A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Columbia Memorial Space Center
The Columbia Memorial Space Center (12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA 90242) stands as the national memorial to the Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew. This 20,000-square-foot hands-on learning center is a primary destination for STEAM field trips. For schools arriving in a 47-passenger school bus or a 56-passenger motorcoach, the facility offers a designated bus loading zone directly on Columbia Way. We recommend arriving via the 105 freeway and exiting at Lakewood Blvd to avoid the tighter residential turns. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Note that while there is a free parking lot adjacent to the building, it fills up quickly during the "Rocket Fever" event in August; a charter bus allows your group to be dropped off at the front door while the driver stages off-site.
Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
No trip to Downey is complete without a stop at the world-famous Porto’s Bakery & Cafe (8233 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241). With thousands of daily visitors, parking a personal vehicle in their lot is nearly impossible. For groups, the best strategy is to have your 25-passenger minibus drop you off on the side street near 3rd Street or at the designated white curb on Firestone Blvd. The drivers know to avoid the main lot congestion, allowing your group to head straight for the potato balls and guava strudels. Most groups spend about 45-60 minutes here. Hours are typically 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily. By using a shuttle, you avoid the 20-minute hunt for a parking spot and keep your group together in a climate-controlled cabin while you wait for your order.
The Downey Promenade & Landing
The Promenade at Downey (11011 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, CA 90241) is a massive retail and dining hub built on the former NASA Vultee site. It’s a frequent stop for corporate dinners at Lazy Dog or group movies at Cinemark. For large-scale events, your 56-passenger motorcoach should utilize the wide access roads near Apollo Park for unloading. Traffic on Lakewood Boulevard peaks between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM, so we suggest building in a 20-minute buffer if you are traveling during the evening rush. The drivers can drop guests off near the central fountain area and then park in the oversized vehicle spaces located on the perimeter of the south lot, ensuring quick retrieval when your event concludes.
Downey Civic Theatre
As the cultural heart of the city, the Downey Civic Theatre (8435 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241) hosts everything from the Downey Symphony Orchestra to touring Broadway acts. With a seating capacity of 738, the theater draws large crowds that quickly overwhelm the onsite parking shared with the library. For performance groups or attendees, we provide 35-passenger minibuses that can utilize the circular driveway for immediate access to the box office. If you are bringing a full-size bus, the driver can park at the overflow lot on Brookshire Avenue. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and during scheduled performances.
Apollo Park
Apollo Park (12544 Rives Ave, Downey, CA 90242) is the city's go-to spot for regional soccer tournaments and large family reunions. Spanning over 25 acres, the park features three ponds and multiple picnic shelters. During weekend soccer matches, the parking lots on Rives Avenue and Quill Drive become extremely congested. A 15-passenger luxury limo sprinter is the perfect solution for transporting a sports team and their gear without worrying about finding multiple adjacent parking spots. We recommend using the Rives Avenue entrance for bus drop-offs, as it provides the most direct route to the central pavilions. The park is open from dawn to 10:00 PM, and permits are required for large group gatherings.
Rio Hondo Golf Club
For corporate golf outings or wedding receptions, the Rio Hondo Golf Club (10627 Old River School Rd, Downey, CA 90241) offers a picturesque setting with its 18-hole course and event center. Navigating a large bus through the residential streets leading to Old River School Road requires a driver who is familiar with local routes. We provide 25-passenger minibuses equipped with undercarriage storage for golf clubs and equipment. For weddings, the drivers can run a shuttle loop between local hotels like the Embassy Suites Downey and the clubhouse, using the main portico for guest drop-off. This ensures guests can enjoy the bar service safely without worrying about the drive home through the 605/105 interchange.
Stonewood Center
Stonewood Center (251 Stonewood St, Downey, CA 90241) is one of the region's largest shopping destinations, anchored by Macy’s and Kohl’s. It serves as a major hub for tourist groups and school "senior ditch day" outings. The mall's parking lot is massive, but finding a spot near the food court during the holidays is a challenge. Your 56-passenger charter bus can use the designated bus stop area near the Firestone Boulevard entrance for a quick unload. From there, the driver can stage the vehicle in the remote sections of the lot near the north perimeter. Open Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM, it’s a perfect spot for a multi-hour shopping excursion.
Wilderness Park
Located on the edge of the city, Wilderness Park (10999 Little Lake Rd, Downey, CA 90241) offers a quiet escape with two fishing lakes and scenic jogging trails. It’s a popular choice for scouting groups and nature-based field trips. Access for oversized vehicles is best via Florence Avenue to Little Lake Road. Because the entrance road is narrow, a 30-passenger minibus is often more maneuverable than a full-sized coach for this specific location. The park features a dedicated bus unloading zone near the main office. It is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. We recommend this spot for groups looking for a low-cost, high-engagement outdoor experience within city limits.
Instantly See Pricing and Availability for Your Downey Group Trip!
Stop stressing over the logistics of Downey traffic and parking. Whether you need a 56-passenger motorcoach for a corporate summit or a 15-passenger sprinter van for a private family tour of the Space Center, Charter Bus Downey has the specialized fleet and local expertise to get you there. We’ve served local schools, sports teams, and businesses across the 90241 and 90242 zip codes with precision and care. Call our expert reservation team today at 626-692-6440 or use our online tool to get an instant 30-second quote. Let us handle the 105 freeway while you focus on your destination!
Frequently Asked Questions About Downey Group Travel Transportation
How much does a charter bus rental cost in Downey?
Pricing depends on your specific itinerary, passenger count, and the time of year. While local minibus rentals might start at a different rate than a 56-passenger motorcoach, we provide customized 30-second online quotes that include the driver and fuel. For the most accurate pricing, have your pick-up address and destination list ready when you call.
Where can buses park at the Columbia Memorial Space Center?
Buses can unload passengers in the designated white curb zone on Columbia Way. Long-term parking for oversized vehicles is available in the rear of the shared Discovery Park lot, though we recommend coordinating with the center for large-group events to ensure space is reserved.
Do you offer ADA-accessible bus rentals in Downey?
Absolutely. We offer ADA-compliant 56-passenger charter buses and select minibuses equipped with wheelchair lifts, widened aisles, and securement points. Please let our reservation team know at least 48 hours in advance so we can ensure the perfect vehicle is assigned to your group.
What is the best route for a bus to avoid Downey traffic?
To avoid the worst of the Firestone Boulevard gridlock, the drivers often utilize Imperial Highway or Florence Avenue as alternatives. We also monitor real-time data for the 605 and 710 freeways to ensure your group isn't stuck behind a bottleneck near the 105 interchange.
Bus types Available in Downey
More About Group Travel in Downey
We’re available everyday from 7am to midnight!
