1. Charter Bus Rental Fort Smith /
  2. Blog /
  3. Complete Guide To What Buses Are Available in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Complete Guide To What Buses Are Available in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Charter Bus Rental Fort Smith is your trusted partner for group transportation across the River Valley. With a decade of experience, we serve organizations, companies, schools, and private groups with a robust fleet of more than 100 buses, ranging from 10-passenger vans to 56-passenger charter coaches. Whether you’re booking a single-day shuttle, multi-week corporate service, or event transportation for thousands, our team delivers flexible scheduling, friendly support, and instant online quotes. Call 479-977-7210 today to discuss your itinerary or get pricing on any make, model, or size of bus.

Types Of Charter Buses

Quick Answer Of What Buses We Offer

We offer a diverse selection of vehicles to move groups of all sizes anywhere in Arkansas. Choose from 15-to-35-passenger minibuses, 40-to-56-passenger full-size charter buses, and 10-to-50-passenger party buses for celebrations. Our late-model fleet features top brands like MCI, Prevost, Setra, Van Hool, Temsa, Grech Motors, Blue Bird, Champion, ElDorado, and Turtle Top. Each bus can be customized with amenities such as WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, and ADA lifts, depending on your group’s needs and budget.

Major Charter Bus Manufacturers

Motor Coach Industries (MCI)

MCI has been a leader in American motorcoach manufacturing since 1933, and its models are a staple for long-distance travel throughout Arkansas. The flagship MCI J4500 offers seating for up to 56 passengers, 445 cubic feet of undercarriage luggage space, and luxury interiors with reclining seats, individual climate controls, and advanced safety systems. This coach excels on cross-state routes between Fayetteville, Little Rock, and beyond. For tighter streets or mid-size groups, the MCI J3500 provides similar amenities in a 35-foot package for 40-44 passengers, perfect for shuttling between downtown hotels and event venues like the Fort Smith Convention Center. MCI also leads in green technology with the all-electric J4500 CHARGE, boasting a 230-mile range and zero emissions — ideal for eco-conscious organizations running regular loops around city campuses or business parks.

Prevost

Known for their premium build quality and smooth ride, Prevost coaches are a top choice for VIP and executive transportation. The H3-45 features the tallest passenger deck in the industry and 470 cubic feet of storage, making it a favorite for sports teams hauling equipment to tournaments at places like Ben Geren Park or the Jack Stephens Center. Inside, high-backed leather seats, woodgrain floors, and panoramic windows create a first-class atmosphere for corporate retreats or government delegations. The X3-45 trades height for agility with a lower profile and extra-long wheelbase, offering exceptional stability on winding routes through the Ouachita Mountains or along I-540. Both models include Volvo D13 engines for reliable performance on Arkansas highways and are equipped with cutting-edge electronics for passenger comfort and safety.

Setra

Setra brings German engineering to the U.S. market with coaches built for efficiency and comfort. The S 417 is a 45-foot luxury motorcoach that seats 56, featuring a Mercedes-Benz OM 471 engine, dual-zone climate control, and advanced driver assistance systems like ESP and emergency braking. Setra’s focus on noise reduction and ergonomic design makes this model a strong choice for long-haul charters — think multi-day student tours to Washington, D.C., or church trips to national parks. Its spacious cabin and generous overhead bins keep everyone comfortable during hours on the road, while the streamlined exterior ensures fuel efficiency for cost-effective operation.

Van Hool

Belgian manufacturer Van Hool offers durable coaches tailored for the North American market. The CX45 is a workhorse with seating for 56 and 440 cubic feet of luggage space, powered by a Cummins X12 engine and Allison B500 transmission for dependable mileage. Groups appreciate the wide aisles, reclining seats, and large restrooms on board, especially during extended trips between Fort Smith and Memphis or Dallas. For mid-size needs, the CX35 packs similar features into a 35-foot frame with room for 38-40 passengers, ideal for navigating smaller towns or providing regional airport transfers. Van Hool coaches are valued for their low total cost of ownership and ease of maintenance, making them a practical pick for school districts or tour operators with demanding schedules.

Minibus and Shuttle Bus Manufacturers

Grech Motors

When your group requires upscale transportation in a smaller package, Grech Motors delivers with minibuses built on Ford, Freightliner, and Mercedes-Benz chassis. The flagship EG40 seats up to 44 and features a powerful Cummins diesel engine, 190,000 BTU HVAC system, and plush interiors with optional leather seating and wood-look flooring. It’s a popular choice for wedding shuttles to venues like the Bonneville House or corporate outings across the state. The slightly smaller GM40 offers flexible layouts for 40 passengers with rear luggage or 44 without, while the GM33 (on a Ford F600) accommodates 28-32 in a compact footprint — perfect for hotel-to-airport runs or moving small convention groups between the Fort Smith Regional Airport and downtown hotels.

Blue Bird Corporation

Best known for their iconic yellow school buses, Blue Bird also manufactures versatile commercial models suitable for both student and adult transportation. The Vision series comes in diesel, propane, and electric versions, seating up to 77 and featuring electronic stability control, ABS brakes, and ADA accessibility. These are ideal for school field trips to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or summer camp shuttles to Lake Fort Smith State Park. Blue Bird’s electric models provide up to 130 miles of range per charge, supporting districts and organizations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint with regular local routes.

Champion Bus Inc

Champion specializes in mid-size buses that balance capacity and maneuverability, often used for paratransit, senior centers, and campus circulators. The Challenger series, built on Ford E-series or Chevy Express chassis, seats 12-29 and includes options for wheelchair lifts and customizable seating plans. These buses are great for nonprofit organizations providing daily rides to community centers or assisted living facilities. For larger groups, the Defender series uses heavy-duty Ford F-550 or Freightliner M2 platforms to increase durability and passenger count, well-suited for rural transit agencies covering multiple towns or counties.

ElDorado National

ElDorado’s AeroTech line sets the standard for 20’-25’ mid-size buses, with a unibody steel frame for added safety and longevity. Seating up to 25, these buses are frequently chosen by universities for campus shuttles or by airports for parking lot transfers, thanks to their low-floor design and quick boarding. Interior options include cloth or vinyl seats, overhead luggage racks, and digital destination signs, allowing customization for everything from hospital patient transport to casino day trips.

Turtle Top

Turtle Top builds premium mid-size coaches favored by churches, colleges, and tour groups seeking comfort and reliability. The Odyssey XL (on Freightliner S2C or Ford F600 chassis) seats up to 41 in an upscale cabin with high-backed seats, full climate control, and ample rear luggage space. It’s a solid choice for athletic teams traveling to away games or event planners needing continuous shuttles for festivals like the Old Fort Days Rodeo. The Terra Transit offers similar capacity with flexible floor plans, supporting transit agencies or companies running employee shuttles between worksites.

We Offer These Buses and More!

Charter Bus Rental Fort Smith gives you access to Arkansas’ most comprehensive selection of group transportation, with every major make and model available for short-term rentals or long-term contracts. Our experienced team helps you choose the right vehicle based on headcount, route, and desired amenities, then customizes your package for pickups, drop-offs, and schedule changes. Whether you need a single minibus for a weekend retreat or a fleet of full-size coaches for a statewide conference, we have the vehicles and expertise to deliver seamless service. Get started with an instant quote online or call 479-977-7210 to speak with a reservation specialist about your specific requirements.

Ready to Book a Bus?

479-977-7210

Agents available 24/7

disclaimer image