Party Bus FAQs
Everything you need to know about renting a party bus in Chicago
Quick Answers
Fast answers to your party bus questions
Quick Answer
How many people can fit on a party bus?
Our party buses accommodate 14-40 passengers depending on the model. We offer 14-passenger luxury sprinters, 20-passenger party buses, 30-passenger charter buses, and 40-passenger coaches. Capacity includes comfortable seating, dance space, and amenities.
Quick Answer
Is alcohol allowed on party buses in Chicago?
Yes, passengers 21+ may consume alcohol on party buses in Illinois. You provide your own beverages. The driver cannot drink and all passengers must remain seated when the vehicle is moving. We provide ice, coolers, and cup holders.
Quick Answer
How much does a party bus rental cost?
Party bus rentals range from $150-$300 per hour with a 4-hour minimum. Pricing varies by vehicle size, day of week, and season. Weekend rates are higher than weekdays. Packages for proms, weddings, and bachelor parties available.
Capacity & Vehicle Options
What size party buses are available?
We offer party buses in multiple sizes to accommodate groups from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. Our fleet includes 14-passenger luxury Sprinters perfect for small groups, 20-passenger mid-size party buses ideal for birthday parties and bar crawls, 30-passenger large party buses for weddings and proms, and 40-passenger luxury coaches for major events. Each size features different amenities and pricing. We'll help you select the perfect size for your group and budget.
Can I see the actual bus before booking?
Yes, we encourage pre-rental inspections. Schedule an appointment to view our party buses at our facility. You can see the interior, test the sound system, check seating capacity, and meet drivers. Virtual tours and interior photos are also available on our website. Seeing the bus in person helps ensure it matches your expectations and group needs. Inspections are by appointment Monday-Friday 10 AM - 5 PM.
What's the difference between a party bus and a limo bus?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both feature party amenities including sound systems, lighting, and bar areas. "Limo buses" typically refer to converted luxury buses with more formal interiors and seating along the sides. "Party buses" may have more open dance floor space and less formal seating. We offer both styles depending on your event type. Wedding groups often prefer limo buses while bachelor parties choose party buses.
How much standing room is there for dancing?
Party buses feature varying amounts of standing/dance space. Our 20-passenger buses have approximately 80 square feet of dance area, 30-passenger buses offer 120-150 square feet, and 40-passenger coaches provide 200+ square feet. All buses have 6'6" interior ceiling height allowing most adults to stand comfortably. Seating can be adjusted for more or less dance space. Let us know if dancing is a priority and we'll recommend the best layout.
Alcohol & Party Policies
What are the alcohol rules on party buses?
Illinois law permits passengers 21+ to consume alcohol on party buses. You must provide your own alcohol; we don't sell or supply it. All passengers must show valid ID confirming age 21+. The driver cannot consume alcohol and will monitor for safety. Passengers must remain seated when the vehicle is moving. Excessive intoxication that threatens safety may result in trip termination without refund. We provide ice, coolers, and cup holders. Glass bottles are discouraged for safety.
Can we bring our own drinks and food?
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and food. We provide large coolers stocked with ice, cup holders, and trash receptacles. Many groups bring pizza, snacks, or catered food. Please use appropriate containers and avoid items that create excessive mess. Red wine and foods with strong odors are discouraged. Cleanup fees apply for excessive mess. No smoking or vaping is permitted inside the vehicle at any time.
What if someone in our group is under 21?
Passengers under 21 are permitted on party buses but cannot consume alcohol. For prom groups and events with minors, strict no-alcohol policies are enforced. Mixed-age groups (like family celebrations) are allowed but all alcohol consumption must be by 21+ passengers only. The driver and/or chaperone will verify IDs. Parents or group organizers are responsible for ensuring minors don't consume alcohol. Violations may result in immediate trip termination and police contact.
What happens if someone gets too intoxicated?
Driver and passenger safety is our top priority. If a passenger becomes excessively intoxicated to the point of threatening their safety or others, the driver has authority to: require that person to stop drinking, request the group handle the situation, or in extreme cases, terminate the trip and require the intoxicated person to leave the bus (with their group). No refunds are provided for trips terminated due to passenger behavior. Designate a sober contact person for your group to help manage these situations.
Pricing & Booking
How is party bus pricing calculated?
Pricing is based on several factors: bus size/capacity (14-40 passengers), rental duration with a 4-hour minimum, day of week (weekends cost more than weekdays), season (summer and December are peak), and distance traveled. Hourly rates range from $150/hour for 14-passenger buses to $300/hour for 40-passenger luxury coaches. Fuel surcharges, gratuity (typically 20%), and optional extras like decorations or special requests are additional. Request a custom quote for exact pricing.
