Party Bus Prices in Des Moines, Iowa: How To Calculate Your Rental Costs

With Des Moines Party Bus Company, you can get an instant party bus price online or by calling our team anytime! We have a huge fleet of party buses, minibuses and even full-size charter buses available across Iowa—including Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, Urbandale, Waukee and more—so we’ll always have something available for your date. Rates vary based on vehicle size, trip length, and time of year, but you’ll always get a fast quote when you contact us. Use our online quote tool to compare pricing and pictures of available vehicles in under 30 seconds, or call our office anytime to speak with a reservation specialist!

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Des Moines Party Bus Prices

Type of Bus Cost Per Hour Weekdays Cost Per Hour Weekends Cost Per Day
10 Passenger Sprinter Party Bus $185–$300+ $225–$350+ $1,480–$2,800
12 Passenger Sprinter Limo $185–$300+ $225–$350+ $1,480–$2,800
14 Passenger Sprinter Limousine $185–$300+ $235–$355+ $1,480–$2,840
15 Passenger Sprinter Party Bus $185–$300+ $235–$355+ $1,480–$2,840
16 Passenger Party Bus $190–$310+ $235–$355+ $1,520–$2,840
18 Passenger Limo Bus $240–$300+ $260–$355+ $1,920–$2,840
20 Passenger Party Bus $235–$310+ $300–$355+ $1,880–$2,840
24 Passenger Limousine Bus $250–$320+ $285–$355+ $2,000–$2,840
25 Passenger Party Bus $250–$320+ $285–$355+ $2,000–$2,840
28 Passenger Limousine Bus $260–$330+ $285–$360+ $2,080–$2,880
30 Passenger Party Bus $280–$360+ $300–$400+ $2,240–$3,200
35 Passenger Limo Bus $280–$360+ $300–$420+ $2,240–$3,360
40 Passenger Party Bus $300–$400+ $325–$450+ $2,400–$3,600
45 Passenger Party Bus $300–$400+ $325–$450+ $2,400–$3,600
50 Passenger Party Bus $300–$420+ $325–$475+ $2,400–$3,800
15-35 Passenger Minibus $120 – $250+ $150 – $300+ $1,200 – $2,200
40-56 Passenger Charter Bus $150 – $350+ $170 – $375+ $1,300 – $2,700
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How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Des Moines?

The average cost to rent a party bus in Des Moines typically ranges from $150 to $450+ per hour on weekdays and $150 to $500+ per hour on weekends, with daily rates between $1,000 and $2,800 depending on the size of the vehicle, length of the rental, and time of year. Smaller 15-passenger party buses generally fall at the lower end of this range, while larger 30- to 40-passenger buses are priced at the higher end. Minibuses and full-size charter buses are also available at similar hourly and daily rates. Additional expenses such as driver gratuity, tolls, and parking fees may apply. For the most accurate pricing, it’s best to call Des Moines Party Bus Company at 515-904-8730 or use the online quote tool to get an instant, personalized estimate based on your specific trip details.

What Factors Influence Party Bus Rental Pricing?

Party bus rental pricing in Des Moines is influenced by several key factors, including the distance and duration of your trip, the time of year, the day of the week, your starting and ending locations, the type and size of bus you choose, and any additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and optional amenities. Longer trips that cover more miles will generally cost more than shorter, local outings, while peak seasons like spring and summer—when proms, weddings, and festival events are in full swing—often come with higher rates due to increased demand. Weekend rentals typically command premium pricing compared to weekday bookings, and trips that start or end outside the immediate Des Moines area may incur extra charges to cover deadhead mileage. The specific vehicle you select will also impact the final price, as larger or more luxurious buses tend to be more expensive than smaller, standard models. Finally, any special requests, upgrades, or incidental costs not included in the base rate will be added to your total bill, so it’s important to discuss all details upfront to get an accurate quote.

