Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Des Moines

Des Moines Minibus Company has been serving Des Moines and the entire state of Iowa since 2011. We have a fleet of modern minibuses and charter buses that can handle any group size or itinerary. Whether you’re planning a wedding at Rollins Mansion, a field trip to the Science Center of Iowa, or shuttles for the Iowa State Fair, we’ve done it all. Our team is available 24/7 to help you customize your rental with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, TV monitors, reclining seats, and more. Call us anytime at 515-415-9940 to get started!

We work with all kinds of groups across Iowa, from corporate teams heading to events at Hy-Vee Hall to sports fans traveling to Drake Stadium. Schools book us for trips to the Blank Park Zoo and Living History Farms, while couples rely on us for wedding transportation at venues like Glen Oaks Country Club. We also provide shuttles for government agencies, religious organizations, tour operators, and more. No matter your reason for traveling, we’ll make sure your group gets there safely and comfortably.

A charter bus is a large motorcoach designed to transport 40-56 passengers over long distances. These buses are perfect for big groups traveling together, such as school field trips, sports teams, or company outings. Charter buses come equipped with comfortable amenities like cushioned seats, air conditioning, overhead storage, and undercarriage luggage bays. Some models also feature onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, and TV monitors. When you rent a charter bus from Des Moines Minibus Company, you get a private vehicle that runs on your schedule and goes wherever you need it to.

A minibus is a smaller version of a charter bus, typically seating between 18 and 35 passengers. These vehicles are ideal for short-distance trips around Des Moines, such as hotel shuttles, airport transfers, or nights out downtown. Minibuses offer many of the same amenities as full-size coaches, including reclining seats, climate control, and overhead racks for bags. They’re easier to maneuver through city streets and can access tighter drop-off points than larger buses. If you have a medium-sized group and want something more efficient than multiple cars or vans, a minibus is the way to go.

Most charter buses seat between 40 and 56 passengers, depending on the exact model and layout. The most common size is a 56-passenger coach, which offers the maximum capacity for large groups. Smaller options include 47-passenger and 50-passenger buses, which still provide plenty of room for people and luggage. All of these vehicles are built for comfort, with wide aisles, high ceilings, and seats that recline. If you’re not sure what size you need, just tell us how many people are in your group and we’ll recommend the best fit.

Mini buses come in several sizes, ranging from 18 to 35 seats. The smallest models hold around 18-20 passengers, while mid-size versions accommodate 23-28 people. Our largest mini buses can carry up to 35 riders, making them suitable for sizable groups that don’t require a full-size coach. These vehicles are great for quick trips around town, such as shuttling guests between hotels and wedding venues or transporting employees to offsite meetings. They’re also popular for private tours, church outings, and youth sports teams.

We have a fleet of minibuses and charter buses ranging from 18 to 56 seats. Our most popular options include 18-passenger minibuses, 25-passenger minibuses, 35-passenger minibuses, 40-passenger charter buses, 47-passenger charter buses, 50-passenger charter buses, and 56-passenger charter buses. All of our vehicles are late-model and equipped with modern amenities. If you have specific needs like extra luggage space or premium features, let us know and we’ll match you with the right bus.

Our buses come with a wide range of amenities to keep your group comfortable and entertained. Standard features include cushioned seats, air conditioning, and overhead storage. Many of our vehicles also have free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, TV monitors with DVD players, and PA systems for announcements. For longer trips, you can request a bus with an onboard restroom, reclining seats, and extra legroom. We even offer ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts and priority seating. Just tell us what you need when you book, and we’ll make it happen.

Yes, most of our buses are equipped with AUX or Bluetooth connections so you can play your own music through the sound system. This is perfect for setting the mood on the way to a wedding, hyping up a sports team before a game, or just keeping everyone entertained during the ride. If you have specific audio/video requirements, please mention them when booking so we can ensure your bus has the right setup.

Charter buses have plenty of space for luggage, with large undercarriage bays that can hold multiple suitcases per passenger. There’s also overhead storage inside the cabin for smaller bags and personal items. Minibuses have less storage capacity but still offer enough room for carry-ons and a few larger pieces. If your group is traveling with oversized equipment like musical instruments or sports gear, let us know in advance so we can assign a bus with adequate space.

Yes, we offer ADA-accessible buses with features like wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and designated seating areas. These vehicles are designed to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges and comply with all relevant regulations. If you need an accessible bus, please request one when booking so we can make sure it’s available for your trip. We believe everyone should be able to travel comfortably and safely, regardless of physical ability.

Yes, you can wrap your charter bus with custom graphics for branding or promotional purposes. This is a great option for corporate events, political campaigns, or any occasion where you want to make a visual impact. We’ve helped clients wrap buses for the Iowa State Fair, RAGBRAI, and major concerts at Wells Fargo Arena. Just provide the artwork and specifications, and we’ll coordinate the installation with a local vendor. Additional fees and lead time may apply, so contact us early if you’re interested in this option.

We will do our best to accommodate requests for specific bus models or colors, but availability may vary depending on the date and location of your trip. If you have a preference for a certain brand (like MCI, Prevost, or Van Hool) or need a bus in a particular color scheme, please let us know when booking. We’ll check our fleet and try to match your request as closely as possible. Specialty vehicles may require additional lead time to secure.

The cost of renting a charter bus in Des Moines depends on several factors, including the size of the bus, duration of the trip, distance traveled, and time of year. Rates typically range from $150 to $300 per hour, with daily rates starting around $1,200 for short trips and going up to $2,500 or more for longer excursions. To get an accurate quote, call us at 515-415-9940 with your itinerary details. We’ll give you a customized price based on your specific needs.

