Minibus hire for small groups

A minibus is the easiest way to keep a small group together, whether that is an extended family, a sports team or a group of colleagues. It is comfortable and flexible, and it fits into places a coach cannot.

16-19 seats and a rear luggage compartment

A typical minibus seats 16-19 passengers. Sprinter-based models are common; the Sprinter Travel 75, for instance, measures 8.5 m, seats up to 21+1 and has roughly 2 m³ for luggage at the rear. That is enough for a suitcase each for most groups, though ski bags, golf clubs and sports kit are worth mentioning when you ask for a quote.

For airport transfers the minibus is often the sweet spot: one vehicle, one driver, and everyone arrives at the hotel together.

Sprinter 19-seat minibus, side view
Sprinter 19-seat minibus, side view
Executive Sprinter minibus, exterior
Executive Sprinter minibus, exterior
Minibus interior with individual seats
Minibus interior with individual seats

Typical features

  • More than nine seats including driver means a tachograph is required
  • Up to 16 passengers and 8 m long is licence category D1
  • Sprinter-based minibus; Sprinter Travel 75 is 8.5 m, up to 21+1 seats

D1 licences and tachographs

To drive a minibus of up to 8 m with no more than 16 passengers, a category D1 licence is required. A tachograph is compulsory in any vehicle with over nine seats, the driver's included, so the driving and rest rules that apply to coaches apply here too. For a long day out, ask the operator to confirm the day fits one driver's hours.

City and airport rules that include minibuses

Some rules catch minibuses as well as coaches. In Barcelona, a daily Zona Bus permit is required once a vehicle has nine seats or more, counting the driver's. Nice airport sends vehicles with 10 or more seats to the coach bus stations, and Zurich Airport's kerbside permit covers any minibus with more than nine seats. In Dubrovnik, any vehicle with 7+1 seats or more needs a Bus Web Shop booking in season.

The operator handles these permits, but it helps to know why a minibus may stop somewhere slightly different from a taxi.

Questions

How many people fit in a minibus?

Typically 16-19, with luggage in the rear compartment.

Does a minibus need a special permit in Barcelona?

Yes. Once you count the driver, anything with nine seats or more needs a Zona Bus permit for each day.

Is a minibus a good choice for airport transfers?

Yes. It is one of the most popular choices for small group airport transfers, with room for luggage at the back.

Trip types we arrange

Looking for minibus hire?

Tell us your group size, dates and route and we will line up a minibus from a licensed partner operator.

Request a quote or call 442046529800