A few of the companies we’ve worked with
How Distance and Duration Impact Your Knoxville Bus Rental Rates
When our reservation specialists calculate your Knoxville charter bus quote, the first things they look at are how far you are going and how long you will need the vehicle. This is the foundation of your pricing. For local trips within the Knoxville city limits—such as shuttling guests from a hotel in Market Square to a reception venue in Old City—we bill by the hour. Most hourly rentals have a five-hour minimum to ensure that the costs of preparing the bus and the driver’s time are covered. If you are planning a multi-stop itinerary through West Knoxville, Farragut, and Downtown, an hourly rate is often the most cost-effective solution for your group.
If your trip takes you further afield or spans several days, we usually switch to a daily rate or a per-mile rate. For example, if you are taking a church group from Knoxville to Dollywood (2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863) for the day, or heading out on a multi-day tour to Nashville or Asheville, you will likely be charged a flat daily fee. This allows you to have the bus and driver at your disposal for the duration of your event without worrying about the meter running every second. It is important to remember that if your itinerary changes last minute—say, you decide to add an extra stop at Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920)—additional mileage fees may apply. Providing a detailed itinerary upfront is the best way to ensure your quote remains accurate and there are no surprises on your final invoice.
Understanding Seasonal Demand: From Vol Football to Smoky Mountain Peak Seasons
Like many vibrant cities, Knoxville has a "busy season" where demand for charter buses is significantly higher, which can affect your rental price. In East Tennessee, the most expensive months to rent a bus are usually April, May, and June, as well as September, October, and November. The spring months see a surge in demand due to high school proms, graduations at the University of Tennessee, and end-of-the-year school field trips to the Knoxville Zoo (3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914). If you are planning an event during graduation weekend on The Hill, we strongly recommend booking at least six to nine months in advance to lock in the best possible rates.
The autumn months are equally busy due to the legendary UT Volunteers football season. When the Vols are playing at Neyland Stadium (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way, Knoxville, TN 37996), thousands of fans flood the city, and our fleet stays very busy with fan shuttles and alumni groups. Additionally, the "leaf-peeping" season in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains brings in tourists from across the country in October, further tightening the supply of available motorcoaches. To get the best deal, consider scheduling your trip during the off-peak months of January, February, or July. If your dates are fixed during the busy season, booking early is the single most effective way to save money and ensure you get the exact bus you want from our fleet.
How Your Starting Point and Local Routes Affect Your Quote
Where your trip begins and ends also plays a significant role in your final price. Charter Bus Rental Company Knoxville serves the entire Knoxville metropolitan area, including Maryville, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, and Clinton. However, if your pickup location is significantly far from our main dispatch center, you may be charged for "deadhead" miles. Deadhead refers to the time and mileage it takes for the bus to travel from our garage to your starting point while no passengers are on board. For example, a pickup in Downtown Knoxville will likely have lower deadhead costs than a pickup in a more remote area like Tellico Village.
Knoxville’s unique geography and traffic patterns also come into play. Navigating the I-40/I-75 split during morning or afternoon rush hour can add time to your trip, which is why we ask for exact addresses to build the most efficient route possible. If you are flying into McGhee Tyson Airport (2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701), we can provide a seamless airport transfer shuttle to your hotel or the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902). The drivers know the best ways to get around the Sunshere and World's Fair Park area to avoid congestion. By providing us with your exact pickup and drop-off locations, we can give you a quote that includes all necessary travel time, ensuring your group stays on schedule throughout your visit to East Tennessee.
Choosing the Right Vehicle: Minibuses vs. Full-Size Charter Buses
At Charter Bus Rental Company Knoxville, we offer a diverse fleet to ensure you only pay for the space you actually need. Choosing the right size vehicle is one of the easiest ways to manage your costs. For smaller groups of 15 to 35 passengers , a minibus rental is often the best choice. These vehicles are nimble, easier to maneuver through tight downtown streets or the historic districts of Old City, and come at a lower hourly or daily rate than full-size coaches. Minibuses are a popular option for wedding guest shuttles , corporate team-building lunches, or private brewery tours through Knoxville’s "Ale Trail".
For larger groups or long-distance travel, we recommend a full-size charter bus, which can seat up to 56 passengers. While the total price for a large coach is higher than a minibus, the per-person cost is often much lower when you fill every seat. These motorcoaches are designed for maximum comfort on the road, offering spacious undercarriage storage for luggage or equipment—perfect for the UT Pride of the Southland Band or a youth sports team headed to a tournament at the Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg. If you are unsure which vehicle is right for you, our reservation specialists are available 24/7 at 423-289-4700 to help you compare options. We’ll look at your headcount and itinerary to recommend the most cost-effective solution for your Knoxville group.
The Inside Look: What Amenities Influence Your Knoxville Charter Bus Pricing?
The amenities you request for your Knoxville bus rental can also impact the final price. Every bus in our fleet is modern and well-equipped, but certain high-end features may come with a slightly higher premium. Standard features usually include powerful air conditioning (a must for those humid Tennessee summers!), cushioned reclining seats, and overhead storage for personal items. If you want to keep your group entertained or productive on the road, you can request a bus with high-speed WiFi and personal power outlets at every seat. This is a favorite for corporate groups traveling from Oak Ridge National Laboratory or students needing to finish assignments en route to a competition.
