Can You Drink on a Party Bus? | Tribe Bus Tours
Can You Drink on a Party Bus?
The rules about alcohol, BYOB policies, and what you need to know before booking your party bus.
For guests 21+ in most states.
Here’s what you need to know.
In this guide, we’ll explain why you can drink on a party bus, what the rules are, BYOB policies, and everything you need to know about alcohol on your rental.
⚖️ Why Is Drinking on a Party Bus Legal?
Party buses are classified as chartered limousines or commercial vehicles operated by a licensed chauffeur. Most state and federal open container laws exempt these vehicles because:
- Passengers are not operating the vehicle
- A licensed professional driver is in control
- The passenger area is often separated from the driver
- The vehicle is a for-hire commercial service, not a personal vehicle
This is the same reason you can drink in a limousine, tour bus, or party trolley. The key distinction is professional operation vs. personal vehicle.
The Rules: Do’s and Don’ts
✓ Do’s
- Bring your own alcohol (BYOB)
- Use plastic cups and cans (no glass)
- Keep drinks inside the bus
- Verify all drinkers are 21+
- Drink responsibly and pace yourself
- Clean up after yourselves
- Tip your driver well
✗ Don’ts
- No glass bottles (breakage risk)
- No drinks at pickup/dropoff areas
- No taking drinks off the bus
- No underage drinking (period)
- No excessive intoxication
- No open containers leaving the bus
- No interfering with the driver
⚠️ Important: Laws Vary by State
While most states allow drinking on charter vehicles, a few have stricter rules. Your party bus company will know the local laws and inform you of any restrictions. When in doubt, ask before booking.
BYOB: What to Bring
🧊 Party Bus Alcohol Tips
Most party buses are BYOB—the company provides coolers and ice, you provide the drinks. Here’s what to bring:
Why Companies Don’t Provide Alcohol
Why can you drink on a party bus but they don’t sell you the drinks? Simple: selling alcohol requires a liquor license. Most transportation companies don’t have one and don’t want the liability of selling alcohol.
BYOB is actually better for you—you get exactly what you want, in the quantities you want, at store prices instead of bar markups. The bus provides the venue and keeps it cold; you provide the beverages.
Responsible Drinking Tips
Pace Yourself
Party buses are fun, which means time flies. Pace your drinking so you’re still feeling good at the end of the night, not passed out by the second stop.
Eat Before & During
Never drink on an empty stomach. Eat before boarding and bring snacks for the ride. Your body (and your friends) will thank you.
Stay Hydrated
For every alcoholic drink, have some water. Bring water bottles and actually drink them. Dehydration makes hangovers worse.
Know Your Limits
The driver can (and will) end the trip early if guests become too intoxicated, belligerent, or unsafe. Don’t be that group—know your limits and respect them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we drink at the pickup location?
Usually no. Open container laws still apply in public spaces and parking lots. Wait until you’re on the bus and moving before opening drinks. Your driver will let you know when it’s okay.
What if someone is underage?
Absolutely no underage drinking—this is non-negotiable and can result in immediate trip termination, legal consequences, and no refund. If your group includes anyone under 21, they cannot consume alcohol on the bus.
Can we take drinks off the bus at stops?
No. Open container laws apply once you step off the bus. Finish your drink before exiting, or leave it on the bus. Taking alcohol off the bus at a bar or public venue is illegal.
What happens if someone gets too drunk?
If someone becomes overly intoxicated, they may need to sit out the next stop or, in extreme cases, the driver may end the trip early. Some companies charge cleaning fees for messes. Be responsible.
Is there a limit to how much alcohol we can bring?
Most companies don’t set a specific limit, but use common sense. You’re not stocking a bar—bring enough for your group to enjoy responsibly over the rental period. One cooler’s worth is usually plenty.
The Bottom Line
Can you drink on a party bus? Yes—for guests 21 and over, in most states, party buses allow BYOB alcohol consumption because they’re classified as chartered vehicles with professional drivers. It’s one of the main reasons party buses are so popular for celebrations.
Follow the rules (no glass, no underage drinking, keep it on the bus), drink responsibly, and you’ll have an incredible time. The freedom to enjoy drinks while someone else drives is a huge perk—just don’t abuse it.
Ready to book? Tribe Bus Tours offers BYOB party buses complete with coolers and ice. Bring your drinks, bring your friends, and let’s party responsibly.
Book Your BYOB Party Bus
Professional driver. Your playlist. Your drinks. Your celebration.