A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Yosemite National Park
You simply cannot visit Merced without planning a trip to one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced offers the most direct all-weather route into the park via Highway 140. However, driving a caravan of personal vehicles into Yosemite National Park can be stressful, with winding mountain roads, limited parking in the Valley, and steep entrance fees for individual cars. By booking a charter bus rental from Merced to Yosemite, you eliminate the stress of driving and ensure your entire group stays together. Your driver will handle the navigation along the Merced River canyon, allowing you to stare out the panoramic windows at the changing landscape.
Once you arrive, your group can explore iconic sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls without the hassle of hunting for parking at every trailhead. A private charter bus allows you to customize your itinerary, whether you want to drop off hikers at the Mist Trail, enjoy a picnic at Sentinel Beach, or tour the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. For day trips or multi-day camping excursions, our charter buses offer ample undercarriage storage for all your hiking gear, coolers, and cameras. Let Charter Bus Rental Company Merced handle the logistics so you can focus on the breathtaking views.
Castle Air Museum
For history buffs, veterans, and educational groups, the Castle Air Museum is a must-see destination located just minutes from Merced in Atwater. This impressive outdoor museum is home to over 70 restored vintage military aircraft, including a B-25 Mitchell, an SR-71 Blackbird, and a retired Air Force One presidential plane. It serves as a fantastic destination for school field trips , ROTC outings, and senior citizen tour groups. When you rent a charter bus for your visit to the Castle Air Museum (5050 Santa Fe Dr, Atwater, CA 95301), you ensure that your group arrives safely and on time for scheduled tours.
Navigating the Central Valley heat can be tiring when walking the tarmac to view the aircraft. Having a climate-controlled charter bus waiting for you offers a comfortable place to cool down, eat lunch, and relax between exhibits. Our buses can be equipped with DVD players and TV monitors, allowing teachers or tour leaders to show educational documentaries about aviation history while en route to the museum. With a driver at the helm, you won't have to worry about parking multiple vehicles or coordinating meet-up spots. We make educational travel in Merced County seamless and engaging.
University of California, Merced
As the newest campus in the University of California system, UC Merced is a hub of innovation and growth, attracting students and academics from all over the world. If you are organizing a campus tour for high school seniors, a transportation solution for an academic conference, or a shuttle for a collegiate sporting event , Charter Bus Rental Company Merced has you covered. The campus is located at 5200 N Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95343, and having a private bus rental allows prospective students to see the university without the stress of navigating a new campus map on their own.
We can arrange a shuttle service that picks up your group from local high schools or the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and takes them directly to the UC Merced Welcome Center. For university athletic teams, our full-size charter buses offer plenty of legroom for athletes and massive storage bays for equipment, uniforms, and away-game gear. Whether you are rooting for the Bobcats or attending a research symposium, our reliable transportation services ensure that your academic group travels with dignity and punctuality. Keep your students connected with onboard WiFi and power outlets so they can work on assignments or share their campus experience on social media in real-time.
Applegate Park & Zoo
Located in the heart of the city along the Bear Creek, Applegate Park is Merced's central gathering place and a perfect destination for family reunions, church picnics, and elementary school field trips. The park features the Applegate Park Zoo, which specializes in animals native to California, as well as Kiwanis Kiddieland, a vintage amusement park that delights younger children. Organizing a large family gathering or a class trip here is made infinitely easier with a minibus or charter bus rental . We can drop your group off right at the entrance at 1045 W 25th St, Merced, CA 95340, so you don't have to worry about rounding up kids from a scattered parking lot.
After a day of exploring the zoo and riding the train at Kiddieland, your group will appreciate the comfort of a cool, air-conditioned bus. Our buses come with plenty of overhead storage for picnic supplies, diaper bags, and souvenirs. If you are planning a summer trip, the Merced Open Air Theatre within the park often hosts performances; a charter bus is the perfect way to transport a senior living community or a social club to enjoy the arts without the hassle of evening traffic. Let us handle the driving while you enjoy the roses in the Laura Fountain rose garden.
Lake Yosemite
Just a short drive from the UC Merced campus lies Lake Yosemite, a man-made reservoir that serves as a prime recreational spot for boating, fishing, and waterskiing. It is a fantastic destination for end-of-year school parties, Greek life socials, and corporate team -building days. However, parking at the lake can be limited during peak summer weekends. By booking a charter bus rental with Charter Bus Rental Company Merced, you can transport your entire group to the lake in one vehicle, ensuring everyone arrives together and maximizes their time on the water.
Our motorcoaches have spacious luggage bays perfect for storing ice chests, folding chairs, sports gear, and towels. If you are planning a company BBQ or a large family gathering at the picnic shelters (5714 Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95340), a shuttle bus ensures that no one gets lost finding the location. You can even enjoy a few cold drinks by the water without worrying about driving home, as your charter bus driver will serve as the designated driver for the entire group. Enjoy the sun and the water, and let us take care of the ride home.
