
Frequently Asked Questions
When considering “taking a bus” for an upcoming group trip, there are many unknown factors for the first time planner. Sometimes you may feel like you don’t know where to begin or even what questions to ask. Below are a few questions we hear frequently.
Give us a call at (877) 337-0279 to discuss your specific needs.
PREMIER TRANSPORTATION is in the charter business. This means we provide our motorcoaches to be used by groups for trips to anywhere in the USA and Canada.
We do not offer packages or plan tours for groups, but we do specialize in serving as partners for group trips by providing the most dependable drivers, the latest model busses and the safest mode of transportation available.
Absolutely. At Premier Transportation, we take pride in offering a true motorcoach experience that blends comfort, safety, and sophistication. Our fleet of late-model Van Hool motorcoaches features spacious seating, modern styling, and advanced onboard amenities designed to elevate your journey.
If it has been a while since your last group trip, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Today’s motorcoach is far removed from the school or campus buses of the past. With Premier, you’re not just getting from point A to point B. You’re traveling in comfort and arriving with confidence.
Smoking is not permitted on any Premier motorcoach.
Passenger safety and comfort are always our top priorities. Alcohol may be allowed on board at the driver’s discretion, provided all applicable laws are followed. Passengers must be 21 or older to consume alcohol, and we ask that all guests drink responsibly. Our goal is to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe experience from start to finish.
For the safety of all passengers, only certified Premier Transportation drivers are permitted to operate our motorcoaches. While holding a CDL is an important qualification, our drivers complete rigorous, ongoing training and meet strict safety and service standards. This ensures every trip meets the level of professionalism and reliability our customers expect. When you travel with Premier, you're in the hands of the best-trained drivers on the road.
To get started, our Customer Service team will provide you with a personalized, no-obligation quote based on the itinerary you share. If you choose to move forward, your reservation is confirmed once we receive a signed contract and deposit.
Please note that Premier coaches are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons. A signed contract and deposit are the only way to secure your dates, so we recommend confirming as early as possible.
Motorcoach travel offers a comfortable, high-quality experience at a cost-effective price for groups. Several factors determine the final rate, including travel distance, trip duration, time of year, and driver scheduling requirements.
At Premier, we work hard to ensure every quote is fair, competitive, and tailored to your group’s needs.
Many of our customers find it helpful to break down the total cost on a per-person or per-day basis, which often reveals just how economical motorcoach travel can be. If you have questions about pricing or would like help understanding the quote, our Customer Service team is always happy to walk you through the details.
Gratuity for your driver is not required, but it is greatly appreciated and always left to the discretion of the group. If you feel your driver provided excellent service, a common guideline is $1–$2 per passenger, per day for good service, and $3–$5 per passenger, per day for outstanding service. Please note that tips are not included in your quoted trip price and should be provided separately.
Yes, parking fees, tolls, permits, and other travel-related expenses are the responsibility of the chartering group. These costs can vary depending on your destination and route.
For example, in high-traffic areas like Washington, D.C., permits and hourly parking fees are required for charter buses. Toll charges are often calculated based on the number of axles and miles traveled.
Premier drivers are experienced and knowledgeable about these requirements and will help guide your group through the process. If you are working with a tour operator, some of these fees may be included in your overall package—be sure to confirm that in advance.
Yes, for overnight trips, the chartering group is responsible for reserving one hotel room per driver for each night of the trip. When booking a group block, many hotels will offer a complimentary room for the driver—just be sure to ask. It’s also a good idea to confirm in advance whether the hotel has suitable motorcoach parking and whether any parking fees apply. Taking care of these details ahead of time helps ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Safety ratings for any motorcoach company should be given upon request. PREMIER’s safety rating can be viewed HERE.
A breakdown percentage informs you about how a company is taking care of their motorcoaches. If they do not know their breakdown percentage, or if it is high – then you are putting the safety of your group at risk. We take a great deal of time to train our mechanics. They attend classes provided by bus, engine, and air conditioning manufacturers and are certified in their fields. Our breakdown percentage is 0.342%. We take pride in this low percentage as well as our concentrated effort to consistently hire the best mechanics who continually manage and maintain the safety of our motorcoaches.
A full-time safety director is an essential part of ensuring all safety standards are met. Their job is to provide training to drivers as well as continual evaluation of routes, drivers, and any potential mechanical problems that may occur. They should constantly be tracking motorcoaches en route through a GPS monitoring system. The full-time safety director’s sole responsibility is the safety of the passengers and is not divided by other company responsibilities.
Resist the urge to consider charter bus travel as a commodity. It’s not enough to get you from one place to the next. You should never shop on price alone, and safety should be a top priority for you and other passengers. For a list of PREMIER safety features, check out our safety page HERE.
A certified driver training program demonstrates that a company places high value on the safety of their passengers by employing the best drivers that have been part of comprehensive training before they ever drive a motorcoach. Our drivers attend a certified driver training program as well as quarterly safety meetings and seminars, which cover rule changes, driving habits, and skills. All drivers selected by PREMIER go through a strict hiring process, which includes drug and alcohol testing, background check, and a driving knowledge and skills test. Applicants are interviewed and selected based on compatibility and skills.
Look and see where maintenance and operations is handled at the company you choose. Is it in a run down garage or outdoors? By touring the facility, you will learn whether maintenance and safety are a priority.
At Premier Transportation, safety and respect are our top priorities—on and off the road. To help student groups have the best travel experience, we’ve created a Premier Bus Etiquette guide with important tips for a smooth and enjoyable ride. From boarding to arrival, these simple guidelines ensure everyone gets to their destination safely and comfortably.
Download the Premier Bus Etiquette Flyer and share with your group before your next trip!
Still have questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to give us a call Toll-Free at
(877) 337-0279 or click the button below to contact us for assistance.