Planning a wedding starts with picking the perfect destination. After all, you will remember this day for the rest of your life. New York City and its picturesque venues have emerged as a popular choice for brides-to-be and is a great place to say “I do,” But what goes into planning a wedding in NYC? From booking your wedding venue, to carefully making your guest list and menu, there are a lot of details to iron out before your special day.
One crucial detail when planning a wedding is group transportation and shuttle services. Whether you’re a NYC local, or planning to come from out of town, getting to your destination safely and reliably is just as important as picking the venue. A charter bus rental and shuttle services for weddings are a convenient and affordable way to shuttle guests to the destination and keep the party going on the road.
This guide to NYC wedding charter bus rentals will equip you with all the information you need to successfully plan a New York wedding and ensure your perfect day goes without a hitch.
Perks to Renting a Wedding Bus in NYC
Renting a wedding charter bus rental in NYC has many advantages and is the safest way to ensure your guests arrive at the venue on time and ready to celebrate. From creating your own little party on wheels to eliminating the need for a designated driver, a charter bus rental and shuttle services are a smart option for your wedding transportation.
Keep Everyone Together
In many ways, a wedding is a celebration of two families coming together. Rather than your guests having to find their own way to the venue, a charter bus rental keeps the entire group consolidated in one vehicle and presents a unique bonding opportunity between your guests.
More importantly, a charter bus rental is the most convenient way to keep your wedding itinerary organized and on track. NYC has a reputation for being incredibly difficult to navigate and can prove to be hectic for visitors and locals alike — it is no wonder this city has since earned the nickname ‘Concrete Jungle.’
Luckily, every bus rental comes with an experienced driver that will ensure your guests arrive at every destination on time and reliably. This eliminates the stress of coordinating with bridesmaids and groomsmen on the road and avoids any delays to the ceremony. A charter bus rental is especially advantageous if you’re planning pit stops from the ceremony to the reception, including photoshoots.
Provide a Ride for Visitors Flying in
Destination weddings typically involve families from across the country (or even globe) flying in for your special day. A charter bus rental and shuttle services for weddings take the hassle out of transportation for your guests and offers them a comfortable ride to and from the wedding. These guests typically do not have their cars with them, forcing them to turn to expensive car rental companies or rack up taxi bills.
Your out-of-town guests will be grateful to have their transportation already organized, so they can make the most out of the wedding. Bus.com offers a number of flexible transportation solutions, ranging from full-sized coach buses, yellow school buses, or the minibus if you’re looking for something more compact.
Pro tip: If your guests are flying into NYC on the day of the wedding, you can always set up an airport shuttle bus service directly from John F. Kennedy Airport to the venue.
Keep the Party going on the Road
Once all the planning is taken care of, the emphasis of a wedding should be on celebration and having a good time. A charter bus rental and wedding guest shuttle service lets you focus on what matters most by spending quality time with your loved ones while en route to your Big Day. With a little extra work, your wedding bus rental can easily be transformed into a party bus.
Weddings typically involve open bars and parties that go into the early hours of the morning. With a bus rental, there is no need to have a designated driver and call the celebrations off early.
When should you Book your Wedding Bus?
Book your wedding bus rental as soon as you have the dates for your venue confirmed. The earlier you book, the better price you will receive as it increases the amount of local bus providers we can source your rental from. While Bus.com has an abundance of experience with last-minute bookings, it is typically recommended to book your charter bus rental between six to nine months in advance — especially if your wedding takes place during peak season in NYC.
Last-minute booking may lead to price surging due to local availability, soyou may not be able to rent the bus type you are looking for. For example, chartering a bus to go down Broadway in the middle of peak tourism season in June is not ideal and will ultimately drive the price of your rental up.
