The midi coach: room for the whole party, easier on narrow roads

Too many for a minibus, too few to fill a big coach? A midi coach is the in-between size that often suits a wedding party, a club outing or a touring group of around thirty.

The in-between size

A midi coach typically seats somewhere between 29 and 35. That's a typical range rather than a promise, so check the number on your quote against your headcount, including anyone travelling as a helper or guide.

There's less room for bags than a big coach offers, either under the floor or at the rear. For a day out that's rarely a problem; for a week's touring with big cases, mention the bags so the operator can size things properly.

Models you might travel in

These are the sort of models operators run in this size. The exact vehicle is down to the operator that takes your booking.

Midi coach (29 to 35 seats)

Iveco Daily Wing
29+1 passengers · 29 bags
Setra S 511 HD
35+1 passengers · 35+1 bags

On board

On trips outside the UK the AETR rules apply, including tachograph use; on international occasional coach trips the weekly rest can be postponed for up to 12 days
Operator licence discs must be displayed so they can be read from outside the vehicle
PSV operator's licence from the Traffic Commissioner, as for any vehicle carrying 9 or more passengers for hire or reward
More than 16 passenger seats or over 8 m long needs a category D licence rather than D1
Easier than a full-size coach on narrow streets, in historic centres and at small venues

Where it shines

The shorter body is easier to handle on narrow streets, in historic centres and at small venues. Country-house weddings with a tight drive, village stops in the Cotswolds or a hotel up a steep lane are all places where a midi coach can get closer than a full-size one.

It isn't a small vehicle, though. In York, anything with more than 16 seats still stays outside the city walls, so plan set-down points as you would for a coach.

The driver and the paperwork

Because it has more than 16 passenger seats, a midi coach needs a driver with a full category D licence rather than D1, and the operator must hold a PSV operator's licence, with the disc displayed so it can be read from outside. If you ever take one abroad, the AETR drivers' hours rules apply, tachograph included.

Your questions

Is a midi coach cheaper than a full-size coach?

We don't publish prices, and the answer varies by date and distance. Ask for quotes on both sizes and compare.

Does a midi coach have a toilet?

It varies from vehicle to vehicle. If it matters for a long journey, say so when you enquire.

Can a midi coach do airport runs?

Yes, as long as the luggage fits. For a group of thirty with a large case each, ask whether the rear or underfloor space is enough, or add a small vehicle for bags.