Thinking about booking a Charleston party bus for your next big night out? It can be a great transportation option or even be your group’s main source of entertainment for the entire night! Are you unsure on pricing, vehicle types, potential stops 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 night 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’. If you 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.
Save money with a round-trip rate
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 dinner reservation near all of the bars on King Street and plan on walking to your various stops throughout the night.
Another key part of your night’s budget will be what drinking establishments you decide to go to. Will you have beers at a bar or bottle service at a club? Or even better yet, will you get other partygoers to buy your drinks for you?
Decide on your Vehicle
No two party buses are the same and finding the right one for you is crucial to your night’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!
Pick your Stops
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, breweries, a winery, rooftop lounges or nightclubs. Personally, we recommend a little bit of everything!
Dinner
You’re going to want to eat before you start ripping planter’s punches at Uptown Social, 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, Zero George and Wild Common both offer killer pre-fixe menus. And if you want something in the middle, Husk or FIG are two of the best restaurants in the area!
If you’re trying to save money on dinner and your Charleston party bus rental, eat at the Airbnb. That way you don’t have to pay for the bus sitting out back while you eat out! You can also avoid this by booking a round-trip service.
Bars
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 night on Share House’s outdoor patio. Then head on over to Cocktail Club for some artisan cocktails and live music. Next, walk over to either Uptown Social (college aged) or Ritual (high 20s – 30s), depending on how old you feel that night. You can spend the rest of your night here or head to a nightclub to finish it out in style!
Nightclubs
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.
Bonus: Pictures!
Want memorable pictures from your unforgettable night out in Charleston? Have your party bus take you down to The Battery, preferably after dinner 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.
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
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!