East Lansing offers an ideal starting point for exploring bucket-list destinations both nearby and across state borders. Renting a charter bus allows you to travel in comfort and convenience, whether you’re planning a school trip, corporate outing, sporting event, or family getaway. Here’s a guide to the destinations you can explore with an East Lansing charter bus rental.

Nearby Destinations (Within Michigan)

1. Detroit (Approx. 1.5 Hours Away)

A trip to Detroit is perfect for groups looking to experience a bustling urban hub with rich history.

Must-See Attractions:

• The Detroit Institute of Arts
• Motown Museum
• Campus Martius Park

Group Activities:

• Catch a Tigers game at Comerica Park.
• Enjoy live music and dining in the thriving Midtown Detroit district.

2. Ann Arbor (Approx. 1 Hour Away)

Ann Arbor is a haven for arts, culture, and natural beauty.

Must-See Attractions:

• The University of Michigan campus
• Matthaei Botanical Gardens
• Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Group Activities:

• Explore local art galleries and unique shops in downtown Ann Arbor.
• Taste culinary delights at award-winning restaurants.

3. Mackinac Island (Approx. 3.5 Hours + Ferry)

Step back in time with a visit to Mackinac Island, known for its ban on motor vehicles.

Must-See Attractions:

• Fort Mackinac
• Grand Hotel
• Arch Rock

Group Activities:

• Bike rentals for island tours
• Sample iconic Mackinac Island fudge

4. Traverse City (Approx. 3 Hours Away)

Traverse City boasts stunning views of Lake Michigan and a thriving food and wine scene.

Must-See Attractions:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Wineries along the Old Mission Peninsula
• Historic Traverse City Opera House

Group Activities:

• Wine tasting tours
• Relaxing on secluded beaches

Beyond State Borders Adventures

5. Chicago, IL (Approx. 4 Hours Away)

Explore the Windy City with your group and enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment.

Must-See Attractions:

• Millennium Park
• Chicago Riverwalk
• The Museum of Science and Industry

Group Activities:

• Take a cruise on the Chicago River Architecture Tour.
• Shop along the Magnificent Mile.

6. Indianapolis, IN (Approx. 4 Hours Away)

Indianapolis combines sports, history, and Midwest hospitality.

Must-See Attractions:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
• White River State Park
• Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Group Activities:

• Attend a Pacers or Colts game.
• Take a group stroll along Central Canal Walk.

7. Cleveland, OH (Approx. 3.5 Hours Away)

Cleveland offers an exciting blend of music, science, and sports.

Must-See Attractions:

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Cleveland Museum of Art
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Group Activities:

• Catch a Guardians game at Progressive Field.
• Explore the West Side Market (a foodie paradise).

8. Niagara Falls, NY (Approx. 6 Hours Away)

Looking for a breathtaking natural wonder? Head to Niagara Falls.

Must-See Attractions:

• Niagara Falls State Park
• Horseshoe Falls

Group Activities:

• Board the Maid of the Mist for an up-close experience with the falls.
• Stroll along the scenic Niagara Gorge Trail.

1. Type and Size of the Bus
   • Type: Different types of buses (charter bus, minibus, executive coach, party bus, etc.) have varying costs based on their amenities and features.
   • Capacity: Larger buses generally cost more due to their size and the number of passengers they can accommodate.
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. Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location
   • “Garage time” to your starting point may incur extra costs.
   • Special accommodations for remote or hard-to-reach locations could also increase expenses.
5. Driver and Staff
   • Driver fees, which include wages, per diem, and overnight accommodations (if needed), are often factored into the total price.
   • Additional staff, such as tour guides or assistants, may involve extra charges.
6. Fuel Costs
   • Fluctuations in fuel prices can affect the overall rental cost, especially for long-distance trips.
7. Permits and Tolls
   • Road tolls, parking permits, and special city permits (if required for your route) can raise the total price.
8. Insurance and Liability
   • Extra coverage beyond the federal minimum for insurance coverage or liability waivers.
9. Special Requests

• Custom itineraries, last-minute bookings, or changes to the schedule may involve additional charges.

Tips to Manage Costs

• Book in advance to secure better rates.
• Choose a bus that meets your exact needs without unnecessary extras.
• Consolidate routes and stops to minimize time and distance.

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

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 helps 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.

Planning your charter bus trip has never been easier! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure a bus rental for your trip:

1. Contact a Reservation Specialist:
   • Reach out to one of our reservation specialists by calling 866-205-5197! They’re available to assist you with all your travel needs and answer any questions you may have.
2. Identify Your Destination:
   • Decide where you want to go, and from where- maybe take a scenic walk along the Lansing River Trail? Or maybe you want to see a game at Spartan Stadium, home of MSU’s football team? Or have an educational experience at Abrams Planetarium?
3. Discuss Your Travel Requirements:
   • Provide details about your travel dates, passenger count, and any other special requirements. This will help our specialist recommend the best bus options for your group.
4. Select Your Bus Type:
   • Choose from a variety of charter buses, such as minibuses for smaller groups or full-sized coaches for larger parties. Each type offers different amenities, so be sure to discuss your preferences.
5. Receive a Quote:
   • Get a free price quote based on your travel itinerary, group size and date. This will ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved.
6. Finalize Your Booking:
   • Once you’re satisfied with the arrangements, confirm your booking with your account executive. The account executive will finalize your itinerary and provide any additional information you need.
7. Prepare for Your Trip:
   • Pack your bags, gather your group and get ready for an exciting adventure!

By following these steps, you’ll have a memorable experience booking a charter bus for your next trip. Happy trails!

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.