Charter Bus Key Terms

Drive away with a better understanding of charter bus descriptions

By Thomas Langford

If you're in charge of renting a charter bus, then you know how important it is to find the right vehicle for your company's needs. You want to be sure you have a bus that is the right size and offers the right level of comfort. To help make your search easier, you should familiarize yourself with key industry terms, such as executive coach, sleeper coach and deluxe motorcoach. Finally, because safety is the top priority, you should also understand and know how to reference the DOT safety ratings, known as SAFER.

Deluxe motorcoach

A deluxe motorcoach is what most people think of when they hear the term charter bus. Most deluxe motorcoaches have 45-55 comfortable seats arranged in rows. Televisions usually hang from the ceiling, and a restroom is typically in the rear of the bus.
Try: Coach USA provides more information about the features on-board a deluxe motorcoach.

Executive coach

An executive coach provides a higher level of luxury than a deluxe motorcoach. Executive coaches are the size of a standard bus, but with seating for 10-20 people. They typically come with large, comfortable chairs and couches that are arranged in a lounge space, as well as a television, kitchenette and restroom.
Try: For pictures and diagrams that show what executive coaches look like, as well as a more detailed description, check out The BusBank.

Mini coach

A mini coach is a smaller version of a deluxe motorcoach that seats 18-35 people. Mini coaches typically do not have a restroom on board, and sometimes they have limited space for baggage.
Try: To see pictures of mini coaches and to learn more about them, visit aagetawaycoaches.com.

Sleeper coach

Sleeper coaches, sometimes called entertainer coaches, are perfect for a group that is traveling overnight. The bus typically includes 10 or 12 bunks, as well as a restroom with a shower. Coaches are custom made, and floor plans vary, but most include a kitchen and lounge area.
Try: USA Bus Charter provides great information about sleeper coaches. From the linked page, scroll down to view interior pictures and diagrams.

Limo bus

A limo bus is just what it sounds like, a cross between a limousine and a charter bus. The bus typically carries 15-30 passengers seated in a lounge-type setting. It is a bit smaller than a full-length charter bus, and it is ideal for quick corporate outings or a night out on the town.
Try: BusRates.com provides specs and pictures of limo buses.

DOT safety ratings

The United States Department of Transportation's system of safety ratings, known as the SAFER database, gives you an idea about a charter bus company's safety performance. It includes the results of on-site inspections, accident reports and police enforcement records.
Try: The United Motorcoach Association provides a detailed explanation of DOT safety ratings, along with a link that you can use to locate your charter bus operator's safety rating.