A Group Travel Guide to Newark, Ohio's Best Destinations

Planning a group trip to Newark, Ohio? You are in for a treat. Located just east of Columbus in Licking County, Newark is a hidden gem brimming with ancient history, vibrant arts, and stunning natural landscapes. But whether you are a local organizing a family reunion or a tour operator bringing a group from out of state, the logistics of moving people around can be a challenge. That is where Charter Bus Rental Company Newark comes in. We provide the most reliable, comfortable, and efficient charter bus rentals in Newark, Ohio, and the surrounding areas.

Forget about the stress of coordinating a dozen cars, worrying about who will be the designated driver after a winery tour, or trying to find parking for multiple vehicles in downtown Newark. When you book a private shuttle or motorcoach with us, your group stays together, arrives on time, and enjoys the journey as much as the destination. Our fleet ranges from 18-passenger minibuses perfect for small corporate outings to 56-passenger full-size charter buses designed for large school field trips and wedding parties. With premium amenities like reclining seats, powerful air conditioning, onboard WiFi, and power outlets, your passengers will travel in total comfort.

Ready to explore Licking County? Here is our guide to the best destinations in Newark, Ohio, and how a charter bus rental makes visiting them a breeze. Call our 24/7 reservation team at 614-369-3546 to get a free, no-obligation quote for your trip today!

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The Newark Earthworks

No trip to Newark is complete without visiting the Newark Earthworks, the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world. Recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this prehistoric marvel draws history buffs, student groups, and tourists from all over the globe. The site is split into major sections, including the Great Circle Earthworks (455 Hebron Rd, Heath, OH 43056) and the Octagon Earthworks. These ancient structures, built by the Hopewell culture between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D., are a testament to early indigenous engineering and astronomy.

While the Great Circle has a dedicated museum and visitor center, parking can be tight during peak tourist seasons or special events. If you are bringing a school field trip or a large historical society tour group, a charter bus is essential. Your driver can drop your group right at the entrance of the Great Circle Museum so you can immediately begin your guided tour or hike the trails. Afterward, hop back on your climate-controlled bus to shuttle over to the Octagon Earthworks without anyone getting lost in the transit between sites. It is the most efficient way to see 2,000 years of history in one afternoon.

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology

For an educational experience that engages all ages, The Works (55 S 1st St, Newark, OH 43055) is the premier destination in downtown Newark. This interactive museum features a hands-on science lab, a glass-blowing studio, an art gallery, and the impressive SciDome Planetarium. It is a favorite destination for STEM field trips, summer camps, and corporate team-building retreats looking for something unique.

Why rent a bus here? Located right in the heart of downtown, parking near The Works can be a hassle, especially if you are managing a caravan of parent volunteers or multiple employee vehicles. Public lots fill up quickly. With a Charter Bus Rental Company Newark bus rental, you skip the parking hunt entirely. We will arrange a designated drop-off zone on 1st Street so your group can walk right through the doors. While your group learns about local industry history or watches a planetarium show, your driver handles the parking logistics. Plus, with undercarriage storage on our larger buses, students can easily stow their backpacks and lunches, keeping the museum aisles clear.

The Dawes Arboretum

Just a short drive south of Newark lies The Dawes Arboretum (7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH 43056), a breathtaking 2,000-acre non-profit arboretum dedicated to increasing the love and knowledge of trees, history, and the natural world. With over 12 miles of hiking trails, a Japanese Garden, and a driving tour route, it is a massive venue that can take a full day to explore. It is also a wildly popular venue for outdoor weddings and photography clubs.

Because the Arboretum is so expansive, walking from one end to the other can be tiring, especially for senior tour groups or wedding guests in formal wear. When you rent a private charter bus, you have a built-in shuttle for the grounds. Your driver can transport your group from the Visitors Center to the Red Barn Reserve or the Japanese Garden in air-conditioned comfort. For weddings, a shuttle bus is a lifesaver, ensuring guests move seamlessly between a ceremony in the garden and a reception at a nearby venue without walking long distances in the heat. Enjoy the scenery through panoramic windows while we handle the driving.

The Midland Theatre

If your group loves the performing arts, a trip to The Midland Theatre (36 N Park Pl, Newark, OH 43055) is a must. This historic venue, located on the downtown square, hosts everything from nationally touring concerts and comedy acts to local plays and community events. It is a beautifully restored theater that offers a touch of elegance to any evening out.

Attending a show with a large group—whether it is a senior living community, a corporate client appreciation night, or a school band trip—requires coordination. Downtown Newark traffic can get congested before a sold-out show, and finding parking spots near the square can be frustrating. A minibus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Newark allows your group to be dropped off right in front of the marquee. You can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like 1922 on the Square and then head to the show without worrying about moving cars. After the final curtain call, your bus will be waiting to take everyone home safely.

National Heisey Glass Museum

Newark has a rich industrial history, particularly in glass manufacturing. The National Heisey Glass Museum (169 W Church St, Newark, OH 43055) located in Veterans Park preserves the legacy of the A.H. Heisey & Company, which produced world-renowned glassware in Newark from 1896 to 1957. The museum displays thousands of pieces of sparkling glass and offers tours that delve into the artistry and manufacturing processes of the era.

