1-800-436-8719

Why Rent a Charter Bus in Amherst?

Fall foliage in Amherst

Even though Amherst is a relatively small town, it’s still important to efficiently organize group transportation when needed. A bus rental isn’t always the best solution for groups but it should be one of your considerations. Here are a few ways your group can travel around town when you plan your Amherst trip or event:

  • PVTA and UMass public transit: Amherst is serviced by two public transportation systems. PVTA has 10 bus routes that run throughout the city and the UMass system offers transportation between the area’s 5 college campuses. Traveling on these buses is free with an ID for Five College Consortium students, faculty, and staff. Other travelers will need to pay $1.50 per ride. Taking the bus is a great, cost-efficient option for travelers but large groups may have a hard time navigating the routes and finding space for everyone onboard.  
  • Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft have become popular ways for people to travel on their own time. Your group can hail a rideshare whenever and wherever you need one in Amherst. Unfortunately, most rideshare vehicles can only accommodate up to 6 passengers. Big groups will need to request more than one rideshare, which can be stressful as you try to coordinate all the vehicles arriving at the same time. You may also incur surge rates during big events like UMass Homecoming.
  • Private charter bus rental: A bus rental may seem like overkill for smaller groups but Shofur has access to minibuses and sprinter vans as well! Groups of all sizes will have a ride fit to their passenger count in Amherst. Your private bus rental will be operated by a professional driver who follows your exact schedule. You’ll also have the option to upgrade your ride with additional amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and TVs with DVD players. Depending on your trip, a bus rental may seem pricey upfront but you won’t incur any hidden fees or surged costs.

Comparing Amherst Group Transportation

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Personal, professional driver

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Curbside drop-off

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On-board climate controls

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Nationwide access

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Tailored to your schedule

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One vehicle for your entire group

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1-800-436-8719 Call Our 24/7 Team to Rent a Charter Bus Today

Wedding Shuttles in Historic Amherst

The Amherst area has a long list of beautiful rustic venues for happy couples to plan their big day! Whether you’re hosting an intimate wedding at The Red Barn or a massive bash at The Log Cabin, let Shofur take guest transportation off of your plate. If most of your guests are located in Amherst but you’re having your wedding in nearby Northampton or Holyoke, a wedding shuttle bus rental can keep your event running smoothly. You won’t need to worry about Google or Apple Maps taking guests down wrong turns or having them miss exits on the way to your wedding. With a shuttle bus rental and pro driver, guests will arrive together with plenty of time to get settled into their seats and mingle before the ceremony.

Leave the guest transportation up to Shofur for your wedding at top Amherst venues. Here are just a few of our favorite venues in the area:

The Red Barn at Hampshire College

A 19th-century barn operated by Hampshire College with high wood ceilings and renovated modern interiors.

Address: 893 West St, Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: (413) 559-5610

 

The Log Cabin

Mountaintop venue located near the peak of Mount Tom with outdoor ceremony options and indoor reception areas.

Address: 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke, MA 01040

Phone: (413) 534-7819 ext. 219

Guest capacity: 300+ guests

 

Inn at Boltwood

A historic landmark hotel located in the heart of Amherst with rustic ballrooms and lush covered gardens.

Address: 30 Boltwood Ave, Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: (413) 256-8200

Guest capacity: Up to 200 guests

Campus Shuttles Around Amherst Colleges

College students walking and chatting on campus

With as many students as there are around Amherst, it’s important to have a campus shuttle service in place. Thankfully, the Five College Consortium has an efficient shuttles system between the campuses. Although this shuttle service is useful for students and faculty to get to class, campus organizations and clubs may need a separate ride for events. Shofur offers safe bus rentals for students traveling for volunteer events, academic competitions, Greek Life formals, and club sporting events. Each bus rental includes a pro driver who can serve as a built-in DD to ensure everyone travels safely.

We can also organize recurring campus shuttle services for local apartment complexes that want to offer student residents a premium amenity. We’ll work with your leasing office to create shuttle schedules and routes to accommodate your residents. You can even request a shuttle bus with WiFi and power outlets for students to get last-minute assignments done on the way to campus.

Sporting Event Transportation in Amherst

Does your student or alumni organization need a ride to a UMass away game? Rent a charter bus for a game and travel anywhere in the U.S. to support the UMass Minutemen and Minutewomen. Even if you’re more into professional sports than college athletics, Shofur still has your fan group covered. Book a charter bus rental to transport your Celtics, Patriots, or Red Sox fan club to Boston for a big game. A professional driver will take on the traffic at Gillette Stadium or Fenway Park so everyone in your group can relax. Stretch out in reclining seats or play music over your bus's sound system to get everyone pumped for the big game.