What's included in the rental price?
The base rental includes the party bus for your specified time period, professional chauffeur, fuel for typical routes within the Chicago area, all standard amenities (sound system, lights, coolers with ice), insurance, and normal wear and tear. NOT included: gratuity for driver (typically 15-20%), fuel surcharge for excessive mileage, parking fees or venue charges, cleaning fees for excessive mess, damage deposits, and optional upgrades like decorations or special equipment.
Is a deposit required to book?
Yes, we require a 25-50% deposit to secure your reservation, with the percentage depending on booking size and advance notice. The deposit is non-refundable but can be applied to a different date if you reschedule more than 14 days before your event. Final payment is due 72 hours before your rental date. We accept credit cards, debit cards, Venmo, Zelle, and cash. Corporate accounts may qualify for invoicing. Deposits guarantee your bus is reserved exclusively for your group.
When is peak season and how does it affect pricing?
Peak seasons include April-May (prom season), June-August (wedding season), December (holiday parties), and New Year's Eve. During peak times, prices are 20-40% higher than off-season rates, minimum rental periods may be longer (6 hours instead of 4), and availability is extremely limited. Book 2-3 months in advance during peak season. Off-season months (January-March, September-November except holidays) offer the best rates and availability for budget-conscious groups.
Can I split payment among the group?
Yes, we can accommodate split payments. One person should be the primary contact and booking holder, but we can process payments from multiple credit cards or accept multiple Venmo/Zelle payments. All payments must be completed 72 hours before the event. We can also provide a payment link that group members can use to contribute their share. However, the primary contact is ultimately responsible for full payment regardless of whether others contribute.
Routes & Destinations
Where can the party bus take us?
Party buses can travel anywhere in the Chicago metropolitan area and suburbs within 60 miles of downtown. Popular routes include bar district crawls (River North, Wrigleyville, West Loop), concert venues (United Center, Wrigley Field, Soldier Field), casino trips, brewery tours, and suburb-to-downtown trips for special events. Longer trips to Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee, or Indiana casinos are available with extended booking periods and additional mileage fees. Out-of-state trips require advance notice.
Can we stop at multiple bars or venues?
Absolutely. Multi-stop bar crawls and venue hopping are popular party bus uses. You provide the itinerary and we handle transportation between locations. The driver will wait at each stop or circle the area. Most groups plan 3-5 stops in a 4-6 hour rental. The bus remains your mobile party between venues. Consider venue locations when planning routes to maximize time at stops versus driving. Our drivers can suggest optimal routes and popular venue clusters.
How long can we stay at each stop?
You control the itinerary and timing. Typical stops are 30-60 minutes but you can adjust as needed. The rental clock continues running during stops so factor stop time into your total rental period. If you want extended time at one venue (like dinner or a concert), let us know and we can optimize the schedule. The driver will text when it's time to move to the next location based on your planned schedule. Flexibility is a key benefit of hourly rental.
Are there places the party bus can't go?
Large party buses (30-40 passengers) cannot navigate narrow residential streets, tight parking lots, or areas with low clearance bridges. Some venues have restrictions on large vehicles or don't allow bus parking. High-crime neighborhoods may be avoided for safety. The driver knows Chicago thoroughly and will advise if a destination is problematic. For weddings at venues with restricted access, we'll drop off and pick up at designated areas. Always provide exact addresses when booking so we can verify access.
Safety & Amenities
What safety features do party buses have?
All party buses meet federal motor vehicle safety standards including seat belts for all passengers, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and commercial insurance. Drivers are professionally licensed with CDLs, undergo background checks and drug testing, and are trained in defensive driving. Vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained. GPS tracking monitors all trips. Drivers enforce safety rules including passengers being seated when moving, no excessive intoxication, and emergency procedures.
What entertainment features are included?
Standard entertainment amenities include premium sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity for your music, programmable LED lighting in multiple colors, disco balls or fiber optic lighting, flat-screen TVs with HDMI inputs, and dance poles. Upgraded buses may feature multiple TV screens, professional DJ-quality audio, laser lights, fog machines, and bar areas. You control the music from your phone. Some buses have karaoke systems available. Let us know your priorities and we'll match you with the right bus.
Is WiFi available on party buses?
Most of our party buses are equipped with WiFi hotspots so you can share photos and videos of your event on social media in real-time. Connection quality varies by location and cellular coverage. While perfect for social media posting, it may not support bandwidth-intensive activities like video streaming. USB charging ports are available throughout the bus to keep phones charged. Let us know if WiFi is critical and we'll confirm which buses have the most reliable connectivity.