For longer journeys, such as a trip across the state to Memphis or a multi-day tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway, we highly recommend a 56-passenger coach with an onboard restroom. This amenity significantly reduces the need for frequent rest stops, keeping your group on schedule and making the ride much more comfortable. Other available options include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, PA systems for tour guides, and even ADA-accessible features like wheelchair lifts. When you call for your quote, be sure to let us know which amenities are "must-haves" for your passengers. We work with a huge network of providers to ensure we find a vehicle that checks every box on your list while keeping your price competitive.
Extra Costs to Keep in Mind: Tolls, Parking, and Driver Lodging
When you receive a quote from Charter Bus Rental Company Knoxville, it includes the cost of the vehicle, the driver, fuel, and standard gratuity. However, there are a few out-of-pocket expenses that are not included in our standard quotes that you should budget for. First is parking. Many popular Knoxville destinations, like the area around Thompson-Boling Arena during an event or the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum (500 Howard Baker Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915), require pre-paid parking passes for buses. You will need to coordinate with the venue to secure these spots and provide the pass to your driver. Additionally, while Tennessee doesn't have many toll roads, if your trip takes you into states like New York or Florida, you will be responsible for any toll fees incurred.
Another important factor for overnight or multi-day trips is driver lodging. Industry regulations require that bus drivers have at least 8 hours of off-duty rest for every 10 hours they spend driving. For the safety of your group, you must provide and pay for a private hotel room for your driver during any overnight stay. Many hotels will offer a discounted or even complimentary room for the driver if you book a large block of rooms for your group, so be sure to ask when making your reservations! By keeping these additional factors in mind, you can create a comprehensive travel budget for your Knoxville trip with no unexpected financial hurdles. Our team is always here to help you estimate these costs so you can plan with total peace of mind.
Ready to Explore the Scruffy City? Call Charter Bus Rental Company Knoxville for a Free Quote Today!
Booking a charter bus in Knoxville doesn't have to be a complicated or stressful experience. At Charter Bus Rental Company Knoxville, we have spent over 15 years perfecting the art of group transportation, and we would love to earn your business! Whether you are a local school teacher, a wedding planner, or a corporate executive, we provide the highest level of customer service and the most reliable fleet in East Tennessee. Our reservation specialists are standing by 24/7/365 to walk you through your options, answer your questions, and provide you with a fast, free quote that is tailored to your unique itinerary. We pride ourselves on being a company you can trust, offering prices you'll love and quality you can depend on every single mile.
Don't settle for unreliable rideshares or the stress of navigating Knoxville's busy highways in separate cars. Keep your entire group together, on time, and comfortable in a modern charter bus or minibus. Experience for yourself why we are the top-rated bus rental company in the region! Call us today at 423-289-4700 or use our easy online quote tool to get your 30-second estimate. From Market Square to Neyland Stadium and everywhere in between, Charter Bus Rental Company Knoxville is ready to get you moving. We look forward to being a part of your next great adventure in Knoxville!
Frequently Asked Questions About Knoxville Pricing
How many people can fit on a Knoxville charter bus?
Our fleet offers a variety of sizes to fit any group! Our full-size charter buses typically seat up to 56 passengers comfortably, making them ideal for large school groups or corporate events . If you have a mid-sized group, we have options for 35, 40, and 50 passengers . For smaller gatherings, our minibuses can accommodate 15 to 30 people. No matter your headcount, we will match you with a vehicle that gives everyone plenty of legroom and space to relax.
Do your buses have restrooms and WiFi?
Yes, many of our vehicles come equipped with premium amenities! Most of our 56-passenger motorcoaches include a clean onboard restroom, which is perfect for longer trips to the Smokies or out-of-state. We also offer buses with high-speed WiFi, power outlets, and flat-screen TVs upon request. Be sure to mention which amenities you need when you call 423-289-4700 so we can ensure your specific bus is fully loaded for your group.
How far in advance should I book my bus rental in Knoxville?
For the best selection and most competitive pricing , we recommend booking three to six months in advance. If your trip falls during peak seasons—like University of Tennessee graduation in May or a home football game weekend in the fall—you should aim to book six to nine months ahead. While we can often accommodate last-minute requests, booking early is the best way to guarantee availability and lock in your rate.
Is the driver's tip included in the price quote?
Standard driver gratuity is included in your personalized quote, but it depends on the specific package you choose. We always recommend confirming this with your reservation specialist during the booking process. If it is not included, a customary tip for a job well done is typically 10% to 20% of the total rental price, which can be given to the driver in cash at the end of the trip.
Can we bring food and drinks on the bus?
Absolutely! We want your group to enjoy the ride. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks on board. We just ask that you help us keep the bus clean by disposing of trash in the provided bins. If you plan to have alcohol on the bus, please let your reservation specialist know in advance, as certain requirements and cleaning deposits may apply. We want to make sure your celebration in Knoxville is as fun as it is comfy!
Please note: our quotes include gratuity, fuel, and the driver. They do not include parking passes, hotels, or tolls.
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