How Many Seats are on a Yakima Charter Bus?

When it comes to booking group transportation, one of the first questions people ask is: how many seats are on a charter bus? The quick answer: anywhere from 10 to 56 passengers, depending on the vehicle. The long answer? Well, that’s what we’ll break down right here! Whether you need a shuttle for Yakima Valley wine tours, a field trip ride to the Yakima Area Arboretum, or a fan bus to see the Pippins at Yakima County Stadium, Charter Bus Rental Yakima has the perfect-sized bus for your group and itinerary.

Below, we’ll walk you through all the seating options available in our fleet—from small sprinter vans to full-size 56-passenger charter buses. We’ll also explain why the number of seats matters, how layouts can be customized, and why certain passenger counts fit some trips better than others. Ready to get started? Call 509-509-8830 anytime 24/7 to get an instant quote or read on to find the best bus rental option for your next Yakima trip!

Yakima Charter Bus Seating Capacity: The Quick Answer

Charter buses have between 36 and 56 seats. Minibuses have 15 to 35 seats. Sprinter vans have 10 to 15 seats. Party buses have 10 to 50 seats. The most common full-size charter bus rental seats 56 passengers. The most common minibus seats 28 passengers. The number of seats can vary slightly based on the manufacturer, year, and floorplan.

Sprinter Vans (10 to 15 Passengers)

Sprinter vans are the smallest vehicles we offer, with most models seating between 10 and 15 passengers. These nimble, van-style shuttles are ideal for airport transfers to Yakima Air Terminal, bar crawls in downtown Yakima, or private rides around places like Selah or Union Gap. They’re much more comfortable than piling into several cars and easier to maneuver than larger buses. Luggage space is limited but perfect for carry-ons or small coolers. Amenities include leather seats, AC, Bluetooth sound systems, and sometimes even a flat-screen monitor — everything you need for a short, sweet ride around Yakima.

Party Buses (10 to 50 Passengers)

Our party buses come in sizes ranging from 10 to 50 passengers. The most popular party bus rentals in Yakima seat 20, 30, and 40 people. Smaller models are great for birthday parties, bachelorette nights, or brewery tours along the Yakima Craft Brewing Company route. Larger party buses—with wraparound seating, dance poles, color-changing lights, and booming sound systems—are perfect for prom groups, wedding after-parties, or taking your whole team out to the Central Washington State Fairgrounds. Just let us know your headcount and preferred amenities when you call for a quote!

Minibuses (15 to 35 Passengers)

Minibuses are the workhorses of mid-sized group travel, with seating capacities from 15 up to 35 passengers. The most-requested sizes are 18, 24, and 28 seats. These buses are built on a cutaway chassis (like a Ford E-450 or Chevy Express) and offer a big step up in comfort over school buses or old church shuttles. You’ll get individual forward-facing seats, overhead storage, strong AC, tinted windows, and often WiFi and power outlets. Minibuses are perfect for shuttling employees to work sites, moving wedding guests between venues, or keeping youth groups together on day trips to Mount Rainier National Park. Not sure if a minibus is big enough? Add a trailer for extra luggage or bump up to a full-size charter bus!

Full-Size Charter Buses (36 to 56 Passengers)

If you need to move a large group, nothing beats a full-size charter bus rental. These motorcoaches seat between 36 and 56 passengers, with 56 being the most common size. Charter buses are designed for long-distance comfort with high-back reclining seats, armrests, footrests, onboard restrooms, DVD players, PA systems, huge undercarriage luggage bays, and overhead parcel racks. They’re perfect for transporting sports teams, school classes, corporate event attendees, or tour groups. Full-size buses are also ADA-compliant with wheelchair lifts and securement areas. If you’re planning a multi-day trip to Seattle, Spokane, or Portland, this is the way to go!

Why Does Charter Bus Seating Capacity Matter?

Getting the right number of seats matters for three reasons: cost, comfort, and logistics. You don’t want to pay for a 56-passenger bus when a 24-seat minibus will do—that’s money wasted. Nor do you want to cram 40 people onto a 35-passenger bus—that’s unsafe and uncomfortable. And splitting a group into multiple vehicles means more coordination headaches and higher fuel costs. When you book with Charter Bus Rental Yakima, our reservation specialists will help you choose the perfect size bus for your exact headcount, so everyone has a seat and you only pay for what you need.

Customizing Your Bus Layout

The standard layout for most charter buses is rows of forward-facing seats, two on each side of a central aisle. But did you know you can customize the interior? Some buses swap out a few seats for tables, which is great for business meetings or card games en route. Others remove seats to create extra space for wheelchairs, bike racks, or catering setups. Party buses use perimeter bench seating to maximize dance floor space. Let us know if you need a special configuration for your trip—we can often accommodate unique requests!

Choosing the Right Passenger Count for Your Trip

Here are some tips for matching bus size to trip type:

For local shuttles (weddings, hotels, breweries): Sprinter vans or minibuses (10–28 seats) are easiest to park and maneuver in tight Yakima streets.
For school field trips: 35-seat minibuses or 56-seat charter buses keep students and chaperones together with room for backpacks and lunches.
For sports teams: 40–56 seat charter buses have undercarriage storage for gear bags and coolers.
For corporate events: Minibuses (24–35 seats) are perfect for employee shuttles or off-site meetings.
For cross-state tours: Always book a full-size charter bus (40+ seats) for maximum comfort on long highway drives.
If your group size falls between standard bus sizes, consider booking two smaller vehicles instead of one large one. For example, two 28-seat minibuses may be more flexible and cost-effective than one 56-passenger coach, especially if your itinerary includes multiple pickup locations or split activities.

Amenities by Bus Size

Larger buses generally come with more amenities. Here’s what to expect:

Sprinter Vans: Leather seats, USB ports, basic sound system
Party Buses: Bench seating, LED lights, premium audio, wet bar
Minibuses: Reclining seats, overhead storage, PA system, WiFi
Charter Buses: All minibus amenities plus restroom, TV/DVD, power outlets, climate control, huge luggage bays
If there’s a specific amenity your group needs—like a restroom for long trips, WiFi for student research, or a wheelchair lift for ADA access—let us know when you call. We’ll match you with a bus that has exactly what you require.

Book the Perfect-Sized Charter Bus in Yakima

No matter how many seats you need, Charter Bus Rental Yakima has a bus for you. With the largest fleet in Yakima and over 10 years of experience, we’ve handled every group size and trip type imaginable. Our 24/7 team can help you estimate passenger counts, compare bus models, and build custom packages with the right mix of vehicles and amenities. We serve all of Yakima County and nearby cities like Ellensburg, Sunnyside, and Grandview.

Ready to find out exactly how many seats are on your next charter bus? Call 509-509-8830 now for a fast, free quote! We’ll make sure every passenger has a comfortable ride—and you have peace of mind knowing you booked the best bus at the best price.