Charter bus rental: the 49- to 81-passenger motorcoach
When the whole group needs to travel together, with everyone's bags, over a long distance, the full-size motorcoach is the vehicle to book. It is also the one that needs the most planning at the curb.
Who charter bus rental in a full-size motorcoach suits
A motorcoach typically seats 49 to 59 passengers, and a double-decker about 80. It suits a full grade on a school trip, a sports team with its gear, a large wedding guest list, a cruise transfer with suitcases, or any interstate trip where comfort over several hours matters. If your group is 35 or fewer, a midsize coach may be the better fit; if it is over 81, you will need two vehicles.
Typical models
The photos show typical models in this size. Which vehicle runs depends on the licensed operator that takes the booking.
Standard motorcoach (49 seats)
Mercedes Tourismo 15 RHD
49 passengers · 49 bags
MAN R07 Lion Coach
49 passengers · 49 bags
Setra S 515 HD
49 passengers · 49 bags
Large motorcoach (53 to 59 seats)
Mercedes Tourismo 17 RHD
59 passengers · 59 bags
MAN R08 Lion's Coach
57 passengers · 57 bags
Setra S 517 HD
53 passengers · 53+2 bags
Double-decker motorcoach (around 80 seats)
Setra 531 DT
81+2 passengers · 81+2 bags
Setra 431 DT
80+1 passengers · 80 bags
Neoplan Skyliner
79+1 passengers · 79 bags
Typical features
- WiFi (optional)
- Wheelchair lift option, two tie-downs
- USB-A/USB-C at seats
- Overhead parcel racks
- 3-point seat belts
- Reclining seats
- Restroom
Luggage, restroom and comfort on a long run
On a 45-foot coach, the under-floor bays hold roughly 440 to 460 cubic feet of luggage, with overhead racks for day bags. Typical features include reclining seats, a restroom, three-point seat belts and USB-A or USB-C charging at the seats, with WiFi as an option. Coaches can also be specified with a wheelchair lift and two tie-downs, so tell us early if anyone in your group needs one.
Where a big coach cannot go
Size brings rules. In New York City, Fifth Avenue from 32nd Street up to 59th is off limits for bus pickups and drop-offs. In Boston, Storrow Drive is closed to buses. New Orleans' Garden District bans buses over 20 seats apart from limited exceptions. Muir Woods turns away vehicles longer than 35 feet, and Hoover Dam turns away buses with luggage aboard.
None of this rules out a motorcoach, but it does mean giving us exact addresses for every stop so the operator can plan legal drop points. A coach that cannot reach a hotel driveway can often stop around the corner, and a group that knows this in advance takes it in stride.
Questions
How many people fit on a charter bus?
A full-size motorcoach typically seats 49 to 59 passengers, and a double-decker about 80. For more, you will need a second vehicle.
Does a motorcoach have a restroom?
Most do. Tell us if it matters for your trip and we will confirm it for the vehicle on your quote.
Can a motorcoach carry a wheelchair user?
Coaches can be fitted with a wheelchair lift and two tie-downs. Charter operators may require up to 48 hours' notice, so tell us when you ask for a quote.
Trip types we arrange
- Corporate event transportation for teams, offsites and conferences
- School trip transportation that chaperones can plan around
- Sports team transportation for games, tournaments and away days
- Wedding transportation for guests, bridal parties and the ride home
- Party bus rental for birthdays, bachelor parties and big nights out
- Church group transportation for retreats, mission trips and outings
- Wine tour transportation with a Sprinter van rental with driver
- Casino trip transportation for groups heading to Atlantic City, Biloxi and Vegas
- Accessible transportation for groups with wheelchair users
Need a full-size charter bus?
Send the dates, headcount and itinerary, and we will quote a motorcoach with driver from a licensed partner operator. Nothing is charged until you accept.
Request a quote or call 15722344442