Charter Bus, Minibus, Shuttle Bus Rentals in Evanston

A charter bus is a large motorcoach that’s hired by a group, organization or individual for exclusive use on a specific itinerary. You’ll see them all over Evanston carrying sports fans to Wrigley Field, shuttling wedding guests between venues in downtown, running corporate commuters from suburbs like Skokie or Wilmette, and moving student groups on field trips to the Art Institute or Museum Campus. When you rent a bus, it stays with your group only (not open to public riders) and follows whatever schedule you set—whether that’s a single roundtrip or looping service across several days. Typical charters include airport transfers, convention shuttles, band tour transport, church retreats and more.

We operate one of the most diverse fleets in Illinois, with vehicles sized and equipped for any kind of group travel. For big events or long-distance trips, book a 40-56 passenger charter bus from MCI, Prevost, Van Hool or Temsa—all loaded with cushy reclining seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms and luggage bays underneath. Smaller outings can use 15-35 seat minibuses built by Grech, Battisti, LGE or Tiffany—these handle tight city streets but still have A/C, reading lights and overhead storage. Party buses (10-50 riders) feature wraparound bench seating, LED lighting, sound systems and coolers for celebrations on wheels. We also run executive sprinter vans (10-15 seats) for airport transfers and school buses for budget-friendly student moves.

Charter bus pricing depends mainly on vehicle size, trip length and time of year. For most local rentals, expect rates around $145-$550+ per hour or $1,520-$5,000+ per day for full-size coaches; minibuses run $150-$450+ hourly or $1,520-$3,465+ daily; party buses and sprinters typically fall between $180-$520+ per hour depending on capacity and amenities. Mileage-based quotes average $6.00-$9.95 per mile but may be higher during peak demand (spring weekends, major festivals). Every quote includes driver pay, fuel and standard insurance—tolls, parking fees and gratuity are extra. Call our office with your exact headcount and itinerary for an instant, all-inclusive estimate.

The biggest variables are trip distance/duration, vehicle type and booking lead time. Longer journeys (like Chicago to Champaign or Springfield) cost more than short hops within Cook County because they rack up more mileage and require overnight expenses. Larger buses with premium features command higher rates than basic shuttles due to increased operating costs. Reserving during busy seasons—April-June for graduations, September-October for sports—may add surcharges unless you lock in early. Last-minute requests sometimes face limited availability or rush fees. Optional add-ons such as extra luggage trailers, ADA lifts or custom branding will be quoted separately based on scope.

Start by gathering key details: travel dates/times, pickup and drop-off addresses, total passenger count and any special requirements (wheelchair access, AV equipment, etc.). Call our reservation team at 331-294-7720 or fill out the online form to get an immediate quote tailored to your itinerary. We’ll send you options from our fleet matching your specs, along with photos and amenity lists. Once you choose a bus, review and sign the contract electronically. Full payment is due before departure. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation packet with contact info, pickup instructions and FAQs. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist with changes or questions up until the day of service.

All coaches come standard with cushioned seats, climate control, reading lights and PA systems. Most models feature free onboard Wi-Fi, USB/power outlets at every row, flat-screen monitors, DVD players and Bluetooth-enabled audio for entertainment. Restrooms with sinks are included on 40+ foot buses. Overhead parcel racks hold backpacks while large underfloor bays store suitcases, coolers or band gear. Optional upgrades include individual tray tables, footrests, hardwood-style flooring, window shades and coffee makers. Party buses add perimeter seating, dance poles, fiberoptic ceiling effects and bar areas. ADA-compliant units have wheelchair lifts, securement stations and priority access near the front door.

We handle transportation for school field trips, sports teams, corporate outings, weddings, religious retreats, senior citizen excursions, political rallies, music festivals and more. Regular clients include Northwestern University departments, CPS high schools, youth sports leagues, Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Loop, labor unions marching in parades, and tour operators bringing visitors to Navy Pier or Millennium Park. Whether you need a single shuttle from O’Hare to downtown hotels or a fleet of 10 buses moving thousands between convention centers, we have the experience and resources to execute flawless logistics. Custom packages available for multi-day tours, recurring commuter routes and emergency evacuations.

We proudly serve all of Evanston including Downtown, Central Street, Dempster Street, Howard Street, Main-Dempster Mile, Orrington Avenue, Ridge Avenue, and neighborhoods like Northwest Evanston, Southeast Evanston, West Evanston, and the Lakefront District. We also provide service throughout Cook County, including Skokie, Wilmette, Rogers Park, Lincolnwood, North Shore, and Niles. Our coverage extends across Illinois (Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Naperville, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign-Urbana), as well as into Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha), Indiana (Gary, South Bend, Indianapolis) and Missouri (St. Louis metro). Cross-state charters to Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio are easily arranged upon request. No destination is too close or too far—if it’s accessible by road, we’ll get you there on time.