School Bus

Our fleet includes top brands like Blue Bird Vision, Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, and IC Bus CE Series—all known for their durability and reliability. Most models are built on either a Freightliner, International, or Ford chassis and feature diesel engines from manufacturers such as Cummins or Navistar. Specific configurations vary by year and trim level, but all vehicles are maintained to accordance with applicable state requirements. If you have a preference for a particular make or model, please let us know when requesting a quote.

While traditional yellow is the most common color for school buses, we also offer select units in black, white, silver, gray, blue, green, red, and navy to suit different preferences or branding requirements. Custom wraps are available upon request if you want to display a company logo, team mascot, or event sponsor along the side of the bus—this is a popular option for parades, political campaigns, and promotional tours. Please note that availability of specific colors may vary depending on location and time of year; contact us for current options.

Standard amenities include forward-facing bench seats with vinyl upholstery, powerful HVAC systems capable of handling extreme temperatures, and either rubber or vinyl flooring for easy cleaning. Additional features may include PA systems for announcements, LED interior lighting, and basic under-seat storage for backpacks or small coolers. Many buses also come equipped with roof hatches and side emergency exits for added safety. If you require WiFi, power outlets, or other upgrades, please specify when booking so we can match you with the right vehicle.

School bus rentals in Mankato typically cost between $145 and $450+ per hour, $1,520 to $3,655 per day, or $6.00 to $9.95 per mile, with exact rates depending on the size of the vehicle, length of the trip, and time of year. Factors that can affect the price include whether the rental is one-way or round-trip, if it spans multiple days, and if it falls during peak demand periods such as prom season or back-to-school weeks. Additional charges may apply for tolls, parking fees at venues like Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, or overnight accommodations for the driver if your itinerary requires an out-of-town stay. All quotes are customized based on the details you provide, so please have your pickup location, destination, and schedule ready when you call. Larger groups or longer distances generally result in a lower per-passenger cost, making this one of the most economical transportation options available.

A school bus is one of the most affordable and practical options for group transportation, offering seating for up to 47 passengers at a lower price point than minibuses or full-size charter coaches. While it lacks amenities like reclining seats, restrooms, and entertainment systems found on luxury vehicles, it excels at moving large numbers of people short to medium distances quickly and efficiently. The simple, durable interior is easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for youth groups, sports teams, and budget-conscious organizations. If you need additional features such as air conditioning, PA systems, or limited under-seat storage, these can often be accommodated depending on the specific model. For longer trips or groups requiring more comfort, upgrading to a minibus or motorcoach may be preferable, but for basic point-to-point service, a school bus is hard to beat.

We recommend booking your school bus at least 3-6 months in advance to ensure availability, especially during busy seasons like spring field trips, summer camp sessions, and fall sports tournaments. Major events such as Minnesota State University homecoming week or regional playoff games can significantly increase demand for charter transportation in Mankato and surrounding areas, making it harder to secure a vehicle on short notice. If your trip falls during a holiday weekend or overlaps with multiple local events, reserving even earlier is advisable. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible if we have open inventory, but planning ahead gives you the best selection of bus sizes and pick-up times. Once you have confirmed your travel dates and headcount, contact us right away to lock in your reservation and receive a written contract. Changes to the schedule or passenger list can usually be accommodated later, but securing the vehicle should be your first priority.