Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Kirkland

Kirkland Minibus Company has been providing charter bus rentals across Kirkland and the greater Seattle area since 2011. We offer one of the largest fleets in Washington State, with vehicles ranging from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches and everything in between. Our team is available 24/7/365 to answer questions, provide instant quotes, and help you book the perfect bus for your group’s needs. Whether you’re planning a corporate event at Google’s Kirkland campus, a wedding at The Woodmark Hotel, or a school trip to the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), we have the experience and resources to make your transportation smooth and stress-free.

We provide charter bus services for every type of group imaginable! Schools love us for field trips to places like the Seattle Aquarium or Woodland Park Zoo. Businesses rely on us for corporate shuttles between tech campuses in Totem Lake, downtown Seattle, and Bellevue. Sports teams book our buses to travel to games at Peter Kirk Park or Lake Washington High School. Wedding planners trust us to shuttle guests between venues like Heritage Hall and Marina Park Pavilion. We also work with religious organizations, senior centers, tour operators, government agencies, and more. No matter your group size or destination, we have a solution for you.

A charter bus (also called a motorcoach) is a large vehicle designed to transport groups of people comfortably over long distances. These buses typically seat 40-56 passengers and come equipped with amenities like reclining seats, air conditioning, WiFi, power outlets, TV monitors, DVD players, restrooms, and ample luggage storage. Charter buses are ideal for moving large groups efficiently—whether it’s a multi-day tour, an out-of-town sports tournament, or a major corporate event. They’re built for highway travel and can easily handle trips across the state or even across the country.

A minibus is a smaller, more compact version of a charter bus, typically seating between 18 and 35 passengers. These vehicles are perfect for shuttling smaller groups around town, such as wedding parties, corporate teams, or church groups. While they may not have all the features of a full-size charter bus, many minibuses still offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and overhead storage for personal items. Their smaller size makes them ideal for navigating city streets and tight parking lots, providing a convenient and efficient transportation option for shorter trips or smaller groups.

Most full-size charter buses in our fleet have either 47, 50, 54, or 56 seats. The exact number depends on the manufacturer and model. For example, a Prevost H3-45 seats 56, while a Van Hool CX45 seats 55. Smaller “mid-size” coaches may have 38-44 seats. All these buses have forward-facing, reclining seats with headrests and armrests. There are usually 4-5 seats per row (2 on each side of the aisle). Every seat has access to overhead parcel racks and reading lights. If you need to move 40+ people, a charter bus is the best option.

Minibuses come in several sizes: 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, and 35 seats are most common. An 18-passenger minibus is great for airport transfers or small wedding shuttles. The 23- to 28-seat models are popular for corporate commuter routes and youth sports teams. Our largest minibuses hold up to 35 passengers—perfect for mid-size groups going to concerts, festivals, or cruise terminals. Seating is usually arranged in rows of 2x2, but some layouts have perimeter (bench-style) seating in the back. Let us know your headcount and we’ll match you with the right size.

Our fleet includes full-size charter buses (47, 50, 54, or 56 seats), minibuses (18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, or 35 seats), Sprinter vans (10-14 seats), and party buses (10-40 seats). We also have ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts. Popular models include the MCI J4500 (56 seats), Prevost H3-45 (56), Van Hool CX45 (55), Grech Motors GM40 (40), and Turtle Top Odyssey XL (28). Tell us your group size and we’ll recommend the best option.

Most Kirkland charter buses come standard with reclining seats, climate control, overhead parcel racks, underfloor luggage bays, reading lights, and PA systems. Minibuses have similar seating and A/C but less storage space. Sprinter vans offer cushioned seats, USB ports, and rear cargo area. Party buses feature wraparound leather seating, color-changing LED lighting, Bluetooth sound system, flat-screen TVs, and hardwood floors. If you need something specific—like tray tables, extra monitors, or bike racks—just ask!

Yes! Most of our Kirkland buses have either a 3.5mm AUX input, Bluetooth pairing, or both. You can connect your phone, tablet, or laptop to the main audio system and play Spotify playlists, Apple Music, Pandora, or downloaded MP3s. Larger coaches may have multiple speakers throughout the cabin for even sound distribution. Some party buses also include subwoofers and DJ-style mixers. Bring your favorite road trip playlist or let us know if you need a microphone for announcements.

Full-size charter buses have the most storage: up to 500 cubic feet in underfloor bays plus overhead racks above every seat. That’s enough for each passenger to bring a large suitcase and a carry-on bag. Minibuses have limited rear storage—enough for backpacks and duffel bags but not hard-sided suitcases. Sprinter vans fit 8-10 carry-ons in the back. If your group has skis, golf clubs, musical instruments, or other bulky items, tell us in advance so we can assign a bus with extra capacity.

