Complete Guide To What Buses Are Available in Santa Monica, California

Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica is the leading transportation provider for groups traveling throughout coastal Los Angeles County. With a decade of experience and a fleet of 100 vehicles, we have become the preferred partner for school field trips to the California Science Center, corporate gatherings at the Annenberg Community Beach House, weddings along Ocean Avenue, and every group occasion in between. Our team delivers friendly, responsive service around the clock, ensuring you receive the right bus with the amenities your passengers need—whether that’s WiFi for a tech conference shuttle, a restroom for a long-distance trip to LAX, or luxury interiors for VIP event transportation.

Quick Answer Of What Buses We Offer

Our Santa Monica charter bus company offers the area’s most diverse selection of vehicles, with models ranging from compact sprinter vans for 10-15 passengers to full-size motorcoaches carrying up to 56. Popular options include Grech Motors minibuses (28-44 seats) for executive shuttles, MCI and Prevost coaches (40-56 seats) for large tour groups or multi-day trips, and even party buses (12-50 seats) for nights out or special celebrations. Each vehicle can be tailored with amenities such as reclining seats, power outlets, PA systems, and ADA features like wheelchair lifts. With flexible scheduling and instant online quotes, we make it easy to book the ideal bus for events of any size—from daily commuter shuttles in Downtown Santa Monica to cross-county transfers for sporting events at SoFi Stadium.

Major Charter Bus Manufacturers

Motor Coach Industries (MCI)

MCI has set the standard in the American charter bus industry for decades, known for producing durable, comfortable, and innovative coaches. Our fleet includes the flagship MCI J4500, a favorite among tour operators nationwide for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and customizable seating for up to 56 passengers. Ideal for long-distance travel, this model offers ample undercarriage storage for luggage, making it perfect for airport transfers to LAX or extended tours up the Pacific Coast Highway. We also offer the MCI J3500, a slightly smaller coach with similar luxury features, suitable for navigating tighter city streets during events near the Third Street Promenade or Bergamot Station.

Prevost

Prevost is synonymous with luxury and reliability, often chosen for high-profile clients and demanding itineraries. Our Prevost H3-45 and X3-45 coaches both seat up to 56 and are equipped with premium amenities—think plush leather seats, individual climate controls, and advanced entertainment systems. These vehicles are frequently booked for executive retreats to Malibu, VIP transport to film premieres, or multi-day excursions requiring maximum comfort. Their superior suspension ensures passengers enjoy a smooth journey even on longer routes to destinations like Disneyland or San Diego.

Setra

Setra, a brand renowned for German engineering, brings European flair and advanced safety features to our charter bus lineup. The Setra S 417 is a 56-passenger coach designed for those who demand the best in class. Its ergonomic seating, panoramic windows, and dual-zone climate control create an inviting atmosphere for corporate roadshows, international delegations, or upscale group tours. Setra’s emphasis on technology—including electronic stability programs and adaptive cruise control—makes these buses a top choice for clients prioritizing both comfort and safety during travel around greater Los Angeles.

Van Hool

Van Hool coaches combine versatility with cost-effectiveness, making them popular for both local shuttling and longer hauls. Our Van Hool CX45 accommodates up to 56 passengers and is praised for its fuel efficiency and generous luggage space—ideal for sports teams heading to tournaments at UCLA or student groups on educational trips. For smaller groups or routes with tight turns, the CX35 offers similar amenities in a more compact package, perfect for navigating residential streets or historic districts like Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood.

Minibus and Shuttle Bus Manufacturers

Grech Motors

When it comes to luxury minibuses, Grech Motors leads the industry with models that blend style, comfort, and cutting-edge features. Our GM33, GM36, and EG40 minibuses serve groups of 28 to 44, providing upscale interiors that rival those of larger coaches. Commonly used for executive shuttles between Silicon Beach offices, wedding transportation to venues like Shutters on the Beach, or private sightseeing tours, these vehicles offer leather seating, wood-look flooring, and powerful HVAC systems. Their maneuverability makes them especially suited for routes with frequent stops or limited parking, such as daily employee shuttles from Expo Line stations.

Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird is a trusted name in school and activity buses, valued for their durability and safety record. Our Blue Bird Vision and electric models can carry up to 77 students, making them the go-to option for school districts organizing field trips to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium or transporting sports teams to regional competitions. Features like electronic stability control and high-capacity air conditioning ensure a safe, comfortable ride for young passengers. The availability of propane and electric versions also supports schools’ sustainability goals by reducing emissions on daily routes.

Champion Bus Inc

Champion specializes in mid-size buses that strike a balance between capacity and flexibility. The Challenger series, built on Ford or Chevy chassis, seats 12 to 29 passengers and is often chosen for small-group outings, community center excursions, or hotel shuttles to nearby attractions. For heavier-duty needs, the Defender series offers increased GVWR and space, accommodating larger groups without sacrificing maneuverability. These buses are frequently seen serving senior centers, providing ADA-compliant transportation with wheelchair lifts and securement areas for residents attending events at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium or local parks.

ElDorado National

ElDorado’s AeroTech line sets the standard for 20’-25’ mid-size buses, offering seating for up to 25 passengers in a low-floor, ADA-accessible design. These buses are a staple for paratransit services, university campus shuttles, and boutique tour operators. Their compact size allows easy access to destinations with restricted entry, such as the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy parks or narrow downtown streets. Advanced climate control and quiet operation make AeroTech buses comfortable for both short hops and longer journeys across Los Angeles County.

Turtle Top

Turtle Top’s Odyssey XL and Terra Transit models provide premium transportation solutions for groups needing something larger than a van but more agile than a full-size coach. Seating up to 41, these buses are favored by corporate clients for off-site meetings, churches for youth retreats, and arts organizations for touring productions. Available on Freightliner or Ford chassis, Turtle Top buses feature first-class seating, overhead luggage racks, and optional restrooms—ensuring passengers remain relaxed whether they’re headed to a conference at the Fairmont Miramar or a concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

We Offer These Buses and More!

No matter what type of bus your group requires, Charter Bus Rental Santa Monica can deliver it—and more. Our extensive fleet covers every possible need, from party buses with dance floors and mood lighting for bachelor parties on Main Street, to ADA-accessible shuttles with lifts and securement for inclusive transportation to community festivals. If your itinerary demands a specific make or model not listed here, just ask—our statewide network allows us to source specialty vehicles quickly. Every reservation is fully customizable, letting you choose onboard amenities like WiFi, power outlets, tinted windows, or even catering setups. With over 10 years of experience, we’ve handled everything from daily commuter shuttles between Culver City and Santa Monica to complex logistics for film shoots requiring multiple buses on standby. Tell us your vision, and we’ll match you with the perfect bus—and the dedicated support—to make it happen.