Vista Ranch
Merced County is an agricultural powerhouse, and there is no better place to experience the bounty of the land than Vista Ranch. Located at 7326 E Highway 140, Merced, CA 95340, this destination offers wine tasting, a farm market, and beautiful event spaces perfect for weddings and corporate dinners. If you are planning a wine tour or a private event here, a minibus rental or sprinter van from Charter Bus Rental Company Merced is the ultimate transportation solution. We allow you to enjoy the local varietals without the worry of who will take the wheel.
For weddings at Vista Ranch, we provide sleek, modern shuttle buses to transport guests between their hotels in Merced and the venue. This ensures your ceremony starts on time and your guests get home safely after the reception. The scenic drive out to the ranch sets the tone for a rustic and elegant event, and our buses can be outfitted with auxiliary cables so you can play your own music to get the party started early. Experience the hospitality of the Central Valley with a private charter bus rental that caters to your schedule and your style.
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
For nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and photography clubs, the Merced National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem. Located southwest of the city, this refuge hosts thousands of wintering waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes, creating a spectacular visual and auditory experience. Because the refuge is located in a more remote area (7430 W Sandy Mush Rd, Merced, CA 95341), public transportation is not an option. A private charter bus rental is the best way to bring a tour group, a science class, or a photography club to witness the migration.
Our buses offer high vantage points for viewing the landscape and the wildlife while navigating the auto tour route (where buses are permitted). After a morning of birding, your group can relax in reclining seats and review their photos on the way back to town. We can also combine this trip with a visit to the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge for a full day of nature appreciation. With Charter Bus Rental Company Merced, you can explore the wilder side of California's Central Valley with comfort and ease.
Merced Courthouse Museum
Standing tall in the center of town, the Merced Courthouse Museum is an architectural icon and a repository of local history. Located at 21st and N Streets, the museum is housed in the historic county courthouse built in 1875. It is an excellent stop for educational tours learning about the history of the Great Central Valley, early settlers, and the judicial history of the region. Parking in downtown Merced can sometimes be tricky for multiple cars, but a charter bus can drop your group off curbside for easy access to the museum and the surrounding Courthouse Park.
Whether you are a local historical society or a traveling tour group passing through on the way to Yosemite, a stop here offers a deep dive into the culture of the area. Charter Bus Rental Company Merced makes city tours effortless. Your driver stays with the vehicle while you explore, ready to pick you up the moment you are done. We can then whisk you away to a group-friendly restaurant in downtown Merced like Five Ten Bistro or Rainbird for a meal, keeping your itinerary tight and your group happy.
Book Your Merced Bus Rental Today
Ready to explore the best of Merced and the surrounding Central Valley? Charter Bus Rental Company Merced is here to make your group travel experience seamless, safe, and comfortable. We have representatives available 24/7/365 to assist you with finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. If you would like a free personalized quote for your next group trip to Yosemite, UC Merced, or a local winery, we are ready to help and we would love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 559-332-0640. You can also use our online quote tool for instant online charter bus pricing in under 30-seconds. Don't let traffic or parking ruin your trip—let us handle the driving!
Frequently Asked Questions About Merced Group Travel Transportation
How much it cost to rent a charter bus in Merced?
The cost of a charter bus rental in Merced depends on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your trip, the time of year, and the distance you are traveling. For example, a trip during the peak Yosemite tourist season may cost slightly more than a winter trip. We offer transparent pricing with no extra costs. To get an accurate, personalized quote for your specific itinerary, call our team 24/7 at 559-332-0640 or use our online quote tool for pricing in under 30 seconds.
Can your buses take us into Yosemite National Park?
Absolutely! We frequently transport groups from Merced into Yosemite National Park. Your drivers are experienced in navigating the winding mountain roads of Highway 140 and Highway 120. However, please note that the National Park Service requires specific entrance fees for commercial vehicles, and there may be vehicle size restrictions on certain roads within the park. When you book, let our reservation specialist know your itinerary so we can ensure we match you with the correct bus and inform you of any necessary permits.
What amenities are included on a charter bus?
Our fleet offers a variety of premium amenities to ensure a comfortable ride. Most full-size charter buses come equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, overhead storage, and undercarriage luggage bays. Modern technology features such as free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players are also widely available. If you have specific needs, such as ADA accessibility or PA systems for tour guides, just request them when you call to book.
How far in advance should I book my bus rental?
We recommend booking your charter bus as soon as you have your date and itinerary finalized. For trips during peak seasons—such as spring break, summer vacation, or major holidays—it is best to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure availability and the best pricing. However, we also understand that last-minute plans happen, and our large fleet allows us to accommodate short-notice bookings whenever possible. Call us anytime to check availability.
Is alcohol allowed on the bus?
In most cases, yes! Alcohol is generally permitted on our charter buses and party buses , provided that all passengers are over the age of 21. A refundable damage deposit may be required if you plan to have alcohol on board. However, for school field trips or groups with minors, alcohol is strictly prohibited. Please discuss your plans with our reservation team when booking to ensure compliance with our policies and local laws.
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