Charter Bus Rentals in New York City, New York

Why Rent a Charter Bus in New York City?

New York, New York—the city of towering skyscrapers, bustling traffic, and a melting pot of cultures. If you’re a local, you love the city for its easy-to-use public transportation, the artistic resources found along almost any corner, and the ability to score cheap eats within a 2-mile radius. If you’re a tourist, you’re drawn to the slender, yet elegant Statue of Liberty, the shopping mecca that is the 10-story Macy’s on Herald Square, or the plethora of museums, parks, and historic buildings scattered throughout the city. 

New York City is the epicenter of transportation. With an influx of tourists visiting the state annually and a population of around 8.623 million people residing within the city alone, traveling from one location to another is no easy feat. The city more than makes up for it with its diverse modes of transport that cater to individuals and groups alike. Whether you’re in a group of 5 or 56, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple.

1.    Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) (Subways and Buses)
Cheap, environmentally-friendly and efficient, the MTA is probably the number one choice of travel for all New Yorkers (which explains why it’s crammed with people during all hours of the day). It does operate 24/7, which makes it convenient to travel on when you need to catch a red-eye flight or when you’re trudging home after a late night out. Some stops are also easily accessible by people with disabilities, which is a great perk. You can purchase your MetroCard almost anywhere—at automated machines or from attendants at subway stations.
As convenient as this sounds, the subway is probably best for groups of 1 to 5 people. Since it’s already crowded, there’s limited seating with not a lot of room to move around. Large groups probably won’t fit in one subway carriage, which could lead to parties splitting up or getting lost. In addition, while buses are a great way to explore the city for tourist purposes, they don’t offer the same comfort and privacy as a personal charter bus rental. For more info on buses and subways, see this helpful guide.

2.    Taxis
Cabs are the second-most-popular mode of transportation within New York City. They mainly congregate in crowded areas such as airports, Central Park and major tourist attractions. When hailing a cab, always aim for the bright yellow and green Boro Taxis, as these are the licensed operators within the city. They also operate 24/7 and are a quick way to get from one place to another.

While cabs offer comfort and efficiency, they often get pricey since they use metered fare. It’s very common for little costs to add up when you travel through bridge or tunnel tolls or when you need to pay a weekday or weekend surcharge–and that’s not including the 15-20% tip you owe the driver at the end of your trip. In addition, cabs can only fit around 4 people, which is inconvenient if you’re traveling with a large group.

3.    Rideshares
Without doubt, Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel from one place to another. However, within New York it’s slightly more expensive to use these services given the high demand for transportation, which results in significant surge prices.

4.    The Roosevelt Island Tram
Another unique way to travel around NYC is by using the Roosevelt Island Tram. It operates Sun-Thurs from 6 am to 2 am and Fri-Sat from 6 am to 3:30 am. While this is a unique way to travel, it’s usually reserved for leisure rather than used as an option to commute.

5.    Ferry Travel
Since NYC is located close to the Atlantic Ocean, it’s easy to use the ferry as an occasional mode of transportation. There are 3 types of ferry options in the city: The Staten Island Ferry, the NYC Ferry and the NY Waterway.

The Staten Island Ferry has been around for over 100 years and is often used for commutes and sightseeing. Since it’s free, you can easily explore the city from Staten Island all the way to Manhattan’s Whitehall Ferry Terminal. The trip is 25 minutes long and extends for about 5 miles.

However, even though ferries are an exciting way to travel, they’re often used for leisure rather than as a way to commute around the city.

6.    Biking
During the summer, biking around Central Park is not only a great way to shed some pounds but also an interactive activity where you can explore the city with a group of friends. As green as this sounds, biking is not always the chosen mode of transportation for elders or those with disabilities, and it’s also difficult to navigate the traffic in the city while on a bike.

7.    Shofur’s charter bus transportation
For groups of 10 and more, private charter bus transportation is the best way to get around the boroughs of New York. Our sprinter van can fit up to 12 people, while our charter buses can fit upto 56 passengers. Regardless of the bus model, your one-way or multi-destination trip will be private and won’t include anyone other than your group. It will also be highly professional, with a trained driver handling all navigation logistics on your itinerary and dropping you as close as possible to your destination.