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Distance and Duration of Your Trip

The distance and duration of your trip are major factors in determining the total cost of your party bus rental. In general, longer trips and multi-day events will cost more than shorter, local outings. Most companies charge by the hour, by the day, or by total mileage—depending on the length and type of trip you’re taking. For example, a simple four-hour package within Des Moines city limits might run $600–$2,000+ depending on the size of the bus, while an all-day wedding shuttle, out-of-town concert, or overnight casino run could easily exceed $3,000 once extra hours and miles are added up. Always provide your exact itinerary—including every stop and estimated timeline—when requesting a quote, so the company can calculate an accurate price and ensure they’re available for the entire duration of your event.

The Time of Year

The time of year you choose to book your party bus rental can have a significant impact on the overall cost. Just like airlines and hotels, party bus companies in Des Moines experience peak seasons when demand is high and prices increase accordingly. Spring and early summer are especially busy due to high school proms, graduations, and wedding season. If your event falls between April and June, expect to pay premium rates or face limited availability if you wait until the last minute to reserve. Fall weekends can also be expensive thanks to college football games and homecoming dances, while winter holidays like New Year’s Eve often sell out well in advance. To get the best deal, consider scheduling your event during an off-peak month or booking at least six months ahead of time to lock in current rates before they go up.

18 passenger party bus
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The Day of the Week

The day of the week you choose for your event will significantly impact the cost of your party bus rental in Des Moines. Weekend bookings—especially Fridays and Saturdays—are in highest demand and typically come with premium pricing or longer minimum rental periods. This is because most people schedule their weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, bar crawls, and concerts on weekends, making it the busiest time for transportation companies. In contrast, renting a party bus on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) is often much more affordable, with lower hourly rates and greater availability of vehicles. If your schedule is flexible, consider moving your event to a weekday to take advantage of these savings. Not only will you get a better rate, but you’ll also have a wider selection of buses to choose from.

40 passenger party bus
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Your Starting and Ending Locations

Your starting and ending locations play a significant role in determining the final price of your party bus rental. Companies typically base their rates on the total distance traveled, which includes not only the mileage between your pickup and drop-off points but also any additional stops along the way. If your itinerary takes you outside the immediate Des Moines metro area—to destinations like Ames, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, or even Chicago—you can expect to pay more due to the increased travel time and fuel costs. Additionally, many operators charge for “deadhead” mileage, which is the distance the bus travels from its garage to your initial pickup location and back from your final drop-off. This means that if you start or end your trip far from where the vehicle is stored, those extra miles will be factored into your quote. To get the most accurate pricing, always provide the exact addresses of all pickup and drop-off locations when requesting a quote.

Your Bus Type and Size

The type and size of bus you choose will have a direct impact on the total cost of your rental. Larger vehicles with higher passenger capacities generally come with higher base rates, but they can also be more cost-effective on a per-person basis if you’re traveling with a big group. For example, a 40-passenger party bus will typically cost more than a 20-passenger model, but if you split the total price among all riders, the individual expense may actually be lower. Additionally, buses equipped with luxury amenities—such as wraparound leather seating, LED lighting, flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth sound systems, and onboard restrooms—tend to command higher rates than standard models. When requesting a quote, be sure to specify exactly what size and style of vehicle you’re interested in so the company can provide accurate pricing and availability information.

Tolls and Parking

Tolls and parking fees are not typically included in the base price of your party bus rental and will be billed separately either during or after your trip. In Des Moines, you may encounter parking fees when attending large events at venues like Wells Fargo Arena, Iowa Events Center, or Principal Park. For example, oversized vehicle parking at Wells Fargo Arena can cost $40–$100+ per event, depending on availability and whether you pre-purchase a pass. If your itinerary includes multiple stops downtown or at popular nightlife districts, you’ll need to budget for additional parking expenses at each location. While Iowa doesn’t have highway tolls, out-of-state trips to places like Chicago or Kansas City will require you to cover all toll road charges incurred by the bus. Always ask your reservation specialist about potential parking and toll costs upfront so there are no surprises later.

