Renting a bus for 50 people: what a coach with driver costs per day
A coach with driver for 50 people costs EUR 1,100 to 1,800 per day, i.e. EUR 22 to 36 per person. Why seats 49 and 50 are the real issue, which vehicles are an option and what a wedding, company event or club trip actually costs.
The short answer
A coach with driver for 50 people costs EUR 1,100 to 1,800 per day, including driver and VAT – just EUR 22 to 36 per person. At this group size the bus is almost always the cheapest way to get everyone to the destination together. The driver is included in the price.
The real question with 50 people is not the price but seats number 49 and 50. Why that is, which vehicles are an option and what a wedding, company event or club trip actually costs – all here.
Your price for 50 people in 30 seconds
Enter route and date – group size and bus type are already filled in.
The 48-seat trap
Many coaches in German fleets have 48 or 49 seats. For a group of 50 that leaves two seats short – and the solution is either a second bus, which almost doubles the cost, or two people staying at home.
So: state the exact number of people in your request, including chaperones. Operators with vehicles of 50 seats or more then calculate accordingly, and you do not get offers for buses your group does not fit into. How many seats each bus type has is covered in our overview How many people fit in a coach?
Which vehicles are an option for 50 people?
Coach with 50 to 53 seats. The normal case. Modern coaches of this size have air conditioning, a toilet, reclining seats and luggage space for one large suitcase per person. Cost: EUR 1,100 to 1,800 per day.
Large coach with 55 to 63 seats. Extended three-axle coaches such as the Setra S 519 HD or Mercedes Tourismo L – up to 63–71 seats according to the manufacturers, usually 55 to 63 in practice – that not every bus company has. If a partner in your region can provide one, it is the cheapest solution for 50 to 60 people – so state the exact number. Our price estimate works with an average coach; just above 50 people the actual offer can deviate from it.
Double-decker with 60 to 80 seats. Sensible if the group might still grow or there is a lot of luggage. Cost: EUR 1,600 to 2,000 per day. Per head that is more than the coach for 50 people – but far cheaper than two buses.
Two buses. Only if nothing else works. Two vehicles mean two drivers, two approaches and almost double the price.
What determines the price
Duration and distance
The day tour of up to 200 kilometres one way is the standard. From around 450 kilometres a day or more than nine hours of driving time a second driver is required by law – that adds EUR 200 to 350. On multi-day trips add EUR 80 to 120 per night for the driver's accommodation.
Date
Saturdays in May, June and September are the most sought-after dates – weddings, club festivals, company parties. Anyone who needs the bus for a Saturday in June should request two to three months in advance. Weekdays and the low season are noticeably cheaper.
Waiting time and empty runs
A bus that waits outside the venue all evening costs EUR 40 to 60 per hour. For a wedding shuttle it is worth checking whether the bus can leave between runs. And the closer the operator is to your departure point, the shorter the empty run.
Four example calculations
Trade fair transfer for employees (30 km, full day) Coach for 50 people, out in the morning, back in the evening, bus leaves in between. → Guide price: EUR 1,100–1,250, i.e. EUR 22–25 per person
Club day trip (2 × 200 km) Coach for 50 people, early departure, return in the evening, bus waits on site. → Guide price: EUR 1,600–1,850, i.e. EUR 32–37 per person
Wedding shuttle (2 × 40 km, three runs in the evening) Coach for 50 guests: hotel to venue, venue to hotel, late-night run. Saturday in June. → Guide price: EUR 1,150–1,300, i.e. EUR 23–26 per person
Club trip with two overnight stays (3 days, 600 km) Coach for 50 people, including driver accommodation and second driver. → Guide price: EUR 3,300–3,800, i.e. EUR 66–76 per person for three days
A bus for 50 people without a driver?
Out of the question. A coach of this size requires a category D bus licence, which almost nobody outside the industry holds. On Busly, buses are only arranged with a driver – the driver's wage is in the price. For a company event or wedding it is the only option where everyone can celebrate anyway.
How to get the best price
- Count precisely and state it. The difference between 48 and 50 people is the difference between one bus and two.
- Request early. For Saturdays in high season, two to three months ahead.
- Think about waiting times. Say whether the bus may leave in between.
- Request regionally. Short empty run, cheaper offer.
On Busly you get an instant price estimate with your request and then offers from verified bus companies in your region. Many standard tours can be booked directly at a fixed price.
Conclusion
A bus for 50 people costs EUR 1,100 to 1,800 per day with driver – EUR 22 to 36 per head, cheaper than any other option for a group this size. The price depends on duration, distance and date. The most important rule: state the number of people precisely so you do not end up with a 48-seat bus.
Compare prices or find the right bus
All bus costs at a glance – or straight to the double-decker in case the group grows.
Frequently asked questions
A coach with driver for 50 people costs EUR 1,100–1,800 per day, i.e. EUR 22–36 per person. Short transfers such as a full-day trade fair shuttle over 30 km come to EUR 1,100–1,250.
EUR 1,100–1,800 per day including driver. From around 450 km or more than 9 hours of driving time a second driver is added (EUR 200–350), on multi-day trips the driver's accommodation (EUR 80–120 per night).
EUR 1,100–1,800 for a day tour, around EUR 3,300–3,800 for three days with 600 km. The driver is always included – buses of this size are not available without one.
Yes, if the coach has 50 seats or more. Many coaches only have 48 or 49, though – state the exact number of people in your request so you get a suitable vehicle and do not need a second bus.
One, provided it has at least 50 seats. Standard coaches have 48–53 seats, double-deckers 60–80. Two buses are only needed if the group exceeds 80 people or no suitable vehicle is available.
If the group might still grow or there is a lot of luggage. A double-decker costs EUR 1,600–2,000 per day – more than a coach, but far less than two buses.