Understanding Austin, Texas Party Bus Rates and What They Include

Do you want to have the best bachelor party bus in Austin, Texas, but are unsure about rental options or the rates? Or are you unsure that a party bus is even the best option for your bachelor/bachelorette party?

With a party bus, you are guaranteed to have the ultimate bachelor party experience that can't be replicated using a traditional rideshare service. You can plan a route yourself or, if you're from out of town and aren't sure of the hot spots in the area, a party bus company can help you plan a route based on your interests.

The first thing that comes to mind when booking a party bus, however, is cost.
​

What's Included in A Party Bus Rental?

Party bus companies include a variety of amenities that are making them the most attractive transportation options available.

Not only will you get one amazing party bus driven by a CDL (Commercial Drivers License)-holding driver to keep your group safe and sound, but you'll usually get:

• A killer sound system
• Flat-screen TVs
• An ambient and thematic interior
• Complimentary party-planning services (many party bus companies will plan out your entire experience if you desire)

Some companies even have a group host as an add-on. A host's job is to cater to your group throughout the night, keeping you entertained while also tidying up the bus a bit during stops.
​

​Why Party Bus?

Due to the higher cost, many people may opt to use traditional rideshare services for their big night out, but we have learned that the party bus route is the way to go.

Why is that? Well, it's the only way to ensure that your entire group stays together!

Plus, party buses are BYOB, which means you have plenty of time to pre-game before reaching your destination and drinking (responsibly) between stops.

Booking a party bus also ensures that you always have a private place to relax as well.

Have you ever tried booking an Uber in downtown Austin on a Saturday night?

It can be quite chaotic, especially if you are trying to visit several different locations! Not only will you have different drivers at each stop, but you won't have a secure place to store your belongings.

With a party bus, you will have one dedicated and assured driver at every stop, along with a safe place to store your belongings. This makes for a more comfortable and convenient experience for your bachelor party.
​

Factors That Affect Pricing

There are two main factors that can affect party bus rates, the most important of which is time.

Most party bus companies charge by the hour! To get the most out of your booking, it is important that your whole group be ready at the agreed-upon pick-up time so your party isn't delayed.

While some companies are usually able to accommodate last-minute trip extensions, that isn't always the case. Each company handles their scheduling differently, but if you schedule an 8-hour block beginning at noon one day, it would be reasonable to expect that the vehicle you have booked has another trip scheduled at 9 pm that night.

The second factor affecting party bus rates is the service charge, which is anywhere from 10% to 20% of your subtotal. There will usually be a line item on your invoice for something like this, but you will want to check and see what exactly that covers.

Usually, it is to cover fuel costs and routine maintenance, but some companies include the gratuity in that line items as well. It is important to see what that fee covers so you know if you need to tip your driver at the end of your trip!
​

Standard Austin Party Bus Rates

Party buses are usually rented by the hour, and rates can vary from anywhere between $50 per hour to $300 per hour, depending on the company and the chosen vehicle.

For example, the Austin-based party bus company Ninja Buses has six vehicles that usually* range in price from $125 per hour to $270 per hour. These fees are a flat rate and don't change no matter where you are going and no matter the time of day/night your trip is taking place!

That flexibility is something that sets them apart from other party bus companies in Austin because many of them have higher rates for weekend trips or trips that take place at night.

For a complete list of Ninja Buses' rates, simply visit their website here.

*Austin is a popular city with many special events that take place throughout the year. Because of this, there will be some dates that have excessive demands, thus increasing rates. Important events to remember are SXSW (usually during Spring Break every March), Austin City Limits (the first two weekends of October) and F1 (the last weekend of October).