Party Bus Prices: How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in North Dakota?

Your pickup and drop-off locations significantly impact your party bus rental cost due to "deadhead" fees-the mileage and time the bus travels without passengers. For example, if your trip starts in Fargo but the bus is based in Bismarck, you'll pay for the time it takes the empty bus to reach you. This is why we always recommend choosing a vehicle from the closest available location to minimize these extra costs. The good news is North Dakota Party Bus Company operates statewide, so you can easily find options near your starting point, whether you're in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, or even a smaller town like Dickinson or Williston. We always recommend inputting your exact pickup and drop-off addresses when requesting a quote to ensure the most accurate pricing. This allows our system to calculate the precise travel time and distance for your specific route, including any potential traffic delays or construction detours that could affect the total cost. By providing these details upfront, you avoid any surprise fees later and get a transparent, all-inclusive quote that reflects the true cost of your trip from start to finish. This is especially crucial for long-distance trips across North Dakota, where deadhead costs can add up quickly if the nearest available bus isn't close to your starting location.

The type and size of bus you choose plays a major role in determining your final price. Larger vehicles like full-size charter buses (seating 40-56 passengers) cost more per hour than smaller minibuses (15-35 passengers) or party buses (10-50 passengers) due to higher fuel consumption and operating costs. However, they often provide better value for large groups because the cost per person is lower when split among more passengers. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus at $250 per hour ($4.46 per person) is more economical than two 28-passenger minibuses at $150 per hour each ($5.36 per person). Upgrading to a premium model with amenities like leather seats, Wi-Fi, or a restroom will increase your base rate, but these features can be essential for longer trips or high-end events. We recommend finding the smallest vehicle that comfortably fits your group and choosing only the amenities you truly need to keep costs down.

Tolls and parking fees are not included in your initial party bus quote, meaning you are responsible for paying them out of pocket during your trip. These expenses can add up quickly, especially when traveling to large venues or through toll-heavy areas. For example, parking at the Fargodome in Fargo costs $10-$20 per vehicle for most events, while parking near the Bismarck Event Center can run $10-$15 per day. In downtown Bismarck, parking garages charge $10-$15 per day, and Minot State University charges $10 per day for visitor parking. To avoid surprises, we strongly recommend researching parking costs at each stop on your itinerary and factoring those expenses into your overall budget. Many venues offer free parking for buses, but only if you reserve a pass in advance. We always recommend calling your destination's parking office ahead of time to confirm rates and secure any necessary passes to avoid last-minute costs or delays. Your driver will handle paying any tolls or parking fees during the trip, and you can reimburse them directly in cash.

Booking your party bus rental early is the single most effective way to lock in the best price and ensure availability. When you book months in advance, you secure a vehicle at current rates before demand increases. As your event date approaches, especially during peak season or on weekends, prices rise significantly due to limited inventory and increased demand. For example, a trip booked three months in advance might cost $1,500, but if you wait until the last minute, the same trip could easily jump to $2,500 or more. This is particularly true for large events in North Dakota, like NDSU graduation or summer weddings, when everyone is trying to book transportation at the same time. We recommend booking your party bus at least six to nine months in advance to guarantee the best rate and avoid the stress of searching for available vehicles close to your event date. Planning ahead saves money and ensures you get exactly the vehicle you want.

To save money on your party bus rental, consider a few strategic adjustments to your trip. First, book your trip during the off-season or on a weekday, when rates are lower due to decreased demand. Second, choose a vehicle size that just fits your group, avoiding extra seats that increase costs unnecessarily. Third, consolidate your itinerary to minimize mileage and time, reducing fuel costs and hourly charges. Finally, compare quotes from multiple providers to ensure you're getting the best deal, as prices can vary significantly between companies. By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce your overall expenses while still enjoying quality transportation.

Ready to book your next event? Get an instant quote online or call us at 701-353-4520 to speak with a reservation specialist today! We're available 24/7 to help you plan the perfect trip.

Here are real examples of party bus rental costs in North Dakota to help you plan your next trip. These sample itineraries show exactly what you can expect to pay for different types of events, including hourly, daily, and weekend rates.

