# What should teachers check when booking a field trip bus?

Source: https://bisoncharter.ca/guides/school-field-trip-bus-checklist/
Publisher: Bison Charter | Updated: 2026-10-14

## Quick answer

Start with your school division's transportation policy, then choose a school bus for short local trips or a coach for longer ones. Confirm the operator's Safety Fitness Certificate and insurance, and get the pickup and return times, headcount and accessibility needs in writing. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in the school year, and longer for June when year-end trips peak.

## Key facts

- Check your division's policy first; many require approved operators or specific paperwork.
- School buses are the cheapest per seat for short local trips.
- Coaches suit trips over about two hours or out of province.
- June is peak season for year-end trips; book early.
- Confirm the operator's Safety Fitness Certificate and insurance in writing.

## Before you book

- [ ] Read your **division's field trip and transportation policy**: some require approved carriers, specific insurance or administrator sign-off.
- [ ] Get the **headcount**: students, teachers, EAs and volunteers.
- [ ] Note **accessibility needs**: wheelchair users need a lift-equipped vehicle.
- [ ] Decide the **budget source**: school funds, parent fees or fundraising.

## Choosing the vehicle

| Trip | Best fit |
| --- | --- |
| Within Winnipeg or under an hour | School bus |
| 1–2 hours each way | School bus or mini coach |
| Over 2 hours, or out of province | Motorcoach with washroom |
| Small group (under 14) | Sprinter van |

## Checking the operator

- [ ] Current **Safety Fitness Certificate** (required in Manitoba for buses seating 11 or more, including the driver).
- [ ] **Liability insurance** certificate naming the dates.
- [ ] The **vehicle and seat count** in writing.
- [ ] **Pickup, departure and return times** in writing.

## On the day

- [ ] Seating plan and head counts at every stop.
- [ ] Emergency contact list and medical information with the lead teacher.
- [ ] Driver's cell number and the operator's dispatch number.
- [ ] A rule on food and garbage on board.

## Popular field trip destinations from Winnipeg

The Manitoba Museum, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, FortWhyte Alive, Assiniboine Park Zoo and Oak Hammock Marsh are short trips. Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach and Lower Fort Garry near Selkirk make good half-day outings. See our day-trip guide for more ideas.

### Hourly charters (garage to garage, off-peak weekday, CAD)

| Vehicle | Seats | Hourly rate | Minimum | 4 hours | 6 hours | 8 hours | 10 hours |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sprinter van | 8–14 | $120/hr | 3.0 h | $400–$600 | $600–$850 | $800–$1,150 | $1,000–$1,450 |
| Mini coach | 15–30 | $145/hr | 4.0 h | $500–$700 | $750–$1,050 | $1,000–$1,400 | $1,250–$1,750 |
| School bus | 24–72 | $110/hr | 3.0 h | $350–$550 | $550–$800 | $750–$1,050 | $950–$1,300 |
| Motorcoach | 40–56 | $165/hr | 5.0 h | $700–$1,000 | $850–$1,200 | $1,100–$1,600 | $1,400–$2,000 |
| Party bus | 14–30 | $175/hr | 4.0 h | $600–$850 | $900–$1,250 | $1,200–$1,700 | $1,500–$2,100 |

### One-way routes from Winnipeg (56-seat coach vs mini coach, CAD)

| Route | Distance | Drive time | Motorcoach | Mini coach |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Winnipeg → Gimli | 90 km | ~1 h 10 min | $700–$1,000 | $500–$700 |
| Winnipeg → Grand Beach | 100 km | ~1 h 20 min | $700–$1,000 | $500–$700 |
| Winnipeg → Kenora | 210 km | ~2 h 05 min | $700–$1,000 | $600–$800 |
| Winnipeg → Brandon | 215 km | ~2 h 10 min | $700–$1,000 | $600–$850 |
| Winnipeg → Grand Forks | 233 km | ~2 h 45 min | $850–$1,200 | $750–$1,050 |
| Winnipeg → Wasagaming (Clear Lake) | 265 km | ~3 h | $900–$1,300 | $800–$1,150 |
| Winnipeg → Fargo | 355 km | ~3 h 40 min | $1,100–$1,550 | $950–$1,350 |
| Winnipeg → Regina | 570 km | ~5 h 45 min | $1,700–$2,400 | $1,500–$2,100 |
| Winnipeg → Thunder Bay | 700 km | ~7 h | $2,050–$2,850 | $1,800–$2,500 |
| Winnipeg → Minneapolis | 745 km | ~7 h 45 min | $2,250–$3,150 | $1,950–$2,800 |
| Winnipeg → Saskatoon | 780 km | ~8 h 30 min | $2,450–$3,450 | $2,150–$3,050 |

Peak periods (summer wedding season, winter holidays) on weekends can run up to about 32% higher. Multi-day trips add roughly $150 per night for the driver's hotel and meals.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do field trip buses need seatbelts in Manitoba?

Requirements depend on the vehicle type and your division's policy. Many coaches have seatbelts; many school buses do not. Ask the operator what the vehicle has, and check your division policy.

### How much does a school field trip bus cost?

For a half-day local trip, a school bus often falls in the $350–$550 range in our estimates. A full day costs more. See the price table above for current numbers by vehicle.

## Sources

- [Manitoba Safety Fitness Certificates](https://www.gov.mb.ca/mti/mcd/safety_monitoring/sfc/index.html)