Whether you’re arranging transport for a wedding, planning a fun group getaway, or heading to cheer on your team at a sports match, hiring a minibus is one of the easiest ways for groups to travel together.
But, before you set off, there are a few important things to consider.
If you’re wondering what to do when hiring a minibus, you’ll need to choose the right size of vehicle, plan for luggage, and ensure younger passengers travel safely with the correct car seat. A little preparation goes a long way to making your journey smooth and stress-free.
At Bus4U, we specialise in hassle-free minibus hire with drivers who know the roads inside out. We’ve put together this simple guide to walk you through everything you need to consider before booking a minibus.
So, whether it’s a family day out, a countryside wedding, or an away match with friends, here’s your complete guide on what to do when hiring a minibus.
1. Choose A Service With A Driver
Hiring a minibus with a professional driver is more than a convenience; it’s a smart choice for safety and legality.
In the UK, driving larger minibuses yourself requires a Category D1 licence, which most drivers don’t have.
A D1 licence allows you to drive vehicles carrying up to 16 passengers, with a maximum length of 8 meters. However, you probably won’t have this category if your licence was issued after 1997.
Attempting to drive without the proper licence can result in fines and invalid insurance, but choosing a minibus hire service with a qualified driver removes all legal worries.
Professional drivers also take the stress out of navigation and parking. They know the best routes, avoid traffic hotspots, and can drop your group right at your destination. No long walks, no parking panic!
Hiring a minibus with a driver at the wheel is the best way to ensure your group can relax and enjoy the journey safely.
2. Consider Group Size
Choosing the right minibus size is key to a comfortable journey. Selecting a vehicle that fits your group ensures there is space for passengers and luggage, and prevents the hassle of coordinating multiple vehicles.
Here’s a simple guide to match your group to a minibus, based on Bus4U’s seating options:
- 10-12 seaters: Perfect for smaller groups or family trips. Everyone has room to relax, while luggage can be managed easily.
- 12-14 seaters: Ideal for medium-sized groups where comfort is still a priority.
- 15-16 seaters: Great for larger gatherings like school trips, clubs, or extended families travelling together
- 17-18 seaters: For very large groups, one vehicle keeps everyone together to make planning simpler.
Even the market shows how popular group travel has become!
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), registrations for minibuses with 17 seats under 6 tonnes almost doubled in just one year. More and more people are seeing the benefits of travelling together in a single vehicle, instead of splitting into separate cars.
Matching your group to the right minibus size ensures that everyone travels comfortably and the journey goes smoothly.
3. Travelling With Young Children
Safety is always crucial when hiring a minibus, particularly if you’re travelling with children.
In the UK, children must use a car seat until they are 12 years old, or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. After this, they are allowed to use an adult seatbelt.
However, despite these rules, studies show that only 51% of 8-10-year-olds always use a child restraint, and nearly 1 in 4 travel without any extra protection at all. Checking that your child has the right seat and that it’s properly secured keeps them safe, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.
At Bus4U, any child who requires a car seat must travel with one, and passengers are responsible for bringing and securely fitting their own. To make family travel easier, we can also store car seats between your outbound and return trips, if needed.
4. Think About Luggage and Equipment
When booking a minibus, it’s important to consider how much luggage your group will bring. Larger groups often mean more bags, sports equipment, or other items. Checking that there’s enough space is key to a comfortable journey.
According to Forbes, passengers carry around 7.6kg of hand luggage and 17 kg of checked baggage per person. For group trips, whether it’s a family holiday, sports event, or a day out, this can quickly add up.
Before you book:
- Estimate the total luggage your group will bring.
- Check that the minibus has enough storage in the boot or under the seats.
- Plan extra space for special items, such as sports gear, musical instruments, or camping equipment.
When you book with Bus4U, you’ll receive a booking form that asks for details of any luggage or equipment you have. Providing accurate information ensures there is enough space for everyone to travel comfortably.
For groups with particularly large amounts of luggage, we recommend the optional hire of a luggage trailer to ensure everything fits safely, without crowding the cabin. Planning for luggage is one of the best ways to guarantee a smooth trip, for all passengers.
5. Book With Enough Time
Booking your minibus in advance helps create a smooth and stress-free experience, particularly if you plan on travelling around peak times.
Early bookings are especially important during busy periods. For example, research shows that 77% of Brits plan to travel during the summer.
Similarly, INRIX reports that leisure traffic around Christmas can surge dramatically. For instance, on the 22nd December, traffic levels are expected to jump by 43% compared to average levels.
Planning ahead allows your driver to prepare for the distance of your journey, including any necessary stops or overnight arrangements for longer trips.
Securing your minibus early ensures that your group can travel together comfortably and on schedule, avoiding the stress of limited availability and crowded roads during high-demand periods.
How Can We Help
We hope that our What to Do When Hiring a Minibus guide has given you some useful tips for planning your group trip.
From picking the right size minibus to booking ahead and keeping little ones safe, a little bit of planning makes the journey so much easier.
At Bus4U, we make group travel simple. Whether it’s a sports event, transportation to the airport, or a school trip, our comfortable minibuses and friendly drivers will ensure your group travels safely and on schedule.
Book online today, or check out some of the trips we offer.