Everything you need to know about minibuses
What is a minibus?
A minibus is a medium-sized vehicle that, depending on the make and model, can carry up to 30 passengers. It’s smaller than the busses you might catch into town, but larger than a car. Minibuses most closely resemble a van. They are boxed-shaped and have a high roof that makes it easy for passengers to stand and move between seats.
What are some common uses for minibuses?
You might have been a passenger on a minibus when going on a school trip or a sporting away day like a football match. They’re convenient for travelling in larger groups, without the need to book a full-sized coach.
How many seats does a minibus have?
Each minibus model is different, but the seating capacity typically ranges between eight and 30 seats. You can choose a size that suits the size of your group. If you are part of a big group that regularly travels to events, a larger model would be ideal. If you’re a smaller party, a more humbly-sized minibus will do the trick.
What licence do I need to drive a minibus?
You will only need a Standard Car Licence (Category B) if driving a smaller minivan model of eight passengers. The same licence applies to driving a minibus with up to 16 passengers, but you must meet certain conditions:
- Driving for voluntary purposes only with a non-commercial group.
- Have held a valid driving licence for a minimum of two years.
- Are at least 21 years old.
- The weight of the minibus must not exceed 3.5 tonnes, or 4.25 tonnes if equipped with disability features.
If you are driving up to 16 passengers for commercial reasons, such as a taxi service, you will need to have a Minibus Licence (Category D1). You must be 21 years old to be eligible for this level and have successfully passed theory and practical driving tests specific to minibuses.
Anyone driving models that carry more than 16 passengers must have a full Category D licence. If you are driving a model of that size for commercial purposes, you should also have a Driver CPC qualification.
Advantages of minibuses
Minibuses are a great way to keep your group together while traveling on the road. Since you won’t need to use multiple vehicles, you’ll save money on fuel costs.
If you are traveling with someone who has mobility issues or needs to travel with disability equipment, a minivan can be the ideal option. Most models are equipped with features like ramps or lifts, so wheelchair users can easily get on and off the vehicle.
Because minibuses are more compact than coaches or larger buses, they are easier to drive and park. Minibuses also boast several safety features, such as airbags and stability control and produce a lower rate of carbon emissions compared to larger vehicles.
Disadvantages of minibuses
Depending on your needs, even a large minibus might not be the right size for your group. The medium-sized vehicles also have less storage space than larger coaches, which can be a drawback for those travelling with a lot of luggage.
While a minibus is more fuel efficient than using multiple cars, you might still need to use more than one vehicle if there isn’t enough room for everyone in one minibus. Consider larger vehicles like a traditional bus or coach to save on fuel costs.
You might also drive on roads that are particularly narrow or go under low bridges. Plan your route ahead of time so you can find out whether your minibus will be the right vehicle for your journey.
What are the benefits of leasing a minibus?
Minibus leases offer incredible convenience in terms of costs and flexibility. You pay less upfront for the initial cost when leasing a minibus compared to buying one outright. This makes leasing much more appealing for new businesses just getting started. Lease agreements are also contracted to the same payments every month so you can better plan and budget your finances. Additionally, because lease agreements often include maintenance packages, you don’t have to worry about the costs of general upkeep.
A short-term minibus lease is available for those who only require the vehicle for a short time. With more flexible contract lengths, you can adjust your lease to your needs.
How much does it cost to lease a minibus?
The cost of a minibus lease varies depending on the vehicle model, length of lease, and contract provider. Synergy offers competitive packages on our minibus lease agreements, ranging between £400 and £800 per month with additional VAT. You can choose from a variety of deals on models to find a contract that best suits your needs.
Can my leased minibus be driven for personal use?
Yes, you can use your leased minibus for personal use, provided you have the appropriate lease. Make sure to check whether the leasing company allows personal use—some may only assist with commercial minibus leasing.
Popular minibus models to lease with Synergy
At Synergy, we boast an impressive range of minibuses you can lease on a contract that works for you.
Ford Transit Minibus
Our Ford Transit Minibus models come in a variety of sizes and package deals. Take your pick from vehicles that fit between 11 and 18 passengers. Options include automatic and manual transmission, and all are fuelled with diesel.
Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer
The Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer is one of our more luxurious minibuses available to lease. We currently offer three contract types on this nine-seater model, starting from £799.93 + VAT. Choose a contract length between 24 and 60 months and select either business or personal contract type to find out how much you could lease this premium minibus for.
Renault Traffic Minibus
Contract packages for the Renault Traffic Minibus are competitively priced. This nine-seater vehicle can be leased from as little as £402.87 + VAT, with great deals for contracts covering annual mileage of up to 30,000. It’s also available in a variety of colours.
VW Transporter Shuttle
Lease deals for the Volkswagen Transport Shuttle Minibus are among our most varied, meaning you’re even more likely to find a contract that works to your specific needs. Lease a minibus from just £499.02 + VAT for up to 48 months. It comes in four stylish colours so you can show personality while on the road.
Ford Tourneo Custom
The Ford Tourneo Custom Minibus can accommodate up to nine passengers, making it ideal for smaller groups that still require space. This minibus is one of our more varied package deals, with the cheapest option of a 36-month contract costing only £482.96 + VAT.
Why choose Synergy for minibus leasing?
At Synergy, we understand you deserve to find the right vehicle for the right deal. We boast a wide selection of minibus lease contracts for our models so you can find exactly what you need.
Simply select the minibus you are interested in leasing and browse our drop-down options for contract length, contract type, annual mileage, initial rental, and whether you require maintenance to find out exactly how good a deal you can get.
