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Choosing the Best Bus Type for Your Group

by | Sep 16, 2020

You often hear of charter bus, minibus, entertainer bus or even party bus. But what are the major differences between them and which one of those would be ideal for your next trip?

Below you will find the structured breakdown between features of the various buses a rental service provides along further relevant information.

Quick navigation

  1. Charter Bus
  2. Minibus
  3. Luxury Van
  4. A Van
  5. An A/c Bus

Types of Buses

1. What is a Charter Bus?

A 50-Seater Kinglong Bus

Also known as a motor coach, a charter bus is a passenger vehicle ideal for group travel rented by both organisations and people. A licensed driver is responsible for picking passengers up from the starting point and drives along the route mentioned in their itinerary.

  • Capacity: Charter buses have a seating capacity ranging from 35 to 50 seats, which makes it the most suitable vehicle for corporate events, sports tournaments, family reunions, wedding guest transportation, and more. The most common seating capacity option is 50 seats.
  • Facilities: Recliner seats, Ac, a restroom, TV monitors and DVD player enables passengers to travel in comfort and luxury. If requested, bus rental companies may provide Wi-Fi and power outlets. 
  • Storage: The space under the bus is utilized to store luggage and equipment, while inside the bus, overhead bins hold personal belongings to keep aisle clear of obstructions.
  • Distance: Distance is not a real issue for charter buses as it has the facilities to accommodate long journeys, only thing you need to keep in mind is if the journey is too short to hire a charter bus.  
  • Terms of Rental: The specifics would vary between the bus rental companies however the pricing would be standardized by the hour,day or kilometers depending on your trip’s itinerary. For further information on rates, check out our detailed pricing guide 

2. What is a Minibus?

A 30-Seater Toyota Coaster

The Mini-Bus When the seating capacity of a bus is less than 35 people, its usually called a minibus or van. People use them as shuttles for airports, hotels, festivals, concerts, conferences, weddings, day trips, and more.

  • Capacity: With the seating capacity from 10 to 35 passengers, the most common seating capacity options are  22-34 seats. 
  • Facilities: Recliner seats, TV monitors, DVD players and air conditioning are available in minibuses. Newer models however are equipped with more, such as power outlets and Wi-Fi.
  • Storage: Overhead bins for small luggage and personal belongings are convenient for storage during short trips. Few minibuses even have a small truck at the rear of the bus for storing items. Inform the reservation specialist about the storage space required during the trip to avoid any problems regarding the same later on.
  • Distance: Ideally short distance commutes are managed using minibuses, however trips between Emirates are also undertaken by bus rental companies using minibuses. 
  • Terms of Rental: Depending on the trip itinerary, minibuses are rented by the hour, day or kilometers. 

3. What is a Luxury Van?

A 15-Seater Mercedes Sprinter

The  Luxury Van, as the name states acts as a luxurious motor option. Tourism, events, conventions, weddings and so on usually opt for luxury buses while on the road due to the ample space provided for the group to work, stay and have fun.

  • Capacity: The ideal capacity would depend on the vehicle ranging from 11 to 18 people. 
  • Facilities: Reclining Seats , MIC , AUX, TV, Wi-Fi and more.
  • Storage:  Compartments inside the bus can be used for personal belongings.
  • Distance: Luxury buses can be used for long-distance travel. 
  • Terms of Rental: Agreements for these buses vary from day to month to even yearly contracts for the right customers. 

4. What is a Van ?

A 12-Seater Toyota Hiace

A Van is a safe, reliable option for group travels. Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin with plush seating and modern amenities. You can store small bags and equipment in the below the seats to keep them safe during your trip.

  • Capacity: The ideal capacity for such a vehicle is 11 to 14 people depending on the vehicles range. 
  • Facilities: AUX, Wi-Fi and more.
  • Storage:  Personal belongings can be stored below the seats
  • Distance: A van can be used for long-distance travel. 
  • Terms of Rental: The specifics would vary between the bus rental companies however the pricing would be standardized by the hour, day or kilometers depending on your trip’s itinerary. For further information on rates, check out our detailed pricing guide 

5. What is an A/C Bus?

A Falcon 67-Seater (Ashok Leyland)

An A/C bus is a safe and reliable bus for long distances. Inside You’ll find excellent Interiors, Good Seats and sufficient air conditioning . Widely used for School and Labour Transportation due to the safety options and the strength the vehicle holds.

  • Capacity: With the seating capacity could vary from 60 or 67 passengers depending on the vehicle.
  • Facilities: Excellent Interiors, Good Seats, AC and Wi-Fi.
  • Storage: Overhead bins for small luggage and personal belongings are convenient for storage during short trips.
  • Distance: Ideal for long distance travels
  • Terms of Rental:  The specifics would vary between the bus rental companies however the pricing would be standardized by the hour, day or kilometers depending on your trip’s itinerary. For further information on rates, check out our detailed pricing guide 

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