A Complete Guide To Bus Types

There are more types of buses on the road than most people realize, from charter buses, minibuses, and party buses to school buses, double-decker buses, articulated buses, and electric trolleybuses, and each one is built for a very different job. Some bus types are made for private groups, like the party bus rentals, charter bus rentals, and minibus rentals you can find and book through Partybus.com, while others are built for public transit routes and aren't something your group can rent at all. This complete guide to bus types covers both, so you know exactly what each bus is, how many people it carries, what's on board, and which bus is the right fit for your trip!

Partybus.com offers seven types of buses and limos through a large network of independent transportation companies: party buses, charter buses, minibuses, school buses, sprinter vans, sprinter limos, and limousines. Here's a quick look at how they stack up before we get into every type of bus in detail.

Quick Answer: Which Type of Bus Should My Group Rent?

Whether you're an old pro at booking group transportation or you're planning your very first group outing, choosing the right type of bus is one of the biggest parts of making your trip a success. Partybus.com has been online since 1999, and as specialists in the party bus rental game, we know every trip isn't one-size-fits-all. Not sure where to start? No worries! Answer three quick questions and you'll know which bus type to look for.

How many people are coming? Up to 14 people fit in a sprinter van or sprinter limo, 6 to 22 fit in a limousine, 15 to 35 fit in a minibus, up to 47 fit in a school bus, 15 to 50 fit in a party bus, and up to 56 fit in a charter bus. Bigger group than that? Book more than one bus, or mix bus types, like a charter bus for your wedding guests and a sprinter limo for the wedding party!

How much luggage is everyone bringing? Suitcases for every passenger call for a charter bus with undercarriage luggage bays, carry-ons and roller bags fit a minibus or sprinter van, and backpacks fit a school bus, while party buses, sprinter limos, and limousines are made for purses and phones, not a week of packing.

What kind of trip is it? A birthday, bachelorette party, or prom calls for a party bus, sprinter limo, or limousine. A field trip or team trip on a budget fits a school bus. A local airport or hotel shuttle fits a minibus or sprinter van. And anything 200 miles or more fits a charter bus, where reclining seats, WiFi, and an onboard restroom keep everyone comfortable for the long haul!

Bus Type Guide

Party Bus

Best for: Special events (15 to 50 passengers)

Features: Wraparound seating, LED lighting, a premium sound system, and a full-length bar

Ideal for: Birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, prom, and nights out

Charter Bus

Best for: Large groups (40 to 56 passengers) or long-distance trips

Features: Restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and ample luggage storage

Ideal for: Corporate events, school trips, sports teams, and long tours

Minibus

Best for: Small to medium groups (15 to 35 passengers) on local trips

Features: Climate control, high-back seats, overhead storage, and power outlets on most models

Ideal for: Airport shuttles, hotel transfers, and local events

School Bus

Best for: Budget-conscious groups (up to 47 passengers)

Features: Bench seating, big side windows, and wheelchair lifts on request

Ideal for: Field trips, sports teams, camps, and church groups

Sprinter Van

Best for: Small groups (up to 14 passengers)

Features: High-roof cabin, USB and 110-volt outlets, and rear luggage storage

Ideal for: Airport transfers, executive travel, and small wedding parties

Sprinter Limo

Best for: Small celebrations (12 to 14 passengers)

Features: Wraparound J-seating, a bar with LED accent lighting, and front and rear TVs

Ideal for: Prom, homecoming, bachelorette parties, and birthdays

Limousine

Best for: Small to mid-size groups (6 to 22 passengers)

Features: Leather lounge seating, a built-in bar, a fiber-optic ceiling, and a privacy partition

Ideal for: Weddings, prom, anniversaries, and VIP nights out

Want more detail on any of these, or ready to see what's open for your date? Call 877-563-2133 and a live support team can go over your options with you, any day of the year!

Types of Buses You Can Rent

Need more details about the buses in the Partybus.com network? Below, you'll find in-depth information on each type of bus you can book (seating capacity, amenities, luggage storage, and the trips each one is best for), so you can choose the right bus for your group trip. Wondering what each option costs? You can check bus prices for your trip online, and the charter bus prices guide breaks down everything that goes into your rental price!

What is a charter bus?

A charter bus (also called a motorcoach) is a full-size bus built for comfortable long-distance group travel, seating up to 56 passengers in a cabin raised above a luggage compartment. In its bus, motorcoach, and minibus definitions, the FMCSA describes a motorcoach as a bus with an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment, which is exactly why charter buses have entry steps at the door and so much luggage space below the floor. And because one charter bus carries your whole group, nobody has to get behind the wheel, split up into separate cars, or figure out the route. First time booking one? The ultimate guide to renting a charter bus walks you through the basics.

