A few of the companies we’ve worked with
University of California, Berkeley & The Campanile
No trip to Berkeley is complete without visiting the institution that put the city on the map. The University of California, Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is the flagship institution of the University of California system and a hub of history, activism, and architectural beauty. Groups often start their visit at Sather Tower, commonly known as The Campanile. Standing at 307 feet, it is the third-tallest bell and clock tower in the world. Your group can take an elevator to the observation platform for 360-degree views of the campus, the San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Navigating a large campus with a group can be difficult, but a charter bus rental makes it seamless. We can arrange drop-offs at the designated West Gate entrance near the Crescent Lawn or near the mining circle, allowing your group easy access to Sproul Plaza and Sather Gate. Whether you are a prospective student group, an alumni association, or history buffs interested in the Free Speech Movement, a private bus ensures you skip the headache of finding campus parking, which is notoriously scarce and expensive.
Sather Tower (The Campanile): South Hall Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720
Tilden Regional Park
Escape the urban bustle and head into the Berkeley Hills to explore Tilden Regional Park. Spanning over 2,000 acres, this park is a favorite for school field trips, family reunions, and corporate team-building days. Tilden offers a variety of attractions that cater to all ages, including a vintage merry-go-round, a steam train that winds through the redwood groves, and the Little Farm, where children can feed celery and lettuce to farm animals. For a more serene experience, the Regional Parks Botanic Garden features a stunning collection of California native plants.
Getting a large group up the winding, narrow roads of the Berkeley Hills can be daunting for drivers unfamiliar with the terrain. When you book with Charter Bus Rental Company Berkeley, you get a driver who knows exactly how to navigate these curves comfortably. We can drop your group off right at the carousel or the steam train depot and park in the designated oversized vehicle lots, ensuring a stress-free day in nature. There is plenty of room in our storage bays for picnic coolers, hiking gear, and games.
Tilden Regional Park: 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
For groups with a passion for visual arts and cinema, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a cultural landmark that demands a visit. Located in downtown Berkeley, just steps from the university campus, BAMPFA creates a unique intersection of art, film, and education. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 28,000 works of art and 17,500 films and videos. The architecture of the building itself—a fusion of a repurposed printing plant and a modern stainless steel structure—is a sight to behold. It is an ideal destination for college art classes, senior citizen tour groups, and cultural appreciation societies.
Parking in downtown Berkeley is extremely limited and often involves strict time limits. By renting a charter bus, you avoid the meter-feeding frenzy. Your driver can drop your group off curbside on Center Street or Addison Street, allowing immediate access to the galleries and theater. While you explore the rotating exhibitions or catch a rare film screening, your bus will handle the parking logistics, returning to pick you up exactly when you are ready to head to your next destination or dinner reservation.
BAMPFA: 2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704
The Greek Theatre
The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, known simply as "The Greek," is one of the most iconic outdoor amphitheaters in the world. Modeled after the ancient theater of Epidaurus, this venue hosts concerts featuring legendary artists, as well as UC Berkeley's graduation ceremonies. If your group is attending a concert or a commencement, transportation is the most critical logistic to coordinate. The venue is located on a steep hillside with virtually no public parking available for miles during event days.
Charter Bus Rental Company Berkeley provides the ultimate solution for event transportation to The Greek. We can shuttle your group from a hotel, a pre-concert dinner, or a meet-up spot directly to the venue's vicinity. Instead of hiking up the hill from the downtown BART station or paying exorbitant surge pricing for rideshares that get stuck in traffic, your group can relax in a climate-controlled bus. We will coordinate a specific pickup location after the show, ensuring everyone gets home comfortably after a night of entertainment under the stars.
The Greek Theatre: 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720
Fourth Street Shopping District
For a more relaxed afternoon of upscale shopping and dining, bring your group to the Fourth Street Shopping District in West Berkeley. This tree-lined street is famous for its festive holiday lights, boutique shops, design stores, and excellent cafes. It is a perfect stop for corporate groups looking for a lunch break, wedding parties looking for unique gifts, or tour groups wanting to experience the sophisticated side of Berkeley. Notable stops include Builders Booksource, The Gardener, and the iconic Sur La Table.
While Fourth Street is pedestrian-friendly, parking lots fill up instantly, especially on weekends and holidays. A minibus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Berkeley is the perfect way to visit. We can drop your shoppers off at one end of the district near Delaware Street, allow them to stroll and shop at their leisure, and pick them up at the other end near Virginia Street. Your passengers can store their shopping bags in the overhead bins and enjoy a comfortable ride to their next stop.
