Thinking about booking a Charleston party bus for your next big day out? It can be a great transportation option or even be your group’s main source of entertainment for the entire day! Are you unsure on pricing, vehicle types, potential stops, activities and company options? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will cover all of that and more so you can ensure you book the right party bus at the right price for your next day out in Charleston.
Set Your Budget
Going out on the town can be as cheap or as expensive as your group wants, as long as you plan accordingly. Otherwise, you might spend more than you anticipated once the drinks are a flowin’. Pro Tip: Get all of your shopping out of the way before you start drinking, otherwise you might have some buyer’s remorse!
Also, if you make sure to stock the party bus with plenty of alcohol you can reduce the number of drinks you have to buy at the bar, these quickly add up with drinks averaging over 10 dollars.
One of the best ways to save money on a party bus is by booking a round-trip discounted rate. On a round-trip service, you will only have access to the vehicle at the beginning and end of your reservation but it will save you a lot of money. Take advantage of this service by booking a lunch reservation near all of the bars and shops on King Street and plan on walking to your various stops throughout the day.
Another key part of your day’s budget will be what activities you decide on. Will you walk by Rainbow Row for free or hire a private tour guide for the afternoon?
Decide on your Vehicle
No two party buses are the same and finding the right one for you is crucial to your day’s success. We recommend only true party buses, outfitted with wraparound seating, surround sound speakers, LED mood lighting and bars. Check out our 6 things to look for in a Charleston party bus article for more precise information. You will also want to make sure your party bus is big enough for your entire party plus a few extra spots in case you meet any fun locals!
Build an Itinerary
Creating the perfect itinerary for your night out is just as important as finding the right vehicle! We’d love to tell you the exact route you should take, but everyone has their own preferences. Whether that’s dive bars, retail shops, breweries, a boat tour, rooftop lounges or Rainbow Row. Personally, we recommend a little bit of everything!
Lunch
You’re going to want to eat before you start ripping polar bear fights at Share House, luckily Charleston has one of the best food scenes in the country. For a uniquely Southern spot, check out Leon’s, a relaxed joint serving oysters, seafood and fried chicken. If you want to go fancy, you can’t go wrong with any of the 167 joints (167 Raw Oyster Bar, 167 Sushi Bar, Bar167). Another great option is hitting up counter-service, saving you time for activities, in which case we recommend The Daily!
Ferry Tour
For only $35 per person, you can ride on a ferry tour of Charleston Harbor with a stop at Fort Sumter, a sea fort that dates back to the War of 1812. The total time of the trip is 2:15 and offers great views of Charleston from the water. You will also learn quite a bit from the tour guide and have the opportunity to purchase drinks on the boat.
Shop
Downtown Charleston has great shopping for all ages and genders. King Street has all sorts of luxury stores, perfect for finding a summer dress and cowboy boots. The Charleston City Market is ideal for finding knick-knacks and gifts.
Pro Tip: Meet up with your Charleston party bus to drop off all of your purchases so you don’t have to lug them around all day (or accidentally leave them at a bar).
Hire a Tour Guide
While you can find out most information online these days, there’s nothing quite like the perfect tour guide. They know all of the local secrets and can you tell information that is simply not on Google. With its complicated past, Charleston is most famous for its ghost tours but they also have great food tours and historical ones. We recommend Chicora Tours, who specializes in custom tours. This way you can pick the appropriate amount of time and stops for your group!
Drink
There are dozens of drinking establishments in Charleston and far too many great ones to list in this article. If you’re a brewery person, make sure to check out our Best Breweries in Charleston article! Otherwise, we recommend starting off the day on Share House’s outdoor patio. Then head on over to Fiat Lux, the rooftop bar at Hotel Bennett. Next, walk over to either Uptown Social (college aged) or Ritual (high 20s – 30s), depending on how old you feel that day.
Take Pictures
Want memorable pictures from your unforgettable day out in Charleston? Have your party bus take you down to The Battery, preferably after lunch and before the bars. You can time it up with golden hour for some great pics on the water. It’s also a great time to dance around the party bus a little longer and put back a couple more shots before you go out for the night.
Bonus: Go Clubbing
If you are a party animal and able to make it out into the night, there’s two great nightclubs in Charleston, Republic and Trio. Neither one will leave with you a bad night, but there’s a vast difference between them. Republic is a classic club with tables and a bar. There’s a DJ spinning tracks but it’s not the main focus. It’s also the setting for Bravo’s newest hit TV show, Southern Hospitality. So be careful, because you might end up on TV if you’re acting out of control!
Trio is more of a music venue than nightclub and puts on Charleston’s premier electronic shows. They’ve had Diplo and similar caliber artists play their stage and have surprisingly good bottle service rates. There is also a GA section but it gets pretty crowded, so you’ll want to arrive early if you’re going the GA route.
Compare Quotes
Now that you’ve figured out your budget, what type of bus you want and where you’re going, it’s time to select the right party bus company. Your best option is to get quotes from all three major Charleston party bus companies: Double Black, Coastal Limo and Charleston Black Cab Company. We might be a little biased, but we think Double Black is the best and will always have your back! Don’t trust us, get quotes from all three and see how much cheaper Double Black’s is. We also have the newest and nicest buses with the coolest drivers!
Conclusion: Day on a Charleston Party Bus
Charleston has one of the best nightlifes in the country and the best way to take advantage of it is by booking a Charleston party bus. Now you know how to book one, where to take it and how to keep it within your budget. If you still have any questions or want help building your itinerary, give us a shout!