More student event planners are choosing bus charters as the mode of transport for students participating in academic and other competitions or college events. These vehicles are considered one of the safest and most reliable transportation methods. In addition, charter operators also offer budget-friendly options to help you save money.
This guide covers how to charter a bus rental for a college academic competition. We consider different bus types, booking your transportation, appropriate accommodation and how to organize your trip.
Types of Charter Buses
Different charter companies will offer a variety of buses for your trip. It is best to compare the different types of buses from at least two to three charter providers. This practice will give you more options, allowing you to select the best options for your group.
Here are the most common types of charter buses:
- Coach Bus
Coach buses are one of the largest charter buses in any fleet. Also known as the motor coach, these buses offer top-of-the-line luxury options in group transportation. In addition, these vehicles offer modern amenities making your trip more comfortable and pleasant.
Compared to other charter buses, a coach bus is often equipped with plenty of travel options for a smooth ride:
- GPS-enabled tracking
- ADA accessibility options such as wheelchairs
- Onboard restrooms
- Ample leg room
- Reclining seats
- High-quality air conditioning
- TV and DVD players
- Free Wi-Fi
A standard coach bus can comfortably seat up to 55 passengers. They’re best suited for transporting bigger groups and covering long distances. If your destination is over three hours away, it’s best to charter a coach bus even if you don’t fill its seating capacity.
- Mini Coach Bus
A mini coach bus offers the same amenities and comforts as a full-sized coach bus. However, it’s smaller and can only accommodate 34 to 47 passengers at a time. It’s a very versatile option, better suited for smaller teams. Even though they’re smaller, a mini coach can still accommodate groups like school bands and have enough room for their instruments and equipment.
- Minibus
If you’re transporting a small student group, then chartering a minibus is your most affordable option. However, these buses can only seat 30 people or less. They often have the same layout as your standard school bus, but they won’t have the modern amenities of a chartered coach bus. In addition, these buses can only accommodate trips lasting three hours or less.
Choosing the Right Charter Bus for Your Student Group
Now that you know the different types of charter buses, you can select the one that suits your group. Pick a bus by capacity and the amenities your group needs for the trip. For instance, charter a coach bus if you’re transporting a group of 40 students and you need to travel long distances. You’ll have better leg room, onboard restrooms and better air conditioning. These features will allow your team to focus on preparing for the competition.
How to Charter a Bus Rental for a College Academic Competition
Follow these steps when booking a bus charter for your student group:
Set Your Itinerary
Before contacting the charter company, you should have your itinerary mapped out and approved by your college administration and other authorities overseeing the event. Next, plan your stops and streamline your trip to help you save money. Finally, you can call the charter company and work with their booking specialists to iron out the details.
If you’re planning to stay in a hotel, it’s time to make your reservations. You should also plan your meals and the activities you’ll have while on the road. You should also include a few practice sessions for the academic competition to help keep your team focused.
Select Your Bus
Choose the bus that best suits the size and needs of your group. You should also base this choice according to your budget.
Book Your Trip
Schedule your trip with the charter company. You may have to pay a deposit upfront to make your reservation.
Share The Itinerary with Your Group
After you charter a bus rental for a college academic competition, it’s time to share the details with your entire team. Make sure to hand out permission slips and have parents sign them. If chaperones are accompanying a student, indicate that they will be responsible for their children.
Charter the Best Transportation for Your Academic Team
Atlantic Coast Charters has extensive experience catering to academic teams on the road. We’ve been providing outstanding bus charter services since 2010. We offer world-class amenities, so you remain comfortable during the trip and focus on your upcoming competition.