Seating Capacity. Charter buses seat 40 to 56 passengers, and the most frequently booked sizes in the network seat 47, 55, or 56 people. Full-size charter buses run 40 to 45 feet long; MCI, which says its J4500 is the best-selling touring model in North America, lists that model at 45 feet on its J-Series page.

Available Amenities. Charter buses generally include reclining seats, climate control, overhead storage, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, and undercarriage luggage bays, plus TV monitors, PA systems, and reading lights on many models (perfect for one of these books to read on a long charter bus ride). You'll find builds from MCI, Prevost, Van Hool, Setra, Temsa, and more in the network (here are the most popular charter bus manufacturers), and features vary by make, model, and age, so check out the complete guide to charter bus amenities and mention any must-haves when you request your quote!

Luggage Storage. Charter buses have the most luggage space of any bus type you can rent, with hundreds of cubic feet of storage below the floor for suitcases and overhead storage above every row for carry-ons. Packing for a long trip? The complete charter bus packing guide has tips for getting everything your group needs on board, and these road trip snacks for long bus rides and stretches for long charter bus trips keep everyone comfortable once you hit the road.

Best for: Weddings, corporate outings, school events and field trips, sporting events, religious gatherings, trips of 200 miles or more (like a group trip to one of the best national parks in the United States), and more!

Pro Tip: Charter bus parking and loading rules change from venue to venue and city to city, so a charter bus can't park or unload just anywhere (it is a 45-foot bus, after all!). The complete guide to charter bus loading and parking walks you through where your group gets dropped off and where the bus waits.

What is a minibus?

A minibus is a compact bus that seats 15 to 35 passengers, making it the right size for small and medium groups who want to skip a crowded carpool, pricey rideshares, and restrictive public transportation schedules. The FMCSA notes that a minibus is typically built on a small truck chassis, which is why a minibus is so much easier to get around narrow roads and tight city streets than a full-size charter bus. That makes minibus rentals perfect for offsite parking shuttles, wedding shuttles, and getting your group to sporting events.

Seating Capacity. The minibuses in the network hold 15 to 35 passengers, and the most frequently rented sizes are the 18-passenger, 20-passenger, and 25-passenger minibuses. You'll see builds from Grech, Glaval, Starcraft, Turtle Top, and more, most with a center aisle tall enough to walk to your seat while the bus is parked.

Available Amenities. A minibus rental comes with cloth or leather seating, climate control, and overhead storage, plus power outlets and USB charging on most models. Select layouts add flat-screen monitors, a PA system for tour guides and group leaders, onboard WiFi, and even tables so your group can sit facing each other.

Luggage Storage. Minibuses have less storage than charter buses. Overhead bins are great for backpacks, tote bags, and jackets, and a rear luggage area fits roller bags, but space varies with the seating layout, so if your group is packing heavy, include your bag count when you request your quote.

Best for: Airport and hotel shuttles, private gatherings, smaller conventions and trade shows (like the annual conventions in Las Vegas), small sports teams, and corporate travel.

What is a party bus?

A party bus (often called a limo bus in larger cities) is a bus with wraparound lounge seating, color-changing LED lighting, and a built-in sound system, seating 15 to 50 passengers with lounge-style seating for socializing between stops. Stay seated whenever the vehicle is moving. Party buses are what Partybus.com is all about, and a party bus rental is the top pick for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, prom, and nights out on the town!

Seating Capacity. Party bus sizes range from 15 to 50 passengers, and 20-passenger and 28-passenger party buses tend to be more common than 40-passenger and larger party buses. You'll find builds from Grech Motors, Krystal, Tiffany, and more in the network.

Available Amenities. Every party bus is different, but most come with a full-length bar, color-changing LED lighting, a premium sound system with Bluetooth, flat-panel TVs, and wraparound perimeter seating. Many also add hardwood or vinyl flooring with open space down the middle, built-in coolers and ice bins, USB power outlets, and tinted windows, and larger party buses (usually 30 passengers and up) can include an onboard restroom. For everything else you'll want to know before you book, see the complete guide to party bus rentals.

Luggage Storage. Party buses generally don't have luggage space, since the cabin is built around seating and floor space. Worried about where bags will go? You may be able to add a luggage trailer to your rental, so just mention it when you request your quote!

