How Much Is a Party Bus? Nashville Pricing Guide (2025)

Party bus rentals run $170–$550/hr nationwide based on size, date, and amenities. In Nashville, Rowdy Bus offers flat 2-hour tours $395–$595 or $49 per person. Save by booking Sun–Thu, filling seats, and skipping extras. 

Quick Facts Before You Book:

• Nationwide averages: $170–$550 per hour depending on size, amenities, and timing
• Nashville pricing with Rowdy Bus: Flat 2-hour tours at $395 (Mon–Thu) or $595 (Fri–Sun)
• Per-person option: $49 tickets available on select tours
• Best way to save: Book Sun–Thu, fill every seat, skip extras you don’t need

We built Rowdy Bus so groups don’t get trapped in confusing hourly quotes and hidden fees. Our flat-rate and per-person options make it simple: you know the cost, you get everything included, BYOB setup, premium sound, lights, and even a bartender to keep the good times rolling.

If you’d like to see how national prices compare, where hidden fees creep in, and why our Nashville tours give you more value for less stress, keep reading.

How Much Is a Party Bus? The Short, Honest Answer

Across the U.S., party buses typically run $200–$550 per hour depending on the size of the bus, the time of year, and how fancy you want the ride. That can make pricing feel like a moving target.

In Nashville, we’ve simplified it. At Rowdy Bus, our 2-hour open-air tours are flat-rate: $395 Monday–Thursday and $595 Friday–Sunday, with no guessing games. For smaller groups, we even offer $49 per-person tickets.

The true drivers of cost always boil down to five things:

• Size of your group
• Day of the week and season
• Amenities you choose
• Distance traveled
• Duration of your rental

Party Bus Pricing: What Shapes Your Total

When people ask “why do party bus prices vary so much?”, it usually comes down to these levers:

• Bus size: A 10–20 passenger bus may run $170–$350/hr; mid-size 20–30 is $200–$400/hr; large 40–50 jumps to $250–$550/hr.
• Day & season: Fridays, Saturdays, and prom/wedding months spike prices. Midweek rentals often save 10–30%.
• Amenities: Hardwood floors, restrooms, light shows, or high-end coach builders add big dollars. Basic seating and sound systems cost less.
• Mileage & minimums: Most companies require 3–5 hours minimum. Extra mileage often billed at $2–$5 per mile plus tolls or parking fees.
• Is gratuity included? → Often 10–20% driver tip is expected. Some companies bake it in, others leave it up to you.

Nashville-Specific: What Rowdy Bus Charges

We decided to ditch the hourly calculator and keep it simple:

• Flat Tour Pricing (2 hours):
  • Mon–Thu: $395
  • Fri–Sun: $595
• Per-Person Option: $49 tickets for public tours

Every ride includes value you usually pay extra for:

• BYOB setup (no glass, <8% ABV, no liquor)
• Bartender service
• Premium sound system + LED lighting
• Cups, ice, coolers
• Bathroom break built in
• Professional licensed driver

And because this is Nashville, our buses are open-air with a temporary roof for rainy days, rolling past Broadway’s landmarks so you feel like a star.

Which Option Is Cheaper for Your Group? (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to find your best deal:

1. Count guests accurately, don’t overshoot.
2. Pick your day: Sun–Thu saves you money.

1. Choose private vs. per-person:
• Example: 12 people on Thursday = $395 private = $32.92/pp vs $49/pp public tour.
• Example: 20 people on Saturday = $595 private = $29.75/pp.
3. Fill seats: The more friends you bring, the cheaper per head.
4. Skip unused extras: No need to pay for dance poles or restrooms if you won’t use them.
5. Lock itinerary: Prevent extra wait-time or mileage fees.
6. Confirm gratuity: Add 10–20% unless already included.
7. Book early for peak weekends like prom or big games.
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Avoid Surprise Charges 

We’ve all heard stories of bills ballooning after the ride. Here’s where that happens, and how to prevent it:

• Hidden fees: Ask upfront about parking, tolls, and wait-time charges.
• Minimums: Weekend rentals elsewhere may force 5–6 hour minimums. Rowdy is always a fixed 2-hour tour.
• Refunds & deposits: Policies vary. Ours are rain-or-shine, with vouchers for extreme weather.
• Do companies charge by the hour or the event? → Both. We do flat tours + per-person options.
• How far in advance to book prom/weddings? → At least 6 months ahead for peak demand.

What You Get on Rowdy Bus (Why the “Per-Hour” Math Misses the Point)

On paper, hourly rates might look competitive. But here’s what those usually don’t include:

• A bartender: Ours mixes drinks, keeps cups full, and even takes group photos.
• Premium sound + LED light show: Built in, not an add-on.
• Coolers, ice, cups: Included.
• Open-air Nashville experience: No other operator delivers that celebrity-in-Music-City vibe.
• BYOB savings: Avoid bar prices downtown; stock your own cooler and save.

Quick Price Reference

• Nationwide averages:
  • Small (10–20): $170–$350/hr
  • Mid (20–30): $200–$400/hr
  • Large (40–50): $250–$550/hr
• Nashville Rowdy Bus:
• $395 Mon–Thu / $595 Fri–Sun (2-hour private tour)
• $49 per-person tickets available

How to Book Rowdy Bus 

We built our system to be fast and stress-free. Here’s exactly how to lock in your ride:

1. Pick your date and time: Sun–Thu if you want the best value.
2. Choose private vs. public tickets: Flat-rate bus for your group, or $49 individual tickets.
3. Split the bill: Share your unique link so friends can pay their share directly.
4. Sign waivers and bring your 21+ ID (required if alcohol is on board).
5. Pack your cooler: BYOB, but no liquor, no glass, and nothing over 8% ABV.
6. Tip your crew: $10–$20 per person is standard and always appreciated.

Ready to Roll?

If you’re looking for more than a ride, if you want a memory that feels like Nashville itself, that’s where we come in.

Rowdy Bus is about that first cheer when the music kicks in, the skyline lighting up around you, and the bartender sliding a drink into your hand while you sing along with your crew.

We believe life should be lived out loud, with stories worth retelling. That’s why we built a simple, affordable way to see the city like a celebrity without the celebrity price tag.

So, pick your night, gather your crew, and let’s make your Nashville story unforgettable.

Check today’s availability and pricing with Rowdy Bus →

FAQs

How much does it cost for 20 people? 

Nationally, a 20–30 passenger bus runs $200–$400/hr × 4 hours = $800–$1,600. With Rowdy, you’ll pay $595 flat on a Saturday night, which works out to $29.75 per person.

Is gratuity included? 

Sometimes. With us, our team works hard for tips, and the average is $10–$20 per person. Always check your confirmation for what’s covered.

What’s the cheapest day to rent? 

Across the board, Sunday through Thursday. That’s why we set our weekday rate at $395.

Are there extra fees? 

Some companies stack on parking, tolls, or wait-time. We keep it simple: flat tour, no mileage surprises, and vouchers if severe weather forces a cancellation.