Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Rentals in Knoxville
FAQS
Charter Bus Rental Knoxville is a leading charter bus company in Knoxville because we offer one of the largest and most diverse fleets in East Tennessee backed by 24/7 customer support and fully-custom packages. We help groups of any size—from 20-person wedding parties to 2,000-person corporate events—get exact the bus they need with the amenities they want, at a price they can afford. Our team has handled it all: game-day shuttles to Neyland Stadium, multi-day school trips to Dollywood, airport transfers to TYS, and even emergency evacuations. We know the local roads, the best places to park a bus, and how to keep a trip running on time. When you call us, you’ll get a team that cares about your trip as much as you do.
A charter bus is a large motor vehicle designed to carry groups of people and is hired for private use. Unlike a public city bus with fixed routes and schedules, a charter bus goes exactly where and when the customer wants. It’s commonly used for school trips, sports teams, corporate outings, weddings, or any event where a group needs to travel together. Charter buses are built for comfort on longer trips, offering cushioned seats, climate control, and often additional amenities like restrooms and entertainment systems. They can travel locally within a city or region, or be booked for long-distance trips across state lines.
Most full-size charter buses are 40–45 feet long, about 12 feet tall, and 8.5 feet wide. They have a rectangular shape with a flat front, large tinted windows running the length of the cabin, and smooth fiberglass or metal body panels that are often painted white, black, silver, or custom colors. The roofline is straight, with minimal slope at the front and rear. Below the windows, there are several luggage bay doors integrated into the lower body panels, each with a flush-mounted handle. The front features a wide windshield angled backward, dual side mirrors mounted on arms extending from the A-pillars, and a central entry door located just behind the front axle. Wheels are typically 22.5-inch steel or aluminum rims, partially covered by fender skirts. LED marker lights run along the roof edge, and the rear has vertically stacked taillights on each corner. Optional features include a destination sign above the windshield, roof-mounted HVAC units, and mounting points for vinyl wraps or graphics.
Most full-size charter buses seat between 48 and 56 passengers, depending on the model and interior configuration. Common seating capacities include 50, 52, 54, and 56 seats. Larger models, like the Van Hool CX45 or Prevost H3-45, typically offer 54–56 seats, while slightly smaller coaches may have 48–52. The exact number can vary if the bus is equipped with an onboard restroom (which may replace 2–4 seats), additional luggage space, or wider seats for extra comfort. Some operators can reconfigure seating to accommodate groups with specific needs, but 56 is generally the maximum for a standard 45-foot coach.
Anyone who needs to move a group of people from one place to another can rent a charter bus! We help schools, colleges, sports teams, businesses, wedding planners, churches, military groups, and event organizers book transportation for all kinds of trips. That includes field trips, corporate events, training sessions, out-of-town games, fan travel, airport transfers, cruise transfers, multi-day tours, and even emergency evacuations. Private groups also rent buses for family reunions, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and vacation travel. If you have 10 or more people traveling together, a charter bus is often the easiest and most comfortable way to keep everyone on the same schedule.
We offer a full range of buses in Knoxville, including 18-passenger, 20-passenger, and 25-passenger minibuses; and 56-passenger full-size charter buses from several major manufacturers. Our fleet includes vehicles from Van Hool, Prevost, MCI, Setra, Temsa, Grech Motors, Turtle Top, and Champion—so you always get a modern, comfortable coach with the amenities you need. Minibuses are great for smaller groups, short trips, or shuttles around town, while the 56-passenger charter bus is ideal for large groups, longer trips, or anyone who needs maximum seating and luggage space. We can also provide multiple buses for very large groups or custom packages that include several different vehicle types. If you’re not sure which bus is best for your group, just ask—we’re happy to help you compare your options and find the right fit.
