1. Fall River Minibus Company /
  2. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Fall River

FAQS

Fall River Minibus Company has been serving Fall River and all of Bristol County since 2011, providing transportation for groups of all sizes. Our fleet includes a wide range of vehicles, from minibuses to full-size motorcoaches, so we can accommodate any group size or itinerary. We’re committed to making travel easy, comfortable, and affordable for every passenger. Whether you’re planning a field trip to Battleship Cove, a wedding at McGovern’s on the Water, or a corporate event at the Fall River Heritage State Park Visitor Center, we’ll make sure your group gets there safely and on time. Call us anytime at 774-520-1910 to learn more about our services!

We proudly serve all kinds of groups in Fall River and across Bristol County. Our team regularly works with schools, sports teams, wedding planners, corporate offices, religious organizations, government agencies, and private families. Some of our most popular trips include shuttling fans to Gillette Stadium for Patriots games, transporting students to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and providing daily commuter service for healthcare workers at Southcoast Health St. Luke’s Hospital. No matter what brings your group together, we’ll build a custom transportation plan that fits your needs and budget.

A charter bus is a large motorcoach designed to carry 40-56 passengers comfortably over long distances. These vehicles are perfect for moving big groups to destinations like Fenway Park, TD Garden, or Boston Logan International Airport. Features often include reclining seats, climate control, onboard restrooms, overhead storage bins, undercarriage luggage bays, power outlets, reading lights, and entertainment systems with TV monitors and DVD players. Charter buses are ideal for school field trips, sports team travel, corporate outings, and multi-day tours.

A minibus is a smaller shuttle vehicle that typically seats between 18 and 35 passengers. It’s great for moving medium-sized groups around town or between nearby cities like Providence, Taunton, or New Bedford. Minibuses offer many of the same amenities as larger coaches, such as cushioned seats, air conditioning, PA systems, and space for carry-on bags. They’re commonly used for wedding guest shuttles, airport transfers, hotel-to-venue loops, and short-distance charters where maneuverability and quick boarding are priorities.

Our charter buses come in several sizes, but most have 40, 47, 50, 54, or 56 seats. The largest models can hold up to 56 adults plus a driver, making them ideal for moving entire classrooms, sports rosters, or conference delegations. Each seat is padded and spacious enough for long rides to places like Cape Cod, Worcester, or Hartford. If your headcount is just above 30 people, it’s usually better to book a full-size coach rather than splitting into two smaller vehicles.

Minibuses generally seat anywhere from 18 to 35 passengers depending on the exact model. Common configurations include 20, 23, 25, 28, and 32 seats arranged in rows with a center aisle. These shuttles work well for moving small groups between hotels, airports, restaurants, or parking lots. For example, you could use a 23-passenger minibus to run continuous loops between the Fall River MBTA station and a waterfront wedding venue during rush hour.

We offer a full lineup of charter buses and minibuses to accommodate any group size or itinerary. Our fleet includes 18-, 23-, 25-, 28-, 32-, and 35-passenger minibuses; 40-, 47-, 50-, 54-, and 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches; and 12- or 15-passenger sprinter vans for small-group shuttles. Each vehicle type comes with its own set of features and floor plans, so you can choose the best option based on your headcount, budget, and amenity preferences.

Most of our buses come equipped with comfortable cushioned seats, strong air conditioning, and plenty of storage space for luggage or equipment. Additional amenities may include free WiFi, power outlets at every row, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, Bluetooth-enabled sound systems, overhead reading lights, tinted windows, and PA microphones for announcements. Full-size coaches usually have an onboard restroom at the rear of the cabin. If you need ADA accessibility, we can provide lifts, wheelchair tie-downs, and extra-wide aisles upon request.

Many of our newer minibuses and charter buses feature Bluetooth-enabled sound systems that allow you to sync a smartphone or tablet for custom playlists. Alternatively, some models have AUX input jacks or USB ports that can connect directly to your device’s headphone output. This setup lets you control the soundtrack during the ride, whether it’s background music for a wine tour or hype songs before a playoff game. If playing your own audio is important, please specify this requirement when booking so we match you with the right vehicle.

