Types of Party Buses | Tribe Bus Tours
Types of Party Buses
From double deckers to luxury sprinters, explore every style of party bus and find the perfect ride for your celebration.
In this guide, we’ll break down every major type of party bus, what each offers, who they’re best for, and how to choose the right one for your event. Whether you want a cool party bus with all the bells and whistles or something more intimate, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Party Bus Types Explained
Sprinter / Limo Bus Intimate
Built on Mercedes Sprinter or similar chassis, these compact party buses are perfect for smaller groups wanting a premium experience. Despite the smaller size, they pack impressive amenities—think luxury over volume.
LED lighting
Premium sound
Easy parking
Wine tours
Ford E450 / Mid-Size Most Popular
The Ford E450 party bus is the industry workhorse. Built on Ford’s commercial chassis, these mid-size buses hit the sweet spot—enough room to dance and party, but not so massive they’re unwieldy. Most party buses you see are this type.
Wraparound seating
TVs
Club lighting
Best value
Full-Size Coach Large Groups
Converted from full-size commercial buses, these offer maximum space and top-tier amenities. Multiple seating areas, restrooms, and enough room for serious dancing. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and large parties.
Multiple zones
Premium audio
Climate zones
VIP feel
Double Decker Party Bus Ultimate
The double decker party bus is the ultimate party experience. Two levels means two vibes—a lounge area downstairs and open-air party deck on top. Head-turning on the street and unforgettable inside. Maximum impact for major events.
Open-air deck
Full bar area
360° views
Show-stopper
Open-Air / Trolley Style Unique
Open-air party buses and trolley-style vehicles offer a completely different experience. Fresh air, street visibility, and a festive vibe that’s perfect for warm weather celebrations, brewery crawls, and sightseeing parties.
Fresh air
Photo-ready
Festival vibe
Seasonal
Party Bus Interior Features
What makes a party bus interior different from a regular bus? Everything.
Sound System
Professional speakers, subwoofers, Bluetooth/aux control
LED Lighting
Color-changing LEDs, lasers, dance floor lighting
Premium Seating
Leather wraparound benches, comfortable and stylish
Entertainment
Flat-screen TVs, sometimes karaoke systems
Mirrored Ceiling
Adds depth and club atmosphere
Bar Area
Coolers, ice, cup holders, sometimes a bar counter
Quick Comparison
| Bus Type | Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter / Limo Bus | 10-14 | $150-200/hr | Wine tours, small groups |
| E450 / Mid-Size | 18-28 | $200-300/hr | Bachelorettes, birthdays |
| Full-Size Coach | 30-40 | $300-400/hr | Weddings, corporate |
| Double Decker | 40-60+ | $400-600/hr | Major events, concerts |
| Open-Air / Trolley | 20-35 | $200-350/hr | Brewery crawls, sightseeing |
Not Sure Which Type You Need?
Tell us about your event and we’ll recommend the perfect party bus style.
Choosing the Right Type
Consider Your Group Size
This is the biggest factor. Don’t cram 20 people into a 14-passenger bus, and don’t pay for a double decker when you have 15 guests. Book a bus that’s 10-20% larger than your confirmed headcount for comfort.
Think About the Activity
Wine tours work great in intimate sprinters—you’re mostly seated between stops. Bar crawls and birthday parties need more standing/dancing room, so mid-size or larger makes sense. Concerts and major events? Go big with a coach or double decker.
Factor in Your Budget
Bigger isn’t always better value. A 40-person bus at $400/hour split among 15 people is $27/person/hour. A 20-person bus at $250/hour split among 15 is $17/person/hour. Right-size for your actual group.
Consider the “Wow” Factor
Some events call for maximum impact. A double decker party bus turning heads downtown, an open-air trolley rolling through wine country—sometimes the bus IS the statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coolest type of party bus?
For pure “wow” factor, double decker party buses take the crown. The two-level experience, open-air upper deck, and head-turning street presence make them unforgettable. Open-air trolleys also score high on the cool factor for warm-weather events.
Which party bus type has the best sound system?
Mid-size (E450) and full-size coaches typically have the best balanced sound systems. The enclosed space is optimized for audio, with subwoofers positioned correctly. Double deckers have good sound, but the open upper deck can disperse audio.
Do all party buses have bathrooms?
No. Sprinters and smaller buses rarely have bathrooms. Mid-size buses sometimes do. Full-size coaches and double deckers usually have them. If this is important, ask specifically when booking.
What type is best for a bachelorette party?
Mid-size (E450) buses are the sweet spot for most bachelorette parties (typically 10-15 people). They have room to dance, great lighting for photos, and create an intimate but festive atmosphere. Larger groups should size up to full-size coaches.
The Bottom Line
The type of party bus you choose shapes your entire experience. Sprinters for intimate luxury, E450s for classic party vibes, full-size coaches for bigger groups, and double deckers when you want to make a statement.
Focus on matching your guest count and activity to the right bus size and style. A cool party bus isn’t necessarily the biggest—it’s the one that fits your group perfectly and delivers the experience you’re looking for.
Ready to find your perfect ride? Tribe Bus Tours offers multiple party bus styles to match any celebration. Check out our fleet and get a quote for your event.
Explore Our Fleet
See our party bus options and find the perfect style for your celebration.