# What size charter bus do I need for my group?

Source: https://bisoncharter.ca/guides/what-size-charter-bus-do-i-need/
Publisher: Bison Charter | Updated: 2026-10-14

## Quick answer

Pick the vehicle by headcount first, then by trip length and luggage. Up to 14 people fit a Sprinter van, 15–30 a mini coach, and 40–56 a full-size motorcoach. A school bus seats up to about 72 for short local trips. For anything over two hours, or with lots of luggage, choose a coach with a washroom and an under-floor luggage bay.

## Key facts

- 8–14 passengers is Sprinter van territory.
- 15–30 passengers fits a mini coach.
- 40–56 passengers needs a full-size motorcoach.
- School buses seat up to about 72 but suit short, in-province trips.
- Leave 10–15% of seats empty if you have bulky gear such as hockey bags or instruments.

## Quick sizing table


## Start with your headcount

Count everyone who will ride, including chaperones, coaches, the photographer and the driver's guest list if it's a wedding. Then pick the smallest vehicle that seats everyone. Booking much larger than you need wastes money; booking exactly at capacity can be uncomfortable on long trips.

## Then think about trip length

- **Under an hour:** comfort matters less. School buses and mini coaches work well.
- **One to three hours:** reclining seats and air conditioning matter. A mini coach or motorcoach is better.
- **Over three hours, or crossing the border:** you want a washroom, reclining seats and luggage bays, which means a motorcoach.

## Then luggage and equipment

| Group | What they carry | Plan for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hockey team | Large bags and sticks | A coach with under-floor bays, or leave extra seats empty |
| Wedding guests | Little or nothing | Any vehicle; prioritize door-to-door convenience |
| Band or choir | Instruments and cases | Under-floor bays, and tell operators the case sizes |
| Airport transfer | One suitcase each | A coach or a Sprinter with a rear luggage area |

## Two smaller vehicles or one big one?

Two mini coaches can beat one motorcoach when your group needs to be in two places at once, when venue parking is tight, or when guests leave at different times (a common wedding pattern: one early run, one late run). One large vehicle is usually cheaper otherwise.

## Accessibility

If anyone uses a wheelchair, say so in your request. Operators need to send a vehicle with a lift, and each wheelchair position typically replaces several regular seats.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many people fit on a charter bus?

A full-size motorcoach typically seats 49–56 passengers. Mini coaches seat about 15–30, Sprinter vans 8–14, and school buses up to about 72 for short trips.

### What's the difference between a coach and a bus?

"Coach" usually means a highway motorcoach with reclining seats, a washroom and luggage bays. "Bus" is often used for school or transit-style buses with simpler seating and no luggage storage.

### What vehicle should I book for 20 people?

A mini coach. It's comfortable for 20 with room for bags, and cheaper than a full-size coach.