Charter buses offer the most storage capacity, with large undercarriage bays that can hold multiple suitcases, coolers, strollers, or even band equipment cases. Overhead racks inside the cabin provide additional room for backpacks and personal items. Minibuses have smaller rear trunks or parcel shelves suitable for light baggage but may not fit oversized gear. When booking, let us know how much cargo you plan to bring so we assign a vehicle that meets your needs. For example, transporting a high school marching band to a parade will require more space than a simple office commuter shuttle.

Yes, we can provide ADA-compliant buses equipped with wheelchair lifts, securement straps, priority seating areas, and wider aisles for mobility devices. These accessible features are available on both minibuses and full-size coaches, ensuring that every passenger can travel comfortably regardless of physical ability. If anyone in your group requires special accommodations, please inform us at least two weeks prior to departure so we can make proper arrangements. Accessibility is a top priority for all public and private charters.

Yes, you can arrange for a custom vinyl wrap to display your organization’s branding, event theme, or sponsor logos on the exterior of the bus. Wrapping a vehicle transforms it into a moving billboard that attracts attention wherever it goes—perfect for political campaigns, product launches, or sports team pride. The process involves applying large adhesive graphics to the sides and rear panels without damaging the paint underneath. You’ll need to coordinate design, installation, and removal with a local print shop. Additional fees apply, and we recommend scheduling at least four weeks in advance to allow for production lead times.

We will always try to accommodate requests for certain makes, models, or paint colors within our available inventory. For example, if you prefer a white minibus to match wedding decor or a black motorcoach for executive transport, mention this preference during the quoting process. While we cannot guarantee a particular brand (such as Prevost, Van Hool, MCI, or Grech), we will do our best to assign a vehicle that aligns with your expectations regarding appearance and features.

The price of renting a charter bus depends on several factors including distance traveled, duration of service, number of passengers, and choice of amenities. Rates are typically calculated by the hour, day, or mile. For example, a full-day excursion from Fall River to New York City will cost more than a short local transfer between hotels and conference centers. To get an accurate estimate tailored to your itinerary, call us at 774-520-1910 with your trip details. We offer competitive pricing and transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

Minibus rentals are generally less expensive than full-size coaches due to their smaller size and lower operating costs. However, final pricing still depends on mileage, hours of use, and optional add-ons like WiFi or custom wraps. Short trips within Bristol County or to nearby Providence may qualify for minimum-hour packages at a reduced rate. For groups on a tight budget, minibuses provide an affordable yet comfortable alternative to traditional charter buses without sacrificing quality of service.

Key variables influencing the cost of a bus rental include total distance (measured in miles or hours), length of reservation (single-day versus multi-day), size/type of vehicle (minibus versus motorcoach), requested amenities (WiFi, restroom, ADA lift), and current demand based on seasonality or major events. Additional charges may apply for overnight stays outside the home base, tolls, parking permits, or custom branding. Providing a detailed itinerary upfront helps us generate the most accurate and competitive quote possible.

Your quote covers the base rate for the selected vehicle, driver compensation, standard amenities, fuel, and basic insurance. It does not include optional extras such as onboard catering, auxiliary generators, or event-specific decorations unless explicitly requested. Any anticipated surcharges for long-distance travel, overnight lodging, or premium features will be itemized separately. We believe in full transparency so you know exactly what you’re paying for before signing any agreement.

For best availability and lowest rates, we recommend booking your bus at least three to six months ahead of your planned departure date. Peak seasons such as spring (for proms and graduations), summer (for weddings and festivals), and fall (for football games and foliage tours) tend to fill up quickly. Last-minute reservations are possible but may be limited to whatever inventory remains unassigned. Early planners benefit from greater choice in vehicle types, colors, and amenity packages.

Yes, we accommodate all types of itineraries including one-way transfers (e.g., airport drop-off), round-trip excursions (e.g., day trip to Six Flags New England), and extended multi-day charters (e.g., weeklong tour of New England colleges). Packages are customized to fit your schedule, whether that means staying with the group for continuous shuttling or returning later for pick-up after an event concludes. We also support recurring contracts for organizations needing regular service over several weeks or months.

Absolutely! We operate statewide and beyond, frequently dispatching buses to destinations across Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Popular long-distance routes include overnight trips to Times Square, Washington D.C. monuments, or Montreal jazz festivals. Long-haul coaches are equipped with reclining seats, restrooms, and entertainment options to keep passengers comfortable during journeys lasting several hours or more.

