Minibus hire

A minibus suits small groups: a sports squad, a school class, a family party or a team from the airport. It loads quickly and fits where a coach cannot.

Seats and luggage

Typical seating is 16 to 19. The Sprinter Travel 75 is 8.5 m long and seats up to 21 plus the driver. Luggage goes in a rear compartment of about 2 m³ on the Travel 75. That is far less than a coach's underfloor bays. A full minibus with a large case per person may need a bigger vehicle, so give the operator your bag count.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 16-seat minibus, exterior

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 19-seat minibus, exterior

At a glance

Seats: 16-19
Luggage: Rear luggage compartment; about 2 m3 on the Sprinter Travel 75

Typical features

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

Driver licence and tachograph

A D1 licence covers a minibus seating no more than 16 passengers and measuring 8 m or less. A longer or larger minibus needs a driver with category D. A tachograph becomes compulsory above nine seats, counting the driver's, so driving hours are recorded just as on a coach. The operator matches the driver to the vehicle.

Where a minibus helps, and where it does not

A minibus is lighter and shorter than a coach, which helps in tight streets. But many city rules count seats, not size. Barcelona's daily Zona Bus permit kicks in at 9 seats, the driver's included, so a minibus needs one. Dubrovnik's Bus Web Shop booking starts even lower, at 7+1 seats, while its zone is in force. At Zurich Airport, a minibus with more than nine seats needs either a single-trip ticket or the kerbside permit. Ask the operator which rules apply on your route.

For sports teams, school trips and small airport transfers, a minibus is often the practical choice. It is also easier to park near a hotel entrance, where city rules allow it.

Questions

How many people fit in a minibus?

Typically 16 to 19 passengers. Some Sprinter-based models take up to 21 plus the driver.

Is a Zona Bus permit required for a minibus in Barcelona?

Yes. Any minibus with at least 9 seats, driver included, needs the daily permit.

Does a minibus have a tachograph?

Yes, once it has over nine seats, the driver's seat included.

Trip types we arrange

Quote a minibus

Send the date, route, passenger count and bags. A licensed partner operator quotes the minibus and driver, and you accept if it suits.

Request a quote or call ++442046529800