School Bus

Our fleet includes school buses from leading manufacturers such as Blue Bird, Thomas Built Buses, and IC Bus (Navistar). Specific models include the Blue Bird Vision, Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2, and IC CE Series, all of which are known for their reliability and ease of maintenance. These buses are built on either Freightliner, International, or proprietary chassis and use diesel, gasoline, or propane engines depending on the year and spec. If you need a specific floor plan—like extra wide aisles for gear, forward-facing seats only, or a wheelchair lift position—we can match you with the right model. Just let us know what your priorities are: lowest cost, newest year, highest capacity, or special configuration.

We offer school buses in a range of colors to suit any event or organization. Standard options include traditional yellow, white, black, silver, grey, blue, green, red, and navy. If you need something unique, we can provide custom wraps with your logo or branding for an additional fee. Whether you want a classic look for a field trip or a fully wrapped bus for a corporate shuttle, we have the flexibility to match your vision. Custom colors and wraps are ideal for weddings, sports teams, or anyone looking to make a statement with their transportation.

Standard amenities on our school buses include vinyl or cloth bench seating, front and rear entry doors, air conditioning and heating, LED interior lighting, and PA systems for communication. Floors are typically rubberized for durability and easy cleaning. Windows are either tinted or clear, depending on the model, and most buses have emergency exits on the roof and rear. There is limited storage space inside the cabin, but no underfloor luggage bays. These buses are designed for short to medium trips where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are the main priorities. If you need something specific like seat belts on every row or a particular type of flooring, just ask—we likely have a bus that fits your needs.

School bus rental rates in Moline typically range from $145–$450+ per hour, $1,520–$3,655 per day, or $6.00–$9.95 per mile. Final pricing depends on several factors including trip distance, duration, exact pickup location, time of year, and current vehicle availability. Multi-day trips or those requiring an overnight stay will incur additional costs for driver lodging and per diem. Not included in the base rate are expenses such as parking fees at venues, tolls, or hotel accommodations for the driver on overnight runs—these will be added to your quote as needed. The best way to get an exact price is to call us with your full itinerary so we can generate a custom quote. Keep in mind that larger cities and peak travel times may result in higher rates due to increased demand.

A school bus is the most budget-friendly option in our fleet and is ideal for large groups who need simple point-to-point transportation without extra amenities. Unlike a minibus or party bus, a school bus does not have features like reclining seats, WiFi, power outlets, or onboard restrooms. The seating is basic vinyl or cloth benches, and there is no luggage bay—storage is limited to what you can carry on your lap or under the seat. Compared to a 56-passenger motorcoach, a school bus is less comfortable for long trips but significantly cheaper to run. It’s perfect for short-distance shuttles, field trips, or moving large groups across town when cost is the main concern. If you need climate control, PA systems, or ADA accessibility, some units are equipped with those features. For anything longer than a couple of hours, you might prefer a coach bus for the added comfort.

You should book your school bus rental at least three to six months in advance, especially if your trip falls during peak seasons like spring field trip months, fall sports playoffs, or major local events such as the John Deere Classic or district-wide band competitions. Demand for school buses in Moline and the greater Quad Cities area spikes from April through June and again from late August through October, making last-minute availability limited and potentially more expensive. If you’re coordinating transportation for a large event, multi-day trip, or something requiring multiple vehicles—like a double-header at Browning Field or a multi-school STEM expo at Western Illinois University’s Quad Cities campus—securing your reservation early ensures you get the exact vehicle and schedule you need. Buses can still be booked closer to the date if necessary, but options may be restricted and prices higher due to limited supply.