If your itinerary spans multiple days and requires the driver to remain overnight away from home, you are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of a private hotel room. Drivers must have adequate rest between shifts to comply with federal hours-of-service regulations. Lodging should be safe, clean, and located reasonably close to the group’s accommodations or main activity site. For single-day trips returning to Fall River, no overnight stay is necessary.

Getting a quote is fast and easy—just call our office at 774-520-1910 or fill out the online form on our website. Be prepared to provide details such as date(s) of travel, pick-up and drop-off locations, approximate headcount, desired amenities, and any special requests. The more information you share, the more accurate and tailored your quote will be. Most estimates are returned within minutes unless additional research is needed for complex itineraries.

To ensure a smooth rental experience, finalize your passenger list and itinerary before requesting a quote, as changes later may affect pricing and vehicle availability. Communicate any special needs such as wheelchair access, extra luggage space, or onboard WiFi at the outset. Budget for incidental expenses like driver gratuity (typically 10-20% of the base fare), tolls, and parking fees. Review the contract terms carefully, especially regarding cancellation policies and payment deadlines. Lastly, confirm all pick-up times and addresses a few days prior to departure.

We provide ground transportation to and from all major airports in the region, including Boston Logan International (BOS), T.F. Green/Providence (PVD), New Bedford Regional (EWB), and Worcester Regional (ORH). Whether you’re flying out for a corporate retreat or welcoming international guests to a conference, our shuttles ensure timely arrivals and departures synced with your flight schedule. Buses can stage curbside at terminal entrances for direct boarding with luggage assistance.

Sports fans rely on our charter buses to reach major venues such as Gillette Stadium (Patriots, Revolution), TD Garden (Celtics, Bruins), Fenway Park (Red Sox), Xfinity Center (concerts), Dunkin’ Donuts Center (Providence Bruins), and McCoy Stadium (minor league baseball). Avoid the hassle of traffic congestion, expensive parking, and designated drivers by traveling together as a group. Tailgate supplies and fan gear can be stored securely onboard during the game.

Music lovers use our shuttles to attend shows at venues like the Zeiterion Theatre (New Bedford), Xfinity Center (Mansfield), House of Blues (Boston), Paradise Rock Club, Boston Symphony Hall, and Providence Performing Arts Center. Arrive at the concert relaxed and ready to enjoy the performance without worrying about late-night transit options or rideshare surge pricing. Buses wait onsite until the encore ends to bring everyone home safely.

Bride and grooms book our buses for seamless guest transportation to popular wedding venues including McGovern’s on the Water, Fall River Country Club, The Cove Restaurant & Marina, Bittersweet Farm (Westport), Independence Harbor (Assonet), and White’s of Westport. Shuttle service keeps the celebration running on time by linking hotels, ceremony sites, and reception halls according to the day’s timeline. Decorate the bus with ribbons or signage to match your wedding theme.

In addition to Fall River, we serve surrounding communities such as Somerset, Swansea, Seekonk, Attleboro, Taunton, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Westport, and Providence RI. Groups traveling elsewhere in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or southern New England can count on us for reliable charter service. Whether it’s a casino outing to Twin River, a beach trip to Horseneck State Reservation, or a museum visit to RISD, we’ve got you covered.

We provide transportation for annual events like the Fall River Celebrates America fireworks, Great Holy Ghost Feast of New England, Fourth of July Parade, Narrows Festival of the Arts, and Portuguese Heritage Month festivities. Seasonal charters include shuttles to King Richard’s Faire (Carver), WaterFire Providence, New Bedford Folk Festival, and Boston Marathon spectator spots. Reserve early for large-scale gatherings that draw crowds from across the region.

Business travelers use our charter buses to reach convention centers such as the Fall River Heritage State Park Visitor Center, Seaport World Trade Center (Boston), Rhode Island Convention Center (Providence), DCU Center (Worcester), and MassMutual Center (Springfield). Shuttle loops between hotels, meeting venues, and offsite dinners keep conferences running smoothly without attendees needing rental cars. Onboard WiFi allows professionals to check email en route.

We regularly transport students, faculty, and athletic teams for field trips, campus tours, and academic competitions. Local institutions served include Bristol Community College, UMass Dartmouth, Bridgewater State University, B.M.C. Durfee High School, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Atlantis Charter School, and Bishop Connolly High School. Destinations for educational outings range from the Museum of Science (Boston) to Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut).