Minibus Hire Prices
Minibus hire prices and rates are dictated by many differing factors. These are explained in a little bit more detail below, but suffice to say that the minibus hire or minibus price that you get quoted may not have all the factors taken into account.
Minibus Hire Price Factor 1: Size of minibus
It may appear obvious to some, but the larger the coach size then the more expensive the price of hire. A 16 seater minibus costs more to hire than a small 8 seater minibus for the day. Its important that you recognise how many passengers you are likely to have travelling, as if you over estimate then you may end up paying more for the minibus hire than you need to.
Minibus Hire Price Factor 2: Time of Year of hiring the minibus
Many travel and holiday companies experience seasonal demand and the coach hire industry is no different. Prices during the summer can be twice that of the quieter times of year. You can get cheaper minibus hire prices by booking your minibus as early as possible before your planned journey. Most people tend to book a month before the journey but if you can book earlier than that then quite often you can get cheaper prices.
Minibus Hire Price Factor 3: Length of Hire of the minibus
If you are booking a minibus, the longer you require the minibus for then the higher the minibus hire price paid. Sometimes you can split the journey to reduce the minibus hire price - this simply means that you don't keep the minibus with you all day.
Minibus Hire Price Factor 4: Specification of the minibus
Minibuses like coaches come in a wide range of specifications, but for the sake of simplifying this, they are usually referred to as Standard minibus Hire, Executive minibus Hire and Luxury minibus Hire. Coach hire prices for each one of these vary's markedly. Understandably, a coach that is equipped with DVD, Leather seating, tables and all manner of toys such as a PS3 and wireless Internet Access is going to command a far greater price. Our Coach Sizes page gives you more information.
Minibus Hire Price Factor 5: Local Events around the minibus hire.
When there are events scheduled in a particular geographical area that may require coach hire; supply of minibus hire is likely to be stretched and subsequently the price to hire a coach in these areas increase by some margin. Examples of some of these include The Edinburgh Festival, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, The Glastonbury Festival and Royal Ascot.
Coach Hire Booking can provide event transport for event organisers. If you are attending an event contact us in good time to ensure we are able to hire a coach within your budget.
Minibus Hire Price Factor 5: Geographical Area or Local Region
London and the South East
The price of minibus hire is also affected by where in the UK you are planning on travelling from or to. For example, coach hire prices in London and the South East of England can be significantly higher than elsewhere. Minibus hire prices in London are usually 20% higher than in other regions however, this is not a hard and fast rule. Some minibus companies in London provide very competitive pricing. Remember that if you are travelling to London, from October 2010, the LEZ charge may apply with a minibus that is not LEZ compliant.
Central England
Central England including Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester have competitive minibus hire pricing. Birmingham, being England's second largest conurbation outside of London has many minibus operators of varying degrees of price range.
Wales
Wales has a wide spread of different pricing depending upon where you want to hire a coach. Cardiff, or around Swansea the minibus prices tend to be more expensive. Remember also that if you want to cross the Severn Bridge, this incurs a charge of around £10.00
Scotland
Heading up to Scotland, minibus hire prices can vary markedly. Edinburgh commands higher minibus hire prices than Glasgow, but it is often the case that minibus companies just outside Edinburgh are far more competitive.