Best for: Birthday bashes, weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wine tours, concert transportation, and nights on the town with friends or coworkers, like a bus ride around the Las Vegas Strip.

What is a school bus?

A school bus is the classic yellow bus with rows of bench seats, big side windows, and a simple layout, and a school bus rental carries up to 47 passengers at one of the lowest costs per seat of any bus type. School buses aren't just for students, either! Sports teams, summer camps, church groups, and any budget-conscious group that wants everyone on one bus can rent a school bus for a field trip, a tournament, or a theme park day, like a bus to Six Flags Over Texas with a Dallas school bus rental. Long ride to the tournament? Pack a few games to play on a charter bus; they work just as well on a school bus!

Seating Capacity. School buses in the network seat around 47 passengers, with rows of bench seats that fit two or three people to a seat on either side of a single center aisle.

Available Amenities. School buses keep it simple, with bench seating, side windows, and front entry steps with handrails, plus a PA system on select buses. Wheelchair lifts and ADA layouts are available on request, so mention it with your trip details.

Luggage Storage. There are no luggage bays on a school bus, but there's room under and above the seats for backpacks, lunch bags, and instruments. If everyone is bringing a suitcase, a charter bus is the better pick.

Best for: School field trips, sports teams and tournaments, summer camps, church groups, and campus or event shuttles.

What is a sprinter van?

A sprinter van is a high-roof passenger van built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis that carries up to 14 passengers in forward-facing seats or a lounge layout, giving small groups full-size comfort in a compact package. Mercedes-Benz lists up to 76 inches of standing height on its Sprinter Passenger Van, so your group can walk down the center aisle while boarding the parked van instead of climbing in hunched over.

Seating Capacity. Sprinter vans in the network seat up to 14 passengers, and executive sprinters swap standard seats for individual reclining captain's chairs so everyone gets more room.

Available Amenities. Depending on the model, a sprinter van rental can include cloth or leather seating, USB and 110-volt outlets, rear air conditioning with separate floor heat, and onboard WiFi, while lounge layouts add LED lighting, a sound system, and TV screens.

Luggage Storage. Sprinter vans have a rear cargo area behind the last row, and Mercedes-Benz lists 70 to 117 cubic feet of cargo volume across its Sprinter Passenger Van configurations. Heading to the airport with a lot of bags? Include your bag count when you request your quote so you see the right size for your group.

Best for: Airport transfers, executive and corporate travel, small wedding parties, and small group day trips.

What is a sprinter limo?

A sprinter limo is a Mercedes-Benz sprinter van with a limousine interior, seating 12 to 14 passengers on J-shaped seating along the walls so everyone faces each other. It's the go-to pick for small groups that want the party bus look (a bar, LED lighting, and TVs) without renting a full-size party bus!

Available Amenities. Sprinter limos typically include a full bar with LED and RGB accent lighting, custom ceilings with LED lighting, front and rear TVs, a premium sound system with Bluetooth, USB and 110-volt outlets, a privacy divider with rear window shades, and wood-grain flooring the length of the cabin.

Luggage Storage. Sprinter limos have little to no luggage space, so for an airport run with bags, a standard sprinter van is the better fit.

Best for: Prom, homecoming, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and small winery tours.

What is a limousine?

A limousine is a stretched luxury vehicle with a lounge-style cabin, and limo rentals range from stretch sedans for 6 passengers to super stretch SUVs for up to 22. Technically, a limo isn't a bus, but when your group is too small for a party bus and you want a red-carpet arrival, it belongs on your shortlist! You can find Hummer limos, Escalade limos, Chrysler 300 limos, Lincoln limos, Navigator and Excursion limos, Suburban limos, and much, much more through the network.

Available Amenities. Limousines typically come with leather lounge seating, a built-in bar with ice bins and glassware, a fiber-optic ceiling with LED mood lighting, flat screens, premium Bluetooth sound, tinted windows, and a power privacy partition, and you can find exterior colors from classic white and black to pink.

Luggage Storage. Limousines have little to no luggage space, since the cabin is built for lounging, not packing.

Best for: Weddings, prom, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and VIP nights out.

Other Types of Buses

Not every bus on the road is available for your group to rent. Many bus types are built for public transit agencies, cities, schools, or government use, and they run fixed routes with fares or special equipment instead of private trips. Here's what each of these bus types is, how to spot one, and which bus you can book if you want something similar for your trip.

