Start a minibus airport and group transfer business

Families and groups travelling together, small tour operators, hotels, corporate teams and wedding parties.

Fixed fare per trip or per group, or an hourly rate for longer hires. Repeat work from hotels, tour companies and regular clients helps fill the diary.

• Safe, calm driving with passengers on board
• Reliable timekeeping and route knowledge
• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and scheduling

• Accreditation and vehicle rules differ by state and territory, so check with your state's transport authority before buying a vehicle
• A standard car licence may not cover larger vehicles, check the seat limit and any extra driver authorisation in your state
• Commercial passenger vehicle insurance and public liability, which usually cost more than ordinary car cover
• Driver hours and fatigue rules, plus regular vehicle safety inspections
• Quiet seasons and school holiday peaks can make income uneven
• ABN registration, and GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $90,000, depending on whether you buy or lease the minibus and its age and condition. Insurance for commercial passenger vehicles usually costs more than ordinary car cover.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on how many bookings you win and your fares. Income can be uneven, with quiet seasons and school holiday peaks. Expect to start at around 25 hours a week.

Check accreditation and vehicle rules with your state or territory transport authority before buying a vehicle. Also check whether your car licence covers larger vehicles, commercial passenger insurance, driver hours and fatigue rules, vehicle inspections, and ABN and GST registration.