FAQ

Our rates for local service depend on the type of bus you need, the amount of time required, and approximate mileage. Rates usually begin with a five-hour minimum and continue at an hourly rate for each additional hour for local charters and a combination of miles and time for over-the-road trips. Rates may also vary depending on the day of the week, time of year, current demand, fuel prices, the scope of work, etc. A good rule of thumb is to budget approximately $250 per hour for a large motorcoach for local service, again depending on demand. Keep in mind, some locations may require dead-head costs if outside our local operating radius. When submitting your request please provide as many details as possible so we might provide the most accurate cost estimate.

Demand is very high in the Denver market and availability is very limited, so we recommend you make your reservations as far in advance as possible. We often sell out many months in advance, especially for weekends and during the high-volume spring and summer months.

A signed contract along with a 25% deposit received by our office will hold your reservation until seven days prior to your trip date when the remaining balance is due in full. Please note, reservations are not confirmed and vehicles are available for other clients until a signed contract is received by our office and email confirmation has been issued.

Yes, you are welcome to bring food or beverages onboard; however, glass containers are prohibited and all guests must comply with Colorado state law. A security deposit of $250 per vehicle may be applied if determined necessary by your sales representative. Please note the cleaning fee policy detailed in the terms and conditions on your contract.

Sunset Transportation prefers payment by credit card and accepts Visa, American Express, and Master Card. Payment by check, ACH, cash, and Venmo are also accepted. Final balances due must be received by the due date noted on your contract in order to guarantee your service.

The 25% deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel up to seven days prior to your trip date the deposit amount will be forfeited or, at the sole discretion of Sunset Transportation, may be applied to a future reservation. For cancelations made inside seven days prior to the departure date, client forfeits the entire cost of the charter except in cases of force majeure.

Yes, we do travel out of state. When planning your trip keep in mind the USDOT driver regulations relating to hours of service.

Typically there is a five-hour minimum followed by an additional hourly rate for each additional hour over five hours. However, there are some instances where a point-to-point transfer rate may be applicable if for a short one-way transfer, e.g., airport transfers, am/pm transfers, etc. For multi-day over-the-road charters there is a daily rate factored into the cost even if the bus isn't being used on a particular day.

It is the responsibility of the client to book driver hotel lodging for overnight trips. Often a hotel will provide complimentary or discounted rooms for your driver if you have a large group staying at the property. Driver accommodations must be approved by Sunset Transportation staff and each driver must be provided his/her own room. If you choose not to book the driver room, our staff will make the arrangements and the cost will be added to the cost of charter. If lodging is required for relief drivers, our staff will make these arrangements as well and the cost will be built into the contract.

All itineraries must be reviewed and approved by our safety manager. Motorcoach drivers in the United States must comply with the following Hours of Service (HOS) rules: 1) A driver may drive up to 10 hours (including 30 minutes for pre- and post-trip duties) and then must have eight consecutive hours off duty; 2) A driver may remain on duty for up to 15 hours. After this limit is reached, the driver must have eight consecutive hours off-duty; 3) A driver may not drive after having been on-duty for 70 hours in any consecutive eight-day period. If your itinerary is not able to comply with these regulations a relief driver would be required which would may significantly increase the cost of the charter.

For example; if your group terminates bus service at 11:00 p.m. and the driver spends 30 minutes performing the post-trip inspection, that driver is not permitted to report for work until 7:30 a.m. the next day, and would not be available to begin with your group until 8:00 a.m.

Tipping is completely up to your discretion. It is an industry standard if you are satisfied with your service, and the typical rate is 10% - 20% for local charters and $1 - $2 per day / per passenger for over-the-road trips. The method of tipping is also up to your discretion. We can add the tip to the contract or you may tip on site as you see fit.

The cost of your trip is based on the itinerary you have provided. Changes to your itinerary may result in added fees. Requests for changes to the itinerary may be granted depending on vehicle and driver availability. If additional hours or miles are approved, the costs would be charged to the credit card on file. Please see your charter contract for details and rates.

Based on your itinerary our experienced sales staff will make their best efforts to anticipate any tolls or fees and include them in the rate, e.g., airport fees, highway tolls, parking fees, etc. However, any fees that are incurred which are not itemized on the contract would be the responsibility of the client.

Some properties have designated loading areas for buses and limousines. We recommend contacting a property representative or inquire with our sales staff to determine the logistics. If no loading zone is available or additional space is required we recommend you reserve metered spaces at or near the property so your guests can load and unload safely and efficiently. Your Sunset sales representative can make these arrangements and add the cost to the charter.

Rates vary depending on demand. Ways to reduce your costs include scheduling your event early in the week or during off-peak times from November - February. Also be sure to inquire about any volume discounts when booking multiple buses. You may also be able to reduce costs by downsizing the number of buses used and increase the number of trips if logistically reasonable to do so.

Absolutely. Sunset Transportation's experienced staff is happy to provide on-site logistics management which can include flight tracking, greeting guests, vehicle and airport staff coordination, managing guest loading and unloading, communicating and coordinating with event managers, managing drivers, etc. Just ask your account manager for details and pricing.