Bus Rentals in Ithaca, New York

A charter bus is a private, full-size motorcoach that’s reserved for exclusive use by your group and travels on the exact schedule you set. These buses typically seat 40–56 people and are used for everything from Cornell University campus shuttles to Finger Lakes winery tours, school field trips, sports team travel, and corporate event transportation around Ithaca. Charter buses feature undercarriage luggage bays, onboard restrooms, Wi-Fi, power outlets, reclining seats, and other amenities designed for comfortable long-distance travel across Tompkins County or anywhere in New York State.

We offer one of the most diverse fleets in Central New York, including 15–35 passenger minibuses (Grech Motors, Battisti Customs), 40–56 passenger charter buses (MCI, Prevost, Van Hool), 10–50 passenger party buses, 10–15 passenger sprinter vans, and school buses. Whether you need a compact shuttle for downtown Ithaca events or a full-size coach for overnight trips to NYC, we have options with custom seating layouts and premium features like Wi-Fi, power outlets, AV systems, and onboard restrooms. Our fleet serves every major group type in Ithaca, from university organizations to local businesses and wedding parties.

Charter bus pricing in Ithaca depends on vehicle size, trip length, time of year, and exact itinerary, but most quotes fall between $145–$550+ per hour or $1,520–$5,000+ per day for a full-size coach. Minibuses average $150–$450+ per hour, while party buses and sprinter vans are typically $180–$520+ per hour depending on capacity and amenities. All quotes are custom-built based on your pickup location, mileage, and duration of service. For example, a Cornell student group booking a weekend round trip to NYC will pay less per person than a single-day local shuttle due to the longer distance and higher utilization.

The main factors affecting your quote are the type of bus (minibus vs. full-size coach), total mileage, number of days/hours booked, and seasonality. Summer rates may be higher due to demand from Ithaca festivals and wedding season, while winter trips could see lower prices. Additional stops outside the main itinerary, requests for premium amenities (like Wi-Fi or custom branding), and overnight travel requiring accommodations can also impact the final cost. We recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance for the best availability and rates, especially during peak times like college move-in weekends or graduation.

Booking with us is simple: call our 24/7 reservations team at 607-365-4380 with your trip details (dates, group size, itinerary) or use the online quote form. You’ll get an instant price estimate within minutes. If you’re ready to book, we’ll send a contract and lock in your reservation. Our staff handles everything from dispatching the bus to answering questions about pickup locations—so whether you’re organizing a Cornell student outing or a corporate retreat at a Cayuga Lake resort, we make it easy.

Most charter buses include free Wi-Fi, power outlets/USB ports at every seat, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, PA systems, reclining seats with footrests, climate control, overhead storage racks, and large undercarriage luggage bays. Many full-size coaches have onboard restrooms. Minibuses offer similar features in a smaller package but may not have a bathroom. Optional upgrades include hardwood-style flooring, LED accent lighting, card tables, and custom branding for corporate groups. If your group has specific needs—like extra luggage space for band equipment or bike racks—let us know when booking.

We provide transportation for every type of group in Ithaca: university shuttles for Cornell and Ithaca College, K–12 school field trips, sports teams (youth leagues to college athletics), corporate commuters, wedding guest shuttles, church retreats, summer camps, and sightseeing tours. Popular uses include winery crawls around Seneca Lake, hiking excursions to Buttermilk Falls, band trips to NYC, and festival shuttles for GrassRoots or Apple Harvest. No group is too big or small—we handle everything from single-day local charters to multi-bus deployments for major events.

We serve all of Tompkins County and regularly send buses to Syracuse, Binghamton, Elmira, Cortland, Auburn, Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, and New York City. Out-of-state service includes Pennsylvania (Scranton, Philadelphia), New Jersey, and even Boston for extended trips. Whether you need a shuttle between Ithaca campuses or a charter crossing state lines, we can accommodate any itinerary. Our company has deep experience with both urban and rural routes, including remote pickups in Trumansburg, Dryden, Lansing, and other Finger Lakes communities.

To get a fast, accurate quote, call our office at 607-365-4380 or fill out the online form with your trip details: date(s), pickup/drop-off addresses, group size, and any special requests. Quotes are typically ready in under 30 seconds and include all costs except parking fees or tolls incurred during travel. Comparing options is easy because we list exact makes/models and amenity packages. If you’re shopping around, ask about current discounts for off-peak travel or multi-day bookings—we always aim to beat competitor pricing on comparable vehicles.

Charter buses can load/unload at designated spots on campus (Ho Plaza for Cornell, Towers lot for IC), downtown transit hubs, hotel entrances, and park-and-ride lots like those at Shops at Ithaca Mall or Cass Park. Long-term parking is available at Stewart Park, Allan H. Treman Marina, or remote sections of large shopping centers with permission. For events at State Theatre or Commons area, coordinate with city officials for staging zones. We advise planners to secure permits for loading near congested areas.

All quotes include exclusive use of the bus, driver compensation, fuel, insurance, and standard amenities (Wi-Fi, A/V, restroom if applicable). Gratuity is optional but appreciated for good service. Tolls and parking fees are not included and should be paid by the group during the trip. Additional expenses like hotel rooms for drivers on overnight itineraries are the client’s responsibility. What you see is what you pay unless the itinerary changes after booking. Custom requests such as wrapping the bus with logos or stocking refreshments can be added for an extra fee.

Consider headcount first: minibuses seat 15–35 and are ideal for short hops or tight streets; full-size coaches hold 40–56 and excel at long-distance comfort. Factor in luggage needs—bands and sports teams often require max storage. Prioritize amenities based on trip length: Wi-Fi and power for tech-heavy groups, restrooms for journeys over an hour. Budget matters too; smaller vehicles cost less but may sacrifice features. Tell us your itinerary and preferences, and we’ll match you with the best-fit option from our fleet.

We have over a decade of experience serving Ithaca’s unique transportation needs, from Ivy League academics to grassroots music festivals. Our fleet is one of the newest and most versatile in the region, backed by 24/7 customer support and deep knowledge of local logistics. Clients return to us for reliable service, competitive pricing, and willingness to customize anything—from routing to onboard amenities. Testimonials from satisfied customers include Cornell departments, wedding planners, and nonprofit organizations. When you book with us, you get a partner committed to making your event run smoothly from start to finish.