Input your trip parameters into our easy-to-use online booking tool and generate a detailed quote in under two minutes. The quote itself is good for three days, and in any case, you can always request a new one or contact a booking specialist directly with your requirements. Even if you book your wedding bus rental nine months in advance, you are under no obligation to pay for it immediately. Our Book Now, Pay Later policy offers you the ability to defer the full payment of the bus rental up until 21 days before your departure date.
How much will a NYC Wedding Bus cost?
The final price of your NYC wedding bus rental will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including number of guests, vehicle type, distance travelled, desired amenities, and itinerary. Contrary to popular belief, adding amenities to your wedding bus rental does not actually have a significant impact on the final price.
The biggest factor in price is the drive time and the driver’s on-duty time. The total drive time, as the name suggests, is the time the driver spends behind the wheel. On-duty time, by contrast, refers to the entire time the motorist is working, including pit stops and lunch breaks. The most effective way to save money on your wedding bus rental is to streamline your itinerary as much as possible and factor in additional delays into your schedule.
For reference, prices range from $81/hour for a school bus (47 passengers) to $115 for a coach bus (55 passengers).
Which Bus is Best for your NYC Wedding?
Each type charter bus rental comes with its own unique advantages and amenities. The bus type you rent will be dictated by the size of your guest list and distance it takes to get to your venue. Typically, a coach bus rental is recommended for bigger weddings and for trips that are longer than three hours. A coach bus can comfortably accommodate up to 55 passengers and is equipped with a number of modern luxuries, including an onboard restroom to limit pit stops, vehicle-wide air conditioning, hi-speed WiFi, and significant storage space.
A school bus or mini-coach bus, by contrast, is the right choice for smaller weddings and travelling shorter distances. The latter can seat up to 21 people while the average school bus fits up to 47 guests. Similarly, a minibus is ideal for smaller wedding groups, such as the wedding party or rehearsal guests. And for even smaller groups, passenger vans are even more compact, and just as comfortable. All options are great for NYC weddings due to their compact nature, allowing them to easily navigate the crowded NYC streets.
Hit all your Wedding Locations, including Photoshoot Spots
A regular wedding typically involves many different pit spots along the way. From the ceremony, to wonderful photoshoot spots, and finally the reception, time is of the essence on your special day. A charter bus rental and wedding shuttle service simplify your group’s transportation and ensures there is no one left behind. Renting a wedding shuttle bus gives you the flexibility to hit all your desired wedding locations, without having to coordinate with your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any other guests that may want to tag along.
New York City is one of the most iconic cities to take wedding pictures that will serve as lifetime memories you can look back on with your loved ones. Whether you envision a photoshoot in Central Park, in front of the Met, or you want to step it up a notch with the Empire State Building, NYC offers the perfect backdrop for wedding pictures.
Simply input your dream itinerary into our online booking system and our award-winning booking specialists will streamline your schedule for you. You can also contact our 24/7 customer service line with any other questions you might have before your special day.
Transport your crew to Remote Wedding Destinations
New York City is filled with hidden gems both in and around the city and nearby remote locations. Planning a wedding in the middle of the city that never sleeps can be overwhelming, but there are a number of magical venues outside NYC that are perfect to tie the knot in. From a dreamy cottage to a more relaxed wedding by the beach, here are four of our favourite locations that are just a short bus ride away:
The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre
The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre is a great wedding venue for couples that love all things antique. This theatre offers a more vintage feel to your wedding with its gilded gold ceilings and ornate architectural details plucked from your most romantic Baroque dreams. Loew’s Theatre is set to undergo a $72 million restoration and is sure to once again emerge as a go-to venue for brides-to-be.
Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, the theatre is just over an hour away from the heart of the city and is a wonderful way to make the most of the New York ambiance without necessarily being in the thick of the city. A charter bus rental ensures your group can easily make its way to the Theater and back again once the celebrations are over.
Cedar Lakes Estate
Have you always dreamed of a rustic wedding getaway in NYC? Look no further than the Cedar Lakes Estate. Its inspiring landscapes and breathtaking views make for a truly romantic and intimate wedding, hosting your loved ones in a dream outdoor venue.
