FAQS
Santa Barbara Minibus Company is a leading charter bus company in Santa Barbara because we offer one of the largest and most diverse fleets in the region, backed by more than a decade of experience serving groups across California. Since 2011, we’ve helped thousands of customers arrange reliable transportation for events of all sizes—from small family reunions to major corporate conferences and multi-day tours. Our fleet includes vehicles ranging from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches, so we can accommodate groups of any size. We also provide 24/7 customer support, so you can reach us anytime before, during, or after your trip. Whether you’re planning a wedding at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, a wine tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, or a school field trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo, you can count on us to get your group there comfortably and on time.
Santa Barbara Minibus Company serves all types of groups in Santa Barbara and throughout California. We regularly work with schools, universities, sports teams, businesses, wedding parties, religious organizations, tour operators, government agencies, and more. Our services are perfect for field trips, campus shuttles, corporate events, employee commutes, conference transportation, wedding guest shuttles, bachelor/bachelorette parties, family reunions, sightseeing tours, festival transportation, cruise transfers, airport transfers, and private charters. No matter what brings your group together, we’ll make sure everyone travels comfortably and arrives on schedule.
A charter bus—also called a motorcoach—is a large vehicle designed to transport groups of people over short or long distances. These buses typically seat 40 to 56 passengers and come equipped with comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning, overhead parcel racks, undercarriage luggage bays, onboard restrooms, TV monitors, DVD players, PA systems, power outlets, WiFi, and more. Charter buses are ideal for moving large groups efficiently and comfortably, whether you’re traveling across town or across the state. They’re commonly used for school trips, sports teams, corporate events, weddings, tours, and any other occasion that requires moving lots of people at once.
A minibus is a smaller alternative to a full-size charter bus, typically seating between 18 and 35 passengers. These vehicles offer many of the same amenities as larger coaches—such as cushioned seats, climate control, reading lights, and audio/video systems—but in a more compact package that’s easier to maneuver through city streets and tight parking lots. Minibuses are great for shuttling wedding guests between venues, transporting employees from remote parking lots to office buildings, carrying sports teams to away games, or providing airport transfers for small groups. They’re also popular for private tours, wine tastings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and other outings where you want everyone to stick together and enjoy the ride.
Most charter buses in our fleet have between 50 and 56 seats, which is standard for the industry. This makes them ideal for transporting large groups such as sports teams, school classes, corporate departments, or tour groups. If you have a smaller group but still want the extra space and amenities of a full-size coach, we can easily accommodate that as well. Just let us know your headcount when you request a quote, and we’ll match you with a vehicle that fits your needs.
Our minibuses typically seat anywhere from 18 to 35 passengers, depending on the specific model. This makes them perfect for medium-sized groups who need something larger than a van but smaller and more agile than a full-size charter bus. They’re especially popular for wedding shuttles, corporate training sessions, youth sports teams, and small-group tours of local attractions like the Santa Barbara Mission or Lotusland. If you’re not sure what size vehicle is best for your group, our team will be happy to help you figure it out based on your itinerary and budget.
We offer a wide range of bus types to suit any group size or travel need. Our fleet includes full-size charter buses (50-56 seats), mid-size minibuses (25-35 seats), and smaller minibuses (18-24 seats). All these vehicles come from top manufacturers like MCI, Prevost, Van Hool, Setra, Temsa, Grech Motors, Turtle Top, and Champion. Whether you’re moving a large crowd or just a handful of people, we have a vehicle that will get the job done comfortably and efficiently.
Our Santa Barbara bus rentals come equipped with a variety of amenities designed to keep passengers comfortable and entertained throughout the journey. Standard features include plush reclining seats, individual reading lights, climate control, overhead storage racks, and either an onboard restroom or frequent restroom stops for longer trips. Many of our buses also offer free WiFi, power outlets or USB ports at every seat, flat-screen monitors, DVD/Blu-ray players, and a PA system for announcements or guided tours. If you have specific amenity requests—such as leather upholstery, tray tables, footrests, or extra luggage space—just let us know when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Yes, most of our buses are equipped with sound systems that allow you to play your own music through an AUX cable, Bluetooth, or USB connection. This is a great way to set the mood for your trip—whether you want to pump up a sports team with their favorite hype songs, share a custom playlist for a wedding party, or simply let everyone relax to some background tunes during a long drive. If playing your own music is important to your group, please mention this when booking so we can ensure your vehicle has the right setup.
