A Guide to Lakewood's Charter Bus Pricing: How Much Does a Charter Bus Cost in Lakewood, Colorado

Planning a group trip in Lakewood, Colorado? Whether you are coordinating a wedding shuttle to The Manor House, organizing a corporate retreat near Union Boulevard, or rallying a group of friends for a concert at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, understanding the cost of transportation is the first step to a successful event. At Charter Bus Rental Company Lakewood, we believe in transparency and ease. We know that budgeting is a crucial part of your planning process, and we are here to demystify charter bus pricing in Jefferson County.

While there is no single, flat rate for every bus rental, our pricing is competitive, fair, and tailored specifically to your itinerary. On average, you can expect hourly rates to range between $150 and $300+, while daily rates often fall between $1,500 and $3,000+ depending on the vehicle size and season. However, the best way to get an accurate number is to call our 24/7 reservation team at 720-597-7100. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote in under 30 seconds!

Below, we break down every factor that influences the cost of your charter bus rental in Lakewood so you can plan with confidence.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

The Average Cost of a Charter Bus in Lakewood

When you look for charter bus rentals in Lakewood, you will encounter two types of pricing structures: hourly and daily. For short-distance trips—like a shuttle between the Sheraton Denver West Hotel and a wedding venue in Ken Caryl—you will likely be billed by the hour. Most bus companies require a 5-hour minimum to account for the driver's prep time and dispatch costs.

For longer trips—such as a multi-day ski trip from Lakewood to Breckenridge or a corporate tour heading down to Colorado Springs—pricing usually switches to a daily rate or a mileage-based rate. It is important to note that these are base rates. Your final quote from Charter Bus Rental Company Lakewood will include the vehicle, the driver’s time, fuel, and gratuity. We strive to keep our pricing simple so you aren't hit with extra charges later.

Factor 1: Your Trip Distance and Duration

The most significant factor in your charter bus rental cost is how far you are going and how long you will need the bus. When you call us at 720-597-7100, have your pickup and drop-off addresses ready. A trip that stays within the Lakewood city limits—perhaps bouncing between the Belmar Shopping District (464 S Teller St, Lakewood, CO 80226) and local breweries—will cost significantly less than a trip requiring travel on I-70 or C-470.

Local Trips: If your driver is on the clock but the bus isn't racking up miles (like waiting during a conference at the Lakewood Cultural Center), you are paying for the driver's time. This is why detailed itineraries help us give you the best price.

Long Distance: If you are heading out of town, mileage becomes a factor. Calculating the distance from Lakewood to destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park helps us estimate fuel consumption and wear-and-tear, which is reflected in your quote.

Factor 2: The Time of Year You Travel

In the transportation industry, demand dictates price. In Lakewood and the greater Denver metro area, seasonality plays a huge role. April through June is particularly busy due to the influx of end-of-year school field trips, proms for schools like Lakewood High and Bear Creek High, and the start of wedding season. Consequently, prices may be slightly higher during these months due to limited vehicle availability.

Another unique factor for Lakewood is the concert season at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465), located just minutes away. On nights with big headliners, demand for party buses and charter buses skyrockets. If you are planning transportation for a concert or during ski season (January through March), we highly recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance to lock in the best rates. January and February are the most affordable months for local travel within the city limits.

Factor 3: Which Bus You Choose

The size and luxury level of the bus you select will directly impact your quote. At Charter Bus Rental Company Lakewood, we offer a massive fleet ranging from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches.

Minibuses and Sprinter Vans: Perfect for smaller groups, corporate shuttles, or bachelor/bachelorette parties visiting spots like Westfax Brewing Company. These are more affordable per hour but have less luggage space.
Full-Size Charter Buses: These are the gold standard for large groups, school trips, and long-distance travel. They come equipped with onboard restrooms, large luggage bays, and reclining seats. While the daily rate is higher, the cost-per-passenger is often lower when you fill all 56 seats.
Party Buses: If you want entertainment features like AUX/Bluetooth sound systems, LED lighting, and wraparound seating for a night out on Colfax Avenue, specialty vehicles may command a premium rate compared to standard shuttles.

Factor 4: Route Fees, Parking, and Driver Lodging

While your quote from Charter Bus Rental Company Lakewood covers the bus and driver, there are third-party expenses you should budget for. For example, if your trip involves toll roads like E-470, you will be responsible for those fees.

