The Midi-Coach: Room for Thirty, Easier on Old Streets

Between a minibus and a full coach sits the midi-coach, with about 29 to 35 seats. It suits a club, a wedding party or a department that has outgrown a minibus but would rattle around in a 57-seater.

Why groups pick it

It copes with narrow old-town streets and small venues better than a full-size coach, yet still has room for bags, under the floor or at the back, though less than a big coach. For a wedding loop between hotels, a company shuttle or a day trip with a picnic, that balance works nicely.

It also keeps a mid-size group under one roof. Two minibuses can split up during the day; a midi-coach means one driver, one timetable and one place to meet.

Midsize coach cabin with forward-facing seats

On board

On a single occasional coach trip, national or international, the driver may postpone the weekly rest for up to 12 days
EU drivers' hours apply: at most 9 hours of driving a day (10 hours twice a week) and a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours
It is run under a public transport authorisation, like a full-size coach (LOTT art. 42)
With more than 16 passenger seats, or more than 8 m long, it needs a category D licence rather than D1
Easier than a full-size coach in narrow old-town streets and at small venues

Licence and paperwork

With more than 16 passenger seats, or a length over 8 m, the driver needs the full category D licence rather than a D1. The vehicle runs under a public transport authorisation, exactly as a full-size coach does.

A week on the road

Drivers' hours shape the longer days: nine hours of driving at most, ten on two days a week, with 45 minutes off after four and a half hours. On a one-off touring trip the weekly day of rest can be pushed back by up to 12 days, at home or abroad, which lets the same driver see a week-long circuit through.

An Andalusian week from Sevilla to Córdoba, about 142 km, and on to Granada, about 163 km more, fits easily inside those limits and leaves whole afternoons free in each city.

What travellers ask us

Will thirty people with suitcases fit?

Usually, for a transfer. For a full week of luggage, ask about the hold size; a full-size coach has more room underneath.

Is it better than two minibuses?

It keeps everyone together with one driver. Two minibuses give more flexibility if the group wants to split up during the day.

Are there seat belts?

Belts must be worn wherever fitted, and passengers are reminded at the start of the trip by the driver, the guide or signs at each seat.