Group travel: people carrier, 8 seater or 16 seater?
Travelling with family, friends or colleagues?
When a group needs to get somewhere together, the first question is always the same: which vehicle? Splitting a group across several cars means more pickups, more phone calls and more chances of someone being left behind. One vehicle of the right size keeps everyone together and is often better value. Here is how to choose.
Start with two numbers
Before you look at vehicles, you need two numbers.
- Passengers. Count everyone, including babies and children. Every person needs a seat.
- Luggage. Count big cases, cabin bags, pushchairs, golf bags and anything else that goes in the back.
Our booking form uses these numbers to show only the vehicles that fit. Get them right and the choice almost makes itself.
People carrier: up to 5 passengers
Our people carrier takes five passengers with luggage. It suits a family of four or five going on holiday, or a small group of friends. With five people on board, there is room for normal holiday cases, but not a huge amount extra.
If there are five of you and you are packing heavily, or bringing golf bags or skis, it may be worth going up a size.
Executive people carrier
Our executive people carrier is a Mercedes V-Class or similar. It is the comfortable option for small groups: business teams, wedding parties or families on a long trip such as to Heathrow or a cruise port. There is good space for passengers and bags, and it is a much nicer place to spend a few hours.
8 seater minibus
The 8 seater is the vehicle we use most for groups. It takes up to eight passengers with holiday luggage, around one large case and one small bag each. It suits:
- larger families or two families travelling together
- groups of friends going on holiday
- golf trips, with room for clubs
- small work teams
- stag and hen groups
If there are six or seven of you with a lot of luggage, an 8 seater gives you the space the empty seats provide.
16 seater bus
For bigger groups, our 16 seater bus takes everyone in one go. It is popular for:
- weddings, moving guests between the ceremony, the reception and hotels
- sports teams and clubs
- works outings and team days
- group airport transfers
- school and university trips
Luggage space depends on how many seats are in use. A full bus of 16 with big holiday cases each can be tight, so tell us exactly what you have. For airport trips with a lot of luggage, two 8 seaters can sometimes work better.
When to book two vehicles
One vehicle is usually simplest, but not always. Two smaller vehicles may suit you better if:
- the group is bigger than 16
- half the group is starting from a different town
- you have far more luggage than one vehicle can take
- some of the group are coming home on a different flight
Call us if you are not sure and we will help you work it out.
Pickups for groups
If you can, meet at one address. It is quicker and cheaper than several stops. Make sure the place you choose is somewhere a large vehicle can stop safely. Narrow residential streets and private drives can be hard for a 16 seater. A main road or a car park is often better.
If you do need several pickups, add them as stops when you book, in a sensible order. Each stop adds time.
Children in groups
Children count as passengers, and children in car seats take up more room. Child seats and booster seats are free with us. Add them when you book and tell us the ages.
Long trips
For long journeys, such as to Heathrow, Gatwick or a cruise port, comfort matters more. A group that would squeeze into a people carrier for a 20-minute run to Manchester Airport may be much happier in an 8 seater for four hours. Drivers will stop for a break if you ask, and it helps to mention it when you book if you are travelling with young children.
Book early in busy periods
Minibuses are in high demand in school holidays, at weekends in the wedding season and around big events. Book as soon as your dates are fixed.
One contact on the day
Give us one lead contact with a mobile number. That person should know the plan and be ready to answer the driver. It saves a lot of confusion.
Paying for a group
The price is for the vehicle, not per person, which often makes group travel good value. We take card only. The organiser pays online by card when booking.
Book your group vehicle
Enter the number of passengers and suitcases, your pickup and your destination. The booking form will show the vehicles that fit, each with a fixed price. Book your group transport online, or call 0161 660 4006 to plan something bigger.