Parking: You will need to secure parking for the bus at your destination. While places like Colorado Mills (14500 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80401) have ample parking, downtown venues or specific event centers may charge for oversized vehicle parking. Always check with your venue beforehand.

Driver Lodging: Federal law requires drivers to rest for 8 hours after driving 10 hours or being on duty for 15 hours. If you are planning a multi-day trip that involves an overnight stay—for example, a weekend retreat to the mountains starting from Lakewood—you must provide a hotel room for your driver. It doesn't need to be a 5-star resort, but it must be a safe, clean, private room for them to recharge.

Tips for Getting the Best Price on Your Rental

We want to help you get the most value out of your transportation budget. Here are a few expert tips from our team:

Book Early: We cannot stress this enough. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance gives you the best selection of vehicles and locks in pricing before demand drives it up.
Finalize Your Headcount: Don't pay for a 56-passenger coach if you only have 25 people. Getting an accurate headcount allows us to match you with a minibus, which could save you hundreds of dollars.
Be Flexible: If your dates aren't set in stone, ask our reservation specialists if shifting your trip by a day or two would lower the price. Weekdays are almost always more affordable than Saturdays.
Split the Cost: For private groups like wedding guests or concert-goers, dividing the total cost of a charter bus often works out to be cheaper (and far more convenient) than everyone paying for individual rideshares or gas and parking.

Sample Trip Pricing Scenarios

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are a few examples of recent trips we have quoted in the Lakewood area. Please note: These are estimates. Prices vary based on availability and specific trip details.

The Red Rocks Concert Shuttle: A group of 30 friends wants a party bus to take them from a home in Green Mountain to a concert at Red Rocks. They need the bus for 7 hours (5:00 PM to 12:00 AM). Estimated Cost: $1,200 - $1,600 total.

The Corporate Event Shuttle: A company in the Denver West Business Park needs to shuttle 50 employees to the Colorado Convention Center for a day-long trade show (8 hours). They require a standard 56-passenger motorcoach. Estimated Cost: $1,300 - $1,700 total.

The Wedding Guest Transfer: A couple needs two minibuses to shuttle guests from the Hyatt House Denver/Lakewood at Belmar to a wedding venue in Golden and back. The service is needed for 8 hours. Estimated Cost: $2,200 - $2,800 total (for two vehicles).

Ready to Book Your Lakewood Bus Rental?

Don't let the logistics of group travel stress you out. Charter Bus Rental Company Lakewood is here to make the process seamless, affordable, and transparent. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and build a custom itinerary just for you.

You can reach us right now by calling 720-597-7100. We can provide you with a free, personalized quote in under 30 seconds. Whether you need a simple airport transfer or a fleet of buses for a city-wide convention, we have the resources and expertise to make it happen. Let us earn your business today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakewood Pricing

How far in advance should I book my charter bus in Lakewood?

We recommend booking as soon as you have your date and venue confirmed. Ideally, you should reserve your bus 3 to 6 months in advance. If you are traveling during peak times, such as May, June, or during major Red Rocks events, try to book 6 to 9 months ahead to ensure availability. However, we are experts at handling last-minute requests, so give us a call at 720-597-7100 even if your trip is next week!

Is gratuity included in the price of the rental?

Gratuity is included in the base quote. It is industry standard to tip your driver 10-20% of the total rental cost in cash at the end of the trip or to have it added to your final bill before the trip begins. Your driver works hard to keep you comfortable, load luggage, and navigate traffic, so a tip is a great way to say thank you.

Can we drink alcohol on the bus?

Yes, in most cases, you can consume alcohol on our buses, provided that all passengers are over the age of 21. You must bring your own beverages and coolers (no glass bottles, please, for safety reasons). However, a refundable damage deposit may be required if you plan to have alcohol on board. Please let your reservation specialist know if you plan to drink so we can match you with the right vehicle and policies.

What if my trip goes overtime?

We understand that events don't always run exactly to the minute. If your trip extends beyond the time you booked, you will be billed for the additional time at the hourly rate stated in your contract. Drivers also have strict hours-of-service rule they must follow for safety, so if a delay risks pushing a driver over their legal limit, we may need to dispatch a relief driver, which could incur extra costs.

Do I need to pay for parking?

Yes, the client is responsible for any parking fees or permits required at your destination. In Lakewood, many locations like Belmar or Colorado Mills offer free parking, but venues like Red Rocks or downtown Denver hotels may charge a fee for commercial vehicles. We recommend checking with your destination venue ahead of time to make arrangements for bus parking.