Coach hire for concerts, events and marathons: how to organise there and back

When a coach makes sense

A coach makes sense when parking near the event is scarce or far away, when you return at night and when you want to travel together without anyone having to drive. If the cost is split among many participants, the cost per person can be low.

• Concerts and festivals, even with a late-night return.
• Shows and evenings organised by groups, clubs and associations.
• Marathons, half marathons and running races, with a dawn start.
• Parties and celebrations out of town for large groups.

Times, waiting and return

During the event the driver waits for the group: the waiting hours are part of the price. State in the form the arrival time, the expected end of the event and the return you want.

After concerts and shows it takes time to leave the venue: allow a margin between the end of the event and departure. If you return at night, give the exact time, because some companies charge a night supplement and the driver must respect rest times.

Where the coach stops

Large events often have areas reserved for coaches and closed or restricted streets. Ask the company for the planned drop-off and pick-up point and check the access times.

At marathons the roads are closed during the race: agree a pick-up point within walking distance of the finish.

How to split the cost

The simplest way is to collect names first, ask for a quote for the number of seats needed and divide the total price by the participants. Remember that the vehicle changes with the number of people: van up to 7 seats, minibus up to 16, midibus about 30, coach 50 or more.

Ask the company how confirmation and payment work, and tell them about any change in the number of participants as soon as possible.

Marathons and running races

For a race that starts early in the morning, you usually need a very early departure. If the race is in another region, you leave the day before and return the day after: state in the request whether you need the coach at your disposal during the stay or only there and back.

Mention the number of bags and backpacks and any intermediate stops to pick up other participants.

What to state in the request

To compare quotes properly, write in the form:

• the city of departure and meeting point, with any stops;
• date, arrival time and expected end of the event;
• return time and place;
• number of people and bags;
• whether the coach has to wait or come back for you;
• a request for a total price including VAT, tolls and parking.

In the AllBusItalia form there is already a checkbox that adds this request to your notes.

Frequently asked questions