Weekend minibus hire for events and groups

Run a used minibus part-time for weddings, winery trips, sports teams and nights out.

Startup costA$15k to A$50k
Monthly revenueA$1.5k to A$6k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$15k-50k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A part-time service using one older or leased minibus for pre-booked group trips, mainly evenings and weekends. Typical jobs are weddings, winery and brewery runs, race days, sports club travel and group nights out.

Your first three steps

  1. Check your state or territory transport authority for what is needed to carry paying passengers in a minibus, and whether your day job and hours allow it
  2. Compare leasing, hiring and buying a used minibus, and get commercial passenger insurance quotes
  3. Introduce yourself to local wedding venues, wineries, sports clubs and event planners and offer a launch rate for your first bookings
Who pays

Wedding parties, social groups, sports clubs, community groups and event organisers.

How it makes money

Hourly hire rate with a minimum booking, or a fixed price per event. Weekend demand and early deposits help cover running costs.

Skills that help
  • Safe, patient driving with groups
  • Handling lively passengers politely and firmly
  • Organising bookings and pick-up times
  • Local knowledge of venues and routes
Watch out for
  • Accreditation, vehicle authorisation and driver checks vary by state and territory, so confirm them before taking any bookings
  • Some states treat pre-booked hire differently from taxi or rideshare work, so check which category you fall under
  • Commercial passenger insurance and public liability, which are often costlier than standard car cover
  • Rules on alcohol consumed by passengers on board and on your own driving hours and fatigue
  • Late-night work and some unruly passengers, so set clear booking terms and a cleaning or damage fee
  • Income is lumpy and depends on season and weather

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: weekend minibus hire for events and groups

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a weekend minibus hire business?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $50,000, depending on whether you buy an older minibus or lease one, plus insurance and set-up. Commercial passenger insurance is often costlier than standard car cover.

How much can part-time minibus hire earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on season, weather and how many weddings, tours and group bookings you win. Income is lumpy. Expect to start at around 8 hours a week.

What rules should I check before taking minibus bookings?

Confirm accreditation, vehicle authorisation and driver checks for your state or territory before taking any bookings. Check which category pre-booked hire falls under, commercial passenger and public liability insurance, rules on passengers drinking on board, and your own driving hours and fatigue limits.

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