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Franklin Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Franklin Bus Rental Cost?

Franklin Minibus Company offers some of the most competitive charter bus and minibus prices in Franklin, Tennessee, with rates typically ranging from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. The exact cost of your bus rental will depend on several factors, including the size of the vehicle, the duration of your trip, the distance traveled, and the time of year. For example, a short local shuttle between CoolSprings Galleria and downtown Franklin will cost less than a multi-day charter to Knoxville or Memphis. The best way to get an accurate quote is to call our team at 615-996-9590 or use our online quote tool. Below, we provide estimated rates and explain the main factors that influence bus rental pricing in Franklin.

Vehicle Type Per Hour* Per Day* Per Mile*
56-Passenger Coach Bus $197 – $519 $1,600 – $3,800 $5.00 – $8.00
25-Passenger Minibus $165 – $428 $1,300 – $3,200 $4.00 – $7.00
20-Passenger Minibus $157 – $414 $1,300 – $3,100 $4.00 – $7.00
18-Passenger Minibus $145 – $404 $1,300 – $3,000 $4.00 – $7.00

*Prices vary and fluctuate with fuel costs, holidays, and availability. Booking early usually secures the lowest rate. For exact pricing, please call our reservations team.

How Much Does a Bus Rental Cost?

The average cost to rent a charter bus in Franklin ranges from $165 to $519 per hour, depending on the size and type of vehicle. Our most popular options include:

  • 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
  • 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
  • 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
  • 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile

These rates are only averages, and your actual quote may be higher or lower depending on your specific itinerary. For example, a round-trip charter from Franklin to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville will have a different price than an overnight excursion to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. To get an instant quote tailored to your needs, call us anytime at 615-996-9590.

What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Franklin?

Several key factors determine the final price of your charter bus rental in Franklin. The most important is the type and size of vehicle you choose. Larger buses like a 56-passenger motorcoach cost more than smaller minibuses because they offer more seating, storage space, and premium amenities such as restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, and TV monitors. Smaller groups can save money by booking an 18- or 20-passenger minibus, which is ideal for shuttling wedding guests between venues like The Factory at Franklin and local hotels such as the Harpeth Hotel or Drury Plaza.

The duration and distance of your trip also play a major role in pricing. Local trips within Williamson County—such as shuttles between CoolSprings Galleria, Harlinsdale Farm, and downtown Franklin—are usually billed by the hour, while longer journeys to cities like Chattanooga, Knoxville, or Memphis are charged by the day or mile. Multi-day charters will incur higher costs due to increased mileage, additional driver hours, and the need for overnight accommodations. For example, taking a youth sports team from Jim Warren Park to a weekend tournament in Gatlinburg will cost more than a single-day outing to the Nashville Zoo or Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.

Seasonality is another important factor. Charter bus demand peaks during the spring and fall when schools plan field trips to places like Carnton, Lotz House Museum, or Pinkerton Park, and couples host weddings at venues such as Graystone Quarry, Cedarmont Farm, or Homestead Manor. Booking your bus several months in advance can help lock in lower rates, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods like CMA Fest week or college football season. Last-minute reservations may be subject to higher prices due to limited availability.

Additional expenses not included in the base quote may include tolls, parking fees, and lodging for the driver if your trip requires an overnight stay. For instance, chartering a bus to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville or Nissan Stadium in Nashville may involve parking charges that are the responsibility of the group. While tipping your driver is optional, it’s customary to offer 10-20% of the total rental cost for excellent service.

Finally, any special requests—such as ADA-accessible vehicles with wheelchair lifts, extra luggage space for band equipment, or custom wraps for corporate branding—may affect the overall price. Franklin Minibus Company will work with you to accommodate all your needs and provide a clear, itemized quote with no hidden fees.

Sample Trip Pricing Examples

Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Franklin, TN and around Middle Tennessee. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.

Franklin to Nashville Airport Shuttle

18 passenger minibus rental

A corporate group needs transportation from their office park near Cool Springs Boulevard to Nashville International Airport (BNA) for a business trip. They book a 25-passenger minibus to pick up 20 employees at 7:00 AM, drop them off at the airport by 8:00 AM, and return to Franklin after the last flight lands at 6:00 PM. The total cost for this full-day airport shuttle is $2,200, which includes all mileage, tolls, and wait time. This works out to just $110 per person—much cheaper and more convenient than hiring multiple rideshares or paying for long-term parking at BNA.

Franklin Wedding Shuttle Service

56 passenger charter bus

A bride and groom are getting married at Graystone Quarry and want to provide their 150 guests with safe, reliable transportation between the venue and two hotels in downtown Franklin: The Harpeth Hotel and Drury Plaza Hotel. They rent a 56-passenger charter bus to run continuous loops from 3:00 PM until midnight. The bus makes three round trips over nine hours, ensuring everyone arrives on time for the ceremony and gets back to their rooms after the reception. The total price for this wedding shuttle package is $3,600. Splitting the cost among family members makes it an affordable option that keeps guests off the road after celebrating.

Franklin School Field Trip to Nashville Museums

56 passenger coach bus

An elementary school in Williamson County is planning a field trip to the Adventure Science Center and Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. They need to transport 100 students and 10 chaperones, so they book two 56-passenger charter buses. The itinerary includes a 9:00 AM departure from the school, visits to both museums, a lunch stop at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, and a 3:00 PM return to Franklin. The total cost for both buses is $2,800 ($1,400 each), making it an economical choice for large groups. Teachers appreciate the onboard WiFi and DVD players for keeping students entertained during the 30-minute drive each way.

Franklin Sports Team Charter to Knoxville

18 passenger minibus

A high school basketball team qualifies for the state tournament in Knoxville and needs group transportation for a three-day trip. They reserve a 25-passenger minibus to carry 15 players, 3 coaches, and equipment bags. The bus departs Franklin High School on Friday afternoon, travels 180 miles east to the University of Tennessee campus, stays overnight at a local hotel, and returns home after Saturday’s game. The charter includes 400 miles round-trip, two days of service, and overnight lodging for the driver. The total price comes to $4,500, which the athletic department covers through fundraising and booster club donations. Parents like having the whole team together for bonding and logistics.

Franklin Corporate Event Shuttle to Downtown Nashville

20 passenger minibus

A tech company is hosting a holiday party at the Wildhorse Saloon on Second Avenue in Nashville and wants to provide employees with round-trip transportation from their headquarters in the McEwen Southside district of Franklin. They hire a 20-passenger minibus to pick up staff at 5:00 PM, drop them off downtown by 6:00 PM, and bring everyone back to Franklin after the event ends at 11:00 PM. The total cost for this five-hour charter is $1,750, which the company pays as a perk to encourage attendance and responsible celebrating. Employees enjoy skipping traffic and parking hassles while riding together to the party.

Franklin Church Group Trip to Gatlinburg

25 passenger minibus

A local church is organizing a weekend retreat to the Great Smoky Mountains and needs transportation for 40 members. They book a 56-passenger charter bus to leave Franklin on Friday evening, drive 230 miles to Gatlinburg, stay two nights at a conference center, and return Sunday afternoon. The package includes three days of service, 500 miles, and a restroom-equipped coach for the long journey. The total price is $5,200, which the church covers through registration fees. Riders appreciate the comfortable seats, climate control, and ability to watch movies or socialize en route to the mountains.