Sprinter-style executive minibus with a driver

The Sprinter-style minibus is the executive end of the small-vehicle range. It has about 9 to 16 seats and a luggage area behind the back row, and suits airport runs and small corporate groups.

Where it fits

It sits between an executive car and a midi coach. Use it when a board team, a family with luggage or a small client group wants to travel together rather than in three cars. It also works as a hotel-to-venue shuttle when numbers are small, and needs less kerb than a coach. Above 16 passengers, move up to a midi coach.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class passenger van, front view

Volkswagen Caravelle passenger van, front view

At a glance

Seats: 9-16
Luggage: Rear luggage area behind the last seat row

Typical features

With 9 or more passenger seats and a paid booking it is a public service vehicle: the operator needs a PSV operator's licence
The driver needs category D1 entitlement (up to 16 passenger seats, up to 8 m long)
In London, vehicles with 9 or more seats qualify for a 100% discount from the Congestion Charge
At Gatwick, vehicles with more than eight seats that are collecting passengers use the coach park on the South Terminal ring road

Rules that come with it

With 9 or more passenger seats and a paid booking it is a public service vehicle, run under a PSV operator's licence. The driver needs category D1, the licence for minibuses no longer than 8 m with no more than 16 passenger seats.

In central London, a 9-plus-seat vehicle gets the full Congestion Charge discount. Gatwick sends anything over eight seats to its South Terminal ring-road coach park while it waits for a pickup, so ring the driver once everyone has cleared arrivals.

Luggage and layout

The luggage area behind the last row is sized for the seats, not for golf bags and ski cases. If everyone has a large case, leave a seat or two free or ask about a bigger vehicle.

Interiors vary between vehicles. If a feature matters, ask for it by name; the quote will say what the vehicle has.

Questions

Is this different from a standard minibus?

Legally, no: the same licence category and operator licensing apply. The difference is the fit-out and comfort, which vary by vehicle.

How many passengers travel comfortably?

Sixteen is the maximum. With full-size luggage, many groups book it for ten to twelve.

Can it stay with us between meetings?

Yes, if the booking covers the whole day. Give the timings, and the plan will account for parking where you are and the driver's hours.