How to Choose the Right Charter Bus Size in Melbourne
Choosing the right bus size is crucial when planning group transport. With charter bus hire Melbourne services offering various options, understanding which size suits your needs saves money and ensures everyone travels comfortably. At Alston Coaches, we've helped Melbourne groups since 2007 with our fleet of 80+ coaches across 200+ destinations.
Matching Bus Size to Your Group Numbers
Start with an accurate headcount, then add 10-15% extra capacity. If you have 38 passengers, book a 45-seater instead of a 40-seater. This buffer provides comfort, accommodates last-minute additions, and leaves room for luggage.
Consider your journey length and luggage requirements, especially for overnight stays or airport runs. With over 5.4 million kilometres of trusted mileage serving 400+ customers, we understand what works for different journey types.
Small Buses (7-24 passengers): When They Work Best
Our luxury vans (7-8 seaters), mini vans (11-13 passengers), and minibuses (18-24 passengers) suit corporate shuttles, airport transfers, wedding parties, and hens parties. They're perfect for navigating Melbourne's inner-city streets and parking at restaurants or wineries.
These buses are fuel-efficient and cost-effective for shorter journeys. Their compact size means easy access to venues with restricted parking—essential for Melbourne's CBD. All feature leather seating, USB ports, and Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
Medium Coaches (25-38 passengers): The Popular Choice
Our mid coaches are the most versatile option. They're perfect for school charters, corporate group travel, church groups, and mid-sized weddings. All include underfloor luggage compartments, leather seating, air conditioning, USB ports, and Wi-Fi.
These coaches handle overnight trips to the Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road, or Phillip Island comfortably. Our 250+ corporate clients regularly choose this size for business meetings, company trips, and group day tours around Melbourne.
Large Buses (34-57 passengers): Major Events
Our large coaches suit major corporate conferences, school camps, sports tournaments, and major event tours. They're essential for transporting entire organisations to festivals, concerts, or sporting events at venues like the MCG or Marvel Stadium.
These buses maximise cost-per-passenger efficiency. Select coaches feature onboard toilets—ideal for longer scenic tours. Our Mercedes Irizar Coaches offer the highest safety features and technologies, developed to assist drivers and minimise incidents.
What to Consider Beyond Passenger Count
Safety Standards: Our Euro-6 emission fleet meets both Australian and European safety standards. Every vehicle includes 5-camera CCTV with online streaming—crucial for school charters and corporate travel.
Modern Amenities: All buses feature USB ports and Wi-Fi as standard. Select coaches include toilet facilities for extended tours or when travelling with children and elderly passengers.
Journey Duration: Longer trips require more comfort. Our leather seating and climate control ensure comfort regardless of journey length.
Professional Guidance: As a family-owned company, we deliver personalised service. We'll help you select the optimal size based on your specific requirements, ensuring the best plan and vehicles for your needs.
Making Your Decision
The right coach size balances passenger comfort, luggage capacity, journey length, and budget. Small buses suit intimate groups, medium coaches handle most situations, and large buses excel at major events.
Our elegant fleet with leather seating, connectivity features, and safety technologies ensures a luxurious experience regardless of size. Ready to book? Explore Alston Coaches' premium charter services or get a quote through our booking form today.