When booking a group bus rental, you also have the opportunity to add amenities to your bus model. Apart from the comfortable reclining seats and the climate-controlled interiors, you can also request amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, AV systems and even an onboard restroom (if you’re on a larger charter bus.) ADA-accessible buses are also available if requested in advance.

Even though charter buses can be expensive, they’re also environmentally friendly. You’re fitting large groups of people in one vehicle and reducing the amount of cars on the road (which is a huge plus in New York) while making your trip more efficient.

If you’re still on the fence about what mode of transportation best suits your needs, check out our helpful chart below:

 

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Weddings in New York City

There’s something inherently romantic about celebrating your wedding in New York City. From rooftop hotels to rustic barns, there’s no shortage of places where you can say “I do.” If you choose to have the wedding at the New York Public Library in Midtown while hosting the reception dinner at Weylin in Brooklyn, one thing really matters: transportation. You’ll need to figure out how to transport your guests to various venues throughout the city without going over your wedding budget.

That’s where Shofur comes in. We can help shuttle your out-of-town relatives, old college friends and even childhood neighbors from venue to venue, without sacrificing comfort or efficiency. We can also work with you to establish a price on bus rentals that doesn’t break the bank and helps relieve the stress of your wedding day. 

The benefits of renting a wedding shuttle in New York are plenty. Your guests will arrive on time without being fashionably late. They’ll adhere to a strict pick-up and drop-off schedule as decided by you at the time of booking. In addition, our curbside service will ensure that your guests are dropped off right at the venue (or close to it) so that no one needs to walk 2 miles in stilettos. 

You can even add on amenities to make the trip more enjoyable for your guests. If the commute extends beyond an hour, we highly recommend onboard entertainment such as TVs and DVD players to keep the kids busy. Free WiFi is also a plus for your international guests who don’t have roaming, and it’ll make sure that everyone is virtually connected before the big day. Restrooms and reclining seats are also helpful, since your guests can relax and get ready on the bus without delaying the entire wedding party. Just contact us at 1-800-436-8719 to book transportation for your big day!

New York Public Library

Address: Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

Contact: (212) 930-0730

Weylin

Address: 175 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Contact: (718) 963-3639

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Address: 630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Contact: (914) 366-9600

Corporate Events in New York City

Shofur provides easy access to corporate travel for large and small businesses in NYC. If there’s an upcoming event or conference that spans a couple of days, we can provide pre-booked charter bus rentals to shuttle employees from their hotel to the event venue. If a few employees are flying from out-of-town and arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport, we can also arrange airport transfers to their hotel, regardless of the day or time. 

In order to make this trip a pleasant experience for corporate travelers, we provide free WiFi onboard so that they can catch up on last-minute emails or brief each other on presentations. Additional luggage space can also be added to your bus rental so that each individual can store their suitcases, laptops and carry--on baggage in a safe space.

New York hotels usually have banquet rooms to host corporate events for companies from all over the world. Amongst the most popular hotels for conferences  are the Marriott Marquis on Times Square and the Sheraton New York hotel. Other popular event spaces include the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, MetLife Stadium and the Hammerstein—a former opera house that now hosts several kinds of shows.

New York Marriott Marquis

Address: 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Contact: (212) 398-1900

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

Address: 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Contact: (212) 216-2000

MetLife Stadium

Address: 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Contact: (201) 559-1500

Sporting Events in New York City

Football, basketball, baseball—you name it, New York has it. Not only is this city brimming with cultural attractions, it’s also home to several stadiums and die-hard sports fans. Shofur provides group transportation for junior league sports teams, college intramural sports teams, professional athletes, and even fans who are looking to enjoy a day of cheering on their favorite team.

For travelling sports teams who need to attend home or away games, the additional luggage space on a charter bus is a great option. It allows you to store your sports equipment, jerseys, and duffle bags without cluttering the aisles on the bus. The PA system is also helpful, as it allows coaches to communicate with their teams over a loudspeaker and prepare them for the game. Playing music is also a fun and interactive option. Teams can chant their favorite songs and engage in general camaraderie before the game.

