Tour & Charter Buses
Take Your Guests for the Ride of Their Lives
Your buses are the core of your tour or charter business. You depend on reliability, consistent performance, and the right support to stay on the road. The Bus Center helps tour and charter operators choose transportation options that fit their routes, passenger needs, and budget, all built around the demands of your operation.
About This Guide
Tour & Charter Bus Buyer’s Guide
The Bus Center has supported tour and charter operators for more than 50 years. We know how important it is to choose the right floor plan, the right size, and the right level of maneuverability for your routes. No matter how many times you purchase a bus, it is always a meaningful decision. The Bus Center is here to help.
Because you work in transportation every day, you already know how your fleet is used. You may be adding new services, growing your fleet, adjusting for seasonal demand, improving efficiency, or raising the level of comfort for your passengers. Many operators are doing a mix of all these things.
With these needs in mind, use the sections below to get started.
Size & CDL
First, focus on your seating needs. Larger buses cost more to buy and operate, and they may require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In most cases, a CDL is not required for a bus that seats up to 15 people, including the driver, or weighs less than 26,000 pounds. Smaller buses are easier to handle in city streets and tight areas.
If your business is growing quickly, buying small units over and over may not be the best long-term plan. A larger bus can give you more room for passengers, luggage, and future demand, but it will require a CDL driver.
Your rep at The Bus Center can help you determine the size that fits your business today while keeping an eye on future growth.
Floor Plans
Clear visibility is a must on any tour, so large windows are an important feature. Passengers should also be able to move through the cabin easily, which means aisle width and seat layout matter. Storage and luggage space play a big role as well, since different trips require different amounts of gear and personal bags.
The Bus Center stocks buses with a range of floor plans to meet the needs of both tour operators and traditional charter services. Your rep can help you compare layouts and choose the one that fits your routes and passenger expectations.
Popular Features & Options
At The Bus Center, we stock buses with a wide range of features that improve comfort and convenience for your passengers. Tour and charter operators often look for options that support longer trips and higher expectations.
Popular features include:
- Reclining seats with added legroom
- Electric doors for smooth entry and exit
- Overhead storage and underbody luggage compartments for larger bags
- Reading lights and large windows for clear visibility
- TV monitors and audio systems for on-board entertainment
- Wi-Fi for guest use during longer routes
- Onboard bathrooms for extended trips
- USB and 12V ports for device charging
- Strong rear A/C and heat for even climate control
Some features can be added after purchase through upfitting, though this can be more expensive. Your rep at The Bus Center can help you review the options and choose what fits your routes, passenger needs, and budget.
ADA & Mobility Access
Most wheelchair-accessible buses use a rear lift, along with proper tie-downs. At The Bus Center, we use BraunAbility lifts and Sure-Lok or Q’Straint tie-down kits. Some operators also choose low-entry buses with wheelchair ramps.
Mobility access should be planned early in the process. These features can be added after purchase, but this type of upfitting can be costly. Your Bus Center rep can help you choose the setup that fits your routes and passenger needs.
New vs. Pre-Owned
New buses are always available for tour and charter operators, but pre-owned units can be a smart way to manage your budget.
New buses include factory warranties on the chassis, powertrain, body structure, A/C, and other components, plus an extra 5-year / 100,000-mile warranty from The Bus Center. If something goes wrong, our parts, service, and repair team will work to get your bus back on the road quickly.
Pre-owned buses are often sold as is, but some may still carry factory warranty coverage depending on age and mileage. Well-known brands also make long-term upkeep easier and more predictable. Our pre-owned inventory changes often, so your rep at The Bus Center can help you watch for the bus that fits your routes, passenger loads, and budget.
Brands
The Bus Center carries a wide selection of trusted brands that meet the needs of tour and charter operators. These manufacturers offer strong service support, reliable warranty coverage, and a broad range of floor plans and features to match different routes and passenger expectations.
We work with well-known brands such as:
- Startrans
- Starcraft
- Transit Works
- Thomas Built Bus
- Champion
- Berkshire
- LA West
- Turtle Top
- ECB (LA West ECB)
This range of brands gives tour and charter operators the flexibility to choose vehicles that fit their service model, budget, and long-term fleet strategy.
Flexible Financing Options
Depending on what fits your budget, we offer several leasing and financing options for tour and charter operators. Your The Bus Center rep can walk you through the plans that support your routes, passenger needs, and long-term fleet goals.
Trade-Ins
Upgrading to a new bus? We can review your current vehicle for a possible trade-in. Start with our trade-in evaluation guide.
Warranty Support
We will walk you through every step needed to keep your vehicle under warranty, and we will coordinate with our parts and service team on your behalf.
Get Started Today
Need Help Choosing the Right Vehicle?
Let us help. Share your passenger needs, trip schedule, and any other details that guide your operation, and one of our tour and charter specialists will reach out to assist with your vehicle selection.