A charter bus (also called a coach bus) is built for comfortable, long-distance travel with forward-facing seats, luggage bays, and amenities like Wi-Fi and restrooms. A party bus is designed for short trips and celebrations—it has a spacious interior with perimeter seating, color-changing lights, a sound system, and room to stand or dance. An entertainer bus (also known as a sleeper bus) is made for touring musicians or performers; it’s similar in size to a charter bus but has a custom interior with bunks, lounge areas, a kitchen, and sometimes a private bedroom. The main differences are the seating layout, interior features, and intended use: charter/coach buses move groups point-to-point, party buses host moving celebrations, and entertainer buses serve as mobile living quarters for touring professionals.
Most modern Knoxville charter buses include reclining seats with headrests, individual reading lights, overhead parcel racks, and powerful air conditioning. There are usually one or two flat-screen monitors mounted at the front or mid-cabin, with a DVD player or HDMI input for entertainment. Each seat row has access to a 110V power outlet or USB-A port for charging devices. A full-size restroom is located at the rear of the coach. Free Wi-Fi is provided via a 4G/LTE cellular router. The public address system includes a wired microphone at the front and a wireless handheld mic. Bluetooth audio allows music playback from a phone or tablet through the main speakers. Exterior luggage bays can hold up to two suitcases per passenger. Additional options include leatherette upholstery, seatback tray tables, and tinted windows for privacy.
Yes, most of our modern charter buses and minibuses can be equipped with Wi-Fi upon request. The onboard Wi-Fi system connects to the internet via a 4G/LTE cellular network and broadcasts a secure Wi-Fi signal throughout the cabin. While the connection is suitable for email, web browsing, and social media, bandwidth may be limited for streaming video or large downloads, especially in rural areas with weak cellular coverage. If reliable Wi-Fi is important for your trip, please mention this when booking so we can assign a bus with the latest equipment and ensure your group stays connected on the road.
A full-size Knoxville charter bus has up to 500 cubic feet of luggage space—enough for one large suitcase per passenger plus a carry-on bag. Most of the storage is in undercarriage bays accessed from outside the bus, while smaller items can go in overhead racks inside the cabin. Minibuses typically have less storage—enough for a carry-on and maybe one small suitcase per person—but not full-size luggage. If everyone in your group brings a big suitcase, a backpack, and maybe some extra gear (like sports equipment or display materials), a standard 56-passenger coach will handle it. For oversized items—like musical instruments, trade show displays, or athletic gear—we can help you plan ahead or even arrange a trailer. Just let us know what you’re bringing.
Yes, we can provide ADA-accessible charter buses in Knoxville and any surrounding area. These buses come with a wheelchair lift, wider aisles, space for mobility devices, and accessible restrooms. Just let us know what accommodations you need when you request a quote, and we’ll make sure your bus meets all ADA requirements. We regularly work with schools, senior groups, and event planners to provide accessible transportation for any type of trip.
Yes, you can wrap a charter bus with your own branding, graphics, or advertising, but there are some conditions. Full wraps, partial wraps, and vinyl decals are allowed as long as they do not cover windows, lights, or safety markings (such as emergency exits and reflectors). All artwork must be submitted for approval prior to installation. The cost of wrapping and removing the wrap is the responsibility of the renter. Wraps must be professionally installed using high-quality, removable vinyl. Any damage to the paint or body caused by the wrap will be billed to the renter. Please coordinate installation and removal times with our dispatch team to ensure the bus is available and ready for your trip.
Yes, you can request a specific bus model or color, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your preference. Our fleet includes popular models from Van Hool, Prevost, MCI, Setra, and Grech Motors, available in standard colors like white, black, silver, and custom finishes. If you need matching vehicles for a corporate event, wedding, or branded wrap, let us know when you request a quote. While we can’t always guarantee a specific model or color due to scheduling and maintenance, we’ll prioritize your request and confirm availability before you book. If your first choice isn’t available, we’ll offer the closest alternative with the same seating capacity and amenities.
