Minibus or coach: which vehicle fits your group?

The four common sizes

• Van, about 7 to 8 passengers: for small families and executive transfers. Luggage space is limited.
• Minibus, about 16 to 20 passengers: for small groups with hand luggage or one bag each.
• Midi coach, about 25 to 35 seats: for groups of about 20 to 30 with luggage. Easier to park and to drive in narrow streets.
• Full-size coach, about 43 to 60 seats: the standard for groups of 30 to 55. Most have an on-board WC and a large luggage bay.

Count suitcases before seats

For airport transfers and multi-day tours, the luggage bay is usually the real limit. Use one large suitcase per traveller as a rule of thumb, and list skis, golf bags, instruments and wheelchairs separately.

If the group has more large suitcases than the vehicle can take, move up one size or add a small luggage van. That is usually cheaper than a second coach.

When a smaller vehicle is better

Smaller coaches reach places big coaches cannot: hotels on narrow streets, mountain villages and some old-town drop-off points. For a group of 25, a midi coach is often more practical than a half-empty 50-seater.

When to choose a full-size coach

For longer drives an on-board WC, reclining seats and more legroom make the day easier, and a full-size coach is the only option when one vehicle must carry more than about 30 people. Leave a few seats free so the guide and the group can spread out.

Not sure? Tell us the group

Enter the number of passengers and suitcases in the search and the estimate picks the smallest vehicle that fits. If a mix of vehicles is cheaper, we can suggest it with the final price.