Charter buses typically offer the most storage capacity, with large undercarriage bays that can hold full-size suitcases, equipment cases, or even bulky items like bicycles and musical instruments. Overhead racks inside the cabin provide additional space for smaller bags and personal items. Minibuses have less total storage but still include either a rear luggage compartment or overhead shelves suitable for backpacks and carry-ons. If your group will be traveling with an unusually large amount of baggage—such as band instruments, sports gear, or trade show materials—please let us know in advance so we can recommend a vehicle that meets your requirements.
Yes, we can provide ADA-accessible buses equipped with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, priority seating, and accessible restrooms. Just let us know about any specific accessibility requirements when you book, and we’ll make sure your bus meets all necessary standards.
Yes, you can wrap your charter bus with custom graphics for branding or promotional purposes. Many of our customers choose to wrap buses for corporate events, sports teams, political campaigns, or advertising. If you want to wrap a bus, please let us know when you book so we can arrange for a vehicle that is available for wrapping. You will be responsible for the cost of designing, printing, and installing the wrap, as well as removing it after the rental. We recommend using a professional installer to ensure the wrap does not damage the bus. Contact us at 805-979-7250 to discuss your specific requirements.
Yes, you can request a specific bus model or color, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference based on availability. Our fleet includes popular models from manufacturers like MCI, Prevost, Van Hool, Setra, Temsa, Grech Motors, Turtle Top, and Champion. Common colors include white, black, silver, and blue. If you have a strong preference for a particular make, model, or color, please let us know when you request a quote. While we cannot guarantee that a specific vehicle will be available for your dates, we will make every effort to match your request or offer a suitable alternative.
The cost of renting a charter bus in Santa Barbara varies depending on several factors, including the size of the bus, length of the trip, time of year, and any special amenities requested. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $3,500 per day for a standard 56-passenger charter bus. Shorter trips may be billed by the hour (with a typical minimum of four or five hours), while longer journeys are usually priced by the mile or as a flat daily rate. For the most accurate pricing, contact us with your trip details and we’ll provide a personalized quote within minutes.
Minibus rentals are generally more affordable than full-size charter buses, making them a great option for smaller groups on a budget. Rates typically range from $900 to $2,500 per day, depending on the size of the vehicle and the specifics of your itinerary. As with larger coaches, shorter trips may be charged hourly while longer ones are quoted by distance or duration. The best way to get an exact price is to call our office and speak with one of our representatives about your plans.
Several factors influence the cost of renting a bus in Santa Barbara: the type and size of vehicle (charter bus vs. minibus), duration of the rental (hours, days, or weeks), total mileage, time of year (peak season vs. offseason), and any additional features or services requested (WiFi, premium seating, etc.). High demand periods—such as summer weekends, holidays, and major event dates—can drive up prices due to limited availability. Providing us with as much information as possible about your trip will help us give you the best possible rate.
Your quote includes the use of the bus for the duration of your trip, driver compensation, fuel, standard amenities (A/C, restroom, WiFi, etc.), and tolls or parking fees incurred during the charter. Not included are gratuity for the driver (customary but not mandatory), lodging for the driver on overnight trips, and any special permits or passes required for your itinerary. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing with no hidden fees—everything will be clearly outlined before you commit to anything.
We recommend booking your bus as early as possible—ideally three to six months before your event—to ensure the best selection and rates. Spring and summer are especially busy seasons in Santa Barbara due to graduations, weddings, and tourism, so securing transportation well ahead of time is wise. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible but may be subject to higher prices and limited availability.
Yes, we offer flexible packages to suit your needs, including one-way transfers, round-trip service, and multi-day charters. Whether you need a single ride to LAX, daily shuttles for a week-long conference, or continuous loops between venues for an all-day festival, we can customize a plan that works for you. Just tell us what you need and we’ll handle the logistics.
Absolutely! We provide long-distance charter services to destinations across California and beyond. Popular routes include trips to Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Yosemite National Park. Our modern fleet is built for comfort on extended journeys, with reclining seats, restrooms, and entertainment options to keep passengers happy hour after hour.
