Minibus day tours for small groups

Visitors without a car, overseas tourists, cruise and rail passengers, and groups of friends or families booking privately.

Price per seat on scheduled tours or a set price per private group, sold on your own website and booking platforms. Add-ons like lunch stops or entry tickets can lift the price.

• Safe, confident driving
• Storytelling and local knowledge
• Customer service and route planning

• Carrying paying passengers is regulated. Depending on vehicle size and how you sell seats, you may need a PSV operator licence from the Traffic Commissioner, or private hire licences from your local council. Check which applies before you sell a seat
• Check the driving licence category you need (for example D1 for minibuses), plus driver hours and Driver CPC rules, with the DVSA
• Start-up costs depend heavily on whether you buy new, buy used or lease a vehicle, and you also need hire-and-reward insurance, maintenance and MOT or inspections
• Seasonal demand, so plan for quieter months

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £45,000, depending heavily on whether you buy new, buy used or lease a vehicle. You also need hire-and-reward insurance, maintenance and MOT or inspections.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many seats you sell and the season. Estimates start from about 15 hours a week, and you should plan for quieter months.

Carrying paying passengers is regulated. Check whether you need a PSV operator licence or private hire licences, depending on vehicle size and how you sell seats. Also check the driving licence category, driver hours and Driver CPC rules with the DVSA.