The minibus: 9 to 16 passengers and their bags

A Kleinbus seats 9 to 16 passengers besides the driver. It is the usual answer for flight crews, production teams, small delegations and hotel shuttles where a coach would run mostly empty.

A bus in law, with a D1 driver

With more than nine seats including the driver, a minibus counts as a bus. The driver holds class D1, valid for vehicles of no more than 16 passengers and 8 m in length, and must be at least 21, or 18 if training or trained as a professional driver. A vehicle with nine seats or fewer is a car, and with a driver it is hired under the Mietwagen rules instead.

Minibus with side door open for boarding

Seats and luggage

Seats: 9-16 passengers plus the driver
Luggage: Rear luggage space; limited when every seat is taken

Where it earns its place

Flight crews between airport and hotel, a production team moving between locations, a delegation of a dozen visiting three sites in a day, a shuttle between two hotels and a Messe hall when demand is spread out. Several minibuses on staggered times can also replace one coach when people arrive on different flights.

Luggage sets the limit

The rear luggage space is tight once every seat is taken. Twelve passengers with cabin bags fit well; twelve with large suitcases may need the next size up or a separate car for the bags.

Everyone buckles up where belts exist. Under-12s below 150 cm need a child restraint in vehicles with belts, and the exemption applies only to buses over 3.5 t, so mention the ages of any younger travellers.

Planner questions

Is a minibus enough for 16 people from the airport?

With full-size suitcases, often not. Plan a midi-coach, or two vehicles if the flights land apart.

Can it stop at the terminal kerb?

That depends on the airport and the vehicle's weight. At BER, the forecourts accept vehicles up to 3.5 t only.

Do drivers' hours rules apply?

Yes. With more than nine seats, a tachograph records driving and rest, and the EU limits apply as on a coach.

What jobs suit it?

Small groups, sports teams and clubs, school trips and airport transfers.