If you are planning a group inter-city sight-seeing trip from Washington DC, excursion, or any small event that requires group transportation, then the minibus rental might just be the best choice for you, depending on how many people are involved of course.

Mini-buses are quite possibly the most commonly used type of buses in Washington DC and around the world. So why exactly are they so popular? Let’s find out!

In this article, we explore why the minibus is the best option for group travel, the factors influencing rental costs, and the amenities available on a minibus.

What Exactly is A Minibus Rental?

While this may seem like an obvious question, it is still important to define exactly what a minibus is. Have you seen those half-sized buses on the road and asked yourself, who rents these, and for what reason? They’re not as big as a school bus or charter buses, but they appear bigger than your average van or truck.

A minibus is generally described as a vehicle that carries between 14 to 25 passengers.

Why Should I Hire A bus Rental Over a Charter Bus?

Here are several reasons why you should definitely give minibuses a try for your group trip:

Convenience- need I say more? All you need to do is show up at the designated pick-up point. You will be driven to your destination and back to your designated drop-off point.

  • Designated driver- for most group retreats, there’s probably going to be alcohol involved. No one wants to refrain from having their drink simply because they have to drive. With a chartered minibus, you and your friends can all enjoy a drink without worrying about getting behind the wheel.

  • Comfort- a minibus provides you with a level of comfort that most public ground modes of transport will not provide you with. A minibus comes fitted with air conditioning, WIFI, sufficient legroom, reclining seats, air conditioning, and charging ports.

  • Affordability- being that the total price of hiring the bus is split per passenger, the cost of traveling in a charter bus is extremely affordable compared to other modes of transport. The comfort provided is definitely an added bonus once you consider the price.

  • Safety-according to the US Department of Transportation Bureau of Transport Statistics, traveling by bus is 46 times safer than traveling by car and 2 times safer than flying. You may also get a SAFER Company Snapshot of the charter bus company on the Federal Motorcoach Safety Administration Website. The snapshot will provide you the company’s rating and safety records as well as an accident record and a record of out-of-service violations.

Easy on the environment- look at it this way, if you choose to take a minibus shuttle service, you will most probably be taking around 20 cars off the road. Yay for lesser carbon emissions!

Do Mini-buses Provide Protection From Covid-19

Given that we are still very much in the middle of a pandemic, everyone is trying as much as possible to minimize their exposure to germs. Minibus rentals provide you with an environment that nearly mirrors that of a group quarantine. As opposed to public shuttle buses where many different people get on and off the bus, a charter bus carries the same group of people throughout the entire trip.

However, it is important to get screened for the virus prior to the trip to further ensure the safety of all passengers. Additionally, minibus rental companies have stepped up their cleaning procedures and taken to disinfecting the buses after every trip.

How Much Does Renting The Minibus Bus Cost in Washington DC?

The cost of a charter bus/minibus rental may vary due to various reasons such as:

  • The duration of the trip- while minibuses are mainly used for day trips, it may be wise to look into your trip’s itinerary prior to booking. That being said, longer trips may be costly compared to day trips.

  • The season of travel- you may expect higher prices during peak seasons such as the springtime.

  • The size of the coach- the smaller mini-buses are often quite cheaper than the bigger charter bus rentals. Additionally, the bigger the bus, the more fuel it consumes, which translates into your rental costs as well. Ensure you are sure of your headcount prior to booking the bus. You do not want to be stuck with a much smaller or bigger bus than you need.

  • Amenities- if you require a bus with special equipment such as audiovisual equipment, then you might have to pay slightly more for it than for your normal bus rental.

Are Mini Buses Handicap Accessible?

The Americans With Disabilities Act requires minibus rental companies to provide wheel-chair accessible buses on request. Because not every bus in a company’s fleet will be fitted with wheelchair lifts, it is important to let the company know that you require one while you’re booking to ensure that it is reserved for your group.

Do Mini Buses Have Washrooms like the Charter Bus Rental?

Perhaps because they are used for short trips, most minibuses do not come fitted with a washroom. This is one of the differences between a minibus and a charter bus rental.

Can I Drive The Mini Bus?

Perhaps you are looking to save on costs for the trip and would prefer to drive yourself to the destination. To do this, most companies require you to be over the age of 25 and possess a Category D1 license.

When Should I Book My Mini Bus?

Sprinter buses are commonly used as shuttle services for events like corporate conferences, weddings, and couple retreats. Considering thousands of such-like events occur across the country, the earlier you book, the better!

It is highly recommended that you book your bus three to four months in advance. Remember to be sure about your headcount to avoid ending up with a much smaller or bigger bus than you require.

Which Mini Bus Company Should I Use?

Select your minibus rental company of choice based on your budget, location, and size of the group.

Remember to read the terms and conditions of your minibus rental service of choice so that you are well informed about the nitty-gritty terms such as damage fines and insurance terms.

Because you are now equipped with everything you need to know about using a minibus in Washington DC, we are confident that you will be able to choose the best for your group transportation needs. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us for all your transportation needs.