Most people pay between $1,400 and $3,800 for a Knoxville charter bus rental—but pricing is always custom and can vary widely based on mileage, duration, vehicle size, and time of year. Local trips are typically billed by the hour (with a five-hour minimum), while longer trips are charged by the mile or day. For example, a single-day round trip from Knoxville to Nashville might cost $3,500–$4,500, while a simple in-town shuttle could be $200–$300 per hour. Multi-day or out-of-state trips are priced by the day or total mileage. Additional expenses such as tolls, parking, and driver lodging are not included in the base rate. To get an accurate quote, provide details about your itinerary, group size, and any special requirements. Discounts may be available for schools, nonprofits, or multi-bus bookings.
Most people pay between $1,300 and $3,500 for a Knoxville minibus rental—but pricing is always custom and can vary widely based on mileage, duration, vehicle size, and time of year. Local trips are typically billed by the hour (with a five-hour minimum), while longer trips are charged by the mile or day. For example, a single-day round trip from Knoxville to Nashville might cost $3,000–$4,000, while a simple in-town shuttle could be $200–$300 per hour. Multi-day or out-of-state trips are priced by the day or total mileage. Additional expenses such as tolls, parking, and driver lodging are not included in the base rate. To get an accurate quote, provide details about your itinerary, group size, and any special requirements. Discounts may be available for schools, nonprofits, or multi-bus bookings.
Several factors affect the price of a Knoxville charter bus rental: the distance and duration of your trip, the size and type of bus you need, the time of year, and any additional requests or amenities. Longer trips and larger buses cost more, and rates are higher during busy seasons like spring and fall. Additional factors that can impact the cost include whether your trip is one-way or round-trip, if you require any special amenities (like Wi-Fi or a DVD player), and if the driver needs overnight accommodations. Fuel prices, tolls, and parking fees may also be added to your total. The best way to get an accurate price is to call us with all the details of your trip so we can give you a personalized quote.
Your quote includes the bus, driver, mileage, fuel, insurance, and standard amenities (A/C, reclining seats, PA system, luggage bays). Extras like Wi-Fi, power outlets, DVD monitors, and restroom are included if requested. Tolls, parking, and driver lodging are not included and are billed separately. Taxes and fees are itemized. Additional charges for custom pickups, layovers, or special requests will be listed. Gratuity is not included. The quote covers all transportation from first pickup to final drop-off as specified in your itinerary.
It’s best to book your Knoxville bus rental as early as possible—ideally 3 to 6 months in advance—to ensure availability and get the best rate. Spring and fall are the busiest seasons due to school trips, sports events, and weddings, so buses can book up quickly during these times. For major events (like UT game days or large festivals), booking 6 to 12 months ahead is recommended. Last-minute rentals are possible, but your choice of vehicle may be limited and rates can be higher. Once you have your trip dates and itinerary, contact us right away to reserve your bus.
You can get an instant quote by calling our 24-hour reservations team at 865-489-1320 or by using our online quote form. Just provide the details of your trip—pickup location, destination, departure date and time, return date and time, and the number of passengers—and we’ll give you a personalized quote in minutes. If you have special requests (like a bus with Wi-Fi or an ADA-accessible vehicle), let us know so we can include that in your quote. Once you receive your quote, you can book your bus right away with a deposit.
Yes, we offer one-way, round-trip, and multi-day packages to meet the needs of any group. Whether you need a simple airport transfer, a round-trip shuttle for a wedding or sporting event, or a multi-day rental for a conference or out-of-town excursion, we can customize a package that fits your schedule and budget. Just let us know what you need when you request a quote, and we’ll make it happen.
Yes, we offer long-distance bus rentals to and from Knoxville, including one-way and multi-day trips to cities across the Southeast and beyond. Popular destinations include Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Charlotte, Asheville, and Birmingham, but we can go anywhere your group needs to be. Long-distance trips include the same great amenities—like reclining seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a restroom—and we’ll make sure your itinerary runs smoothly from start to finish. If you’re planning a long-distance trip, contact us early to get the best availability and rates.
