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Frequently asked questions
Everything customers ask us before, during and after booking a coach or minibus. If your question isn't here, contact us and we will add it.
Quotes and booking
How do I get a coach hire price?
Enter your pickup, destination, dates, passenger numbers and budget on the enquiry form and verify your mobile number. We agree the price with a licensed operator near you and send you one all-in figure. It takes about two minutes.
How soon will I receive a price?
Usually within a few hours on a working day. We text and email you as soon as it is ready.
Can I change the journey after I've submitted it?
Yes, from your enquiry page or by replying to our email. We check the change with the operator and confirm any difference in price before anything is booked.
How long is a quote valid for?
Each operator sets a validity date, shown on the quote. Coaches book up fast for weekends and summer, so accept promptly if the price works.
Do I pay through Coach Hire Now?
No. You pay the operator directly at the quoted price. We never charge customers a fee.
Can I pay cash on the day?
That depends on the operator. Most take a deposit at booking and the balance by bank transfer or card before travel. Their payment terms are shown on the quote.
How do I cancel a booking?
Contact the operator as early as possible. Their cancellation terms were shown on the quote. You can also tell us through your enquiry page so our records are correct.
Prices
How much does it cost to hire a coach?
A 49 to 53 seater coach typically costs £350 to £480 for a half day and £550 to £750 for a full day, excluding VAT. Weekends, school holidays, long distances and executive specification cost more.
How much does it cost to hire a minibus?
A 16 seater minibus with driver typically costs £220 to £320 for a half day and £380 to £520 for a full day, excluding VAT.
Is a minibus cheaper than a coach?
For groups under 16, yes. For larger groups a single coach is almost always cheaper than two minibuses.
Are tolls, Congestion Charge and Clean Air Zone fees included?
Operators state these explicitly in their quote. Most include them where the route requires it. Check the inclusions before accepting.
Vehicles and drivers
What sizes of coach can I book?
From 8 seater minibuses to 70+ seater double deckers. Common sizes are 16, 29, 35, 49 and 53 seats. Tell us your passenger count and operators will suggest the right vehicle.
Can I book an executive or luxury coach?
Yes. Choose executive in the vehicle preference and only operators with suitable vehicles will quote. Executive coaches usually have reclining leather seats, a toilet, Wi-Fi and USB charging.
Do coaches have seat belts?
Yes. All coaches and minibuses first used since 2001 must have seat belts and passengers are legally required to wear them.
Do coaches have toilets?
Most full-size and executive coaches do. Minibuses and midi coaches usually do not. Select the toilet extra in the enquiry form if you need one.
Are there wheelchair accessible vehicles?
Yes. Choose the accessible option in the enquiry form and only operators with lift-equipped vehicles will be matched.
Can we drink alcohol on the coach?
That is the operator's decision and many allow it for private hire, within reason. Alcohol is not permitted on coaches travelling to designated sporting events. Ask in your enquiry notes.
What is the speed limit for a coach?
Coaches are limited to 70 mph on motorways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and 50 mph on single carriageways, and most are fitted with a 62 mph limiter. Journey times are planned accordingly.
Safety and trust
How are operators vetted?
We verify the PSV operator licence against the public register and check insurance certificates before an operator can quote. Expiry dates are tracked and expired documents pause matching.
What happens if the coach doesn't turn up?
You will have the operator's and driver's details before travel. Contact them first. Then tell us through your enquiry page; operators with no-shows are suspended from the platform.
Are reviews genuine?
Yes. Reviews are collected from customers the day after travel and operators cannot edit or remove them.
Who has my personal data?
Operators see your journey, not your identity. Only the operator you accept receives your name and contact details. See our privacy policy for full detail.
Ready to book your coach?
Two minutes to tell us your journey. One clear all-in price from a licensed operator near you. No fees, no obligation.
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