Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Santa Fe Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a coach bus in Santa Fe, New Mexico can vary widely depending on your travel dates, group size, and itinerary. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a full-size 56-passenger coach bus. Smaller minibuses and sprinter vans are more affordable, with rates starting at $150 per hour or $1,400 per day. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call Santa Fe Coach Bus Service at 505-479-3980 anytime, 24/7, or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask you a few questions about your trip—such as your pickup location, destination, number of passengers, and travel dates—and provide you with an instant price estimate. Below, we’ve outlined some sample pricing and explained the main factors that affect the cost of renting a bus in Santa Fe.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* | 
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Coach Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 | 
| 25-Passenger Minibus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 | 
| 20-Passenger Minibus | $157 – $414 | $1,300 – $3,100 | $4.00 – $7.00 | 
| 18-Passenger Minibus | $145 – $404 | $1,300 – $3,000 | $4.00 – $7.00 | 
*Prices vary and fluctuate with fuel costs, holidays, and availability. Booking early usually secures the lowest rate. For exact pricing, please call our reservations team.
How Much Does a Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Our most popular vehicle is the 56-passenger coach bus, which is perfect for large groups traveling long distances. These buses are equipped with comfortable reclining seats, onboard restrooms, luggage bays, and entertainment systems with TVs and DVD players. In Santa Fe, you can rent a coach bus for $180 to $325 per hour, $2,000 to $3,500 per day, or $6,000 to $10,000 per week. If you need something smaller, we also offer 25- to 35-passenger minibuses for $150 to $250 per hour or $1,800 to $2,800 per day. For short trips around town or shuttle service between venues, a minibus is a cost-effective option.
Sprinter vans are another popular choice for groups of 10 to 15 people. These vehicles are ideal for airport transfers, corporate outings, or wedding transportation. Sprinter vans typically cost $150 to $200 per hour or $1,400 to $2,000 per day. They offer comfortable seating, climate control, and enough space for carry-on luggage.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Santa Fe?
Several factors can influence the price of your bus rental in Santa Fe:
- Travel Dates: Bus rental prices are higher during peak seasons, such as spring break, summer vacation, and major holidays. In Santa Fe, demand is especially high during events like the Santa Fe Indian Market (August), Fiesta de Santa Fe (September), and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October). If you’re planning a trip during these times, book your bus at least six months in advance to lock in the best rates.
 - Trip Distance and Duration: The length of your trip is one of the biggest factors in determining the cost. Local trips within Santa Fe County are usually billed by the hour, with a minimum of four or five hours. For example, a five-hour rental from downtown Santa Fe to the Santa Fe Opera and back would cost around $900 to $1,500. Long-distance trips to Albuquerque, Taos, or Las Cruces are priced by the day or by the mile. An overnight trip to Albuquerque (about 65 miles each way) would cost $2,500 to $3,200 per day, plus hotel accommodations for the driver.
 - Group Size: Larger buses cost more to rent than smaller ones, but they also have a lower cost per passenger. A 56-passenger coach bus is more expensive than a 25-passenger minibus, but if you have a big group, it’s more economical than renting two smaller vehicles. Make sure to choose a bus that fits your group comfortably without paying for extra seats you don’t need.
 - Itinerary and Routing: Multiple stops, detours, or changes to the itinerary can increase the total mileage and time, which will affect the price. For example, a day trip from Santa Fe to Bandelier National Monument with additional stops in Los Alamos and White Rock will cost more than a direct round-trip. Be as specific as possible when requesting a quote so we can give you an accurate estimate.
 - Bus Amenities: Premium features like leather seats, hardwood floors, WiFi, power outlets, and PA systems may come at an additional cost. If you require ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
 - Driver Expenses: For multi-day trips, you are responsible for providing lodging for the driver. Most hotels in New Mexico offer discounted rates for bus drivers. You should also budget for meals and tips (typically $4 to $5 per hour or 10% of the total rental cost).
 - Tolls and Parking: While there are no toll roads in New Mexico, you may incur parking fees at certain venues, such as the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, Meow Wolf, or Ski Santa Fe. These costs are not included in the base rental price and should be paid directly by the group.