Yes, if your trip requires an overnight stay, you are responsible for providing hotel accommodations for the driver. The hotel should have secure parking for the bus and be at least two-star rated. Many hotels offer discounted rates for groups and will provide a complimentary room for the driver if you ask. If your trip is more than a few hours each way, you may also need to budget for meal expenses. Our team will let you know if your itinerary requires an overnight stay and can recommend hotels that are convenient and bus-friendly.
Book early, especially during busy seasons like spring and fall when schools and sports teams are traveling. Provide a detailed itinerary with exact addresses and times for each stop. Ask about parking and drop-off options at your destination—some places have restrictions on large vehicles. Be clear about any special requests, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, or an ADA-accessible bus. Budget for additional expenses like tolls, parking, and driver accommodations if your trip is overnight. Finally, confirm your passenger count and make sure everyone knows the departure schedule—extra stops or delays can add to your cost.
We provide charter bus service to and from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), the primary commercial airport serving Knoxville and East Tennessee. Located about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville in Alcoa, TYS is a common arrival and departure point for corporate travelers, university groups, sports teams, and tourists. Our buses can pick up and drop off passengers directly at the terminal, making it easy to move large groups with luggage. We also serve Downtown Island Airport (DKX) for private and charter flights, and can provide ground transportation to major airports in nearby cities—such as Nashville International Airport (BNA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)—for groups needing long-distance connections.
We provide charter bus service to all major sports venues in Knoxville, including Neyland Stadium (home of Tennessee Volunteers football), Thompson-Boling Arena (basketball and concerts), and Lindsey Nelson Stadium (baseball). We also serve high school stadiums for playoff games, band competitions, and tournaments. Out-of-town trips to venues like Bridgestone Arena (Nashville) or Truist Park (Atlanta) are no problem. Whether you’re moving a team, a pep band, or a group of fans, we’ll get you to the game on time with all your gear.
We serve all major concert venues in Knoxville, including the Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre, Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum, The Mill & Mine, and outdoor venues like World’s Fair Park. We also provide transportation to music festivals, arena shows, and smaller clubs or theaters. If your group is traveling to a concert out of town, we can take you to venues in Nashville, Atlanta, or Asheville as well. Arrive together, avoid parking hassles, and enjoy the show knowing your ride is waiting.
We provide wedding transportation to popular Knoxville venues such as The Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm, The Standard, Jackson Terminal, Crescent Bend House & Gardens, Dara’s Garden, and Castleton Farms. We also serve local churches, hotels, and reception halls. For weddings in the Smoky Mountains, we can provide service to venues in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Need guest shuttles between the ceremony and reception? We’ll keep your schedule running smoothly.
Charter Bus Rental Knoxville serves every city, town, and county across East Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains, and the entire Southeast. We operate in Knoxville, Maryville, Alcoa, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Lenoir City, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Morristown, Jefferson City, Newport, Greeneville, Athens, Sweetwater, Harriman, Kingston, LaFollette, and Crossville. We also provide service to and from major regional hubs like Chattanooga, Nashville, Asheville, and Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol). If you don’t see your city listed, just ask—we can send a bus anywhere you need to go.
We provide charter bus service to all major events and festivals in Knoxville, including the Dogwood Arts Festival, Knoxville Film Festival, Big Ears Festival, Tennessee Valley Fair, and University of Tennessee homecoming events. We also serve regional events like the Smoky Mountain Winterfest, Dollywood’s seasonal festivals, and the Rhythm N’ Blooms Music Festival. Traveling to a festival is safer and more convenient when everyone rides together. We can customize pickup and drop-off locations to fit your group’s schedule.
We provide charter bus service to the Knoxville Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown near World’s Fair Park. This venue hosts trade shows, corporate events, and large meetings, and we can arrange transportation for attendees, exhibitors, and VIP guests. We also serve the Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center, university conference facilities, and hotel meeting spaces. For groups attending out-of-town conventions, we can provide transportation to major centers in Nashville, Atlanta, and beyond.