Coaches for hire: questions to ask

Do I need a coach, or would a minibus or bus be better?

When deciding on the type of coach that you need, it's not just the number of passengers that you need to consider.

Think also about the destination: is there room for a large coach or will it only be able to accommodate smaller minibuses?

What facilities do I need on my coach?

These days you don't need to settle for tatty curtains and worn-out upholstery. Most coaches for hire come with flushing toilets, air conditioning and tea and coffee facilities. Many also offer DVDs and wi-fi and some even have kitchens and conference facilities.

Think about the length of time you will be on the coach and the nature of the event—luxury facilities aren't always necessary on short trips, but can make a huge difference if you're travelling long distances.

What about seatbelts on coaches for hire?

The law requires that all minibuses and coaches for hire registered on or after 1 October 2001 must have forward-facing or rearward-facing seat belts for all passengers.

When the main purpose of the coach trip is to transport three or more children, minibuses and coaches for hire registered before this date must have a forward-facing seat for each child, fitted with either a three-point seat belt or a lap belt. It is particularly important to check this if there will be children on your coach for hire.

How many quotes should you get before booking a coach?

Get as many quotes as possible. Shopping around can make a big difference to what you end up paying for your minibus or coach for hire.

Make sure you are comparing like for like, taking into account the age of the coach, its capacity, and facilities on offer, and so on.

If one quote is substantially lower than the others, there will probably be a good reason for this, so check the small print.

Should I use an agent to book my coach for hire?

If you haven't got time to call lots of companies to investigate coaches for hire, you can use an agent who will find you the best price. Don't forget that you will be paying the agent's fee on top, though.