Finding the Right Field Trip Shuttle in Oakland
Choosing the ideal mode of transportation for your class field trip comes down to a few key factors:
- Group Size – How many students, teachers, and chaperones will be attending the outing? For smaller groups of 5-20 passengers, one of our shuttle vans is a great option. For 20-50 riders, a minibus rental works well. And for 50+ travelers, a full-size charter bus is recommended.
- Trip Distance – How far will your group need to travel for this field trip? Short in-town excursions can easily be handled by one of our vans, while longer journeys may require a charter bus rental with amenities like restrooms, TVs, and WiFi.
- Duration – Is this a quick half-day trip or a longer overnight excursion? Vans and minibuses work well for quick trips of 5 hours or less. Multi-day trips often require a spacious charter bus where students can spread out and relax.
- Budget – What transportation budget does your school have allocated for this outing? At Oakland Party Bus Company, we work with any budget, big or small, to find the most affordable field trip transportation options.
With such a wide variety of vehicles available in our fleet, Oakland Party Bus Company can accommodate any group size, distance, duration or budget for Oakland school field trips. Our reservation specialists will help you determine the optimal vehicle once they understand all the key details of your upcoming student outing.
Coordination is Key
At Oakland Party Bus Company, we know every minute counts on field trip day. We work closely with you to coordinate schedules, accounting for factors such as:
- Staggered pick-up times from multiple schools
- Allowing for restroom breaks and meal times
- Arriving well in advance of museum/attraction entry times
- Avoiding rush hour traffic
- Adhering to your bell schedule for returns
You’ll receive a detailed itinerary outlining our route and timeline. Last-minute changes? No problem! We remain flexible and attentive to accommodate any needs that pop up.
With Oakland Party Bus Company overseeing all transportation logistics, you’re free to immerse yourself in the field trip activities along with your students.
Partner with the Bay Area’s Leading Field Trip Provider
With experience transporting youth groups across California, Oakland Party Bus Company has become the most trusted name for school transportation in Oakland and beyond. Our commitment to top-quality vehicles and unparalleled service makes us the ideal transportation partner for schools and educational organizations of all types and sizes. Don’t subject your students, faculty, and chaperones to cramped, dated school buses with noisy diesel engines for all their events and outings. They deserve better.
Treat them to spacious, state-of-the-art charter buses equipped with cushioned seats, air conditioning, restrooms, entertainment systems and more. They’ll arrive refreshed, comfortable, and ready to fully participate in every educational activity you have planned.
And with our flexible billing options, specially discounted school rates, and bulk multi-trip packages, upgrading to luxury transportation has never been more affordable.
Let Oakland Party Bus Company provide the safe, comfortable, and reliable group travel your school deserves. Contact us today at (415) 796-8301 to get a free quote for your next student outing, activity or event!
Planning Your School Trip: FAQs
We know planning group transportation can get complicated, especially when working with tight school budgets and packed academic calendars. Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about reserving Oakland field trip shuttles.
How do I book a bus for our field trip?
Booking your custom field trip bus with Oakland Party Bus Company takes just three simple steps:
- Call (415) 796-8301 and tell us your trip details, including date, pickup/dropoff locations, passenger count, and any special requests.
- Get a Quote – Our team will source the best buses and routes for your trip and provide a personalized, competitively-priced quote.
- Reserve – Provide trip details and make your payment to lock in your date. Add any final touches like decor or catering.
How far in advance should I reserve a field trip bus?
To get the best bus selection and pricing, we recommend booking as early as possible. For day trips, call at least 1 month before your travel date. For overnight trips, call at least 6 months in advance. Last-minute trips can often be accommodated but may have fewer bus options and higher rates.
How much does it cost to rent a field trip bus?
Bus rental costs depend on the vehicle size, travel distance, duration, and amenities selected. As a baseline, full-size coach bus rentals for day trips start around $150-300/hour with a 5 hour minimum. Give us a call, and we’ll customize a quote for your specific trip. Discounts may be available for schools and nonprofits.
Popular Field Trip Destinations in Oakland
Looking for ideas for your class? Oakland has dozens of educational attractions perfect for field trips across all grades and subjects. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605
(510) 632-9525
This 100-acre zoo is home to over 750 native and exotic animals. Students can observe wildlife, from giraffes to tigers, up-close. The zoo offers educational classes, overnight camping adventures, and behind-the-scenes animal encounters.
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 336-7300
Budding astronomers will love exploring exhibits in this hands-on science museum. Learn about space exploration and gaze at the stars through telescopes in the on-site observatory. Don’t miss the Planetarium shows!
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 318-8400
Explore the art, history, and natural environment that shaped Oakland and California. The OMCA offers guided tours and hands-on educational programs for K-12 groups. Grab lunch at the on-site cafe Blue Oak after your visit.
USS Potomac
540 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 627-1215
Tour the presidential yacht used by FDR. Step aboard the vessel docked at Jack London Square for a living history lesson on life in the early 20th century. Student groups can participate in an education program covering WWII history, ship navigation, and more.
Oakland Aviation Museum
8252 Earhart Rd, Oakland, CA 94621
(510) 638-7100
Located at Oakland International Airport, this museum covers the science and history of aviation. View vintage aircraft up-close and even climb aboard a FedEx Boeing 727. Ideal for elementary students learning about transportation methods.
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
(510) 642-6000
Older students can preview college life with a guided walking tour of the prestigious UC Berkeley campus. Tours showcase libraries, residence halls, lecture halls, and other facilities. Contact the admissions office at least 2 weeks before your preferred date.
School Events and Trips We Transport
In addition to traditional field trips to museums, zoos, aquariums, and other cultural institutions, Oakland Party Bus Company provides transportation for endless school events throughout the year. Some examples include:
Sporting Events
Root on your school’s athletes when they compete across Oakland and the Bay Area. Leave the driving to us so players, coaches, cheer squads, band members, and fans can stay focused on the big game. No distracted driving concerns, traffic headaches,
or parking limitations with boutique bus transportation to and from all sporting events. We provide ample under-bus storage for bulky gear and equipment as well.
Academic Competitions
From mock trials and robotics tournaments to mathlete meets and beyond, we shuttle students of all ages to academic contests and events throughout California. Travel in comfort with onboard entertainment, restrooms, and reclining seats that make even long drives fly by.
Performances
Let us provide safe, reliable transportation as your students head to choir concerts, band performances, theater shows, dance recitals, and other creative events. We understand how precious instruments, costumes, and stage props can be, and our experienced drivers will handle equipment with the utmost care.
Social Events
Prom, homecoming, winter formal, spirit week – we provide transportation to special high school social occasions all year long. Arrive together in style on a luxury coach or party bus equipped with restrooms, music, lights and more so you can dance the night away. No need to skip the fun of trying to find designated drivers.
College Tours
Visiting potential future campuses across California? We offer personalized tours for high school groups considering colleges like UC Berkeley, Stanford, University of San Francisco, UC Davis, and more. Our staff handles all route logistics between destinations, so you can focus solely on touring top schools.
Graduation Events
Celebrate your graduating class in style with charter bus transportation for all those end-of-year events leading up to the big commencement ceremony. Ride together for senior trips, award dinners, Project Grad, and other grad night parties. Leave the driving to us!