The minibus: our favourite size for a group day out
For a group of about eight to 19, a minibus with a driver is hard to beat. It's big enough to keep everyone together and small enough for winery driveways, hotel entrances and country roads.
Why so many groups choose one
Minibuses typically seat 16 to 19. That covers most family reunions, hens and bucks parties, visiting sports teams and small tour groups. You'll all ride together, chat on the way, and step out at the door rather than across a car park.
The exact layout varies, so the quote names the seats in the vehicle offered.
Typical models
The photos show typical models in this size. Which vehicle runs depends on the partner operator that takes the booking.
Minibus (16 to 19 seats)
Mercedes Sprinter
19 passengers · 15 bags
Ford Transit
16 passengers · 12 bags
Mercedes Sprinter
17 passengers · 14 bags
Luggage is the catch
There's luggage space at the back, but not a lot once every seat is taken. For a day trip with daypacks, no problem. For an airport run where everyone has a suitcase, tell us the bag count; a slightly bigger vehicle or a midi coach may be kinder.
On board
- NSW Bus Driver Authorities are valid for three years; drivers over 60 need an annual health assessment to renew
- In Victoria, drivers of commercial and tour and charter bus services need driver accreditation from Safe Transport Victoria
- In Victoria only, HVNL fatigue rules also cover light buses of 4.5 t GVM or less that seat more than 12 adults
- In Victoria, anyone operating a bus service with seating for 10 or more adults, including the driver, must be accredited
- A bus seating more than 12 adults, including the driver, with a GVM up to 8 t needs an LR (light rigid) licence
What the driver holds
Your minibus driver holds at least a light rigid licence, and in NSW a Bus Driver Authority as well, which comes with regular renewals and health checks for older drivers. You don't need to check any of it yourself, but the details are there if your club or school asks.
Victoria is the strictest state for small buses. Its accreditation rules start at 10 seats, driver included, and it's the only place where HVNL fatigue rules reach lighter buses, 4.5 t and under, that seat more than 12. So a long Great Ocean Road day by minibus is planned with rest breaks, just like a coach day.
Your questions
Can a minibus do a long day trip?
Yes. The Blue Mountains, the Great Ocean Road and the Barossa are all regular minibus days. On long days the driver's hours are planned under the fatigue rules for that state.
Will 19 people with suitcases fit?
Probably not comfortably. Give us the bag count and ask for a midi coach to be quoted as well.
Can we bring food and drinks on board?
Policies differ between operators. Mention it when you book and we will ask.
Can the minibus collect people from several addresses?
Yes. List every pickup in order and the route will be planned around it.
More trips we can arrange
- Getting your team to the offsite, the dinner and home again
- School excursions and camps, planned around the class
- Getting the team, the kit and the supporters to the game
- Wedding transport that gets every guest there on time
- A day among the vineyards, with someone else driving
- Day trips out of the city, at your group's pace
- From the gangway to your hotel, with the whole group together
- Travelling together when someone uses a wheelchair