The Cedar Lakes Estate is just under two hours away from New York City in Port Jervis. A wedding bus rental takes the hassle out of group transportation and guarantees your family and closest friends will be there with you when you say “I Do.” You can even set up a shuttle bus service after the ceremony to get your guests back to a nearby hotel or the city.
Peconic Bay Yacht Club
What about a wedding with an ocean view? The Peconic Bay Yacht Club checks off all the boxes and is spacious enough to accommodate both big and small gatherings. Featuring a waterfront lawn, a private marina, and an exquisite indoor ballroom, this venue is regularly booked for weddings and other special events.
Much like with bus rentals, book your wedding at the Peconic Bay Yacht Club well in advance to ensure the space is available. The yacht club is situated between North Fork’s Peconic Bay and Long Island wine country, a charter bus rental will safely get your guests there in just under three hours and bring your dream seaside wedding to life.
Bedell Cellars
New York City is home to one of the most prestigious wineries in the Eastern United States, Bedell Cellars, making for a wedding venue that looks straight out of a catalogue. This vineyard has been in operation since 1980 and perfectly encapsulates elegance, ensuring every last detail is taken care of.
Bedell Cellars is about a 10 minute drive from the Peconic Bay Yacht Club near Long Island, just a few hours away from NYC. Renting a coach bus offers your guests supreme comfort and a number of amenities en route to this delightful venue.
Pro Tips:
Before you book your wedding charter bus rental, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly. Bus.com has a wealth of experience coordinating group transportation and will work directly with you to help you make the most out of your wedding bus rental.
Inform Guests about your Wedding Bus Rental
One of the biggest challenges with group transportation is getting everyone on the same page. Once your wedding shuttle rental is confirmed, inform your guests of specific departure and arrival times, as well as the different pick-up locations you have set up.
This will avoid any stragglers and keep your wedding right on schedule. Remember, the driver’s on-duty time influences the final price of your rental the most. Minimize any potential delays and make sure your guests are there on time and ready to go.
Pro tip: You can include these details directly on your invitations, or you can create an email list with all your guests. Otherwise, couples regularly create a wedding website to commemorate their special day, where the itinerary can be easily highlighted on the home page. Spread the word!
Hand Off Your Itinerary
Planning an entire wedding is already difficult enough. Why not designate your Maid of Honour or the Best Man as the event’s transportation coordinator? Their job is simple, yet crucial: Keep your wedding itinerary on track and avoid any delays, including stragglers and traffic.
If they encounter any issues along the way, Bus.com’s experienced customer service team is available 24/7 and can help with any special requests or accommodations. Delegate this task to someone you trust and focus on enjoying your wedding day.
Pro tip: Factor in an additional 15 minutes between each pit stop into your wedding route itinerary, especially if you’re planning a bigger wedding as it takes longer than you think to board a bus. This extra time also accounts for traffic jams and anything else that might hinder your arrival to the reception.
Decorate your Wedding Bus
Did we mention you can completely deck your wedding charter bus rental out? You can get creative and customize your wedding bus rental to match the theme of your big event. From stacking the bus with bouquets and party streamers to wrapping it, a wedding bus rental allows you to have fun with your transportation in a way a car simply cannot. Once the ceremony is complete, the party can continue on your way to the reception, allowing your guests to travel together in one compact and comfortable vehicle.
Tying the Knot
Whether you choose to have an intimate wedding by the lake or a full-on bash in the heart of New York City, Bus.com is here to help make it the most memorable day of your life. We offer a versatile lineup of bus types and shuttle services along with fully-vetted and experienced drivers that will get you to your destination safely and reliably.
Take one more thing off your lengthy to-do list and say ‘I do’ to a convenient and affordable charter bus rental. These vehicles keep your entire group together and are perfect for creating memories that will last a lifetime.
