Full-size coaches for large groups
The full-size coach is the default for groups of about 50. It carries everyone and their luggage in one vehicle. Its length is the limit: some streets, lots and garages will not take it.
What you get
A touring coach is about 45 ft, or 13.7 m, long. Typical layouts seat 49 to 59, and a double-decker about 80. Those are manufacturer figures. The seat count that counts is the one on the quote for the vehicle offered.
Bags travel in bays under the floor, so the aisle stays clear. Seat belts are required on coaches built from September 1, 2020. Older ones may not, so ask if it matters.
Typical models
The photos show typical models in this size. Which vehicle runs depends on the licensed operator that takes the booking.
Standard coach (49 seats)
Mercedes Tourismo 15 RHD
49 passengers · 49 bags
MAN R07 Lion Coach
49 passengers · 49 bags
Setra S 515 HD
49 passengers · 49 bags
Large coach (53 to 59 seats)
Mercedes Tourismo 17 RHD
59 passengers · 59 bags
MAN R08 Lion's Coach
57 passengers · 57 bags
Setra S 517 HD
53 passengers · 53+2 bags
Double-decker coach (around 80 seats)
Setra 531 DT
81+2 passengers · 81+2 bags
Setra 431 DT
80+1 passengers · 80 bags
Neoplan Skyliner
79+1 passengers · 79 bags
At a glance
- Seats: 49-81
- Luggage: Underfloor luggage bays
Typical features
- 45 ft (about 13.7 m) touring coach; MCI's J-series lists layouts of up to 60 seats
- New highway coaches built on or after September 1, 2020 must have seat belts
- In Ontario, passengers must wear a seat belt on a bus where one is available
- Driver holds Ontario class C, BC class 2, Alberta class 2 or Québec class 2; Ontario air brakes need a Z endorsement
- Across provincial borders, federal hours of service apply: 13 h driving and 14 h on duty a day
- Operator holds provincial authority: Ontario CVOR, BC passenger transportation licence, Alberta Safety Fitness Certificate or Québec CTQ permit
Where 45 ft does not fit
Tour buses cannot park anywhere within Old Québec's walls. Banff's town streets are off limits to parked coaches, apart from 15-minute loading zones next to hotels. The underground car park at RBC Place London has a 2.13 m height limit. Saskatoon closes the stretch of Saskatchewan Crescent from the Broadway Bridge to the University Bridge to anything over 5,000 kg.
Plan a short walk where the coach cannot reach, or pick a midi coach.
Driver and operator
The driver needs a heavy bus licence. Ontario calls it class C; BC, Alberta and Québec call it class 2. On trips crossing a provincial border, federal hours of service limit a driver to 13 hours behind the wheel in a day. The operator holds provincial authority, such as an Ontario CVOR or a Québec CTQ permit.
Questions
How many people fit on a coach?
Typically 49 to 59, or about 80 on a double-decker. Count every traveller, including leaders and guides, and check the figure on the quote.
Can a coach go on BC Ferries?
Yes, with a separate bus fare by vehicle length. Book coach space ahead in summer.
Can a coach take the Coho ferry to Port Angeles?
Check its height first: the Coho turns away anything taller than 13 ft 10 in. Commercial vehicles reserve by phone only, and US immigration happens in Victoria before the sailing.
Is a coach worth it for 35 people?
If they have lots of luggage, yes. Otherwise a midi coach is easier to park.
Other charter services
- Charter buses for conferences and company events
- Charter buses for school trips and excursions
- Team buses for clubs, leagues and tournaments
- Charter buses and shuttles for wedding guests
- Coaches for ski trips and winter weekends
- Charter buses for day tours and sightseeing
- Coach transfers for cruise passengers
- Accessible charter transport for groups