Minibus Hire Guide (2021)

If you want to know how to hire a minibus, we’ve developed this guide to give you an overview of everything you need to know to make the process simple and stress-free.

How many people can fit in a minibus?

You can source minibuses in a range of sizes to suit your group. At Sydney Minibus Hire we offer you a choice of 12 seat or 21 seat buses, however it’s important to remember that this number includes the driver (for example, a 12 seat minibus will be able to carry 11 passengers).

It’s also important to think about how much luggage you will have with you and whether you will need to request a luggage trailer with your minibus.

What should I look for in a minibus?

This really depends on what your requirements are. As a minimum, you want some assurance from the hire company that the vehicle has been well maintained so you won’t find yourself broken down on the side of a freeway.

You should also ask if the vehicle includes all the features you want, whether it be air conditioning, automatic transmission, power steering, reversing cameras or a good sound system.

If it’s also important to you that the vehicle is well presented, make sure you ask the hire company if it will be a late-model vehicle, if there are any promotional stickers or signage on the vehicle and if they can guarantee the vehicle will be expertly cleaned and detailed.

Do you need a special licence to drive a minibus?

If you are hiring a 12 seat minibus, you do not need a special licence as they can be driven with a standard Australian or overseas car driver licence.

However, if you are hiring a 21 seat minibus, you will need an Australian Light Rigid (LR) licence (or higher). If you hold an overseas drivers licence, you will need to be licenced to drive that size vehicle in your home country.

What can I do if I don’t want to drive the minibus myself?

If you would prefer not to do the driving, some hire companies will give you the option to request a driver for the duration of the booking.

At Sydney Minibus Hire we offer a charter service where we’ll take care of everything for you. We will provide a fully licenced, uniformed driver to transport your group to and from your event/s. We can cater to any request, whether you need multiple stops, a multi-day service or of you have different pick-up and drop-off locations.

Do I need to pay for insurance?

Many minibus hire companies will charge you fees in addition to the cost of the hire for insurance.

At Sydney Minibus Hire, the price we quote you includes both comprehensive insurance and emergency roadside assistance, so you won’t be up for any additional costs when you collect the vehicle. We also offer you the option to reduce your excess if you want added peace of mind.

Will I have to pay for add-ons like a GPS or baby seat?

Most minibus hire companies will charge you additional fees if you request any add-ons with your booking, such as a GPS navigation system, a baby or booster seat or a luggage trailer. Many will also charge you extra if you want to add additional drivers to the booking.

When you hire a minibus through Sydney Minibus Hire, the cost of any add-ons you request are all included in the price we quote you. Because we include any add-ons in the cost of the booking, you’ll know exactly how much the hire will cost from the get-go.