They’re planning to pregame on the way, avoid parking hassles, and hit a few bars downtown afterward before heading home. For a 6-hour night out with multiple stops, we quoted $1,800 for an 18-passenger minibus with LED lights and Bluetooth sound system. Split 12 ways, it’s $150 each for door-to-door service and no designated drivers needed.

Multi-day Tour of the Black Hills

25 passenger minibus

A senior center is booking a three-day sightseeing tour of the Black Hills, including stops at Crazy Horse Memorial, Sylvan Lake, Spearfish Canyon, and Historic Deadwood. There are 30 participants plus a tour guide. We offered a 25-passenger minibus for $7,200 total, which breaks down to $2,400 per day. This covers all transportation, driver’s accommodations, and fuel. The organizer compared quotes from several companies and chose us based on our reputation and responsiveness.