Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Information

What types of charter buses do you provide?

We offer a wide range of vehicles including motor coaches, minibuses, party buses, limo buses, executive coaches, school buses,shuttle buses, and luxury buses.

How do I know which type of bus I need?

Our specialists help you select the ideal vehicle based on group size, itinerary, and desired amenities.

Which cities or areas do you service?

We provide charter bus services nationwide, serving all major cities and many smaller towns across North America.

How does a charter bus make group travel easier?

A charter bus makes group travel more convenient by simplifying logistics, providing designated pick-up points, and ensuring everyone arrives together. This stress-free experience is ideal for visiting historical sites, attending events, or managing large group outings.

What should I look for in a charter bus company?

Choose a charter bus service that carries at least $5 million in liability coverage and employs drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). North American Charter Bus adds umbrella coverage for added protection to the basic $5 million in coverage.

Is chartering a bus cost-effective?

Yes, chartering a bus is often more cost-effective than using multiple cars, as costs can be shared among passengers.

Can we eat and drink on the charter bus?

Most charter bus rentals allow passengers to eat and drink on board, provided that everyone cleans up afterward.

What if we have a tight schedule?

If adhering to a schedule is important, plan for an additional 30-45 minutes of travel time to account for traffic or unexpected delays.

Booking & Pricing

How far in advance should I book my charter bus?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 weeks in advance to secure the best availability and pricing.

Can I make a reservation by phone?

Absolutely! Our customer service representatives are ready to assist you at any time. Call us now at 866-205-5197!

When will I have to pay?

A deposit is due when you reserve. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your trip.

Will I get a confirmation when I book?

Yes, you will get an email from your account executive confirming your trip.

Will I get a confirmation number when I book?

Yes, you will have a contract number on the sales order that you can refer to when calling us back.

What happens if I want to change my trip?

You can change your booking by contacting your account executive. Please note, changes may alter the price of your contract.

How is the price of a charter bus determined?

Pricing depends on the date, duration, distance, bus type, and availability. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Are there additional fees not included in the initial quote?

Our quotes include all standard fees; any potential extras (e.g., parking, driver accommodations) will be discussed upfront.

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Charter Bus?
  1. Type and Size of the Bus
    • Type: Different bus types (charter bus, minibus, executive coach, etc.) have varying costs based on features and amenities.
    • Capacity: Larger buses generally cost more due to their increased seating capacity and operational expenses.
  2. Distance and Duration
    • Mileage: Costs increase with the total distance traveled.
    • Trip Duration: Longer rental periods, such as multi-day trips, result in higher charges, especially if overnight stays for the driver are required.
    • Route Complexity: Multiple stops or routes with high traffic can add to the cost.
  3. Timing and Season
    • Time of Year: Demand during peak seasons (summer, major holidays) typically raises prices.
    • Day of the Week: Weekend rentals often cost more than weekday trips.
    • Time of Day: Night or off-hour bookings can sometimes involve additional fees.
  4. Pickup and Drop-Off Location
    • Distance from our garage to your pickup location may impact costs.
    • Remote or hard-to-reach destinations might have additional fees.
  5. Driver and Staff Costs
    • Driver wages, per diem, and overnight accommodations (if applicable) are factored into the total cost.
    • Additional staff, such as guides or assistants, may increase pricing.
  6. Fuel Costs
    • Fuel price fluctuations can affect rental rates, particularly for long-distance travel.
  7. Permits and Tolls
    • Road tolls, parking fees, and special city permits may influence the final price.
  8. Insurance and Liability
    • Additional insurance coverage beyond standard federal requirements can lead to higher costs.
  9. Special Requests
    • Custom itineraries, last-minute bookings, or schedule modifications may result in extra charges.

Tips to Reduce Costs:

  • Book in advance for better rates.
  • Choose a bus that meets your exact needs without unnecessary extras.
  • Plan efficient routes and limit unnecessary stops to minimize travel time.

Let us know if you’d like help with specific estimates or further advice!

How Does the Payment Process Work for Bus Rentals from North American Charter Bus?

When you book a charter bus rental, understanding the payment process is important to ensure there are no misunderstandings. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works:

  1. Get a Quote: After you have selected the perfect bus for your trip and shared your itinerary, you’ll receive a detailed quote. Once you accept this quote, you can move forward to the payment stage.
  2. Secure Your Booking with a Deposit: To lock in your reservation, a deposit of 20% is required if the trip is more than 30 days away. This will ensure that your bus is reserved exclusively for your trip.
  3. Payment Confirmation and Dates: When the deposit is processed, you’ll get a confirmation. This will include important information, such as the deadline to pay the remaining balance- always 30 days prior to the trip.
  4. Payment Methods: A credit card is generally required to finalize the reservation. This will ensure that any future payments can be processed efficiently. We also accept payment by ACH, wire and check.

By following these steps, your North American Charter Bus rental will be secured, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey.

Charter Bus Amenities

What amenities do charter buses typically include?

Most charter buses feature amenities like reclining seats, restrooms, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, power outlets, and entertainment systems.

Can I request specific amenities?

Yes, you can request specific amenities such as Wi-Fi, ADA accessibility, or premium entertainment systems when booking.

Safety & Reliability

What safety measures are in place for charter buses?