If you’re a sports fan, instead of storing equipment in the luggage bays, you can store your collection of beer coolers there. And if your state allows it, you can even drink on the bus and hold a tailgate party before watching your favorite team play. You also won’t need to look for a DD, since your bus driver will pick up and drop off your group with ease.

Madison Square Garden

Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001

Home of the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL)

Yankee Stadium

Address: 1 E 161 St, The Bronx, NY 10451

Home of the New York Yankees (MLB)

Citi Field

Address: 41 Seaver Way, Queens, NY 11368

Home of the New York Mets (MLB)

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Field Trips in New York City

Spend the day in New York City with your students and teach them daily subjects through real-life experiences. You can teach them the significance of color composition by taking a tour of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, express the importance of physics at the New York Hall of Science, or explain the difference between pie and pi at the National Museum of Mathematics. 

Shofur can provide charter bus rentals for your trip to the best educational institutions in and around New York City. The benefits of choosing a charter bus rental over a yellow school bus are numerous.

• Each charter bus has climate-controlled interiors, which means they provide air-conditioning and heating when appropriate.
• The seats are plush and comfortable. They recline as well, so that your students aren’t restless from sitting in their seats for long periods of time.
• The windows are large and provide panoramic views of the city, which is also a great distraction for long trips or a fun way to play some road games.
• The free WiFi is a convenient way to prepare for the educational trip that lies ahead.

Your driver will ensure that your students are transported safely to their destination while swiftly navigating the traffic in New York City.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028

Contact: schoolvisits@metmuseum.org

New York Hall of Science

Address: 47-01 111th St, Queens, NY 11368

Contact: (718) 699-0301

National Museum of Mathematics

Address: 11 E 26th St, New York, NY 10010

Contact: groupsales@momath.org

College Tours in New York City

New York is home to some of the world’s greatest colleges and universities. Students from around the globe come to New York to seek a rewarding education at institutions like New York University, Cornell, and Columbia and become intelligent, well-rounded individuals in the process. If you’re a fresh graduate out of high school looking to attend a campus tour with your peers, Shofur has the right transportation to escort your group around some of the best college campuses in New York. 

New York University

Address: 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012

Contact: grouptours@nyu.edu

Popular Majors: Visual and Performing Arts, Business, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Management.

Founded in 1831, NYU is a private research university with over 19 schools and colleges. Its campus is highly metropolitan and extends throughout the city, from Greenwich Village to Midtown Manhattan, all the way to downtown Brooklyn. In order to explore the campus, students are required to make a reservation at least 6 weeks in advance and must be part of a group of 15 or more. The tours usually depart from the Bonomi Family Admissions Center. You can opt for public transportation, or, if you’re travelling in a large group, your minibus driver can drop you off at a street nearby and the driver can wait for you in a parking garage, close to campus.

Cornell University

Address: 616 Thurston Ave., Ithaca, NY 14853

Contact: (607) 254-4636

Popular Majors: Engineering, Marketing, Business, and Management.

Founded in 1865, Cornell is an Ivy League university with 7 undergraduate colleges. It’s located in the Finger Lakes region, a beautiful area with hills, lakes, waterfalls and state parks nearby and a true refuge away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Students interested in exploring this university need to make a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance. Groups of 10 or more need to make specific arrangements, and a $40 fee is required for each tour guide. The tours usually depart from the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center. Before the tour starts, your motorcoach driver can take you around the city to explore downtown Ithaca so you can truly understand this treasured college community.

Columbia University

Address: 213 Low Library, 535 W. 116th St., New York, NY 10027

Contact: (212) 854-4900

Popular Majors: Social Sciences, Computer and Information Sciences, and Engineering.

