How much does hiring cost a 9, 12 and 16 seater minibus in the UK?
When planning group trips in the UK, hiring a minibus is often a convenient and cost-effective option. Whether it’s for a family outing, a corporate event, or an airport transfer, minibuses provide a practical solution for transporting groups. However, understanding the costs associated with hiring a 9-seater, 12-seater, or 16-seater minibus can help you plan your trip more effectively. In this guide, we’ll delve into the various factors that affect the cost of minibus hire in the UK and provide an overview of typical price ranges.
Key Factors Influencing Minibus Hire Costs
The cost of hiring a minibus in the UK is determined by several factors. These include:
Size of the Minibus: The seating capacity of the minibus directly affects the rental price. A larger minibus, such as a 16-seater, will generally cost more than a 9-seater due to its higher capacity and potentially larger fuel consumption.
Duration of Hire: Rentals can be for a few hours, a day, or an extended period. Daily rates tend to decrease if you hire the vehicle for multiple days.
Distance Travelled: If you plan on covering long distances, companies may charge additional fees based on mileage, especially if you exceed a predetermined limit.
Driver vs. Self-Drive: Some minibus hires come with a professional driver, which adds to the overall cost. If you opt for a self-drive minibus hire, the price may be lower, but you will need the appropriate licence to operate the vehicle.
Location: Where you hire the minibus can also impact the cost.
Additional Services: Extras like insurance, fuel, or additional drivers can also affect the total cost.
The cost of minibus hire can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above. Below is a breakdown of average hire costs for 9-seater, 12-seater, and 16-seater minibuses in the UK.
1. 9-Seater Minibus Hire
A 9-seater minibus is a popular choice for small groups, such as families or groups of friends travelling together. These vehicles are typically more affordable than larger minibuses and offer a balance between comfort and cost.
Average Daily Cost: The cost to hire a 9-seater minibus ranges from £90 to £150 per day.
Weekly Hire: For extended trips, weekly hire rates tend to range from £600 to £900.
Self-Drive vs. Driver: Self-drive options may cost around £100 to £130 per day, while adding a driver could increase the cost to between £130 and £150 per day.
2. 12-Seater Minibus Hire
A 12-seater minibus is ideal for slightly larger groups, such as small sports teams, extended families, or corporate trips. It offers more seating capacity than a 9-seater, making it a versatile option for various purposes.
Average Daily Cost: The cost to hire a 12-seater minibus typically ranges from £120 to £180 per day.
Weekly Hire: Weekly hire rates usually range from £800 to £1,200, depending on the distance and additional services.
Self-Drive vs. Driver: The cost for a self-drive 12-seater is around £130 to £160 per day. Hiring the vehicle with a driver may increase the price to between £160 and £180 per day.
3. 16-Seater Minibus Hire
The 16-seater minibus is the largest standard option available for hire and is ideal for large groups, such as school outings, corporate events, or group holidays. Due to its size, the 16-seater is generally more expensive to hire compared to smaller minibuses.
Average Daily Cost: Hiring a 16-seater minibus ranges from £150 to £250 per day.
Weekly Hire: For longer trips, weekly rates typically range from £1,000 to £1,500, depending on the distance covered and the duration of the hire.
Self-Drive vs. Driver: Self-drive hire for a 16-seater may cost around £150 to £200 per day. If you require a driver, the cost can increase to between £200 and £250 per day.
