Bus Rentals in Tennessee
Rent a bus from our Franklin, TN location — just 20 minutes south of Nashville. You provide the driver and insurance, we provide the bus. No charter service, no premium pricing.
How Bus Rentals Work in Tennessee
Step 1: Choose Your Bus
Tell us how many passengers you need, your trip dates, and any special requirements (wheelchair lift, luggage storage, etc.). We’ll match you with the right bus from our Franklin rental fleet.
Step 2: Confirm Insurance & Driver
Your organization provides a qualified driver and proof of insurance meeting our minimum coverage requirements. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed — most organizations get approved quickly.
Step 3: Pick Up in Franklin & Go
Pick up the bus at our Franklin, TN location, take your trip, and return it when you’re done. Rental terms range from 1 day to 3 months. Need it delivered? We can deliver your rental bus to you! Call us today to discuss.
Who Can Rent a Bus?
We rent to qualified organizations including churches, schools, senior care communities, nonprofits, and other groups with proper insurance and a licensed driver. This is not a charter service — we do not provide drivers.
REQUEST A RENTAL QUOTE
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Buses Available to Rent in Tennessee
Our Franklin, TN rental fleet includes three sizes — all maintained to the same standards as the buses we sell.
Small Bus
Medium Buses
Large Bus
| Bus Size | Passengers (incl. Driver) |
CDL Required | Popular Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bus | 15 Passengers | No | Rear storage, wheelchair lift available |
| Medium Buses | 16 - 26 Passengers | Yes | Rear storage, wheelchair lift available |
| Large Bus | 27 - 44 Passengers | Yes | Reclining seats, overhead luggage |
Many of our Tennessee rental buses feature reclining seats, overhead luggage storage, rear luggage compartments, and wheelchair lifts. Availability varies — ask when requesting your quote.
Who Rents Buses in Tennessee?
We rent to qualified organizations across Middle Tennessee and beyond. You provide the driver and insurance, and we provide the bus. This is not a charter service.
Churches & Ministries
Our most popular Tennessee rental customers. Youth retreats to Camp Widjiitiwin, mission trips across the Southeast, VBS shuttle routes, and temporary replacements while your church bus is in the shop — Carpenter Bus keeps Tennessee churches moving.
Schools and Universities
Field trips, athletic team travel, and campus shuttles. Tennessee schools and universities rent from us when they need short-term transportation without the overhead of owning a bus.
Senior Care & Other Organizations
Assisted living communities planning resident outings, nonprofits with group travel needs, and corporate groups needing event transportation in the Nashville area. If your organization has proper insurance and a qualified driver, we can help.
Tennessee Bus Rental Insurance Requirements
Insurance requirements vary by bus size and organization type. Here are the general guidelines:
Non-CDL (15 passengers or fewer)
CDL-required (over 15 passengers)
| Bus Size | Auto Liability Minimum | Excess Umbrella Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Non-CDL (15 passengers or fewer) | $1,500,000 | $1,000,000 |
| CDL-required (over 15 passengers) | $5,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Full details and specific requirements are provided when you request a quote. Our team will walk you through the process to make sure your organization is properly covered before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Tennessee
We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring break, summer mission trip season, and fall retreat weekends). However, we can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests depending on fleet availability.
Yes — as long as your organization has the required insurance and a qualified driver. Our Franklin location is about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville and 25 minutes from Nashville International Airport (BNA). Many organizations rent from us for conferences, conventions, and group airport transfers in the Nashville area.
In most states, you do not need a CDL to drive any vehicle that carries 15 total passengers or less. However, some states have stricter requirements. As always, please check with your local DMV for CDL licensing requirements.
All buses must be picked up and returned at our Franklin, TN location. Since transportation to and from our office is your responsibility, rentals are most practical for organizations within about 100 miles — covering Nashville, Murfreesboro, Columbia, Clarksville, Cookeville, Chattanooga, and surrounding areas.
Yes. Some of our small and medium rental buses at the Franklin location are available with wheelchair lifts. Let us know your accessibility needs when requesting a quote.
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