Founded in 1754, Columbia University is the oldest educational institution in New York. Since it’s located in the heart of the city, there are plenty of eateries and art, and cultural resources around. Students that are interested in campus tours, who are also a part of a group of more than 10 individuals, are required to make a reservation at least 3 weeks in advance. If you’re in town for the weekend, there are several Columbia-recommended hotels nearby, such as the Edge Hotel in Washington Heights or Hotel Belleclaire. Your coach bus driver can easily shuttle you back and forth from the hotel to the campus based on your schedule.

Wine Tours in New York State

The State of New York has several wine growing regions and is a close runner-up to Washington and California in terms of wine production. The major regions include the Finger Lakes, Upper Hudson, Hudson River, Long Island, the Niagara Escarpment, Lake Erie and the Champlain Valley of New York. Each is distinct in the types of wine it offers, yet all are famous tourist destinations and welcome many visitors every year. 

Whether you’re on a trip with your loved ones or planning part of your 7-day corporate team-building seminar, Shofur provides private bus rentals for your day out in the wine country. We highly recommend booking a minibus over a charter bus for your New York wine tour.

• A minibus is compact and can easily transport your group up and down the hilly mountainous terrains and plains out in New York’s wine region without posing a safety hazard.
• A minibus isn’t as small as you think. Shofur offers two models, a 18-passenger minibus and a 20-passenger minibus. Feel free to bring along as many guests as capacity allows!
• A minibus comes with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, an onboard entertainment system, and reclining seats. Spend the time on your bus trip researching “best wines to try!”
• If you’ve booked a minibus for a special occasion such as a bachelorette wine tour or an anniversary party, Shofur can help you decorate your bus with a wrap or with decals to make the wine tour experience even more exciting for your loved ones.

Wine tours in New York are some of the best collective experiences you can share with your group. Not only are the wines impeccable, but the panoramic views of the hills, vineyards and greenery are truly breath-taking. Start planning your trip now and rely on Shofur for a well-deserved getaway from the city! 

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Transportation to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Known as the “World’s Largest Parade”, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event based in New York City, hosted by—you guessed it—Macy’s Department Store. It all began in 1924 and continues proudly to this day in Manhattan, featuring a plethora of colorful costumes, parade floats, multicolored props, and marching bands playing live music. It’s a 3-hour event that starts at 9:00 am and ends at noon. In addition, each year, the parade follows a theme with incredible performances by special guests (celebrities included).

The parade in recent years has followed a fixed route—it begins at 77th Street and progresses towards Central Park West. It then marches on to 59th Street, turns east onto 6th Avenue, turns south, and ends at 34th Street, where the Macy’s flagship store is located in Herald Square.

Since this parade is a large-scale event with millions of participants and viewers, it’s often challenging to travel in individual cars to the site to see the live performances. It’s easiest to travel in a group and make one stop at a predetermined destination where everyone can congregate and take in the sights and sounds together. In order to snag the best seats, it’s important to follow the steps listed below:

• Most serious parade-goers say that finding a spot at 6 am is the best way to see the parade—which means that everyone in your group needs to be dressed and ready to go at 5 am so you can be in your bus, beat traffic and seize the day.
• Popular parade-viewing spots include the western side of 75th Street (make sure you’re here by 6 am!), the second and third floors of the Shops at Columbus Circle (the mall opens at 9 am, so this is for those of you who hate waking up early), and anywhere between 6th Avenue and 59th Street (a 21-block street filled with several viewing spots. Getting here any time between 6 am and 7 am is ideal.)
• Due to parking restrictions, your bus driver will drop you off and pick you up once the parade is over.
• However, if you’re not an early bird, you can reserve a room at any of the hotels along the parade route at least 6-9 months in advance so that you can watch the parade from the comfort of your room. Hotel options include the Mandarin Oriental New York that offers a parade package, the JW Marriott Essex House or The Ritz-Carlton New York at Central Park. If you decide to go with this option, your charter bus driver will drop your group off at the hotel the night before and pick you up the following afternoon.

Bus Trips from NYC to Washington, D.C.

Washington DC is roughly 4 hours away from New York City, which means a group trip to this popular destination is very possible. This trip is ideal for the art lovers in your group who want to explore the various Smithsonian museums or a political group looking to rally and support a great cause in our nation’s capital. 