Can we decorate the party bus?
Yes, you can add decorations within guidelines. Balloons, banners, and removable decorations are fine. Avoid anything that damages surfaces, blocks the driver's view, or interferes with safety equipment. No glitter, confetti, or items requiring nails, tape, or adhesive that damages upholstery. We can arrange professional decoration services for an additional fee including themed decor, custom signage, flowers, or balloon arrangements. Decorations must be removed at trip end or removal fees apply.
Booking Process & Policies
How do I book a party bus?
Booking is simple: request a quote online or call us with your event date, pickup location, estimated guest count, and rental duration. We'll provide pricing and availability. Once you approve, we'll send a contract detailing all terms, pricing, and policies. Review and sign electronically. Submit your deposit (25-50%) to secure the booking. You'll receive confirmation with your driver's contact information 48 hours before the event. Final payment is due 72 hours before your rental.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 30 days before the event receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. Cancellations 15-30 days before forfeit the deposit but no additional charges. Cancellations within 14 days forfeit the deposit and 50% of the remaining balance. Cancellations within 72 hours or no-shows are charged 100%. You can reschedule to a different date more than 14 days in advance without penalty based on availability. Weather cancellations follow the same policy unless conditions make travel unsafe.
What if we need to extend our rental during the event?
Extensions are available if the bus and driver don't have another commitment immediately following your rental. Notify the driver or dispatch as soon as you know you need more time. Extensions are billed at the same hourly rate, pro-rated in 30-minute increments. During peak season (prom, weekends), extensions are less likely due to back-to-back bookings. To avoid last-minute extension requests, consider booking extra time upfront. Extensions require payment before the extended period begins.
Can I change my pickup time or location?
Yes, changes to pickup time or location can be made up to 48 hours before your event at no charge. Changes within 48 hours are accommodated based on driver schedule and may incur a $50 change fee. Significant changes to the itinerary may require repricing if they substantially alter distance or timing. Contact us as soon as plans change. Same-day changes are handled on a best-effort basis but cannot be guaranteed. Driver contact information is provided for day-of coordination.
What happens if the bus breaks down?
While mechanical issues are rare due to our rigorous maintenance, if a breakdown occurs we'll immediately dispatch a replacement bus. If a replacement isn't available within 30 minutes, you'll receive a pro-rated refund for unused time or the option to reschedule. Our 24/7 dispatch monitors all trips and can coordinate alternative transportation if needed. We carry comprehensive insurance and have roadside assistance for quick resolution. Customer satisfaction and safety are our priorities in all situations.
Event-Specific Questions
Do you have special packages for proms?
Yes, prom packages include 5-6 hour rentals with pre-prom pickups, transportation to dinner and prom venue, and return home. Strict no-alcohol policies are enforced for all prom groups. Parents receive driver contact information and GPS tracking links. Pricing includes chaperone requirements if mandated by schools. We accommodate photo stops and grand entrances. Book 2-3 months in advance as prom season fills quickly. Group discounts available for multiple families splitting costs.
Can party buses be used for wedding transportation?
Absolutely. Party buses are popular for wedding party transportation between ceremony and reception, transporting guests from hotels to venues, and late-night guest shuttles. Wedding packages include decorated buses, champagne service, and flexible timing for photos. Buses keep wedding parties together and ensure no one drinks and drives. We coordinate with wedding planners and photographers. Book 3-6 months in advance for summer weddings. White or black exterior buses available based on preference.
What makes a great bachelor/bachelorette party bus experience?
Bachelor and bachelorette parties are our specialty. Successful events include a well-planned route with 4-6 stops at bars/clubs/breweries, designated sober contact person to coordinate with driver, themed decorations or attire, curated playlist ready to connect via Bluetooth, and stocked coolers with drinks for between stops. Popular routes include River North bar crawls, brewery tours in Fulton Market, or suburban-to-city party trips. Book the right-sized bus - not too big or too small - for optimal party atmosphere.
Do you offer party bus service for corporate events?
Yes, we provide party buses for corporate outings, team building events, holiday parties, and client entertainment. Corporate rentals receive professional invoicing, alcohol-optional configurations, and more conservative entertainment setups if requested. Popular uses include transportation to sporting events, company picnics, conference after-parties, and brewery tours. Corporate accounts qualify for volume discounts. We accommodate special requests like company logos, branded materials, or specific route requirements.
Ready to Book Your Party Bus?
Get a free quote or call us to discuss your event