Transit bus (city bus)

A transit bus is the city bus you see on public routes, usually a single-deck bus with more than one door, a mix of seats, and plenty of standing room for riders hopping on and off. Transit buses charge a fare per rider and follow a set schedule, so they aren't built for private group trips. Need to move your group around town on your own schedule? A minibus or school bus is the closest match, with a seat for every passenger and only the stops you planned!

Low-floor bus

A low-floor bus sits close to the ground with no steps at the door, and many can lower at the curb so riders using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers can board more easily. Low-floor buses are mostly found in city transit fleets. If anyone in your group needs step-free boarding, ask for an ADA-accessible bus with a wheelchair lift when you request your quote, since ADA-accessible buses are available through the network on request.

High-floor (step-entrance) bus

A high-floor bus has steps at the door leading up to a raised passenger cabin, and the floor doesn't lower at the curb. Most charter buses you can rent are high-floor buses, because that raised passenger deck is what makes room for the luggage bays underneath, which is great news when your group is packing suitcases for a long trip!

Articulated and bi-articulated bus

An articulated bus (often called a "bendy bus") is an extra-long bus with a flexible joint in the middle so it can turn corners on city streets, and a bi-articulated bus bends in two places for even more length. In San Francisco, Muni put its first 60-foot articulated buses on the streets in June 1984, with 57 seats each, primarily on the 38 Geary line. Articulated buses are built for high-ridership transit routes, not private rentals, so if your group is bigger than one 56-passenger charter bus, the easy move is to book two charter buses for the same trip, like a big school trip when you rent a bus to Disneyland.

Double-decker bus

A double-decker bus has two passenger decks, one stacked on top of the other, so it can carry more people without adding length. Across the San Francisco Bay, AC Transit's double-decker buses carry 80 passengers each, and the agency notes that the upper deck has 5 feet 7 inches of clearance and that it chose routes with minimal obstacles like power lines and low-hanging tree branches. That extra height means routes have to be planned around what's overhead. For a big group, a 56-passenger charter bus (or two) is the closest bus you can book, with every passenger seated on one level and luggage bays below.

Open-top bus

An open-top bus is a single-deck or double-decker bus built without a roof, or with the roof removed, and it's most often used for sightseeing tours in big tourist cities. Want to see the sights with your own group instead of a ticketed tour? Book a minibus or charter bus with large side windows and build your own sightseeing route, stopping wherever YOUR group wants to go!

Trolleybus

A trolleybus (or electric trolley bus) is a rubber-tired bus powered by electricity from overhead wires, which it reaches through trolley poles on its roof. According to SFMTA, San Francisco Muni has the largest trolley bus fleet of any transit agency in the United States and Canada, and modern trolley buses carry a battery so they can travel off-wire around things like construction sites or street fairs. Because trolleybuses depend on overhead wires, they stick to set transit routes, so for a private trip your group will want a minibus, party bus, or charter bus that can go wherever your itinerary takes you.

Hybrid and electric buses

A hybrid bus uses two power sources, like a diesel engine paired with an electric motor and battery, while a battery-electric bus runs only on battery power and charges between trips. SFMTA, for example, ordered low-floor biodiesel-electric hybrid buses for its Muni fleet. Most hybrid and electric buses on the road today are transit buses, so if a lower-emission bus matters to your group, ask what's available when you request your quote.

Midibus

A midibus sits between a minibus and a full-size bus, and it's typically used by transit agencies and shuttle services on routes that don't need a full-size bus. In the rental world, the closest match is a larger minibus in the 30- to 35-passenger range, which gives your group more seats than a small minibus while still fitting down tight city streets.

Tour bus (entertainer bus)

A tour bus (also called an entertainer bus or sleeper bus) is a full-size bus built out for multi-day travel, with bunks, lounges, and living space in place of most of the seats, and it's most often used by bands on the road and production crews moving between film locations. Most tour bus layouts sleep 8 to 12 people in bunk-style arrangements and can include a private lounge, a master suite bedroom, onboard restrooms, a kitchen area, WiFi, and flat-screen TVs, with a trailer hitch for a cargo trailer full of instruments and gear. Tour buses aren't part of the standard online search, so if your group needs one, call and ask what's possible for your dates. Taking an overnight trip on a charter bus instead? Here's how to sleep on a bus so everyone arrives rested.

Guided bus

A guided bus runs along a special guideway for part of its route, steered by the track like a train, then drives on normal streets like any other bus. Guided busways are part of public transit systems in places like the UK and Australia, so they aren't available as rentals, but now you'll know what you're looking at if you ride one on a trip abroad!