If your trip itinerary requires an overnight stay, you will need to provide hotel accommodations for your driver. The hotel should offer basic amenities such as a private room, restroom, and shower facilities. Many groups choose to book the driver’s room at the same hotel where they are staying, but this is not required as long as the driver has reasonable access to the bus and passengers. For trips lasting multiple days or covering long distances, federal regulations may require additional rest periods or relief drivers. Our team will advise you on the best way to schedule your trip to remain compliant with all applicable laws.
Getting a quote is quick and easy—simply call our office or fill out the online form with details about your trip (date, destination, group size, etc.). One of our specialists will review your information and send you a customized estimate within minutes. There’s no obligation until you’re ready to book, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have along the way.
Plan ahead by reserving early, provide an accurate headcount, communicate your schedule clearly, specify any special requests (ADA access, extra luggage space), and stay in touch with your account manager if plans change. Being organized upfront helps ensure everything goes smoothly on the day of your event.
We provide charter bus service to and from all major airports in the region, including Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP). Whether you’re flying out early in the morning or landing late at night, we’ll get your group to the terminal safely and on time. Avoid the hassle of carpooling, rideshares, or expensive airport parking by booking a private shuttle instead.
Sports fans will love our convenient transportation options to local stadiums and arenas such as Harder Stadium at UCSB, Peabody Stadium at Santa Barbara High School, and La Playa Stadium at Santa Barbara City College. We also offer charter bus rentals for away games and tournaments throughout California, making it easy to support your favorite teams without worrying about traffic or parking. Traveling with a large group of athletes or supporters? Ask about our extra-large coaches with plenty of storage space for coolers, banners, and tailgating supplies.
Enjoy live music without the stress of driving by booking a charter bus to popular concert venues like the Santa Barbara Bowl, Arlington Theatre, Granada Theatre, and Lobero Theatre. Our drivers will drop your group off close to the entrance, eliminating the need for long walks from distant parking lots. After the show, relax in a comfortable reclining seat while we take care of the ride home. For festivals and outdoor events, we can arrange continuous shuttle service between the venue and designated pickup points around town.
Make your special day even more memorable by providing guests with reliable transportation to top wedding venues such as the Santa Barbara Courthouse, El Presidio Chapel, Rockwood Women’s Club, Cabrillo Pavilion, and historic estates like Casa de la Guerra. We also serve beachfront locations along East Beach and Leadbetter Beach, vineyard settings in the Santa Ynez Valley, and luxury resorts like the Four Seasons Biltmore and Rosewood Miramar Beach. Keep your celebration running smoothly with a dedicated shuttle making rounds between hotels, ceremony sites, and reception halls.
Santa Barbara Minibus Company proudly serves not only Santa Barbara proper but also neighboring communities including Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito, Summerland, Isla Vista, and Hope Ranch. Planning a day trip or weekend getaway? Ask about charter bus service to Solvang, Buellton, Lompoc, Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Malibu, or downtown Los Angeles. No matter where you’re headed, we have a transportation solution that fits your budget and schedule.
Santa Barbara hosts numerous annual events and festivals that attract visitors from across the region. We provide charter bus rentals for large gatherings such as Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Summer Solstice Parade, California Wine Festival, Harbor & Seafood Festival, Earth Day Festival, and I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival. Avoid congestion and limited parking by arranging group transportation instead. Our team will coordinate pick-up and drop-off times based on your itinerary so everyone arrives together and enjoys the festivities without delay.
Business travelers can rely on us for prompt service to major convention centers and meeting spaces throughout Santa Barbara County. We regularly serve the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort, Earl Warren Showgrounds, Carrillo Recreation Center, Chase Palm Park Center, and UCSB’s Corwin Pavilion and Loma Pelona Center. Impress clients and colleagues by chartering a modern bus equipped with WiFi and power outlets—perfect for last-minute preparations en route to your conference or trade show. For multi-day events, we can arrange daily shuttles between venues and partner hotels.
Education is one of our core markets, and we proudly provide transportation services for local schools and universities including University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), Westmont College, Antioch University, and Fielding Graduate University. K-12 institutions such as Santa Barbara Unified School District, Bishop Garcia Diego High School, Laguna Blanca School, Cate School, Crane Country Day School, and Montessori Center School also trust us for field trips, athletic competitions, campus tours, and academic conferences. Safety and punctuality are our top priorities when working with student groups.
