When planning a group trip from Virginia Beach, a charter bus rental is the ultimate way to travel comfortably, conveniently, and safely—whether you’re exploring nearby attractions or venturing to destinations across state borders. Here’s a guide to some incredible destinations that are just a bus ride away.

Nearby Destinations

1. First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA

Start your adventure close to home! This iconic park is perfect for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying nature with your group. The scenic trails and sandy beaches offer a tranquil escape without venturing far from the city.

2. Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA (1 hour)

Step back in time and experience the charm of Colonial Williamsburg, where costumed interpreters bring history to life. Your group can enjoy guided tours, historical reenactments, and fascinating museums. Williamsburg is also a gateway to nearby attractions like Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.

3. Norfolk, VA (30 minutes)

Hop on your charter bus for a quick trip to Norfolk, where highlights include the USS Wisconsin battleship, the Virginia Zoo, and waterfront dining in the vibrant Waterside District. Art enthusiasts will love the Chrysler Museum of Art, and sports fans can catch a game at Harbor Park.

4. Chincoteague Island, VA (2.5 hours)

If your group loves nature and wildlife, Chincoteague Island is a must-visit. Known for its wild ponies, beautiful beaches, and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, this serene destination promises rest and relaxation.

5. Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown, VA (1.5 hours)

Dive into early American history with a visit to the Jamestown Settlement. This living history museum features replicas of the iconic ships that brought settlers to America, engaging exhibits, and a recreated Powhatan Indian village.

A Day Trip, as well as Beyond Virginia’s Borders

6. Washington, D.C. (3.5 hours)

Just a few hours from Virginia Beach, the nation’s capital offers world-class museums, iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian, and vibrant districts like Georgetown for dining and shopping. A charter bus makes it easy to keep your group together and on schedule while exploring this bustling city.

7. Outer Banks, NC (2.5 hours)

Head south to the stunning Outer Banks in North Carolina, a coastal paradise known for its dramatic sand dunes, lighthouses, and calm beaches. Popular stops include the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the charming town of Duck.

8. Richmond, VA, and Beyond – Charlottesville (1-3 hours)

Richmond, Virginia’s capital city, is brimming with historical landmarks like the Virginia State Capitol and the American Civil War Museum. From Richmond, extend the trip to Charlottesville to tour the University of Virginia and visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate.

9. Myrtle Beach, SC (5.5 hours)

For a longer excursion, head down to Myrtle Beach, a vibrant vacation hotspot filled with amusement parks, live entertainment, and golden beaches. A group-friendly charter bus ensures you travel in comfort, even for these longer trips.

10. Philadelphia, PA, and New York City, NY (5-7 hours)

Take advantage of your charter bus’s long-distance capability to explore iconic East Coast cities like Philadelphia and New York City. Enjoy historical sites like Independence Hall in Philly or the Statue of Liberty in NYC without worrying about navigating large group logistics.

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 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!

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- go bird watching or a hike at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge? Or maybe you want to explore the Military Aviation Museum? Or maybe you want to cool off at the Ocean Breeze Waterpark?
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.