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Coach Hire Manchester
So you're organising a trip in Manchester. Whether it be a work day out, wedding party heading to a venue, or a team of football fans going to a match. If you're transporting more than a dozen or so people around Greater Manchester, a coach isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.
From personal experience I can tell you organising a fleet of cars to get your group where they need to be can cause untold tears, arguments and general anguish. Who's driving? Who pays for the petrol? Where are we parking in the Northern Quarter? Will we get stuck on the M60 at rush hour? Hiring a coach can help avoid many of these issues (although I guarantee you'll still curse on the odd occasion getting to Simister Island on a Friday at 5pm in a 12-metre vehicle!).
As a veteran in the transport trade in Manchester there are a couple of things that organisers forget to take into account when planning and budgeting their trip. Here are a few insider tips that may help with your hire:
Sizing It Up: The "Brochure vs. Reality" Check
This is an issue that plagues the wedding industry, but can apply to anyone organising transport. You've found the perfect coach at the right price that's local, it even has leather seats! All that's left to do is confirm the booking, but wait! Are you sure you've booked the right thing?
Have you considered if there's space for the luggage? A quick book by "passenger capacity" may seem like a no brainer at the time, but it won't go down well with the group when 53 people on a 53-seater want to take giant suitcases for a weekend away to Liverpool! Mutiny could be close at hand.
To help you avoid this, here is a realistic breakdown of what you actually need, factoring in the variables that matter on the ground:
| Vehicle Type | Max Pax (Brochure) | Real-World Comfort Pax | Luggage Reality | Best For | Local Manchester Quirks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minibus | 16 | 12-14 | 2-3 small bags max. | Airport runs, small pub trips. | Can access tighter streets (like parts of Didsbury), but limited legroom. |
| Midi Coach | 33 | 25-28 | 1 medium suitcase per person. | School trips, corporate away days. | Good middle-ground. Fits in most standard hotel car parks. |
| Standard Coach | 53 | 40-45 (with luggage) | 1 large suitcase + hand luggage per person. | Match days, large weddings, tours. | Needs wide access. Cannot navigate the tight corners of the city centre. |
| Executive / Double | 70+ | 50-60 (with luggage) | Maximum underbelly storage. | VIP events, multi-day European trips. | Very long (13m+). Requires specific, pre-agreed drop-off points. |
The Real Cost of Coach Hire (No Hidden Surprises)
It's understandable you want to get the best deal possible, but as with all trades, you get what you pay for. Always make sure you understand what's included in the price, any extras that may apply, and why one company is so much cheaper than the others. There's nothing worse than booking a day out from £280, only to get a £400 bill at the end!
See Price Estimates
| Journey Type | Realistic Base Cost | What's Included | The Variables That Will Change Your Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Day (Up to 5 hrs) | From £200 | Vehicle, driver, fuel, insurance. | Waiting time: If the event runs over, you pay per hour. Traffic: Heavy M60 traffic eats into your 5 hours. |
| Full Day (Up to 10 hrs) | From £320 | Vehicle, driver, fuel, insurance. | Mileage: Most quotes include a set mileage (e.g., 100 miles). You pay extra per mile after that. |
| Multi-Day / Tour | From £480 per day | Vehicle, driver, fuel. | Driver Subs: You must pay for the driver's hotel and meals. Dead Mileage: Cost of them driving to the start point. |
| Match Day Special | From 15% surcharge | Standard full day rate + premium. | Demand: United or City home games mean massive traffic and high demand. Book months in advance. |
Three Golden Rules for Booking in Manchester
1. Understand the Tachograph Rules: These days the new digital tachographs mean there's very little wiggle room for drivers. There are specific rules in place as to how long someone can drive for, as well as mandatory breaks. So although in some circumstances it's fine for your driver to "wait in the car", there's often a limit to this, and any "driver breaks" need to be factored into the itinerary to avoid disappointment.
2. Check the Drop-Off Point: "Drop us off at the Hilton." Easier said than done for a large coach in some cases! As Manchester has so many one-way systems, pedestrian-only areas, weight-restricted bridges, tram tracks, and tight streets, it can make it difficult to get as close as some may like. As local operators, we pride ourselves on our knowledge of the city, so whilst getting around the Arndale is an epic fail waiting to happen for some coaches, we'll be able to point you in the right direction to make your life easier.
Other Things to Consider
- Accreditation: Sounds dull, right? Well, if you hire a coach that is a member of organisations such as the RHA (Road Haulage Association) or CPT (Confederation of Passenger Transport), it means they abide by a strict code of practice. From regularly inspected vehicles to correctly vetted drivers and the correct insurance in place, an "Accredited" operator should be the aim.
- Book early: This goes without saying, especially when big events are on (e.g., derby day, a gig at Co-op Live – drop-off arrangements for this venue are very different to the AO Arena, by the way!).
