How much does it cost to hire a coach with a driver?

Why there is no fixed price

A coach with a driver is not hired at a standard fare like a ticket: the company works out a quote based on your route, the hours the vehicle and driver are needed, and the time of year. Two trips that look similar can cost very different amounts.

That is why the most reliable way to know what you will spend is to ask for several quotes for the exact same trip and compare them. On AllBusItalia you do it with a single form: your request goes to the companies in your city.

What affects the price

These are the factors that usually weigh most:

• Total kilometres. Empty kilometres are normally counted too: if the coach leaves the depot, comes to pick you up and returns, that distance is part of the cost.
• Duration and times. A service of a few hours costs less than a full day; several consecutive days change the calculation.
• Waiting time. If the coach stays at your disposal while the group sightsees or attends an event, the hours it waits may be charged.
• Type of vehicle. Minibuses, midibuses and luxury touring coaches have different costs: see the guide on which coach to choose.
• Season and day. High season, weekends, public holidays and big events push demand and prices up; off-season and weekdays offer more availability.
• Tolls, parking and permits. Motorway tolls, parking in tourist towns and permits for restricted traffic zones (ZTL, zone a traffico limitato) may be included or charged separately.
• Driver's meals and accommodation. On multi-day or very long trips these may be paid by the hirer, if not already included.
• Second driver. On some long routes one may be required: see the section on driving times below.

Driving and rest times: why they matter

Professional drivers must comply with European rules on driving and rest times. In general, after about four and a half hours of driving a break of at least 45 minutes is required, and daily driving time is limited (normally 9 hours, extendable to 10 on some days of the week), with a compulsory daily rest period.

In practice, if your programme involves many hours of driving in a single day, the company may suggest a longer stop, a second driver or an overnight stay: these choices change the quote, but they are there to guarantee safety. It is better to talk about it at the start than to find out at the last minute.

What to ask for in the quote

To compare offers properly, check that each one clearly states:

• whether the price is inclusive or exclusive of VAT;
• whether it includes tolls, parking and permits;
• how many kilometres and hours are included, and what extras cost;
• whether there are driver expenses (meals, overnight stay);
• the type of vehicle and the number of seats;
• the deposit, change and cancellation policy.

A quote that is much lower than the others deserves an extra question: the difference often lies in items that are not included.

How to get a lower price (without compromising on quality)

• Book early. The closer or more popular the date, the less room companies have to cut their price.
• Be flexible on the date. A weekday is often cheaper than a Saturday.
• Choose the right vehicle. A 55-seat coach for 30 people costs more than necessary.
• Give complete information. Precise times, stops and meeting point allow accurate quotes, without padded safety margins.
• Compare at least three offers. With only one quote you cannot tell whether the price is average.

Frequently asked questions