A couple needed a 15-passenger party bus rental in Fargo for their wedding day on June 15, 2024. The itinerary included transporting the wedding party from the Radisson Blu Downtown Fargo to Lindenwood Park for photos, then to the groom's parents' house for a pre-reception gathering, and finally to the Fargodome for the reception. The trip lasted five hours, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The estimated cost for this five-hour rental was $1,250, which included the bus, driver, and gratuity. The couple chose this option because it was more economical than coordinating multiple rideshares and ensured their entire wedding party arrived together and on time for each part of the celebration. This example demonstrates how a party bus can simplify logistics for wedding parties and provide a cost-effective solution for group transportation on a busy wedding day in Fargo.

A corporate team from Bismarck needed transportation to Minneapolis for a two-day conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center. They booked a 56-passenger charter bus to accommodate 45 employees plus luggage. The itinerary included departing from Bismarck Downtown Airport on Friday morning and returning Saturday evening, with two hotel rooms required for the driver. The total distance for the round trip was approximately 900 miles (450 miles each way). The final cost for this trip was $4,400, which included the charter bus, driver, and gratuity. The client was responsible for providing hotel accommodations for the driver in Minneapolis. This example demonstrates how a large charter bus provides ample space for passengers and luggage on a long-distance trip, with the daily rate covering significant mileage and overnight expenses for the driver.

A group of 20 University of North Dakota students needed transportation from Grand Forks to Minot for a Saturday night hockey game at the Minot State Dome. They booked a 25-passenger minibus for the round trip. The game started at 7:00 PM, so the bus departed Grand Forks at 3:00 PM and returned immediately after the game, arriving back in Grand Forks around 1:00 AM on Sunday. The total mileage for the round trip was approximately 420 miles. The total cost for this rental was $1,800, which included the minibus, driver, and gratuity. The students split the total cost evenly among the 20 passengers, making it an affordable option compared to individual carpooling or rideshare services for a long-distance trip. This example shows how a minibus rental can be a cost-effective solution for a mid-size group traveling a significant distance for a sporting event in North Dakota.

A bachelor party of 12 people in Minot needed transportation for a night of bar hopping and entertainment. They booked a 15-passenger party bus for six hours on a Saturday night, from 6:00 PM to midnight. The itinerary included stops at The Tap Room, The Spot, and Souris River Brewing, with a designated driver ensuring everyone got home safely after a night of celebration. The total cost for this six-hour rental was $1,500, which included the party bus, driver, and gratuity. The cost per person was approximately $125, making it a convenient and affordable option compared to coordinating multiple rideshares or taxis for a group of this size. This example demonstrates how a party bus rental provides a safe and cost-effective solution for a bachelor party, allowing the group to enjoy their evening without worrying about transportation or designated drivers.

A local church group of 40 people from Williston planned a day trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park for sightseeing and hiking. They booked a 45-passenger charter bus for the excursion. The itinerary included departing Williston at 8:00 AM, spending the day exploring the park, and returning home by 6:00 PM. The total cost for this 10-hour charter bus rental was $2,000, which included the bus, driver, and gratuity. The cost per person was $50, making it an extremely affordable option for a large group compared to individual travel expenses. This example highlights how a charter bus rental can be a budget-friendly solution for large groups planning day trips or excursions to popular destinations in North Dakota, providing comfortable transportation with amenities like air conditioning and on-board restrooms.

A group of 30 friends from Fargo wanted to attend a Taylor Swift concert at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in June 2024. They booked a 35-passenger party bus to leave Fargo on Saturday morning, spend the weekend in Minneapolis, and return on Sunday afternoon. The total cost for the weekend rental was $6,500. This price included the bus, driver, and gratuity, but did not include tolls, parking passes, or hotel accommodations for the driver. The group split the $6,500 cost evenly among all 30 passengers, making the trip affordable and convenient compared to flying or taking multiple cars. This example demonstrates how a party bus rental can be a cost-effective solution for large groups traveling long distances for major events, providing comfortable transportation with amenities like Wi-Fi and restrooms.

A group of 20 Minot State University students needed transportation to a North Dakota State University football game in Bismarck in October 2023. They booked a 25-passenger minibus for the round trip, leaving Minot at 8:00 AM and returning at 7:00 PM. The total cost for the rental was $2,200, which included the bus, driver, and gratuity. The students found this option more affordable than taking separate cars or rideshares, as it allowed them to travel together and split the total cost evenly. This example highlights how a minibus rental can provide convenient and affordable transportation for mid-sized groups attending events in nearby cities, ensuring everyone arrives on time without the hassle of coordinating multiple vehicles.