- Ask the right questions: We can't stress this enough! If it's unclear from the website, get on the phone to the operator and get an idea of what's included/excluded. From understanding the lay-bys on the A62 that are OK to pull in at on your way to the Peak District for a comfort break, to whether a toilet stop will count as a driver's mandatory rest stop, it pays to clarify any doubts to make sure your day runs as smoothly as possible!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, we pride ourselves on our local knowledge, so hiring from an operator in your area shouldn't be considered as an additional cost, but an investment. The last thing you want on the day is a stressed driver not knowing the area! We've provided a few hints above, but please get in touch with us if you want any further help or advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my Coach?
We will do our very best to accommodate last minute trips however we recommend 4 to 6 weeks as normal trips fill quickly especially weekends.
Can I have a quote for a coach hire service in Manchester?
Of course you can. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need to and will endeavour to make our prices as transparent as possible. Our quotes are inclusive of vehicle, professional coach driver, fuel and insurance.
We do not include (but will quote where necessary):
- Excess mileage over and above our free mileage allowances (e.g., 100 miles).
- City centre parking charges.
- Drivers subsistence (e.g., hotels/meals for multi-day trips).
Please do bear in mind, should you wish to stay out longer at your destination/s then this will attract our overtime charge which is calculated on an hourly overtime rate. Similarly, if you are booking a Half Day or Full Day hire you may be subject to waiting charges (see respective pages for details).
Finally, should you need to amend or cancel your booking this could attract a small admin fee depending on how close to the travel day it is.
Is there an extra charge to hire a Coach on a football match day?
We get asked a lot about match days so here it is! Yes, we charge a premium on match days and this is starting from 15%. These days are very popular with large volumes of traffic and delays are a certainty.
If travelling on a United or a City match day we recommend you book well in advance, even a few months ahead to guarantee your coach. Likewise if travelling to a major event at Co-op Live or AO Arena.
Where can a coach park in Manchester City Centre?
There are a number of restrictions in Manchester City Centre such as tram lines, weight restrictions and even pedestrian only zones. So, if your trip takes in the Arndale shopping centre, or the bars/restaurants of the Northern Quarter, we will plan a pick-up/drop-off that is safe and legal for coaches.
Can we take alcohol on board the coach?
This is a common question and one we get asked daily. The simple answer is yes, you can take drinks onto our vehicles, however this only applies to Private Parties/trips (e.g., Hen/Stag dos, company parties, Weddings, etc.).
Unfortunately, due to safety considerations we ask that this is cans/plastic bottles only, no glass please. We ask for common sense in this regard as although you can bring alcohol on board, the final decision will always rest with the coach driver should a passenger appear over-indulged.
How many suitcases can I take on the coach?
This is another popular question and unfortunately there’s no easy answer! If we assume your “53-seater” is carrying its “Max Pax”, then it’s unlikely there would be space for lots of cases!
For groups that need luggage space, we recommend you allow 40 to 45 pax for a Standard “53”, assuming all carry hand luggage plus 1 large case apiece. The more people on board, the less space there will be in the luggage racks (underbelly).
As with everything in life, common sense rules!
Are there any restrictions on how long the driver can stay out?
Quite a few actually! Drivers are covered by the law when it comes to maximum driving hours, mandatory rest breaks, etc. All our vehicles are fitted with a digital tachograph and this records the drivers' hours, breaks, waiting times, etc.
Should your party run over schedule, the driver may well not legally be able to continue, especially if he’s been waiting a long time (this counts towards his driving hours).
Is your coach hire fleet regularly serviced?
Yes, all coaches are regularly maintained/serviced and hold a valid MOT.
Who is CPT?
CPT is the Confederation of Passenger Transport.
What qualifications do your drivers hold?
All our drivers hold a full D1 licence and are in possession of a drivers CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). All our drivers are also in possession of a DBS check.
Can I hire a wheelchair accessible vehicle?
Yes we can. We recommend you enquire ASAP as these vehicles are in high demand. All our wheelchair accessible vehicles are fitted with a ramp and wheelchair tie downs.
To ensure that your Manchester coach hire experience is at its best, we provide you with drivers familiar with the city's roads. These drivers will be in a position to help you identify the quickest routes to your destination. On top of that, we always ensure that we check to confirm that every single driver has a background check so that we are sure that they are least likely to do anything that might compromise the security of anybody in the team as they give you our coach hire services.
All the coaches in our Manchester coach hire fleet are fitted with many upgrades that go a long way in ensuring you get the best coach hire experience in Manchester city. These upgrades include modern entertainment systems, drink coolers, very comfortable and luxurious seats, sliding roofs and safety enhancements like tracking devices. These upgrades go a long way in ensuring we outshine any other cheap coach hire company in Manchester since we offer the services without increasing the cost. So give us a call and get your chance to experience these and other transportation in Manchester.
