Whether you’re an educator leading a field trip or a student organizing your peers, there is a lot to consider when planning ground transportation. If this is your first time planning a group trip or if you’re looking for a more cost-effective, efficient and organized plan, this guide will help you plan student bus transportation for your field trip and ensure that your students complete their itinerary in a fun and safe way
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Trip
Chartering a bus is a budget-friendly way of transporting groups of various sizes. It also allows you more control over your itinerary. Before you choose your bus rental, always ask yourself these three questions:
- How long will I be on the road, and what distance am I traveling?
If you are traveling for a long time, the coach bus is the best option. They are nap-friendly with extra leg room and comfortable seats. They also have on-board bathrooms to help you cut down on emergency pit stops. School buses are not recommended for trips longer than 3 hours!
- How many people am I traveling with?
If you are traveling a short distance with less than 20 people, the mini-bus is the smallest and most economical option. The mini-coach can accommodate up to 28 passengers and is a more comfortable and only slightly more expensive option than the mini-bus. But if you are traveling with more than 30 people, choose the school bus or the coach.
- Does your group need extra luggage space, or audio visual equipment?
Are you bringing along any sports equipment and need extra room? Will you be traveling in a hot climate and need A/C? Do you want the option of entertaining your group with movies or educational material? The coach bus offers the most luxury options. But if you’re keeping things low-cost and looking for that nostalgic summer-camp vibe, book a school bus and enjoy all 99 verses of “Beer on the Wall.”
Remember, the most expensive component of chartering a bus is the driver’s time, so the price does not always vary wildly from a small to a large bus or from a school bus to a luxury coach. It’s best to figure out what you need and pick the bus to suit your wants.
Ready to plan a student bus trip? Get started by requesting a bus rental quote from Bus.com. They partner with reliable and vetted suppliers all over North America to show you quotes tailored to your trip needs.
