Are you planning a group trip in London? Transportation may become the primary focus depending on whether it is an event for family reunions or a school trip, or even corporate events. The best solution that you will find is to hire a minibus. But how much does it really cost to hire a minibus? Let’s break down the factors that influence these prices and discuss all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Understanding Minibus Hire Costs
The cost of hiring a minibus in London can depend on various factors. Let’s explore these in detail:
Size of the Minibus
The primary factor that affects the cost of the minibus is the number of people that are going to travel, which affects the size of minibus you will be hiring. Minibuses typically come in various sizes:
- 8-seater minibus
- 12-seater minibus
- 14-seater minibus
- 16-seater minibus
- 17-seater minibus
As a general rule, larger minibuses cost more to hire. However, if you have a larger group, hiring a bigger minibus can be more cost-effective than renting multiple smaller vehicles.
As it generally goes, the larger the minibus, the higher the cost. However, if you are travelling with a large group hiring a bigger minibus can be cost-effective instead of renting a vehicle.
Duration of Hire
The length of time you need the minibus will significantly impact on the total cost. Most companies offer the following options:
The amount of time that you will be using the minibus will also significantly impact the cost. Most companies offer the following options:
- Hourly hire (minimum 4-6 hours)
- Daily hire (24 hours)
- Weekly hire
- Long-term hire (monthly or longer)
When you hire a minibus for a more extended period of time, the hourly rate of the minibus becomes lower. For example: hiring a minibus for 24 hours may be cheaper than hiring a bus for 6 hours.
Time of Year
The cost of hiring a minibus also depends on which time of the year you are hiring it. In the peak season when the demand is high the prices might be higher. It includes:
- Summer months (June to August)
- School holidays
- Major events or festivals in London
Booking during off-peak seasons can lead to substantial savings.
Day of the Week
Generally, if you hire a minibus on the weekends, it will be more expensive as compared to weekdays. If you have a flexible schedule, you should make a booking for the weekdays.
Distance and Route
Most of the minibus hire companies will charge you based on the distance you travel. Which means the further you travel, the more you pay. But there are some companies that give unlimited mileage options if you are hiring minibuses for a longer period of time.
Driver Inclusion
You get two options when you are hiring a minibus:
- Self-Driven: When you drive the vehicle yourself or someone from your group.
- With Driver: When you hire a professional driver for your trip.
It is usually expensive to hire a minibus with driver, but it also comes with several benefits:
- Stress-free travel
- Experienced with local routes and traffic
- There is no need to worry about finding someone from your group with a special driving license for the minibus.
Additional Services
Adding extra features to your ride can add to the base cost of minibus hire. These might include:
- GPS navigation
- Wi-Fi
- Entertainment systems
- Luggage trailers
- Wheelchair accessibility
To keep the trip budget friendly you should only opt for the services that are essential for your trip.
Average Costs for Minibus Hire in London
The prices for minibus hire can vary significantly based on all these factors here is a rough idea what you might need to pay when you hire a minibus in London
- 8-seater minibus: £60-£100 per day
- 12-seater minibus: £80-£120 per day
- 16-seater minibus: £100-£150 per day
If you also hire a professional driver for your minibus, you can add an additional £70- £150 depending upon the distance and the duration of your trip.
Note: These are just the average prices, the actual prices can be changed to higher or lower based on your specific requirements and the company you select to hire minibus from.
Hidden Costs
While planning your trip make sure you are aware of some of the additional cost that you have to pay:
Fuel charges: There are some companies that might charge you some extra money if you use more fuel, this is mostly with longer trips.
Congestion Charge: you might need to pay an additional charge if the route of your trip goes through central London during the chargeable hour.
Parking Fees: Based on your trip plan, you might also need to pay some parking charges where you will park the minibus.
Insurance Excess: Make sure to check the insurance policy of the vehicle you are hiring and beware of any extra charges. In case of an accident, you might be liable to pay.
Late Return Fees: You also have to pay extra charges if you return your minibus later than the date and time you agreed to return.
Cleaning Fees: Before returning the minibus, make sure the bus is cleaned properly as returning it in a dirty condition may require you to pay an extra cleaning charge.
Tips for Saving Money on Minibus Hire in London
Advance Booking: Booking in advance ensures better availability of the required vehicle and may get you some discount.
Compare Quotes: Make sure you don’t go for the first quote you receive. Always compare prices from multiple companies to select a suitable package.
Be Flexible with Dates: If possible, Book your minibus to travel on off-peak days and seasons for your trip.
Consider Self-Drive: If you or someone in your group is comfortable driving a larger vehicle and has a valid license to drive it, self-drive hire can be significantly cheaper.
Opt for a Slightly Larger Vehicle: Sometimes there is not so much difference between the prices of two different sized minibus but choosing a bigger minibus will provide more comfort and luggage space.
Look for Package Deals: If you are travelling to a popular route some companies offer package deals.
Check for Group Discounts: If you’re planning multiple trips or have a large group, ask about potential discounts.
Summary
You should do proper research and find a reputable minibus hire service when planning your trip. A credible company will ensure that you have the most safe, comfortable, and incident-free journey at an appropriate price. Whether it’s a corporate event, family outing, or school trip, they must be able to fulfil the specific needs of that event. Remember, probably the best option may not exactly be the cheapest one, as other features will be checked first, like the quality of the minibus, reliability of service, and professionalism of drivers. After enough consideration of these factors, you’ll be assured of hiring a minibus service for a successful group tour.