Choose a minibus for up to 16 people, a mini coach for 16 to 24, a midi coach for 25 to 35, and a full-size coach for 36 or more. If your group sits between two sizes, take the larger one so everyone travels together with room for luggage.
Picking the right vehicle is the question we are asked most often, and getting it right saves money and hassle. Too small and you are booking a second vehicle or leaving luggage behind. Too large and you are paying for empty seats. This guide breaks down each option by group size, comfort, and the kind of journey it suits best.
What is the difference between a minibus and a coach?
The main difference is size and comfort. A minibus is a smaller vehicle, usually up to 16 seats, suited to short local journeys. A coach is larger, with more comfortable seating, luggage space, and features suited to longer trips. A mini coach sits between the two, offering coach comfort at a smaller capacity.
Vehicle size guide by group
Use this table as a starting point, then confirm the exact vehicle with us based on luggage and journey type.
| Vehicle | Typical seats | Best for |
| Minibus | Up to 16 | Small groups, short local runs, quick transfers |
| Mini coach | 16 to 24 | Small group comfort, longer journeys, executive travel |
| Midi coach | 25 to 35 | Medium groups, a group of 30 fits comfortably with luggage |
| Full-size coach | 36 to more | Large groups, school years, conferences, long distance |
The minibus: up to 16 people
A minibus is the right call for small groups making short journeys, such as a quick airport run or a local outing. It is easy to manoeuvre and cost-effective, but has less luggage space and fewer comfort features than a coach.
The mini coach: 16 to 24 people
A mini coach gives you coach-level comfort, air conditioning, and luggage space at a smaller capacity. It suits small groups on longer journeys, executive travel, and trips where comfort matters more than headcount.
The midi coach: 25 to 35 people
The midi coach is the sweet spot for medium groups. A group of 30 fits comfortably with room for luggage, which makes it a popular choice for department outings, smaller school groups, and airport transfers.
The full-size coach: 36 or more
When the group is large, a full-size coach keeps everyone together in one vehicle with one departure time. It is the standard choice for full school year groups, conferences, sports teams, and long-distance travel.
What size coach do I need for 30 people?
A group of 30 people is best suited to a midi coach of around 33 to 35 seats. This seats everyone comfortably with space for luggage, and keeps the group in one vehicle rather than splitting across two minibuses.
How to choose: three quick questions
- How many people? Start with headcount, then round up to the next size for comfort.
- How much luggage? Airport and multi-day trips need coach luggage space, which rules out a minibus for larger groups.
- How long is the journey? Longer trips are far more comfortable in a coach than a minibus.
See the Voyage coach fleet
Still not sure? We will help you choose If your group falls between sizes, or you are not certain how much luggage space you need, tell us the details and we will recommend the right vehicle. As a family-run operator since 1957, we would rather get you in the right coach than the biggest one.
FAQs
What is the difference between a minibus and a coach?
The main difference is size and comfort. A minibus seats up to around 16 people and suits short local journeys. A coach is larger, with more comfortable seating and luggage space, and is better for longer trips. A mini coach sits between the two, offering coach comfort at a smaller capacity.
What size coach do I need for 30 people?
A group of 30 people is best suited to a midi coach of around 33 to 35 seats. This seats everyone comfortably with room for luggage and keeps the group together in one vehicle rather than splitting across two minibuses.
How many people fit in a mini coach?
A mini coach typically seats between 16 and 24 people. It offers coach-level comfort, air conditioning, and luggage space at a smaller capacity, which makes it ideal for small groups on longer journeys.
Is a minibus or a coach better for a long journey?
For a long journey, a coach is more comfortable than a minibus. Coaches have better seating, more legroom, air conditioning, and proper luggage space, all of which make a noticeable difference on longer trips.
What happens if my group is between two sizes?
If your group falls between two vehicle sizes, we recommend taking the larger option. It gives everyone more comfort and keeps space for luggage. Tell us your numbers and luggage and we will confirm the best fit.