This is a favorite stop for senior tour groups and historical societies touring the Midwest. Navigating the residential streets around Veterans Park with multiple vehicles can be confusing for out-of-towners. A charter bus simplifies the arrival process. Your driver can navigate the local streets with ease, dropping your passengers off curbside. If your group decides to purchase fragile glassware from the gift shop, you can store your souvenirs safely in the overhead bins of the bus, rather than risking them breaking in the trunk of a cramped car.

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve

For the outdoor enthusiasts in your group, Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (2200 Gratiot Rd SE, Heath, OH 43056) offers some of the most scenic hiking and biking in the region. The preserve is named after a large sandstone cliff that once bore a Native American petroglyph of a black hand. It features miles of paved trails along the Licking River, cutting through narrow sandstone gorges.

Blackhand Gorge is a bit removed from the city center, making it a perfect candidate for a day trip. If you are organizing a scout troop outing, a church youth group hike, or a cycling club trip, a charter bus rental offers ample storage. Our full-size charter buses have massive undercarriage luggage bays perfect for storing coolers, hiking gear, and even bicycles. After a long day on the trails, everyone can relax in reclining seats and enjoy the air conditioning on the ride back to Newark, rather than cramping into hot cars with sweaty gear.

Velvet Ice Cream & Ye Olde Mill

Technically located just up the road in Utica, Velvet Ice Cream’s Ye Olde Mill (11324 Mt Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080) is a staple destination for anyone visiting Licking County. Groups can tour the ice cream museum, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, and, of course, sample dozens of flavors of famous Velvet Ice Cream. It sits on 20 acres of rolling hills, making it a picturesque spot for company picnics and family reunions.

It is about a 20-minute drive north of Newark. Keeping a caravan of cars together on state routes can be difficult and dangerous. A charter bus rental keeps your entire group together. You can play movies for the kids on the onboard TV monitors during the drive or use the PA system to play trivia games. Once you arrive, there is plenty of room for bus parking, and your group can spill out ready for ice cream. It is the sweetest way to end a day of touring Newark.

Canal Market District

For a taste of local flavor, bring your group to the Canal Market District (36 E Canal St, Newark, OH 43055). This covered farmers market hosts dozens of local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. It is a vibrant community hub that offers a great lunch stop or shopping opportunity for tour groups passing through the city.

On market days, the area is bustling with foot traffic and locals, making parking a challenge. A minibus shuttle allows your group to be dropped off right at the entrance of the pavilion. Your group can shop for local honey, jams, and crafts without worrying about carrying heavy bags back to a distant parking spot. You can store your market finds in the bus and head off to your next destination, perhaps a picnic at a nearby park.

Book Your Newark, Ohio Group Trip Today

Newark, Ohio, is a city with a rich past and an exciting future, offering something for every type of traveler. Don't let transportation logistics overshadow your experience. Whether you need a simple shuttle for a wedding at The Skylight or a fleet of buses for a massive corporate event, Charter Bus Rental Company Newark has the experience and the vehicles to make it happen.

We pride ourselves on safety, reliability, and customer service. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and build a custom itinerary just for you. Call us today at 614-369-3546 to get a free, personalized quote for your Newark, Ohio charter bus rental. Let us handle the road while you enjoy the ride!

Frequently Asked Questions About Newark Group Travel Transportation

Charter bus pricing varies based on several factors, including the date of your trip, the duration of the rental, the distance you are traveling, and the size of the bus you need. For example, a rental during the busy spring field trip season might cost slightly more than a winter rental. To get the most accurate price, we recommend calling our team at 614-369-3546 with your itinerary on hand. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote in just minutes!

In most cases, yes! If you are booking a bus for a wedding, bachelor party, or winery tour, you are generally permitted to bring alcohol on board, provided that all passengers are over the legal drinking age of 21. However, this often requires a refundable cleaning deposit. Be sure to ask your reservation specialist about our alcohol policy when you book your bus to ensure everything is set up for your celebration.

We generally recommend booking your charter bus as soon as you have your date and venue secured. ideally, you should aim to book 3 to 6 months in advance. This ensures the best availability and pricing, especially if you are traveling during peak seasons like May, June, or October. However, if you have a last-minute trip, don't hesitate to call us! We have a large network and can often accommodate short-notice requests.

Our charter buses come equipped with a variety of modern amenities to keep your group comfortable. Standard amenities on full-size coaches often include reclining seats, climate control, onboard restrooms, overhead storage, and undercarriage luggage bays. Many of our buses also feature WiFi, power outlets, and TV monitors with DVD players. If you have specific needs, such as ADA accessibility or specific entertainment features, just let our reservation team know when you call!

Absolutely! While we love serving Newark, Charter Bus Rental Company Newark provides transportation throughout the entire state of Ohio and beyond. We can take your group to Columbus for a Buckeyes game, up to Cleveland for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or even out of state for a multi-day tour. Whether you are in Heath, Granville, Reynoldsburg, or anywhere in Licking County, we can pick you up and take you wherever you need to go.