Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the charter and are there additional costs I should consider?
The charter includes the vehicle and the driver for the duration of your trip. It does not include any parking fees and/or tolls, driver lodging and gratuity (optional).
Do you allow alcohol on board?
Alcohol is permitted on SOME vehicles. Please let your account manager know well ahead of your trip and and they will be able to search for an appropriate vehicle. A $250 bond is required. Kegs and glass bottles are not permitted
Is food or drink (non-alcoholic) allowed to be consumed?
Most non-alcoholic beverages are permitted with the exception of glass products. Food products which are easily manageable (that will not create a mess) are preferred to prevent any spills or damages to the vehicle. If any damages are created, cleaning fees will impend.
What are your cancellation fees?
- 20% of the total booking amount if you cancel for any reason (this is the non-refundable deposit).
- 25% of the total booking amount if cancelled with 7 days notice of your first journey (business days only) but not less than 96 business hours.
- 50% of the total booking amount if cancelled with less than 96 hours notice (business days only) of your first journey but not less than 48 hours.
- 100% of the total booking amount if cancelled with less than 48 hours notice (business days only) of your first journey.
When do I need to pay for my journey?
A 20% deposit is required to secure your vehicle, however the remaining balance is required to be paid 7 days prior to your journey.
What are your overtime charges?
Overtime/waiting rates are charged at $27.50 inc GST ($110 inc GST per hour) per 15 mins (sedans) and $41.25 inc GST ($165 inc GST per hour) per 15 mins (minibus/bus/coaches).
Are there anchor points available for child seats?
Depending on the size of the vehicle you require there are limited points to fit a child seat. However, the children are allowed to be seated on the parents lap in some states if the parents feel comfortable with this. It also depends on the age of the child. BusHireUSA.com adheres to laws in each state whereby that state requires children to be seatbelted. Where laws do not stipulate a requirement for the child to be secured, we still highly recommend that all children be seatbelted to avoid injury where a vehicle may stop suddenly.
Will the driver inform me if I incur any extra charges on the day?
No. It is NOT the responsibility of the driver to inform or warn you or your group of any impending charges including overtime, damage, or extra miles, etc, regardless of the circumstances on the day of your journey. It is your responsibility to manage your groups requirements on the day and be aware of any extra charges that could be incurred.
Can I decrease or increase my vehicle size if the passenger numbers increase/decrease?
Yes. While this is possible, availability of the requested vehicle will not be known until it is requested. Therefore we cannot guarantee it will be possible to change vehicle until availability is known. In addition to this prices may change.
do you require a bond and what does it cover?
Bonds are placed on bookings such as, Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, Wine tours, Birthday parties, late night transfers etc. The bond is usually $250 (depending on the purpose) and covers such things as, cleaning fees, overtime charges, damages to the vehicles etc
Do you require a deposit?
Yes we require a 20% deposit of the total booking amount. This must be paid to secure the booking and is not refundable for any reason whatsoever.
Does the price quoted include things such as tolls, ferry costs, airport parking fees or national park entry fees etc?
No. The price quoted is strictly for the bus, driver and all vehicle insurance and running costs only. Any fees that are outside of this are payable by the client.
Do the larger coaches have storage?
Yes, the larger touring coaches have luggage bins underneath which hold passenger bags. Note that charter buses and low floor buses generally do not have luggage bins. Therefore for airport transfers, it is advised that you book coaches instead of charter buses. Any excess luggage must be discussed in detail with our office to ascertain the luggage requirements.
Is standing allowed on the vehicles?
Standing on Low Floor Buses is allowed however it is not permitted on Mini Buses and Standard/Luxury Coaches.
Does the price include accommodation for the driver?
Not every journey or transfer requires accommodation for the driver. Where the vehicle is travelling a significant distance away from home or where your group is performing a multi-day tour, it may be feasible for the driver to stay with the group. It is only on these occasions where the driver will require accommodation, which comes as an additional cost to the quoted price of the vehicle. While our quoted price includes the driver, it is the accommodation for the driver that is not included unless otherwise stated.
Typically, it is the responsibility of the client to book a room for the driver. However, please let your account manager know if you require them to book the drivers accommodation.
Typically, it is the responsibility of the client to book a room for the driver. However, please let your account manager know if you require them to book the drivers accommodation.
What are the payment methods and when is the final payment due?
VISA or Mastercard via Westpac’s online Payway System
VISA or Mastercard over the phone
PayPal (3.5%)
Bank Transfer
Payment is due 7 days prior to departure.
If I add an extra stop how much will this be?
Additional charges for extra drops are based on time and distance from the previously quoted journey. This amount is not yet known until the location of the extra stop is revealed.
Do you have buses with SPAB certification?
Yes. We do work with operators who are School Pupil Activity Buses (SPAB) certified. Please make this request to your Account Manager at time of booking.