Minibus rentals are generally more affordable than full-size charter buses, with hourly rates starting at $125 and daily rates beginning around $900. The total cost will depend on how many hours you need the bus, how far you’re traveling, and any special requests for amenities or features. For example, a simple round-trip shuttle within Des Moines will be less expensive than an all-day charter to Cedar Rapids or Omaha. Contact us for a personalized quote tailored to your group and budget.

Several factors influence the price of a bus rental, including the type and size of vehicle, length of the trip, mileage, number of days, and seasonality. Additional services like ADA accessibility, luxury upgrades, or custom wraps can also impact the final cost. Large events like the Iowa State Fair or major concerts may drive up demand and prices, so it’s wise to book early. Providing a detailed itinerary helps us give you the most accurate and competitive quote possible.

Your quote includes the use of the bus, driver’s wages, fuel, insurance, and basic amenities like A/C, reclining seats, and overhead storage. Optional features such as WiFi, power outlets, TV monitors, and restrooms are also covered if requested. Tolls, parking fees, and driver gratuity are not included and should be budgeted separately. We aim to provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

We recommend booking your bus at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons like spring weddings, summer festivals, and fall football games. Major events like the Iowa State Fair or Drake Relays can sell out even earlier. Last-minute bookings are possible but may have limited availability and higher prices. The sooner you reserve, the better selection and rates you’ll get. Call us as soon as you have your dates and headcount finalized.

Yes, we offer flexible rental packages to suit any itinerary. One-way trips are ideal for airport transfers or moving groups between cities. Round trips are common for day outings and events where you need return service. Multi-day charters are perfect for tours, conferences, or destination weddings requiring transportation over several days. We can customize the schedule to fit your exact needs, including multiple pick-up/drop-off points and standby service.

Absolutely! Our buses can take you anywhere in Iowa or beyond, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, St. Louis, and more. Long-distance charters are great for school trips, corporate retreats, or fan groups following their team to an away game. Onboard amenities like restrooms, WiFi, and entertainment systems make the journey comfortable and enjoyable. Let us know your destination and we’ll handle the rest.

If your trip requires an overnight stay outside of Des Moines, you will need to arrange lodging for your driver. This ensures they are well-rested and compliant with hours-of-service regulations. Most hotels offer discounted rates for bus drivers, especially when booking a block of rooms for your group. If you’re unsure how to handle this, our team can advise you on best practices and help coordinate the details.

Getting a quote is easy—just call us at 515-415-9940 or fill out the online form on our website. Be ready to provide information such as the date(s) of travel, pick-up and drop-off locations, number of passengers, and any special requests for amenities. The more details you give us, the more accurate your quote will be. We typically respond within minutes with a customized proposal tailored to your needs and budget.

Plan your itinerary carefully, including exact addresses and timing for each stop. Consider traffic patterns around major venues like Wells Fargo Arena or Principal Park, especially during rush hour or event days. Budget extra time for loading/unloading passengers and potential delays. Communicate any special needs (e.g., ADA access, child seats, coolers) in advance. Confirm parking arrangements at each location, as some sites may require permits or have height restrictions. Finally, treat the bus with respect—no smoking, excessive mess, or damage to the interior.

We provide shuttle service to and from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), as well as regional airports like Ankeny Regional Airport and Ames Municipal Airport. Whether you’re flying in a corporate team or sending off a student group, we’ll get you to the terminal on time and pick you up when you land. For large groups with lots of luggage, a charter bus is much more convenient than multiple taxis or rideshares.

We regularly transport groups to sporting events at Drake Stadium, Principal Park (home of the Iowa Cubs), Wells Fargo Arena (Iowa Wolves basketball and Iowa Wild hockey), and Mediacom Stadium. Whether you’re supporting a local college team or catching a minor league game, avoid the hassle of parking and ride together in comfort. Tailgating supplies and coolers are welcome aboard, just clean up after the party.

Popular concert destinations include Wells Fargo Arena, Hoyt Sherman Place, Wooly’s, Val Air Ballroom, Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, and xBk Live. Arrive as a group and skip the headache of finding multiple parking spots or coordinating carpools. Enjoy the show knowing your ride home is waiting outside when the encore ends.

We’ve provided wedding transportation to venues such as Rollins Mansion, Salisbury House & Gardens, Glen Oaks Country Club, Carper Vineyard, The Tea Room, and The Conservatory. Shuttle guests between the ceremony and reception, or offer late-night rides back to their hotels. Custom packages available for bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and day-after brunches.

In addition to Des Moines, we serve surrounding communities like West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Altoona, Waukee, Clive, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Indianola, Norwalk, and Grimes. We also operate statewide, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Mason City, Waterloo, Dubuque, and Burlington. Out-of-state service available upon request.

Major events we service include the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines Arts Festival, 80/35 Music Festival, World Food & Music Festival, Winterset Covered Bridge Festival, and Latino Heritage Festival. Charter a bus for your group to enjoy the festivities without worrying about driving or parking. Perfect for volunteers, vendors, performers, or large families attending together.

We provide transportation to the Iowa Events Center (which includes Hy-Vee Hall, Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, and Wells Fargo Arena), as well as the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny and Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona. Ideal for trade shows, business conferences, expos, and large meetings requiring coordinated group arrivals.

We work with educational institutions such as Drake University, Grand View University, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Simpson College, Dowling Catholic High School, Roosevelt High School, East High School, Lincoln High School, and Valley High School in West Des Moines. Book a bus for campus tours, athletic competitions, academic conferences, or class field trips to museums and historical sites.