When the whole group travels together: the full-size coach

Small vehicles suit most of the trips we arrange, but some days bring the whole club, both classes or every wedding guest. A Reisebus with 49 to 57 seats keeps them all on one timetable.

One coach or three minibuses?

Above about 35 people, one coach is usually simpler than a row of minibuses: one meeting point, one driver to brief, one arrival. Suitcases ride in the underfloor holds, leaving the cabin free.

The trade-off is access. Coaches cannot drive into Rothenburg's old town to drop day visitors, and Freiburg's guided walks take groups of 25 at most. Plan short walks from the coach park, and keep a spare umbrella or two on board.

Full-size coach interior with reclining seats and aisle

Inside the vehicle

Buses are exempt from the German HGV toll (Lkw-Maut) on motorways and federal roads, and the Sunday and holiday lorry ban does not apply to them
A tachograph records driving, breaks and rest on vehicles built for more than nine people including the driver
Required seat belts must be worn while driving; passengers in buses over 3.5 t may leave their seat briefly
On motorways a coach may drive at up to 100 km/h only if it is approved for 100 km/h in its registration document, has coach seating, seat belts on all seats, a speed limiter set to no more than 100 km/h and no trailer, among the other conditions of StVO § 18 Abs. 5; otherwise the limit is 80 km/h, or 60 km/h with a trailer other than a luggage trailer or with standing passengers
The driver holds a category D licence, for vehicles built to carry more than eight passengers besides the driver; professional drivers also need the driver qualification (Berufskraftfahrerqualifikation), shown as code 95 on the licence
Under the PBefG, a bus (Kraftomnibus) is a vehicle built for more than nine people including the driver
Occasional services include excursions (Ausflugsfahrten), holiday trips (Ferienziel-Reisen) and the hire of a whole bus with driver (Verkehr mit Mietomnibussen), in which the hirer sets the purpose, destination and course of the trip
Carrying passengers for payment or as a business by bus in Germany comes under the Personenbeförderungsgesetz (PBefG); occasional services (Gelegenheitsverkehr) need an authorisation (Genehmigung)

Who runs it

Coach hire with a driver is an occasional service under the Personenbeförderungsgesetz, run by an operator with an authorisation. You, as hirer, decide what the trip is for, where it goes and which way.

Behind the wheel sits someone with a class D licence; code 95 on that licence shows the professional qualification as well. Driving, breaks and rest are logged by a tachograph, so the timetable must leave room for them.

On the motorway

On the motorway, 100 km/h is allowed only when the registration papers approve it and the coach has belts on every seat, a speed limiter and no trailer; otherwise 80 km/h. Buses pay no HGV toll, and the Sunday lorry ban leaves them out.

Map drive times are car times. Add a margin for a coach, especially around the big cities at rush hour and on Alpine roads.

Questions travellers ask

How many people fit?

Usually 49 to 57, depending on the model. Count group leaders and any guide in the number you send.

Do passengers have to stay seated?

Belts are worn where fitted. On a bus over 3.5 t passengers may leave their seat briefly, for example to reach the toilet.

Coach plus minibus, or two coaches?

For 60 or 70 people, a coach with a minibus often works better, and the minibus can handle an early return.

Can the coach travel on a public holiday?

Yes. The lorry ban on Sundays and holidays does not cover buses, so Easter or Whitsun tours run as normal.