Lead times vary. Here’s what to consider.
According to the American Bus Association, there are approximately 1,566 charter bus operators in the United States, and almost 89% of these bus companies have 24 vehicles or less in their fleet.
While there are a few national brands like First Student and Greyhound, most charter buses are operated by small family businesses which are regionally distributed across the country. Bus companies tend to be located next to major cities, tourist attractions, military bases, casinos, and universities.
Due to the size and scope of a given market, some metropolitan areas only have a handful of buses nearby --- so the availability of buses largely depends on the capacity of the local bus company and the demand patterns of the clients. Each market is different, and some require bookings several years in advance for the peak dates.
Luckily, our product has wheels and can move to wherever it is needed! That said, the further we deadhead, or travel empty, the more costly the trip will be due to the extra fuel and mileage.
Planning factors
Here’s an overview of the facts that should determine how far out you plan
- What season are you traveling? The busiest months for charter bus companies in Minnesota are March-June & September-November. During these times, collegiate sports teams, school activities, conventions, & weddings require a lot of buses. We recommend that you plan 3-6 months out for all charter bus trips. Some New York charter bus companies recommend 9 months.
- What day of the week are you traveling on? Fridays and Saturdays sell out for almost all motor coach companies throughout the United States, especially in the upper Midwest. Most events & activities are planned for these days, which causes them to sellout in advance.
- What is your head count and departure date? These 2 critical pieces of information will help your charter bus company determine quickly what type of vehicle you need, and when. Without this information, you can’t really start planning.
- Planning is related to pricing. Remember, bus availability will decrease the closer you get to your travel dates, and prices tend to be higher when demand exceeds supply. To get the best rates, plan farther ahead.
If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.