Minibus hire with driver

Hiring a minibus with a driver is not the same as renting a van. You do not get the keys — you get the vehicle and a professional driver who is responsible for the route, the driving hours and getting everyone there safely. You get in and go.

How this differs from a rental company

This is the question we are asked most often, so here it is up front. A rental company gives you a hire agreement, takes a deposit, and you drive and carry the liability yourself. With us, our driver drives. You do not need a particular licence category, and you do not have to think about deposits, parking, or who is staying sober to drive home from the company party.

We do not hire out vehicles without a driver, and we do not carry freight — we carry passengers only.

How we price a journey

There are three models. Which one is cheapest depends on the route, so when we quote we work all three out and offer you the better one.

• Per kilometre — for A-to-B journeys where we do not wait at the destination. The usual choice for transfers and one-off trips.
• Per hour — when the minibus is at your disposal for a set period: conference support, a filming day, a wedding with several runs. Time counts, not distance.
• Fixed fare for the route — one agreed amount for the whole journey, known before departure. Best for repeat routes and international trips.

We agree the price before departure. Nothing is added afterwards — if the scope changes during the journey (an extra stop, a longer wait), we tell you at the time rather than on the invoice.

What the price includes

Whichever model applies, the quoted amount always covers:

• the 9-seater LONG-wheelbase minibus and its fuel,
• the driver's time and wages,
• third-party, comprehensive and passenger accident insurance for the journey,
• pick-up at the address you give us.

Costs that cannot be predicted in advance are quoted separately — motorway and tunnel tolls on international routes, paid parking zones, ferry charges, and driver accommodation on multi-day trips. We always raise these at the quoting stage, so there are no surprises.

How long a driver may drive

This is not a technical footnote — it genuinely shapes how a trip is planned. Professional drivers are bound by driving-hours rules: after a set period at the wheel a break is required, and the working day has a limit. On longer routes that means scheduled stops, and on genuinely long ones it means either an overnight stay for the driver or a second driver.

So it is worth calling more than a day in advance. We will tell you whether the route fits into one day or needs splitting, and what that changes in the price.

What to have ready when you call

To make the quote take a minute rather than fifteen, have:

• the pick-up address and the destination (or roughly the route),
• the date and departure time,
• the number of passengers and roughly how much luggage,
• whether it is one way or return,
• for return trips — whether the driver should wait on site or come back for you later.

Who drives

We employ experienced professional drivers only. The company holds current licences and certificates, and drivers undergo regular medical and psychological testing. We also drive ourselves — this is not a firm where the owners only know their customers by email.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hire the minibus without a driver?

No. We are not a rental company — the vehicle always comes with our driver. That means you need no particular licence category, leave no deposit, and do not have to think about parking or who stays sober to drive home from the company party.

Do you carry freight or do removals?

No. We carry passengers only. We do not offer cargo vans, container vans or goods transport of any kind.

How many people fit?

Nine seats is the total including the driver, so eight passenger seats. For larger groups we plan runs in shifts or send more than one vehicle — call us and we will work it out.

Can the driver drive through the night?

Not without breaks. Professional drivers are bound by driving-hours rules: after a set period at the wheel a break is required, and the working day has a limit. On longer routes that means scheduled stops, and on very long ones either an overnight stay or a second driver. We settle this before departure.

How far in advance should I book?

The earlier the better — especially Saturdays in wedding season and night runs, which are the busiest slots. International journeys need more notice, as they take a vehicle and driver out for several days.

Can I change the route mid-journey?

Usually yes, but tell the driver straight away. If the change affects the price you will hear about it at that moment, not afterwards.

What you will travel in

A Volkswagen T6 Caravelle or a Ford Tourneo Custom, both LONG-wheelbase, both 9 seats. We keep each vehicle for a maximum of two years and then replace it. ABS, ESP, traction control, airbags, air conditioning and armrests are standard. More on the fleet page.