The midi-coach: mid-size groups, tighter streets

A Midibus with 29 to 35 seats fits the breakout group, the second hotel or the VIP programme: too many people for minibuses, too few to justify a full coach.

Where it beats the big coach

It turns more easily in old towns, hotel courtyards and small venues. Luggage sits under the floor or at the rear, with less room than a full coach. For a congress with two hotel clusters, two midi-coaches leave at the same minute and arrive together, where one coach would collect in turn and reach the venue later.

Midsize coach cabin with forward-facing seats

Seats and luggage

Seats: 29-35
Luggage: Underfloor or rear luggage space, smaller than a full-size coach

Jobs it is made for

A partner programme running alongside a congress, a sales team's dinner across town, the second wave of an incentive landing on a later flight, wedding guests between a hotel and a country venue. It is also the sensible size for a Messe loop from a hotel that houses thirty stand staff rather than fifty, and for a shuttle between a hotel and a congress venue in a historic centre.

Licence class and hours

With more than 16 passenger seats, or over 8 m long, the driver needs class D rather than D1, and the vehicle runs under an authorisation for occasional services. EU hours apply: 9 hours' driving per day at most, twice a week up to 10, and a 45-minute pause once 4.5 hours have been driven.

On one occasional trip, national or international, the weekly rest may be postponed for up to 12 days, so a single driver can run a multi-day incentive tour while keeping to the daily limits.

Planner questions

Is luggage a problem on an airport run?

With large suitcases, check the count. The hold is smaller than a full-size coach's.

Can it go where full coaches cannot?

Often into tighter streets and courtyards, but city set-down rules still apply to it as a bus.

Does it need a low-emission sticker?

Yes. Entering an active Umweltzone needs the green sticker, also when the vehicle is registered abroad.

What suits it best?

Mid-size groups, corporate shuttles, day tours and wedding guests.