The full-size coach: one movement for 49 to 57

When an arrival wave, a Messe loop or a gala transfer needs one vehicle for the whole group, the full-size coach (Reisebus) is the tool. It is supplied with a driver by a licensed partner operator.

The legal frame behind the hire

Carrying passengers by bus for payment falls under the Personenbeförderungsgesetz. A group hire is occasional service (Gelegenheitsverkehr) and needs an authorisation; when the whole bus is hired with its driver, the hirer sets route and purpose. The driver holds class D and the professional qualification shown as code 95. A tachograph records driving, breaks and rest.

Full-size touring coach parked for boarding

Full-size coach with underfloor luggage bays

Seats and luggage

Seats: 49-57
Luggage: Underfloor luggage holds

Where the size works against you

A coach cannot use most airport kerbs. At BER the forecourts take vehicles up to 3.5 t, so coaches use Bus Stop B; at Frankfurt they use P36 at Terminal 1 or the P62 lane at Terminal 3, which is for loading only. Munich Airport's over-height spaces take vehicles up to 8 m, too short for a full coach. In city centres, set-down points are short-stay, so pickups run to the minute.

When one coach is the right answer

Use it when 40 or more people move at the same minute from the same place: an arrival wave off one flight, the morning Messe loop from a single large hotel, a gala transfer. If the same fifty people are spread over three hotels or several flights, two or three smaller vehicles running in parallel often reach the venue sooner.

Motorway speed and the road

A coach may run at 100 km/h only if its registration approves it, every seat has a belt, the limiter is set to 100 km/h and no trailer is attached; otherwise the limit is 80 km/h. Passengers keep belts on where fitted, though they may leave their seat briefly. Buses pay no HGV toll and are not caught by the Sunday lorry ban.

Planner questions

How much luggage fits?

Underfloor holds take the main luggage. Mention bulky items such as ski bags, exhibition material or team kit.

Is one coach better than two midi-coaches?

For one pickup and one drop, yes. For two hotels or two flights, two midi-coaches move both groups at once.

Can the coach wait at the airport?

Only in designated areas, and the rules differ by airport. The operator plans where it holds and when it moves up.