A few of the companies we’ve worked with
The Little 500: The World’s Greatest College Weekend
If there is one event that defines Bloomington, it is the Little 500. Billed as "The World's Greatest College Weekend," this bicycle race held at Bill Armstrong Stadium (1606 N Fee Ln, Bloomington, IN 47406) draws tens of thousands of spectators every April. It’s a tradition that dates back to 1951 and was immortalized in the film Breaking Away. For students, alumni, and cycling enthusiasts, this weekend is a non-stop celebration. However, with the influx of visitors, traffic on Fee Lane and 17th Street becomes gridlocked, and finding parking near the stadium is nearly impossible without a pass.
Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington offers the ultimate solution for Little 500 weekend. Whether you are an alumni association organizing a reunion trip or a fraternity/sorority coordinating transportation for your members, a private charter bus rental ensures everyone arrives together. We can arrange pick-ups from hotels on the outskirts of town or even shuttle groups from Indianapolis or Chicago. With a driver navigating the crowds, your group can enjoy the pre-race festivities without the stress of designated drivers or split-up rideshares. Your bus can serve as a central meeting point, providing air-conditioned relief and secure storage for coolers and gear during the long day at the track.
Hoosier Spirit: IU Basketball & Football Transportation
In Bloomington, Indiana University sports are a way of life. The atmosphere at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (1001 E 17th St, Bloomington, IN 47408) during a Hoosiers basketball game is electric and widely considered one of the best experiences in college sports. Similarly, tailgating before a football game at Memorial Stadium (1001 E 17th St, Bloomington, IN 47408) is a rite of passage. But for large groups of fans, the logistics of game day can be daunting. Parking lots fill up hours before tip-off or kickoff, and navigating the traffic on the bypass (SR 45/46) can kill the pre-game buzz.
Rent a charter bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington and take your game day experience to the next level. We specialize in sports fan transportation, providing spacious motorcoaches with ample undercarriage storage for all your tailgating essentials—tents, grills, coolers, and cornhole boards. Imagine traveling with 50 of your fellow fans, watching hype videos on the bus’s flat-screen TVs, and getting dropped off right near the stadium entrance. We also provide transportation for visiting athletic teams, offering plenty of legroom for players to stretch out and relax before the competition. Win or lose, your ride home will be comfortable, safe, and efficient.
Lotus World Music & Arts Festival Group Travel
Every autumn, downtown Bloomington transforms into a global stage for the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival. This multi-day event brings artists from all corners of the globe to venues scattered throughout the downtown area, from the Buskirk-Chumley Theater to street tents on Kirkwood. It is a beautiful celebration of culture, but for groups attending together, moving between venues and finding parking downtown can be a headache. Street closures are common during the festival, making navigation difficult for those unfamiliar with the city's layout.
By booking a minibus or shuttle bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington, you ensure your group enjoys the festival without the hassle. We can drop your group off at a central location near the festival entrance, allowing you to explore the music, food trucks, and art installations freely. If you are bringing a school group or a cultural organization from out of town, our charter buses provide a safe and reliable way to transport students and chaperones. The drivers are familiar with Bloomington’s downtown layout and will coordinate pick-up and drop-off points that minimize walking and maximize your time enjoying the world-class performances. With reclining seats and onboard WiFi, you can share your favorite festival moments on social media instantly as you travel back to your hotel.
Live Music at The Bluebird and The Bishop
Bloomington’s music scene isn’t limited to annual festivals. Venues like The Bluebird Nightclub (216 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404) and The Bishop (123 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404) host incredible live acts year-round, ranging from famous cover bands to indie darlings and major touring artists. For bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or just a night out with a large group of friends, these venues are legendary. However, they are located in the heart of downtown, where parking is premium and nightlife traffic is heavy.
Keep your party going and ensure everyone gets home safely by renting a party bus or minibus from Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington. A private shuttle acts as your group's designated driver for the entire night. You can hop between bars on Kirkwood, catch a show at The Bluebird, and grab late-night pizza without worrying about calling multiple rideshares or splitting up the group. Our buses come equipped with premium sound systems and LED lighting (on select party bus models), so the concert energy continues even when you are on the road. We serve groups coming from nearby cities like Bedford, Columbus, or even Indianapolis for a night out in B-Town.
Cultural Nights at IU Auditorium & Buskirk-Chumley Theater
For those seeking a more sophisticated evening, the IU Auditorium (1211 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405) and the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater (114 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408) offer Broadway tours, classical concerts, stand-up comedy, and lectures from world-renowned speakers. These events are perfect for corporate outings , senior citizen groups, or educational field trips . However, the IU Auditorium is located in the heart of the campus where parking can be tricky for visitors, and the Buskirk-Chumley is right on busy Kirkwood Avenue.
Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington provides elegant and efficient transportation for cultural events. Whether you need a shuttle for a corporate team building night at the theater or a comfortable motorcoach for a senior community outing, we have the perfect vehicle. The drivers can drop your group off curbside, sparing your guests from walking long distances in formal wear or inclement weather. While you enjoy the show, your bus will park off-site and return precisely when the event concludes. With amenities like climate control and comfortable seating, the ride to and from the venue becomes a relaxing part of the evening's entertainment.
Food & Drink Festivals: Taste of Bloomington & Craft Beer
Bloomington’s culinary scene is one of the best in the Midwest, and events like the Taste of Bloomington highlight the incredible diversity of local restaurants. Additionally, the city is home to fantastic breweries like Upland Brewing Company and Switchyard Brewing Company. Groups often organize brewery tours or attend food festivals to sample the local flavor. These events draw large crowds, and when alcohol is involved, safety becomes the top priority for any group organizer.
Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington is your partner for safe and fun culinary adventures. Rent a minibus for a private brewery tour, allowing your group to sample the best ales and lagers in town without a single worry about driving. For large groups attending food festivals at Showers Common or other downtown locations, a charter bus rental provides a central hub for your group and ensures everyone leaves together. We can create a custom itinerary that hits all your favorite spots, from the international cuisine on 4th Street to the taprooms on the B-Line Trail. Let us handle the navigation while you handle the tasting.
Comedy & Arts: The Limestone Comedy Festival
The Limestone Comedy Festival has rapidly become one of the premier comedy festivals in the country, attracting top-tier talent and up-and-coming comedians to Bloomington every summer. Shows are spread across multiple venues, including The Comedy Attic (123 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404) and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. For groups of comedy lovers traveling from out of state or corporate groups looking for a fun retreat activity, this festival is a must-attend event.
Coordinating movement between different comedy venues to catch multiple sets in one night can be stressful if you are relying on personal cars. With a private shuttle from Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington, you can create a customized schedule that ensures you never miss a punchline. The drivers will be ready to transport your group from one venue to the next efficiently. Between shows, you can relax in the bus, recharge your devices using onboard power outlets, and laugh about your favorite jokes with your friends. We make the logistics seamless so you can focus on the fun.
Book Your Bloomington Event Transportation Today
From the excitement of IU athletics to the cultural richness of the arts scene, Bloomington, Indiana, offers something for everyone. Don’t let traffic, parking, or logistical headaches dampen your group’s experience. Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality, most reliable group transportation services in the region. We have the experience, the local knowledge, and the diverse fleet to handle any request, big or small.
Our representatives are available 24/7/365 to assist you with finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. If you’d like a free personalized quote for your next group trip to Bloomington, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 765-281-7840. You can also use our online quote tool for instant online charter bus pricing in under 30 seconds. Let us drive while you make memories in B-Town!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bloomington Concert Transportation
How much does it cost to rent a charter bus in Bloomington?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Bloomington varies based on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your rental, the time of year, and the distance traveled. For example, renting a bus during peak times like Little 500 weekend or IU graduation may be priced differently than a mid-week rental in the summer. Generally, local trips are billed by the hour with a minimum hourly requirement, while long-distance trips are billed by the day or mile. To get the most accurate price, we recommend calling our reservation specialists at 765-281-7840 with your specific itinerary. We provide free, no-obligation quotes in minutes!
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
In many cases, yes, you are permitted to consume alcohol on our buses, provided that all passengers are of legal drinking age (21+). This makes our buses perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, brewery tours, or tailgating at IU football games. However, you must notify us in advance if you plan to have alcohol on board so we can ensure the appropriate policies are in place. Please note that a refundable security deposit may be required for trips involving alcohol to cover any potential cleaning fees. Comfort is our priority, and having a driver allows your group to celebrate responsibly.
Where can a charter bus park during IU football games?
Parking a large vehicle like a charter bus during IU football games requires planning. The university typically designates specific lots for bus and RV parking near Memorial Stadium, often in the grass lots south of 17th Street or specific paved areas. These spaces are limited and usually require a prepaid parking pass or payment upon entry on game day. When you book with Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington, our team can help advise you on the current parking regulations for Indiana University athletics, but the group is typically responsible for securing the parking pass.
How far in advance should I book for Little 500?
Little 500 is the busiest weekend of the year in Bloomington, and demand for transportation is incredibly high. We strongly recommend booking your charter bus rental at least 6 to 9 months in advance for this specific event. Waiting until the last minute often results in limited availability and higher prices. By booking early, you ensure that you get the specific type of vehicle you need for your group, whether it's a party bus for students or a luxury motorcoach for alumni.
Do you offer transportation for smaller groups?
Absolutely! We understand that not every group requires a 56-passenger motorcoach . Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington offers a variety of smaller vehicles, including 18-passenger minibuses , 25-passenger shuttle buses , and sprinter vans . These are perfect for smaller wedding parties, corporate teams, or family outings to local restaurants and venues. These smaller buses still come with great amenities like A/C and comfortable seating but are more agile for navigating Bloomington’s city streets and offer a more cost-effective solution for smaller headcounts.
Bus types Available in Bloomington
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