Booking Timing

The timing of your booking can significantly impact the final cost of your party bus rental in Des Moines. Last-minute reservations often come with higher price tags due to limited availability and increased demand, especially during peak seasons like prom, wedding, and sports event months. Conversely, booking your party bus well in advance—ideally several months before your event—can help you secure better rates and a wider selection of vehicles. Des Moines Party Bus Company recommends reserving your bus as early as possible to lock in current pricing and avoid the risk of sold-out dates or premium charges. Planning ahead not only saves money but also ensures you get the exact vehicle and amenities you want for your special occasion.

Cost-saving Tips to Consider

To save money on your party bus rental in Des Moines, consider splitting the cost among all passengers, as this can significantly reduce the individual expense and make even the largest buses affordable for everyone. Book your bus as early as possible to lock in the best rates and ensure availability, especially if your event falls during a busy season like prom or wedding months. If your schedule is flexible, opt for a weekday or off-peak time instead of a weekend, as rates are often lower when demand is reduced. Choose a single central pickup location to minimize extra mileage charges, and stick to local destinations rather than traveling out of town. Finally, be sure to read your contract carefully to avoid any unexpected fees, and ask about package deals or discounts for longer rentals.

Call for an Instant Quote on Your Next Party Bus Rental

Ready to find out exactly how much it will cost to rent a party bus in Des Moines? Call Des Moines Party Bus Company at 515-904-8730 anytime to speak with a reservation specialist and get an instant, personalized quote based on your specific trip details. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, check availability, and help you choose the perfect vehicle for your event. Once you receive your quote, you can easily book your reservation online or over the phone by submitting a deposit. With one of the largest fleets in Iowa and experience handling events of all sizes, Des Moines Party Bus Company is the clear choice for party bus rentals in Des Moines and beyond. Contact us today and let us show you why we’re the best in the business!

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Here are some real-world examples of recent party bus rentals in Des Moines to give you a better idea of what to expect:

Wells Fargo Arena Concert Shuttle

A group of 18 friends booked a 20-passenger party bus to see a concert at Wells Fargo Arena. The bus picked everyone up at a single location in West Des Moines, dropped them off at the arena, and waited nearby to take them home after the show. Total time: 5 hours. Final cost: $1,250 ($62.50 per person), including driver tip and parking.

Downtown Bar Crawl

A bachelor party rented a 14-passenger sprinter party bus for a Saturday night bar crawl in downtown Des Moines. The rental lasted 6 hours and included multiple stops at Court Avenue bars and restaurants. Final cost: $1,100 ($78.50 per person), including gratuity.

Wedding Shuttle to Salisbury House

A couple reserved a 30-passenger party bus to shuttle guests between their hotel block and a wedding venue at the Salisbury House & Gardens. The bus made two round trips over a 4-hour period. Final cost: $1,600 ($53 per person), plus a $200 driver gratuity paid in advance.

Drake University Formal

A student organization chartered a 40-passenger party bus to transport members to a formal event at a downtown hotel. The bus ran continuously for 7 hours, providing comfy rides back to campus at the end of the night. Final cost: $2,100 ($52.50 per person), with the bill split evenly among attendees.

Iowa State Fair Transportation

A local business hired a 25-passenger party bus to take employees and their families to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for a company outing. The bus was booked for 8 hours to allow for flexible departure times. Final cost: $1,900 ($76 per person), not including fair admission.

Des Moines Bachelorette Party

A group of 12 women rented a 15-passenger party bus for a bachelorette party that included stops at wineries in Indianola and bars in East Village. The 10-hour rental cost $1,750 ($145 per person), with a $150 tip added at the end of the night.

Pella Tulip Time Festival

An extended family booked a 22-passenger party bus to visit the Pella Tulip Time Festival. The bus was reserved for 9 hours to accommodate the 90-minute drive each way and time spent at the event. Final cost: $2,050 ($93 per person), with expenses shared across three households.