Pedal Pub vs Party Bus: Which Is Better?
Quick answer: A pedal pub (also called a party bike) is better for a local bar crawl where the ride itself is the fun. A party bus is better for covering long distances between towns. The Pedalcycle runs 2 hour pedal pub rides in Beach Haven and Seaside Heights, NJ, up to 15 per bike, from $55 a seat, 21+.
Both get your group from bar to bar without anyone driving. That is where the similarities stop. One is a ride you sit inside. The other is a ride you are part of.
What is a pedal pub?
A pedal pub is a big open air bike with bench seating where the riders are the engine. Everyone pedals together while a driver steers and handles the route, and the ride stops at local bars along the way. Most people call it a party bike, a pedal pub, or a bar bike. Same thing. Here is how a ride works.
What is a party bus?
A party bus is an enclosed vehicle with a professional driver, usually with music, lights, and seating around the edges. It moves your group between destinations, and the ride is mostly about getting from one place to the next.
Pedal pub vs party bus, side by side
- The experience: On a pedal pub, the ride is the event. Everyone faces each other, pedals together, and rolls through town where people wave and cheer. On a party bus, the event is wherever you are going.
- Distance: A pedal pub sticks to one town at an easy pace. A party bus can cover real miles, so it wins if your night spans several towns.
- Pricing: The Pedalcycle books by the seat, from $55, so you only pay for your group. Party buses are usually booked as a whole vehicle.
- Group size: The Pedalcycle seats up to 15 per bike with a minimum of 6 pedaling, and multiple bikes can host up to 45.
- Weather: A pedal pub is open air, which is half the fun. A party bus is enclosed. Check our FAQ for what happens if it rains.
- Drinks: On The Pedalcycle, drinks happen at the bar stops, and you pay in cash.
When a party bus makes more sense
If your night means bouncing between towns, covering long distances, or you want a ride where nobody lifts a finger, a party bus is the right call. Honest answer.
When a pedal pub wins
If the goal is a bar crawl your group will actually talk about, the pedal pub wins. It turns the ride between bars into the best part of the night instead of dead time. It works especially well for bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, birthdays, and team outings, where the point is the whole crew doing one thing together.
Good to know
- 21+ only, every ride
- 2 hour rides, up to 15 people per bike
- From $55 a seat, minimum 6 people pedaling
- Up to 45 people across multiple bikes
- Your driver steers the whole time
- Rides in Beach Haven and Seaside Heights, NJ
Frequently asked questions
Is a pedal pub the same as a party bike?
Yes. Pedal pub, party bike, and bar bike all describe the same thing: a group bike everyone pedals together while a driver steers, with stops at bars along the way.
Is a pedal pub hard to pedal?
No. The pedaling is shared across the whole group at an easy pace. If you can ride a stationary bike for a few minutes, you are fine.
Which is cheaper, a pedal pub or a party bus?
It depends on your group size. The Pedalcycle books by the seat starting at $55, while party buses are usually booked as a whole vehicle.
Where can I ride a pedal pub at the Jersey Shore?
The Pedalcycle runs pedal pub rides in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island and in Seaside Heights, NJ.
Ready to make the ride the best part of the night? Book your pedal pub ride with The Pedalcycle.