Absolutely! We have ADA-accessible buses available in Kirkland and across King County. These vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, priority seating areas, and accessible restrooms (on larger coaches). There’s no extra charge for requesting an ADA bus—it’s part of our commitment to serving all members of the community. Please let us know your accessibility needs when booking so we can ensure the right vehicle is assigned.

Yes, you can wrap your charter bus with advance notice. Many of our customers choose to add custom graphics for branding, advertising, or special events. Full wraps cover the entire exterior of the bus, while partial wraps or decals can be applied to specific areas like the sides or rear. You will need to provide the artwork and cover the cost of installation and removal. Please contact us at least 2-3 weeks before your trip if you plan to wrap the bus so we can coordinate scheduling and specifications.

We will do our best to accommodate requests for specific bus models or colors. Our fleet includes vehicles from top manufacturers like MCI, Prevost, Van Hool, Setra, Grech Motors, Turtle Top, and Mercedes-Benz. Common colors are white, black, silver, and blue. If you need a particular make (e.g., “only Prevost H3-45”) or want the bus to match your company/team colors, let us know when booking. We can’t always guarantee exact availability but will try to meet your preferences.

The cost of renting a charter bus in Kirkland depends on several factors: size of the bus, length of the trip, time of year, and any special requests. Local trips within King County are usually priced by the hour (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), while longer trips are quoted by the day or mile. For example, a one-day rental to Spokane will cost more than a round-trip transfer to Sea-Tac Airport. The best way to get an accurate price is to call us at 425-952-7010 or fill out our online form with your trip details. We’ll send you a free quote in minutes!

Minibus rentals in Kirkland generally cost less than full-size charter buses because they are smaller and more fuel-efficient. Rates start at $150-$250 per hour for local service, with daily packages available for longer itineraries. Factors that affect pricing include total mileage, duration, and whether the minibus needs to stay onsite between pickups. For example, a continuous shuttle running all day between Google’s South Lake Union office and Kirkland Urban will be quoted differently than a simple drop-off/pickup for a wedding at Woodmark Hotel. Contact us for a personalized estimate based on your exact needs.

Several factors influence the price of a bus rental in Kirkland: type and size of vehicle (charter bus vs. minibus vs. Sprinter), total distance traveled, number of days/hours required, time of year (peak season is May-June for graduations and summer travel), and any optional add-ons like WiFi, DVD monitors, or custom wraps. Additional charges may apply for tolls, parking fees, overnight stays outside the Seattle metro area, or special cleaning if the bus is left excessively dirty. We provide all-inclusive quotes upfront so there are no surprises later.

Your quote includes the bus, driver’s time, fuel, standard amenities (A/C, reclining seats, PA system), and basic insurance coverage. It does NOT include gratuity for the driver (recommended 10-20%), hotel room if the driver is staying overnight, or incidental expenses like bridge tolls, ferry tickets, or paid parking at venues such as Climate Pledge Arena or T-Mobile Park. Optional upgrades such as onboard WiFi, extra luggage trailers, or custom wraps will be itemized separately. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

We recommend booking your bus as early as possible—ideally 3-6 months before your event—for the best selection and rates. Spring and summer weekends fill up fast due to weddings, proms, and festival season. If you’re traveling during peak times (May-June for graduations, December holidays), reserve even earlier. Last-minute bookings are accepted if we have availability, but options may be limited. Once you confirm your reservation with a signed contract and deposit, your bus is locked in.

Yes! We offer one-way transfers (e.g., dropping off a group at Sea-Tac or Paine Field), round-trip service (going to a Mariners game and back), and multi-day packages for extended tours or conferences. For example, we can stay with your group for a three-day itinerary covering Mount Rainier, Leavenworth, and Snoqualmie Falls. Just provide your schedule when requesting a quote so we can plan accordingly.

Absolutely. Our buses regularly travel to destinations across Washington State and beyond, including Portland, Vancouver BC, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and more. Long-distance charters are quoted by the day or mile and include all the same amenities as local rentals. Whether you’re taking a youth group to Silverwood Theme Park or a corporate retreat to Suncadia Resort, we’ll get you there safely and comfortably.

If your itinerary requires the driver to stay overnight away from home base (typically more than 8-10 hours from Kirkland), you are responsible for providing a hotel room. The room should be a standard single occupancy, non-smoking, and preferably at the same hotel as the group or nearby. Drivers cannot sleep on the bus overnight. For multi-day trips, one hotel room per night is required. If you need help finding affordable lodging, we can recommend options used by other groups.

