FAQ
50 answers, no fine print.
How much does a charter bus rental cost in Northern California?+
Charter bus rental in Northern California typically ranges from $125 to $250 per hour depending on vehicle size, trip duration, and date. Wedding and multi-day packages are usually quoted as flat rates. Request a quote for exact pricing.
What is a SPAB bus?+
A SPAB (School Pupil Activity Bus) is a California-certified bus used to transport students for school-sponsored activities. SPAB certification is required by law and Bobby's Charters maintains active SPAB status.
Do I need a SPAB bus for my school field trip?+
If you are transporting K-12 students for any school-sponsored activity in California, the law requires either a yellow school bus or a SPAB-certified charter. We can provide both.
How many people can fit in a charter bus?+
Our charter buses range from 14-passenger executive sprinters to full 56-passenger motorcoaches. We size the vehicle to your group plus comfortable luggage capacity.
Can I rent a charter bus for a wedding?+
Yes — wedding transportation is a specialty of ours. We provide guest shuttles, wedding party transport, and end-of-night returns across Napa, Sonoma, the Bay Area, and Monterey.
Do you provide airport shuttle service?+
Yes, we provide group airport transfers to and from SFO, OAK, SJC, SMF, and Monterey Regional. Meet-and-greet, flight tracking, and luggage handling included.
How far in advance should I book?+
Book 30-90 days ahead for weddings and major events. Corporate transfers can often be accommodated within 48 hours. Peak wine country season (May–October) books out quickly.
What areas do you serve?+
All of Northern California — San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, the Tri-Valley, and 30+ surrounding cities.
Are your drivers licensed and insured?+
Yes. Every driver carries a current commercial driver license (CDL), is DOT drug-tested, background-checked, and operates under our $5M commercial liability policy.
Do your buses have restrooms?+
Our 40 and 56 passenger motorcoaches are equipped with onboard restrooms. Smaller shuttles and sprinters do not have restrooms, but we plan rest stops on longer trips.
Do your buses have WiFi?+
WiFi is available on most of our charter motorcoaches. Let your specialist know it's required when you book.
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?+
Yes, alcohol is permitted on charter vehicles for adult groups (21+). Open container rules apply — your driver will brief you at pickup.
Do you offer multi-day charter trips?+
Yes, we operate multi-day charters throughout California and the western US, including driver lodging and hours-of-service planning.
What payment methods do you accept?+
We accept all major credit cards, ACH, and corporate invoicing for established business accounts.
Do you require a deposit?+
Most charters require a 25% deposit at booking and balance prior to dispatch. Corporate net-30 terms available with credit approval.
What is your cancellation policy?+
Cancellations made 30+ days ahead receive a full refund of the deposit. Inside 30 days, deposits become non-refundable. Full charter pricing is due if canceled within 7 days.
Can I see the vehicle before I book?+
Yes — we welcome walk-throughs at our yard by appointment, and provide photos of the actual vehicle assigned to your charter.
Do you provide ADA-accessible vehicles?+
Yes, wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available — please request when booking so we can confirm availability.
Can you handle very large groups?+
Yes. We routinely run multi-vehicle moves for 200+ guest weddings, conferences, and concerts using coordinated motorcoach fleets.
Are gratuities included?+
Driver gratuity is not included in the base quote. Industry standard is 15–20% and can be added to your final invoice.
Do you provide corporate employee shuttles?+
Yes — recurring daily commuter shuttles and conference transfers are a core service for Bay Area and Silicon Valley employers.
What's the difference between a shuttle bus and a charter bus?+
Shuttle buses are typically 14–27 passenger vehicles used for short transfers and loops; charter buses are 40–56 passenger motorcoaches built for longer-distance group travel.
Do you offer wine tours?+
Yes. Custom Napa, Sonoma, and Livermore Valley wine tours with experienced local drivers and pre-planned tasting itineraries.
Can I customize my wine tour itinerary?+
Absolutely. Tell us which wineries and we'll build the timing, reservations, and lunch stops around your group's pace.
Do you provide church group transportation?+
Yes — we serve churches across Northern California for retreats, conferences, mission trips, and youth programs.
Can you transport sports teams?+
Yes. Collegiate, club, and youth teams use our motorcoaches for league play, tournament travel, and championship trips. Equipment storage included.
How early should the bus arrive?+
Drivers arrive 15 minutes before scheduled pickup. For airport transfers we build in additional time for traffic and TSA.
Do you provide transportation for funerals?+
Yes, we provide respectful, professional transportation for funeral processions and family group transport.
Can I tip my driver?+
Yes — tips are appreciated. Cash on the day or added to your invoice both work.
What size bus do I need?+
A specialist will help you size correctly. Rough guide: under 14 → sprinter; 15–27 → shuttle; 28–40 → mid-size charter; 41–56 → motorcoach; 56+ → multi-vehicle.
Do you operate 24 hours?+
Yes — dispatch is staffed 24/7/365, and we run charters around the clock.
Are pets allowed?+
Service animals are always welcome. Other pets are case-by-case and require advance approval.
Can children ride without car seats?+
California law requires car seats for children under 8 or under 4'9". We can accommodate car seats — let us know in advance.
Do you offer concert and festival transportation?+
Yes. Continuous shuttle loops, group charters, and VIP transport for major venues including Concord Pavilion, Shoreline, and Outside Lands.
Can you transport a wedding party from the hotel to the venue?+
Yes — that's our most-booked wedding service. We can also schedule end-of-night returns for guests.
Do you cover the Lake Tahoe area?+
We provide one-way and round-trip charters from Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Napa into the Lake Tahoe region.
Do you provide buses for graduations and proms?+
Yes — graduation party charters and prom transportation are popular spring services.
Are your buses non-smoking?+
Yes, all of our vehicles are strictly non-smoking and non-vaping.
Do you provide DOT-compliant transportation?+
Yes — every vehicle and driver meets federal DOT and California PUC requirements.
What if my trip runs longer than booked?+
Drivers will continue the trip if hours-of-service allow. Overtime is billed at the contracted hourly rate.
Can you provide bilingual drivers?+
Yes — we can request bilingual drivers (Spanish most commonly) at the time of booking.
What COVID precautions do you take?+
Our cleaning protocol includes fogger disinfection between charters and high-touch sanitization. Masks available on request.
Can you provide a quote over the phone?+
Yes — call (925) 401-7555 anytime for an instant quote.
Do you charge a fuel surcharge?+
No hidden fuel surcharges — fuel is included in your quoted price.
Can I book a one-way charter?+
Yes, one-way charters are available with mileage and minimum-hour rules. A specialist will quote your specific route.
Do you provide transportation for corporate offsites?+
Yes — Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, and Tahoe corporate offsites are a routine service for us.
How do I know my bus will arrive on time?+
Live dispatch monitoring, GPS tracking on every vehicle, and pre-trip routing reviews. We arrive on time.
What happens if a bus breaks down?+
We dispatch a replacement vehicle immediately. Mechanical issues on modern fleets are rare, and our 24/7 ops team responds in real time.
Do you provide buses for concerts at Levi's Stadium or Chase Center?+
Yes — Levi's, Chase Center, Oakland Arena, and Shoreline event transportation is a regular service.
How do I book?+
Request a quote online or call (925) 401-7555. A specialist replies within one business hour with vehicle options and pricing.