Gyrobus

A gyrobus is a rare electric bus that stores energy in a large, fast-spinning flywheel instead of a fuel tank or a big battery, recharging the flywheel at special stations along its route. Gyrobuses were expensive and never became common, so you won't find one in any rental network, but they're a fun piece of bus history to know about!

Police, off-road, training, and neighborhood buses

Some buses are built for one specific job. Police buses move large groups of officers for crowd control and big events, off-road buses are built for rough terrain and are often used by the military, training buses are set up to teach people how to operate a bus, and neighborhood buses run small local loops through residential streets. None of these are available for private group trips, but if your group needs to get around a neighborhood, campus, or event grounds on a set loop, a minibus or school bus shuttle running on your own schedule is the bus to book.

How to Tell Bus Types Apart at a Glance

Trying to figure out what kind of bus you're looking at, or which one you're about to book? Four quick details give almost every bus type away.

Look at the floor height. Steps up into the cabin and luggage doors along the side below the windows mean a high-floor charter bus, since that raised passenger deck over a baggage compartment is how the FMCSA describes a motorcoach. A bus that sits close to the curb with no steps is a low-floor transit bus.

Look at the seats. Rows of forward-facing individual seats mean a charter bus, minibus, or sprinter van, rows of bench seats mean a school bus, and seating that wraps around the walls facing inward means a party bus, sprinter limo, or limousine.

Look at the length. Sprinter vans and limousines are the shortest, minibuses come next, full-size charter buses run 40 to 45 feet, and articulated transit buses stretch to 60 feet with a bend in the middle.

Look up. Two decks mean a double-decker, no roof means an open-top sightseeing bus, and poles reaching up to overhead wires mean an electric trolleybus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Types

Which bus types can I book through Partybus.com?

You can find and book party buses, charter buses, minibuses, school buses, sprinter vans, sprinter limos, and limousines through Partybus.com. Every bus comes from a large network of independent transportation companies, and the group transportation services you can book cover everything from airport transfers and weddings to prom, concerts, sporting events, and corporate shuttles.

Are all of these bus types available in every city?

Not always, because the bus types, sizes, and models you can book depend on the transportation companies serving your area and your travel date. Partybus.com connects you with bus companies in over 1,000 cities across the United States, from Las Vegas party bus rentals and Nashville party bus rentals to New York charter bus rentals and Atlanta charter bus rentals. Last-minute dates can sell out, so the earlier you check your date, the more options you'll have!

Can I rent a double-decker bus, electric trolleybus, or tour bus?

Double-decker buses, electric trolleybuses, and tour buses aren't part of the standard online search, because most of them are built for public transit routes or specialty travel. The online search may not include every available vehicle, so call 877-563-2133 if you need something else, and the team can check with providers near your pickup city. For most groups, a charter bus, minibus, or party bus is the closest match and the easiest bus to book!

Do amenities vary by make and model?

Yes, amenities vary by bus type and by the make, model, and age of each bus. Charter buses focus on reclining seats, WiFi, restrooms, and luggage bays, party buses focus on lighting, sound, bars, and perimeter seating, and minibuses and sprinter vans fall somewhere in between. When you look through your options, check the amenities listed for each bus, and if something like WiFi, a restroom, or a wheelchair lift is a must-have, mention it when you request your quote.

Does Partybus.com own the buses?

No, Partybus.com does not own or operate any buses. We're not a bus company, but we know a lot of them. Partybus.com is a website that connects you with a large network of independent transportation companies, so you can see more bus types, more sizes, and more packages than any one company can offer. You can learn more about Partybus.com and how the site works.

How does booking a bus work?

Fill out one quick form with your date, pickup location, destination, and passenger count, then find and book the bus you want online. The online quote tool takes you to a national booking platform's results page showing different buses, photos, and pricing for your trip, where you can choose your bus and book it right online. You do not need to create an account to view instant online quotes and vehicle pictures, and if you'd rather talk it through first, you can always contact Partybus.com.

Rent Your Next Bus in Just a Few Minutes

Partybus.com is your one-stop spot for group travel, whether you need a party bus for a bachelorette weekend, a school bus for a team tournament, a minibus for wedding guests, or a charter bus for a company trip across the state. From Chicago party bus rentals to any of the more than 1,000 cities in the network, you can use the online quote tool to see every type of bus available for your date and book the one that fits your group, your budget, and your trip. Prefer to talk to someone? Call 877-563-2133 any day of the year and a live support team will help you find the right bus! And for more trip planning tips, head over to the Partybus.com blog.