Our network buses are regularly inspected, maintained to the highest safety standards, and operated by professionally trained drivers. All buses in our network comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety administration (FMCSA) regulations.

Are your drivers professionally certified?

Yes, all network operator drivers undergo rigorous training and hold valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).

What Does North American Charter Bus Do to Ensure Our Safety?

We only partner with bus operators who share our steadfast commitment to safety and service. We vet all of our operators through a process that includes:

  • Safety Records: We examine safety records in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Safer database to ensure the operator in question is fully compliant with the DOT.
  • Assessing On-Time Performance: Not being late is crucial, so we select partners that have successfully delivered for us numerous times in the past.
  • Customer Reviews: Ratings from past customers help us gauge overall satisfaction and service quality.

We also require our partners to uphold high standards in cleanliness and customer service, ensuring all trips are as pleasant as they are safe. Our thorough approach guarantees that from the moment you get on board, you can relax knowing that safety is our top priority.

Policies & Procedures

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a transparent cancellation policy detailed clearly at booking, typically allowing flexible cancellations with sufficient notice.

What if my itinerary changes after booking?

We accommodate itinerary changes whenever possible; please inform us promptly to avoid any additional charges.

Can I bring food on the bus?

Yes, your group may bring food on the bus. However, you will be responsible for disposing of any waste and cleaning up. Any damage caused by food and drinks to the bus will be charged to your group.

Are pets allowed on board?

North American Charter Bus maintains a strict no-animals policy on all vehicles, except for ADA-certified service animals. A service animal is defined under ADA guidelines (28 C.F.R. § 36.104) as any animal individually trained to assist an individual with a disability. Such tasks may include guiding visually impaired passengers, alerting those who have hearing impairments, performing protective services, assisting with mobility (e.g., pulling wheelchairs), or retrieving dropped objects. The ADA places no restrictions on the species of animal or the types of assistance they provide. Owners are fully responsible for their service animals and must maintain control using a leash, carrier, or another suitable restraint. Additionally, owners bear responsibility for any cleaning or damage caused by their service animal on board. Service animals must not obstruct aisles or occupy passenger seats and cannot be placed in the luggage areas beneath the bus. North American Charter Bus reserves the right to deny transport to any animal deemed a risk to the health or safety of passengers or company staff. Please contact your account executive with any pet-related requests.

Accessibility

Do you offer ADA-compliant charter buses?

Yes, we provide ADA-compliant buses upon request. Please specify your needs when booking.

Can the buses accommodate passengers who use mobility aids or have disabilities?

Mobility Aids: Passengers who rely on mobility devices but can move independently onto the bus may store their equipment in the luggage compartments, provided sufficient space is available. Mobility aids, except folding canes or walkers (which can remain with the passenger or be placed in overhead storage), should not enter the main passenger cabin unless traveling on a bus specifically equipped with an accessible lift and designated interior space for secured mobility devices. Mobility aids must not exceed dimensions of 33”x33”x48” or weigh more than 200 pounds. Please contact your account representative; we always strive to accommodate your needs.

Capacity: Lift-equipped buses generally accommodate up to two secured mobility aids with occupants. Some smaller buses may be limited to a single occupied mobility device. The maximum allowable dimensions for mobility aids to be safely secured onboard with occupants are 48 inches in height and 30 inches in width. Additionally, the combined weight of the occupant and mobility device must not exceed 600 pounds due to lift safety restrictions.

Assistance: We are committed to supporting you to the best of our ability. Please inform the driver directly for scheduled service trips and notify your account representative when reserving charter services. While our team is available to offer general assistance with boarding and securing mobility aids, personal care or assistance beyond this is not provided. Passengers requiring personal assistance should consider traveling with a companion to ensure their comfort and safety during the trip.

Customization & Special Requests

Can I create a custom itinerary or request multiple stops?

Absolutely! We customize transportation solutions to fit your event’s schedule, including multiple stops and specialized itineraries.

Do you handle large corporate events or special occasions like weddings and sporting events?

Yes, we specialize in charter bus rentals tailored to various events, including corporate outings, weddings, school trips, sports events, and conventions.

Do you prohibit any items from being brought on board the bus?

Yes, for everyone’s safety and comfort, the following items are strictly prohibited on all our buses: firearms and ammunition; hazardous, toxic, flammable, radioactive, or corrosive substances; items producing strong or offensive odors; food products; biohazardous materials; knives and all types of weapons; illegal substances or items defined as illegal by federal or state regulations; electronic cigarettes; and any item that could potentially cause injury or damage to individuals or property. North American Charter Bus reserves the right, at our staff’s sole discretion, to deny the transport of any item deemed unsafe or inappropriate. If you have concerns or questions regarding allowed items, please contact North American Charter Bus directly prior to your trip.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

What happens if I need to cancel my charter bus reservation?

Our cancellation policy allows flexibility; specific terms depend on timing and event details and will be fully outlined at booking. As a rule, cancellations outside of 30 days prior to the service date will receive full refunds.

Support & Contact

Who do I contact if I have issues on the day of my charter?

Our dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 to assist with immediate concerns or questions during your charter experience. Call us at 866-205-5197

Get your free quote today and ensure everyone travels together in style.

North American Charter Bus—because getting there is part of the game-day experience!