Amherst amateur sports teams that are tired of carpooling and squeezing into rental vans may want to consider a charter bus rental. A full-sized charter bus has plenty of space for players, coaches, and all the gear you need to transport to your away game. No more stuffing lacrosse sticks or coolers into the trunks of sedans. Store everything you need in your bus rental’s luggage bays and overhead compartments.

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Charter a Coachbus, Minibus, or Shuttle

Rent a Modern Charter Bus for Amherst Field Trips

Students learning in a garden on a field trip

Primary and secondary school educators can count on Shofur for safe field trip transportation around Amherst. All of the buses in the Shofur network are thoroughly inspected before trips and regularly inspected to prevent any breakdowns on the way to your educational destination. We can also easily provide transportation for community organizations, summer camps, and youth groups taking field trips in the area.

Emily Dickinson Museum

Located on the grounds of Amherst College, this museum preserves the childhood home of American poet Emily Dickinson. Students will learn about Dickinson’s life and work through exhibits in her historic home. Guided K-12 programs are available by reservation.

Address: 280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: (413) 542-8161

Charter bus rental tip: The driveway into the museum is very steep and not suitable for groups traveling by bus. Your diver can drop your field trip group off along the sidewalk in front of the museum on Main Street.

 

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

This unique museum is dedicated to the art and development of children’s picture books. Guided field trips are available with a reservation made at least two weeks in advance.

Address: 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: (413) 559-6300

Charter bus rental tip: The museum has spacious parking lots and parking for cars and buses is free.

 

Hitchcock Center for the Environment

The Hitchcock Center focuses on educating guests about sustainability and appreciating our planet. Educational programs include studying animals and their habitats, sustainable engineering, and local geology around The Holyoke Range. Virtual and in-person education programs can be booked through the center’s website in advance.

Address: 845 West St, Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: (413) 256-6006

Charter bus rental tip: The center is located on Hampshire College’s campus but does have its own parking lot separate from academic buildings. Your bus can park in the center’s lot or in the nearby lot at The Red Barn.

Reserve an Amherst Bus Rental Today

Booking your bus rental in Amherst starts with getting a personalized, no-obligation quote from a Shofur rental expert. Give our team a call at 1-800-436-8719 with your trip or event details and we’ll get you a quote in just a few minutes. We’re available 24/7 to take your call!

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Rent a Charter Bus - Available 24/7

Prices for Charter Buses and Minibuses in Amherst

Vehicles Passengers Luggage Hourly Min Hrs
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CHARTER BUS

57 55
$110 - $170
5
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MINI BUS

25 7
$105 - $160
5
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Prices displayed here are estimates and may not reflect the price of your bus rental. The only way to get an accurate quote is to call our 24-hour team at 1-800-436-8719.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answer is: it depends. When you call one of our 24/7 reservation specialists with your trip details, they will build a quote for you based on a few factors, including how far you'll be traveling, which bus you rent, how many hours or days you will need the rental, and where and when you will be picked up. Depending on your trip itinerary, your rental cost will be broken down by hour, day, or mile.

You can learn more on our charter bus pricing page, and your reservation specialist will be happy to break down pricing further when you call.

Our network offers full-size charter buses, minibus rentals, and sprinter vans. Full-size charter bus rentals are great for larger groups or longer distance trips and can accommodate up to 56 passengers, while minibus rentals work well for medium-sized groups of 12 to 25 passengers. Groups even smaller than that can rent a sprinter van, which comfortably accommodates up to 12 people.

Visit our buses page to learn more about the charter bus options available in Shofur's network.

Every bus model in our network comes with their own special amenities and capabilities, including but not limited to:

  • WiFi and/or power outlets
  • A/C and heating
  • TV monitors and a DVD player
  • Onboard restrooms
  • AM/FM radio
  • Overhead storage bins
  • Luggage bays
  • ADA accessible features

If you have a specific amenity request, be sure to let your reservation specialist know and they will be happy to work with you to find the best bus for your group.

When you call to get a free, no-obligation quote, you will get a number that is transparent and all-inclusive. Below is a list of components your quote covers:

  • The bus itself
  • A professional charter bus driver
  • The bus's mileage and fuel
  • Insurance
  • Tolls
  • Processing fees

Remember that your quote will not include certain aspects that are out of Shofur's control or at your own discretion, such as:

  • Gratuity for your driver (at your discretion, typically 5-10% of the total cost of the rental)
  • Parking fees
  • Lodging for your driver (required for multi-day trips)

No. Your professional, trained, and highly experienced charter bus driver will take care of all the driving so you can sit back and relax during your journey. Each charter bus driver has undergone numerous background checks and driving tests to ensure their safety and expertise.

Yes. A fee of 10% of the total cost of the trip is due at the time of your booking.

Your rental will need to be paid in full 7 days before your trip date.

Most charter bus providers will allow you to drink on your bus. However, be sure to let your reservation specialist know so that they can determine for sure. Also, be mindful about not leaving a mess behind, or you may be subject to a cleaning fee that is usually $250.