Fourth Street Shops: 1900 4th St, Berkeley, CA 94710
Lawrence Hall of Science
Perched high atop the Berkeley Hills, the Lawrence Hall of Science offers hands-on science exhibits and some of the best views of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a premier destination for STEM field trips, summer camps, and educational tours. Students can engage with interactive planetarium shows, outdoor science parks, and animal discovery rooms. The view from the plaza is unmatched, offering a sweeping panorama from the Golden Gate Bridge to the South Bay.
The drive up Centennial Drive is steep and winding, which can be difficult for a caravan of personal vehicles or traditional yellow school buses that may struggle with the grade. Our modern charter buses are equipped with powerful engines and safety features designed for this exact type of terrain. We provide door-to-door service to the upper parking lot, ensuring comfort and convenience for students and chaperones. With onboard amenities like DVD players and PA systems, teachers can brief students on the exhibits before arrival or play educational videos during the ride up the hill.
Lawrence Hall of Science: 1 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720
Berkeley Marina & Cesar Chavez Park
For groups who want to experience the waterfront, the Berkeley Marina and Cesar Chavez Park offer wide-open spaces, paved walking trails, and fresh sea breezes. Cesar Chavez Park, built on a former landfill, is famous for its kite flying, stunning views of the three bay bridges, and the expansive off-leash dog area. It is also home to the annual Berkeley Kite Festival. Nearby, the Adventure Playground gives kids a unique opportunity to build and play on structures they help create, making it a top choice for youth groups and schools.
This area is spacious and bus-friendly, making it an excellent spot for a midday picnic or a relaxing end to a busy tour. Charter Bus Rental Company Berkeley can transport your group to the marina for a boat charter or drop you off at the park for a catered lunch. The ample storage under our full-sized coaches means you can bring along sports equipment, kites, picnic baskets, and folding chairs without cluttering the passenger cabin.
Cesar Chavez Park: 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710
North Shattuck (The Gourmet Ghetto)
Berkeley is the birthplace of California Cuisine, and North Shattuck—often referred to as the "Gourmet Ghetto"—is its epicenter. This neighborhood is home to the world-famous Chez Panisse, founded by Alice Waters, as well as the Cheese Board Collective, known for its worker-owned pizzeria and bakery. It is a must-visit destination for culinary tour groups and foodies. Beyond the food, the area retains a quirky, historical Berkeley vibe that visitors love.
Parking in this popular culinary district is notoriously difficult. Don't let your group get hangry circling the block looking for a spot. A private shuttle bus allows your group to be dropped off right in front of the restaurant or bakery. After enjoying a world-class meal or grabbing a slice of pizza and sitting on the median listening to live jazz, your bus will be waiting nearby to whisk you away to your hotel or next attraction. We can even arrange for a tour guide to hop on board and narrate the history of the food movement in Berkeley as you drive through the neighborhood.
Chez Panisse: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Ready to Explore the East Bay? Book Your Berkeley Bus Today!
Whether you are cheering on the Cal Bears, touring the top scientific institutes, or enjoying a culinary adventure, Berkeley is a city best experienced together. Charter Bus Rental Company Berkeley is dedicated to providing you with comfortable transportation that fits your unique itinerary. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions, help you plan your route, and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Don't let traffic and parking logistics ruin your trip to the East Bay.
Call us today at 510-780-3332 to secure your charter bus rental. Let us handle the driving so you can focus on making memories in Berkeley!
Frequently Asked Questions About Berkeley Group Travel Transportation
How far in advance should I book my charter bus in Berkeley?
We generally recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date and itinerary are finalized. For trips during peak seasons, such as university graduation in May, the start of the academic year in August/September, or major sporting events, we suggest booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure availability. However, we can often accommodate last-minute requests, so please call us at 510-780-3332 regardless of your timeline.
Do you offer ADA-accessible buses?
Absolutely. Charter Bus Rental Company Berkeley is committed to providing accessible transportation for all passengers. We can provide ADA-compliant charter buses equipped with wheelchair lifts, wide aisles, and designated wheelchair securement areas. Please let our reservation team know about your specific accessibility needs when you call to book, so we can ensure the correct vehicle is assigned to your group.
Is there a minimum rental time for a charter bus?
Yes, most charter bus rentals have a minimum rental period, ranging from 4 to 5 hours. This ensures that the cost of preparing the bus and the driver's time is covered. However, this can vary depending on the season and the specific type of vehicle. Even if your trip is short, you can utilize the bus for the full minimum time block for shuttling or sightseeing. Call our team at 510-780-3332 to discuss the specifics of your itinerary.