A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Understanding Charter Bus Rates in Franklin
The cost of renting a charter bus in Franklin is rarely a flat fee because every trip is unique. Charter bus pricing is structured in two ways: by the hour or by the day (or mile). For local trips that remain within the Franklin and Greater Nashville area—such as a wedding shuttle between the Hilton Franklin Cool Springs and a venue in Leiper’s Fork—you will be billed by the hour. Most bus companies require a 5-hour minimum reservation to account for the driver's time and vehicle preparation.
For long-distance trips—perhaps taking a church group from Franklin to Gatlinburg or a sports team to Memphis—pricing is usually calculated by the day or by the mile, whichever is greater. On average, you can expect hourly rates for a minibus to range between $150 and $300+, while full-sized charter buses often range from $180 to $400+ per hour. Daily rates can range anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500+ depending on the season and vehicle luxury level. These are estimated ranges, and the best way to get a concrete number is to use our online quote tool or call our specialists directly.
How Distance and Duration Affect Your Quote
The most significant factors in your quote are how far you are going and how long you need the bus. It sounds simple, but there are nuances to consider. If you are booking a shuttle service for the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm (239 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064), you are paying for the bus's time, even when it is waiting for your group. We call this "garage-to-garage" time, meaning the clock starts when the bus leaves our facility and ends when it returns.
For local trips staying within Williamson County, we focus on the duration. If your itinerary involves a lot of driving—say, a tour of the Natchez Trace Parkway followed by dinner in Downtown Franklin—mileage isn't the primary cost driver; time is. However, for long-distance travel, mileage becomes the key factor. Buses require fuel and maintenance, so trips extending beyond city limits—like a corporate outing to the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg—will incur mileage costs. When requesting your quote, be as detailed as possible with your pickup and drop-off times. If you think your dinner at Gray's on Main might run late, it’s cheaper to book the extra hour in advance than to pay overtime fees later.
The Impact of Time of Year on Bus Rentals
Supply and demand play a massive role in transportation costs. Franklin is a vibrant city with a busy calendar, and pricing fluctuates with the seasons. The busiest months for charter bus rentals in Franklin are April, May, and June (due to proms, graduations, and end-of-year school trips) and September and October (peak wedding season and fall festivals). During these high-demand times, availability is lower, and prices tend to rise.
For example, if you are trying to book a bus during the Main Street Festival in downtown Franklin or during the height of the autumn leaf-peeping season along the Natchez Trace, you can expect premium rates. Conversely, the winter months of January and February are the most affordable times to rent a bus, as demand slows down after the holidays. If your dates are flexible, shifting your trip to a "shoulder season" or booking on a weekday instead of a Saturday can result in significant savings.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Budget
The type of vehicle you choose has a direct impact on the price. At Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin, we offer a diverse fleet ranging from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches. Naturally, larger buses with more amenities cost more to operate.
Minibuses and Sprinters: If you are moving a smaller group—perhaps a corporate team heading to lunch at Sperry's or a bridal party going to Arrington Vineyards (6362 Cox Rd, Arrington, TN 37014)—a minibus is a cost-effective choice. These vehicles offer comfort and efficiency without the higher price tag of a full-sized coach. They are perfect for navigating the tighter streets of Historic Downtown Franklin.
Full-Size Charter Buses: For large groups, such as a Williamson County school field trip or a large wedding guest shuttle, a 56-passenger motorcoach is the most economical choice per person. While the total daily rate is higher than a minibus, dividing the cost among 50+ passengers often makes it cheaper than rideshares or renting multiple vans. Plus, you get premium amenities like onboard restrooms, undercarriage luggage storage, and reclining seats, making it ideal for longer journeys or groups with equipment.
When Should You Book Your Franklin Bus?
In the world of charter bus rentals, the early bird gets the best price. As inventory decreases, prices increase. We recommend booking your bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance. This is especially crucial if your trip coincides with major local events like the Dickens of a Christmas festival or if you are planning a wedding during the peak fall season.
For trips happening in April, May, or October, consider booking 6 to 9 months out. By locking in your reservation early, you secure your preferred vehicle type and avoid the price surges that occur when availability becomes scarce. If you are planning a last-minute trip, don't worry—Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin specializes in handling urgent requests. Call us at 812-901-6605, and we will work hard to find a vehicle that fits your needs, even on short notice.
Sample Trip Pricing Scenarios in Franklin
To help you visualize the costs, here are a few sample itineraries and estimated pricing for trips in the Franklin area. Please note these are examples; actual prices vary.
Scenario 1: The Wedding Shuttle A couple is getting married at the beautiful CJ’s Off the Square (218 3rd Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064). They need two 25-passenger minibuses to shuttle guests from the Aloft Nashville Franklin to the venue and back. The service runs from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (8 hours). Estimated Cost: $1,300 - $1,700 per vehicle.
Scenario 2: The Corporate Outing A company based in CoolSprings wants to take 50 employees to Arrington Vineyards for a team-building afternoon. They require a 56-passenger charter bus for a 6-hour round trip on a Friday. Estimated Cost: $1,400 - $1,900.
Scenario 3: The Educational Field Trip A local elementary school is taking a trip to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. They need three full-sized charter buses to transport 150 students and chaperones. The trip is on a Tuesday during the school year, lasting from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Estimated Cost: $1,100 - $1,500 per bus.
Ready to Book Your Franklin Charter Bus?
Don't let the logistics of group travel stress you out. At Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin, we make the process simple, transparent, and affordable. Whether you are exploring the history of the Carter House, shopping at the CoolSprings Galleria, or celebrating a wedding at Southall Farm & Inn, we have the perfect vehicle for you. Our team is dedicated to providing you with a safe, comfortable ride at a price that fits your budget.
Our warm and welcoming reservation agents are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and build a custom itinerary just for you. There is no pressure to book when you call; we are simply here to guide you through the process. Get your free, personalized quote today by calling 812-901-6605 or by using our online quote tool for pricing in under 30 seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin Pricing
How do I get an accurate quote for my trip in Franklin?
To get the most accurate quote, you need to have a few key details ready: your travel dates, pickup and drop-off locations (addresses are best!), passenger count, and a rough itinerary. Once you have this information, you can call our reservation team at 812-901-6605 or use our online tool. We use real-time data to provide you with an all-inclusive price that reflects your specific needs, ensuring there are no surprises later.
What if my trip goes overtime?
We understand that sometimes events run late—weddings go long, or a baseball game goes into extra innings. If your trip exceeds the scheduled time on your contract, you will be billed for the additional time at the hourly rate agreed upon in your booking. We recommend building a little "buffer time" into your itinerary when you book to avoid overtime charges. If you know you are running late, please communicate with your driver or our dispatch team as soon as possible.
Is a deposit required to reserve a bus?
Yes, to secure your bus and lock in your pricing, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount varies depending on the total cost of the trip but is a percentage of the total rental or a flat fee. The remaining balance is usually due 14 to 30 days prior to your trip date. This deposit ensures that your vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group, so you don't have to worry about availability slipping away.
Bus types Available in Franklin
More About Group Travel in Franklin
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