 
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Santa Fe, NM and around New Mexico. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Santa Fe School Field Trip to Albuquerque Biopark
                                  A local elementary school in Santa Fe is planning a field trip to the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo and Aquarium for 75 students and 10 chaperones. They will need two 56-passenger coach buses to accommodate everyone comfortably. The itinerary includes a 7:30 AM departure from the school, arrival at the BioPark by 9:30 AM, and return to Santa Fe by 3:30 PM. This full-day rental covers approximately 120 miles round-trip and includes waiting time at the venue. The quoted price for this trip is $2,800, which averages out to about $35 per person. The school requested standard coaches with restrooms, DVD players, and undercarriage storage for coolers and backpacks.
Wedding Shuttle Service in Downtown Santa Fe
                                  A bride and groom are hosting their wedding at the Loretto Chapel with a reception at La Fonda on the Plaza. They want to provide continuous shuttle service for 100 guests between three downtown hotels and both venues over a six-hour period. Two 25-passenger minibuses will run loops from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, allowing guests to come and go as they please without worrying about parking or walking long distances. Each minibus is equipped with air conditioning, cushioned seats, and Bluetooth audio for playing a custom playlist. The total cost for this evening shuttle package is $1,950. The couple opted for minibuses instead of larger coaches due to narrow streets and limited parking near the plaza.
Corporate Retreat Transportation to Ojo Caliente
                                  A tech company based in the Railyard District is organizing a two-day corporate retreat at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. They have 40 employees who need transportation from their office to the resort, located about 50 miles north of Santa Fe. The plan is to depart at noon on Friday, stay overnight, and return by 5:00 PM Saturday. A single 56-passenger coach bus will handle the round-trip journey, with plenty of room for luggage and spa bags. Amenities requested include WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and an onboard restroom. The quote for this charter is $2,600, which includes driver accommodations and mileage. The company compared this rate to the cost of reimbursing individual car travel and found the bus to be more cost-effective and better for team bonding.
Day Trip to Taos Pueblo and Gorge Bridge
                                  A group of 20 friends wants to spend a Saturday exploring Taos Pueblo, the Taos Plaza, and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. They will depart from Santa Fe at 8:00 AM, arrive at Taos Pueblo by 10:30 AM, tour the historic site, have lunch in town, visit art galleries, and then head to the Gorge Bridge for photos before returning home by 7:00 PM. A 25-passenger minibus is perfect for this itinerary, offering comfortable seating, climate control, and overhead storage for backpacks and snacks. The estimated price for this 11-hour excursion is $1,650. The group specifically requested a minibus with large windows for scenic views along the High Road to Taos.
Multi-day Tour to Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands
                                  A tour operator is organizing a four-day sightseeing trip from Santa Fe to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Park, and several stops in between. The group consists of 30 travelers who will ride together in a single 35-passenger minibus. The itinerary includes overnight stays in Roswell and Alamogordo, guided tours of the caverns and dunes, and optional excursions to local museums. The minibus will remain with the group for the entire duration, providing daily transportation to each destination. Features include reclining seats, individual reading lights, USB charging ports, and a PA system for announcements. The total cost for this multi-day charter is $6,200, which covers all mileage, driver lodging, and vehicle cleaning fees. The operator chose a minibus over a full-size coach to balance comfort with affordability for a mid-sized group.
Concert Shuttle to Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque
                                  A group of 15 music fans from Santa Fe wants to attend a summer concert at Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque without dealing with traffic or designated drivers. They’ve booked a sprinter van to pick them up at a central location, drive them to the venue, wait during the show, and bring them back home afterward. The sprinter van offers plush seating, tinted windows, and enough space for coolers and folding chairs. The round-trip distance is about 120 miles, and the total time commitment is eight hours. The quoted price for this private concert shuttle is $1,200, which the group plans to split evenly among all riders. They selected a sprinter van for its combination of comfort, convenience, and lower cost compared to larger buses.