If you are wondering how to hire a minibus, start by checking availability for your date, work out how many people are travelling, set the times and route, and ask a transport company with drivers for a written quote. At Torres Bus, a vehicle with up to 16 seats costs from €160 for a one-way transfer and from €640 for an 8-hour excursion, VAT not included (currently 10%). The booking is confirmed with a 50% payment, or 100% if there are fewer than 7 working days to go.
What is the difference between a minibus, a microbus and a coach?
The main difference is the number of seats. In our fleet, minibuses (also called microbuses) have 16 or 25 seats, and coaches 35, 38, 54 or 70. For groups of up to 7 people there is also a VIP minivan, and for 3, a VIP saloon.
People often assume that a lot of luggage means a bigger vehicle. We don’t change it: 16 people with one large suitcase each fit perfectly in the 16-seater minibus, because the suitcases go in the luggage hold.
How to hire a minibus step by step
Most people start by counting how many of you there are and where you are going. We ask for the date first, because it is essential to check whether we have availability. From there, this is how to hire a minibus in seven steps:
- Give the date. It is used to confirm whether a vehicle is available.
- Count the seats. Include every passenger.
- Define the service. Transfer, excursion, wedding or vehicle at your disposal by the hour.
- Fill in the details. Departure and return times, pick-up point, destination and stops.
- Ask for a written quote. Using the quote request page or on +34 607 372 252. We reply within 24 hours.
- Check what is included. VAT, tolls, parking and the hours contracted.
- Book. You pay 50% by bank transfer or card, and the rest at least 7 working days before the service.
How far in advance should you book a minibus?
The usual advice is simply to book “in good time”. We give specific lead times, because each service needs a different margin:
- Wedding: at least 1 month.
- Excursion: 7 days.
- Airport transfer: 24 hours.
Spring and autumn are our high season, so bear that in mind when choosing the date: knowing how to hire a minibus also means knowing when to do it.
How do I pay if I book at the last minute?
Normally you pay part when booking and the rest later. We do the same, except when you book with fewer than 7 working days’ notice: then we charge 100% at the time of booking, because there is no time left for the second payment.
How much does it cost to hire a minibus with driver?
Hiring a vehicle with driver in Madrid for 9 to 16 people costs from €160 for a one-way transfer. The final price depends on the date, the route and the times.
| Seats | One-way transfer | 8-hour excursion | Wedding, return trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 to 16 | from €160 | from €640 | from €595 |
| 17 to 20 | from €180 | from €695 | from €695 |
| 21 to 30 | from €240 | from €795 | from €795 |
Prices for a standard vehicle, VAT not included (currently 10%). They include the driver and passenger insurance. Tolls and parking depend on the route and are shown in the quote.
For example, an 8-hour excursion for 16 people from €640 comes to €704 with VAT, about €44 per person.
Two quotes are usually compared on price. We put the emphasis on our new fleet and on the Company of the Year 2026 award in Charter Transport from the magazine Autobuses & Autocares. Before deciding, check those points with your provider.
Do I need a special licence to hire a minibus?
No, if you hire it with a driver, and all our vehicles are hired that way. To drive one yourself, a category B licence only covers vehicles with up to 9 seats including the driver. Up to 16 passengers you need a D1 licence and, above that, a D.
Which suits me better: a transfer or a minibus at your disposal?
Choose a transfer if you only need to go from one point to another, and a vehicle at your disposal if you will make several stops or have no fixed timetable. At your disposal, you hire the vehicle from a couple of hours up to 12 and tell the driver where to go.
How can I hire a minibus if wedding guests are leaving from several places? Give each pick-up point when you ask for a quote and we will coordinate vehicles and times.
Which is better for a group of 20 people, several cars or a minibus? A single vehicle keeps the group together and saves coordinating around five cars, with their drivers and parking.
How many return trips should you book for a wedding?
Usually a single return trip at the end is booked. We recommend 2 services, because there are always guests who want to go back earlier and they need to be looked after.
The mistake we see most often, especially with large groups, is that at the end of the event there are more passengers than were booked. That is why we recommend adding another minibus.
How many hours can the driver work?
With a single driver, the service can last a maximum of 12 consecutive hours a day, and with two drivers, up to 19. In addition:
- After 4 and a half hours of driving, the driver must take a 45-minute break.
- The driver may not drive more than 9 hours a day.
- On trips of several days, the driver rests at least 11 consecutive hours between working days.
What happens if I have to cancel?
The cost depends on how many days are left before departure:
| Cancellation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 16 days before | €50 handling fee |
| 15 to 4 days before | 50% of the total |
| 3 to 0 days before | 100% of the total |
You will find the details in our terms and conditions of hire.
Ask for your quote
Now you know how to hire a minibus: tell us the dates, number of passengers and route, and we will prepare a no-obligation quote. Torres Bus has been transporting groups since 1960 and received the Company of the Year 2026 award in Charter Transport from the magazine Autobuses & Autocares.
Request a quote or call +34 607 372 252.