For hotels and resorts
Own your shuttle, outsource it, or use rideshare?
The cheapest option is the one that fits how many runs you make. Owning costs the same whether the shuttle is full or idle; a contractor or rideshare costs more per trip and nothing in between. Put in your own quotes and compare a year side by side.
Cost per year
| Own a bus | Add your figures |
| Contracted shuttle | Add your quote |
| Rideshare credits | Add your quote |
Every figure is yours. Nothing here is an estimate of ours.
The federal rules to check first
- A free airport shuttle in a vehicle built for 9 to 15 people including the driver, under 10,001 lb, falls under a limited federal exception, and the hotel still registers for a USDOT number (49 CFR 390.3).
- Interstate for-hire passenger carriers need at least $1.5 million in financial responsibility for 15 or fewer seats and $5 million for 16 or more (49 CFR 387.33). Staying at 15 seats or fewer keeps the lower minimum and, at that size, no CDL.
- Whether your shuttle is interstate commerce depends on its facts. Confirm with FMCSA.
Common questions
Does a hotel shuttle need a USDOT number?
Often, yes. Federal rules give hotels a limited exception for free shuttles in vehicles built for 9 to 15 people including the driver, under 10,001 lb, carrying guests on trips connected to air travel, but the hotel still registers for a USDOT number. Larger or heavier vehicles, or service that is not tied to air travel, can bring the full federal rules. Check your operation with FMCSA.
What insurance does a hotel shuttle need?
Where federal rules treat the shuttle as interstate for-hire passenger transport, the minimum financial responsibility is $1.5 million for vehicles with 15 or fewer seats and $5 million for 16 or more (49 CFR 387.33). Your state and insurer may set more. Ask your insurer before you choose a vehicle size.
Is it cheaper to outsource a hotel shuttle?
It depends on how many runs you make. Owning spreads a fixed cost over every trip; outsourcing and rideshare cost more per trip but nothing when idle. Enter your quotes above: the one that wins at your volume is the answer.