Getting a quote is easy! Call our office at 425-952-7010 or fill out the online form with your trip details: date(s), pickup/drop-off locations, number of passengers, and any special requests. One of our representatives will review your information and send you a personalized quote within minutes. There’s no obligation to book until you’re ready. Once you approve the quote and sign the contract, we’ll secure your reservation with a deposit.

Plan your itinerary with exact addresses and times for each stop. Budget extra time for traffic congestion on I-405, SR 520, and surface streets like Central Way or Lake Washington Blvd. Reserve parking/loading zones at busy venues such as Marina Park, Peter Kirk Community Center, or local hotels. Communicate headcount changes ASAP so we can assign the right size vehicle. Pack snacks, water, and entertainment for longer rides. Stay in touch with your driver via cell phone for real-time updates. And finally, relax and enjoy the ride—group travel is what we do best!

We provide charter bus service to all major airports in the region: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport (PAE) in Everett, Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI), and Renton Municipal Airport (RNT). Whether you’re catching a flight or picking up a group of arriving passengers, we’ll get you there on time. For airport transfers, please provide airline, flight number, and scheduled arrival/departure times so we can coordinate curbside pickup.

Sports fans love using our charter buses to attend games at Lumen Field (home of the Seahawks and Sounders), T-Mobile Park (Mariners baseball), Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett (Silvertips hockey), and access Husky Stadium at UW, ShoWare Center in Kent (Thunderbirds hockey), and Cheney Stadium in Tacoma (Rainiers baseball). Avoid the hassle of driving and parking by letting us drop your group off right at the entrance. We also transport youth and amateur teams to tournaments and practices across the state.

Catch your favorite artists live without worrying about parking or designated drivers. We provide transportation to major concert venues like Climate Pledge Arena (formerly KeyArena), WAMU Theater, White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Gorge Amphitheatre in George, and Paramount Theatre downtown. Smaller venues such as Neptune Theatre, Crocodile, Showbox, Moore Theatre, and Marymoor Park Concerts in Redmond are also popular destinations. Enjoy the show and leave the driving to us.

Make your special day run smoothly by arranging shuttle service for your guests. We’ve worked with couples getting married at beautiful venues like The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa on Lake Washington, Heritage Hall, Marina Park Pavilion, Kirkland Woman’s Club, St. John Vianney Church, Bastyr University Chapel, and private residences along the waterfront. Out-of-town guests will appreciate having reliable transportation between the hotel, ceremony, and reception.

In addition to Kirkland, we proudly serve neighboring cities including Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore, Juanita, Totem Lake, Houghton, Rose Hill, Finn Hill, Bridle Trails, Yarrow Bay, South Rose Hill, North Rose Hill, Evergreen Hill, Market/Downtown Kirkland, Highlands, Norkirk, Moss Bay, and Kingsgate. No matter where your group is headed in the region, you can count on us for reliable and professional transportation services tailored to your specific needs.

From annual festivals to seasonal celebrations, we provide transportation to all kinds of events throughout Kirkland. Popular options include Summerfest, Kirkland Uncorked wine festival, Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks, Winterfest, Wednesday Market, Classic Car Show, Waterfront Car Show, Oktoberfest, Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Spooktacular, Holiday Tree Lighting, Summer Concert Series, Shakespeare in the Park, Outdoor Movie Nights, Wine Walks, Art Walks, Farmers Markets, and more. Avoid traffic congestion and limited parking by booking a shuttle for your group to enjoy the festivities together.

We provide transportation to major convention centers and meeting spaces throughout the region, including Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Lynnwood Event Center, Seattle Convention Center (Arch & Summit buildings), Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, ShoWare Center in Kent, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton, DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport, Hilton Bellevue, Marriott Redmond, Embassy Suites Seattle North Lynnwood, Renaissance Seattle Hotel, Sheraton Grand Seattle, Westin Bellevue, Courtyard by Marriott Kirkland, and more. Whether you’re attending a trade show, conference, seminar, workshop, or corporate training session, we’ll get your group there on time and ready to participate.

Kirkland Minibus Company serves all local colleges, universities, and K-12 schools in Kirkland and the surrounding area. We frequently provide transportation for campus tours, athletic events, academic competitions, student organization trips, and more. Notable institutions we serve include Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech), Northwest University, Kirkland Middle School, Lake Washington High School, Juanita High School, International Community School, Emerson High School, Finn Hill Middle School, Rose Hill Middle School, Peter Kirk Elementary, Ben Franklin Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, Carl Sandburg Elementary, Helen Keller Elementary, John Muir Elementary, Robert Frost Elementary, Margaret Mead Elementary, Bell Elementary, Thoreau Elementary, and Discovery Community School. We also work with private schools, preschools, daycare centers, after-school programs, and homeschool co-ops to provide safe and reliable transportation for students of all ages.