Get answers to the most common questions about our charter bus services, pricing, safety protocols, and booking process.
Pricing & Payment
Pricing varies depending on the type of vehicle, trip details, and time of year. We provide custom quotes tailored to each group's needs to ensure the most competitive rate.
The cost is influenced by several variables including mileage, hours of service, dates, location, market demand, seasonality, and requested amenities.
Yes. Pricing is calculated garage-to-garage, which includes the travel distance to and from our depot.
Gratuity is not included in the quoted price. Tips are left to the discretion of the customer.
A 20% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due prior to the trip date.
Our cancellation and change policies are outlined in our terms of service. Please review for details on timelines and applicable fees.
Charter Linkz uses a blended approach that may factor in hours, days, mileage, market conditions, season, and availability. Each trip is quoted individually to ensure fairness and transparency.
We accept major credit cards, ACH payments, and wire transfers.
Booking & Reservations
We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance to guarantee availability. However, our team specializes in accommodating short-notice requests and will work quickly to assist whenever possible.
Rates are first-come, first-served. We can hold a quoted rate for up to 24 hours.
Yes, all charter bus companies require a minimum rental, but the specifics vary depending on the trip. At Charter Linkz, we provide fair market rates based on your unique trip details.
Yes, you may request a specific bus model or style. While we make every effort to honor these requests, availability cannot always be guaranteed.
We provide same-day quotes. Share your trip details with us, and our team will deliver a customized estimate quickly and efficiently.
Vehicle Types & Amenities
Charter Bus (Motorcoach): Full-size buses designed for long-distance trips. Seats up to 56 passengers, with amenities like restrooms, luggage bays, and TVs.
Mini Bus: Smaller option for local trips, typically seating 18–35 passengers. Great for shuttles, corporate outings, and airport transfers.
Tour Bus: Similar to a charter bus but designed for group sightseeing or multi-day travel. Often includes PA systems for guides.
Entertainer Coach: Luxury sleeper buses used by bands, entertainers, and VIP groups. Features may include bunks, lounges, kitchens, and premium amenities.
Our team will recommend the best option based on your trip details, passenger count, and travel needs.
All full-size coach buses come standard with high-back reclining seats, TVs, restrooms, and undercarriage luggage bays. Additional amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, leather seating, or luxury interiors may be available upon request.
Not all buses are equipped with seat belts. If this is a requirement for your group, please let your sales agent know so we can accommodate.
Some buses are ADA accessible with wheelchair lifts and securement areas. Please request this option when booking, and provide as much advance notice as possible so we can ensure availability.
Yes, food and drinks are permitted. Alcohol is allowed with prior notice. Please note that a cleaning fee may apply if the bus is left excessively dirty.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted on any bus. Pets are allowed with advance approval.
Yes. Service animals are always welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Safety & Drivers
Every commercial bus operator is required to have a USDOT number registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Charter Linkz is a licensed broker with the FMCSA and partners exclusively with vetted operators that meet or exceed safety requirements. Customers can look up a carrier's USDOT number and safety record directly on the FMCSA SAFER website.
Yes. Charter Linkz ensures that every operator in our network carries full insurance coverage and complies with all FMCSA insurance requirements. We also maintain additional protections to safeguard our passengers and clients.
Charter Linkz only works with highly trained and experienced drivers who meet rigorous qualifications, including:
Verified safe driving history
Comprehensive background checks
Annual motor vehicle record reviews
DOT medical exams and certifications
Road tests and ongoing performance evaluations
Yes. All drivers must pass pre-employment drug testing, and they are enrolled in a federally compliant random drug and alcohol testing program throughout their employment. In addition, background checks are conducted to ensure safety and professionalism.
Charter bus drivers must follow FMCSA Hours-of-Service regulations, which generally limit drivers to 10 consecutive driving hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty, with additional weekly limits. These rules are strictly enforced to prevent driver fatigue and ensure passenger safety.
Yes. For trips that exceed the maximum driving hours allowed by FMCSA regulations, an additional or relief driver is required. Our team will advise you if a second driver is necessary when preparing your quote.
Buses are subject to rigorous inspections and maintenance routines that exceed federal requirements. Vehicles undergo:
Daily pre- and post-trip inspections by drivers
Regular preventative maintenance checks
DOT-required annual inspections
This ensures every bus is safe, reliable, and road-ready before it departs.
Trip Policies
We schedule buses to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow your group to load comfortably and prepare for the trip.
Charter Linkz pricing is based on the contracted itinerary. If a bus is kept waiting at pickup or if the trip extends beyond the agreed drop-off time, additional charges may apply. Wait time at the pickup location counts toward the contracted service time, and overtime is billed if service continues past the scheduled end time.
For multi-day trips, customers are responsible for providing hotel accommodations for the driver. We recommend selecting a comfortable hotel that offers on-site parking for the bus.
Your safety is our top priority. In the event of a mechanical issue, our dispatch team immediately assesses the situation, ensures passenger safety, and coordinates a solution. This may include dispatching a maintenance vehicle or sending a replacement bus to keep your group on schedule. For itinerary changes, our team will work with you in real time to adjust service as needed.
Yes. Our buses can travel interstate throughout the U.S., and many are cleared for international trips to Canada and Mexico. Please provide advance notice if your trip includes a border crossing so we can ensure all permits, documentation, and requirements are arranged ahead of time.
Our pricing is inclusive of the bus, driver, and fuel, based on the itinerary provided at booking. Additional costs such as parking fees, special permits, tolls not outlined in the itinerary, or border crossing expenses are the responsibility of the customer.
Specialized Services
Yes. Through our subsidiary BusWrap.com, we offer full event branding and mobile advertising solutions. Charter Linkz also provides additional support services, including boarding and alighting coordinators, meet-and-greet staff, dispatchers, and field supervisors to ensure seamless operations at any event.
Absolutely. Charter Linkz works with schools, universities, athletic teams, and nonprofit organizations nationwide. We understand the unique needs of these groups and specialize in providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation for multi-stop itineraries.
Yes. We value our partnerships with nonprofits and community organizations, and we offer special pricing considerations for nonprofits as well as competitive rates for long-term or recurring contracts. Please reach out to our team to discuss options tailored to your organization's needs.
Yes. Charter Linkz is a GSA Schedule holder and a Department of Defense–approved transportation provider. We regularly service federal agencies, state governments, and municipalities. Our team is experienced with secure site access, DBIDS credentials, and multi-checkpoint movements, ensuring compliance with all government and military requirements.
Yes. Charter Linkz has extensive experience providing transportation for film productions, entertainment tours, and sightseeing groups. We can accommodate early call times, split shifts, and multi-day schedules, with buses equipped for comfort and reliability. For tour groups, we also offer vehicles with PA systems, luggage capacity, and long-distance amenities to keep travel efficient and enjoyable.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help you plan the perfect transportation solution for your group.