Shofur can provide you with a private bus to shuttle you away from New York and to the city that is home to the White House, the U.S Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. A journey of 4 hours means you have enough time to watch at least 2 blockbuster movies, plan a list of all the museums you want to visit, or use your GoPro to record your journey on camera, from start to finish.

A great perk of taking a bus rental is that you’ve already paid for the trip in advance, so you don’t need to worry about sudden traffic surges that may drive up your cost. If you aren’t pressed for time, make a stop in Philadelphia, PA, which is about 90 minutes away from New York. Check out the Liberty Bell for a trip down memory lane, or visit Hersheypark if the kids in your group are getting antsy. Don’t forget to eat a Philly cheesesteak while you’re there!

Bus Trips from NYC to Buffalo

Maybe you and your group are looking to get away and experience a more nature oriented part of New York. With Shofur as your bus provider, you can plan a trip to Buffalo. It’s around 6 hours away, which is the equivalent to a day spent at work. 

When you’re on your bus, make sure to take advantage of the large panoramic windows onboard. You’ll get to see the changing landscapes and scenery, which are certainly different from the city blocks of New York City. Make sure to use the free WiFi to post boomerangs on Instagram!

By far the most intriguing part nearby Buffalo would have to be Niagra Falls, a waterfall that is world famous for it's roaring waters and stunning views. The area near the falls has a variety of attractions such as the Aquarium of Niagra, which features sea life and exhibits, and Cave of the Winds, which are wooden walkways that allow you to get up close to the waterfalls. 

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Our Favorite Group-Friendly Destinations in New York City

Overwhelmed by the sites and attractions in New York? No worries: we’re here to help you plan your itinerary so your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Check out our must-see destinations below to help narrow down your list:

The Bronx Zoo

Great for: Field Trips, College Trips, and Private Trips

The Bronx Zoo is a world-renowned attraction and is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. It extends for over 265 acres and is home to around 6,000 animals from over 700 different species.

Parking tip: It costs $20 to park all day at the zoo, so it’s important that you have enough funds to cover this portion of your trip. Make sure you arrive on time so your group finds the best parking spot!

Best parking address: 2300 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, NY 10460

Group tickets: (800) 433-4149

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Great for: Field Trips, Private Trips, and Corporate Trips

Known as the largest art museum in the United States, The Met houses a collection of over 2 million works spanning over 5,000 years. It has 3 different sites spread out across New York City: The Met, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters.

Parking tip: It costs $39 ($34 if you’re a museum member) to park your bus at the Met Museum Parking Garage for 3 hours, while 5 hours costs $45 or $40 at the museum discounted rate. The parking garage is open 24/7. For more information regarding the other Met locations, click here.

Best parking address: 5th Ave & E 80th St, New York, NY 10028

Group tickets: Tickets can be purchased here or by calling (212) 535-7710.

Yankee Stadium

Great for: Field Trips, Private Trips, and Corporate Trips

Home of the New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium is a 24-acre baseball park located in the Bronx. The stadium also offers tours of Monument Park and the New York Yankees Museum before each game.

Parking tip: There are over 10 parking lots close to Yankee Stadium that have their own fixed rates. Always arrive at least 3 hours before the game to ensure you find the best spot for your charter bus, or make a reservation in advance and get discounted parking tickets by calling (718) 588-7817.

Best parking address: 161st Street Garage, 20 E 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451

Group tickets: Tickets can be purchased here or by calling (212) YANKEES.

Rent a Charter Bus to Explore New York City

The Empire State is overflowing with group activities such as up-and-coming restaurants, museums, cultural destinations, and outdoor gatherings, including the likes of wine tastings and biking in Central Park. Plus, with Shofur, it's easy to travel in from other cities such as Wilmington, DE, Orlando, FL, Atlantic City, NJ, or Cleveland, OH. Whether you want to participate in one activity or all, Shofur can help you plan your itinerary so that you cover every major attraction of your choice. Contact us at 1-800-436-8719 to plan your trip to New York City today!