Party Bus Rules & Etiquette | Chicago Guide
What Every Renter Should Know
Booking a party bus should be fun, not confusing. Here's everything you need to know about rules, etiquette, and expectations for your Chicago party bus rental.
Alcohol Rules
What's Allowed
- Beer, wine, and spirits are permitted on party buses (not regular limos)
- BYOB is standard -- we don't sell alcohol
- Champagne for celebrations? Absolutely
What's NOT Allowed
- Glass bottles on some vehicles (ask when booking)
- Drinking by anyone under 21
- Open containers visible from outside the vehicle
Passenger Limits
These are strict -- no exceptions:
- If your bus seats 24, you can have 24 passengers maximum
- The chauffeur will do a headcount
- Over-capacity = canceled trip, no refund
Noise & Behavior
- Sound systems are yours to control -- bring your playlist
- Smoking/vaping is not permitted inside any vehicle
- Standing while the bus is moving is not permitted
- Treat the vehicle with respect -- damage fees apply
Tipping Your Driver
- Standard tip: 15-20% of the rental cost
- Collect from the group in advance
- Cash is preferred but not required
Cancellation Policies
- 72+ hours: Full refund
- 24-72 hours: 50% refund
- Under 24 hours: No refund
- Weather cancellations handled case by case
Booking Tips
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for weekend dates
- Confirm your headcount 48 hours before
- Share pick up address and all stops with us in advance
- Designate one point-of-contact for the group
Ready to Book?
Book online or call (224) 801-3090.
From the Driver's Seat
Chauffeur notes — Anthony, 5 years with Royal Carriage
For Wrigleyville bar crawls I stage the party bus on Seminary between Addison and Waveland because Sheffield gets closed off on game days. I coordinate with the group leader by text so we're not blocking a bike lane with 28 people boarding.
Last updated: 2026-04-06. Route tested summer 2025.
Key Points
- Flat-rate pricing, no surge charges
- 24/7 dispatch, live Chicago-based staff
- Call (224) 801-3090 or book online at /book
- Licensed, insured, and background-checked chauffeurs
Transparent Pricing for Chicago Service
| Vehicle | Capacity | Hourly | Airport Transfer (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Sedan (Cadillac XTS / Lincoln Continental) | 1-3 | $95/hr | $125-165 |
| Luxury SUV (Cadillac Escalade / Chevy Suburban) | 1-6 | $125/hr | $165-225 |
| Stretch Limousine (10-pax) | 8-10 | $165/hr | Quote |
| Mercedes Sprinter Van | 10-14 | $175/hr | $245-325 |
| Party Bus (20-pax) | 16-20 | $245/hr | Quote |
All rates include chauffeur, fuel, bottled water, and standard wait time. 20% gratuity customary. No hidden surge pricing — ever. Quoted rates valid 2026.
Vehicle Selection Guidance
Royal Carriage maintains a late-model fleet of sedans, SUVs, stretch limos, Sprinter vans, and party buses. Every vehicle carries commercial insurance well above the Illinois minimum, undergoes monthly safety inspections, and is detailed between runs. Chauffeurs complete a 40-hour training program covering Chicago geography, defensive driving, and concierge etiquette before their first solo run.
- Business attire standard: Chauffeurs arrive in suit and tie with a printed name placard if you request one.
- Child seats: Available at no charge with 24-hour notice — infant, convertible, and booster.
- Accessibility: Several SUVs are wheelchair-accessible with rear-entry ramps; request at booking.
- Flight tracking: We monitor every pickup against your flight number and adjust automatically for delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people fit on your party buses?
Our fleet includes 16-, 20-, 25-, and 30-passenger party buses. For groups over 30, we'll dispatch multiple buses and coordinate arrival/departure together.
What's on board?
Leather wraparound seating, LED color-changing lights, premium sound system with Bluetooth/AUX, laser lights, dance pole on select units, fiber-optic ceilings, mini-bars stocked with ice and mixers, and privacy tinted windows.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes, 21+ passengers only. We provide ice, cups, bottled water, and soda. No glass bottles for safety reasons — cans and plastic only.
Is there a minimum rental time?
4-hour minimum on Friday and Saturday nights, 3-hour minimum weekdays. Most bar crawls and bachelor/ette parties book 5-6 hours to cover multiple stops.
Do you handle the route and stops?
You give us the stops, we handle logistics. Our chauffeurs know which bars have good curb space, where to park a party bus without a ticket, and the fastest routes between neighborhoods.
What's the deposit?
25% deposit to confirm, balance due 72 hours before the event. All major credit cards accepted — no cash required.
Why Chicago Riders Choose Royal Carriage
We've been moving Chicagoans since 2009. Unlike rideshare, every Royal Carriage chauffeur is a W-2 employee, not a gig contractor — meaning consistent training, background-checked drivers, and accountability on every ride. Our dispatch runs 24/7 out of a staffed Chicago office (not an overseas call center), and the person who books your ride is the same person who'll answer if your flight gets rerouted to Milwaukee at 2 a.m.
We serve the entire Chicagoland area: downtown Loop, River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and every North Shore and West Suburban community, plus O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) with full flight tracking.
Book Your Chicago Limo
Ready to ride? Reserve online in under 60 seconds or call our 24/7 dispatch.
- Book online: royalcarriagelimo.com/book
- Call/text: (224) 801-3090
- Email: dispatch@royalcarriagelimo.com
We confirm every reservation by text within 15 minutes and send your chauffeur's name, photo, and live location 30 minutes before pickup.
Last updated: 2026-04-07. Pricing subject to change. Book online or call (224) 801-3090 for a current quote.