How Many Seats In A Minibus?

At CVM World Rentals we have been manufacturing and converting minibuses since 2007. We are often asked, ‘how many seats in a minibus’, which is not as daft a question as it might seem.

Typically, minibuses range from 9-17 seats mainly due to the fact that in a number of circumstances, they can be driven on a normal car licence. For more information on minibus licencing requirements visit here.

Popular with schools, charities, societies, private hire and public transportation, the humble minibus has become a staple of the UK’s roads, providing mobility and independence.

Like any purchase, choosing the right type of minibus and the right number of seats is important. This blog will help you navigate those choices.

How Many Seats In A Minibus


Why Seating Numbers Are Important?

At CVM World Rentals we typically sell or contract hire minibuses. Typical contract hire is for three years and for a purchase, up to 10 years in some cases. As a result, it’s important to choose the right minibus and future-proof seating requirements.

A minibus is a large vehicle, ranging from 5m for a typical 9 seater to 6.4m for a 17 seater, as a result, size matters! A smaller minibus is more manoeuvrable and easier to drive, so it is important to understand how many seats are required.

A larger minibus will typically be more expensive and require extra large parking bays. On the flip side, it will hold up to 17 standard passengers or a combination of wheelchairs, storage and standard seating – so more versatile.

Typical Seating Capacities Of A Minibus

When determining how many seats in a minibus let’s take a look at the typical configurations that our customers choose:

  • 9-Seater Minibus – the entry-level minibus is popular with private hire companies and small community groups. Easy to drive, inexpensive to buy and plentiful. Based on well-known vehicles such as the Ford Transit and Peugeot Boxer.
    The 9 Seater can also be configured to take up to four wheelchairs, however, this will limit standard seating to three, in the vehicle cab.

  • 12-Seater Minibus – gives a combination of seating and storage, perfect sports teams, social clubs, day trips and more. As with the 9-seat option, standard seating can be compromised in favour of wheelchair access.

  • 15 Seater Minibus – big enough for the football team and a couple of subs, depending on the platform you can either squeeze everyone into an L2 or have room for storage with an L3 or L4. But remember, with an L4 you are at 6.4m.

  • 17 Seater Minibus – the most popular minibuses are either 9 or 17 seats as they mark the entry and max level you can drive without a D1 Licence. You can accommodate up to 6 wheelchairs with an L4 platform.

If the role of a minibus is merely to transport people short distances from A to B, you may not require storage and luggage space. However, if you are planning longer journeys it may be sensible to choose a larger minibus which will give additional legroom and storage facilities.

At CVM World Rentals we can offer seating upgrades, secure storage, upgraded heating and air-conditioning and other creature comforts for your passengers.

Accessibility

At CVM World Rentals we offer a selection of accessibility options to assist with getting onboard and off a minibus. Minibus accessibility options can include features such as telescopic ramps, onboard and underfloor lifts, as well as spacious interiors that allow for multiple wheelchair users. Vehicles like the Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic are designed to accommodate up to two wheelchair passengers, making them suitable for school trips or community group outings. For larger requirements, models like the Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay can be adjusted to fit up to 6 wheelchairs, although this is only possible with an underfloor ramp system.

To ensure smooth boarding and disembarking for wheelchair users, our minibuses come with dual sliding doors and low-floor designs. These features improve not only the overall travel experience but also guarantee safer, more convenient entry and exit. Additionally, recessed tracks in the flooring provide a completely flat surface, making it easier to load and secure passengers.

A selection of grab rails are also available for the more able bodies to assist with their access.

Choosing A Minibus Manufacturer?

At CVM World Rentals we have direct partnerships with Stellantis Group (Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat, Citroёn), Ford and Maxus to manufacture and supply a range of vehicles. Personal preference, experience or specification may all influence customer choice.

At CVM World Rentals we offer ‘The CVM Advantage’ which are 12 differences that set ourselves apart from our competitors in terms of quality and features.

Can I Drive A Minibus?

If you obtained your driving licence after 1997 and wish to drive a minibus without needing a D1 licence, certain conditions must be met:

  • You must be at least 21 years old.
  • You must have held a full driving licence for more than two years.
  • You are not being paid to drive the minibus.
  • The organisation using the minibus is a non-profit or non-commercial entity, such as a charity, school, or club.
  • The minibus should not exceed a weight limit of 3,500 kg, or up to 4,250 kg if it has wheelchair accessibility features.

The Cost Of A Minibus

At CVM World Rentals we offer contract hire, short-term hire and purchase across a range of minibuses, both new and used. As a manufacturer, we ensure every used minibus is given a clean bill of health and warranty before it leaves our factory. As a result, we offer minibuses for every budget, from £20,000 to £60,000+.

Specification will have an impact on purchase and contract hire price, just like extras on a car. Electric lifts, CCTV, seatbelt safety monitoring systems and so on will all add to the cost of the vehicle. Also, a 6.4m L4 minibus with an electric lift will weigh substantially more than a 5m, 9-seater minibus – so you can expect changes in fuel economy.

In Summary

When selecting the right business for your organisation, the first question you might need answering is how many seats in a minibus? As you have read, seating can range from 9-17 and have different configurations depending on the vehicle size, storage requirements, comfort requirements and accessibility.

Luckily, at CVM World Rentals our sales team are on hand to help you navigate the different permutations and ensure you select the right minibus for you. At our factory in Staffordshire, we always have a range of minibuses, so if you’re not sure what you need, come and have a look. We hope you have found this guide useful and will consider CVM World Rentals for your next minibus.