Need to transport 9-12 people around North London? You’ve got three options: multiple taxis (expensive and complicated), a full-size coach (massive overkill for small groups), or a self-drive minibus that gives you control, flexibility, and significantly better value.
At North London Van & Truck Hire, we offer 9-seat and 12-seat minibus hire from our Enfield and Hertford branches. Whether you’re organising a wedding in Barnet, taking your football team to an away match, arranging corporate transport in Haringey, or planning a family day trip from Tottenham, our minibuses provide affordable group transport with the freedom to work to your own schedule.
This guide covers everything about hiring a minibus in North London: choosing between 9 and 12 seats, what you need to drive one (standard car licence works), planning routes across Enfield, Barnet, Haringey and beyond, typical uses from weddings to sports teams, cost breakdowns showing real savings vs taxis, and why self-drive beats hiring coaches or relying on multiple vehicles.
Why Minibus Hire Makes Sense for North London Groups
Let’s start with the economics. Here’s what group transport actually costs:
Cost Comparison: Minibus vs Taxis
Scenario: 12 people travelling from Enfield to Brighton for a day trip
Four taxis (3 people each):
- Enfield to Brighton: £70 per taxi × 4 = £280
- Brighton to Enfield: £70 per taxi × 4 = £280
- Total: £560
12-seat minibus hire:
- Weekend hire (Sat-Sun): £60 (2 days × £30)
- Fuel (130 miles each way): £60
- Total: £120
Saving: £440 (78% less)
Additional benefits of the minibus:
- Everyone travels together (no coordination hassles)
- Flexibility to stop wherever you want
- No waiting for taxis at either end
- Control your own departure time
- Space for luggage, sports equipment, or shopping
When Minibus Hire Works Best
Perfect for:
- Groups of 6-12 people travelling together
- Day trips and excursions (museums, theme parks, countryside)
- Sports teams (football, rugby, cricket) attending matches
- Wedding guest transport (ceremony to reception)
- Corporate events and team building
- Airport transfers for groups
- Family reunions and celebrations
- Festival and concert attendance
- Shopping trips with multiple people
- Regular community group outings
Less suitable for:
- Solo drivers with just 2-3 passengers (hire a van instead)
- Very long distances (200+ miles) where comfort matters more than cost
- Groups needing professional driver service (we’re self-drive)
- Transport within Central London only (parking challenges make it impractical)
9-Seat vs 12-Seat: Choosing the Right Size
We offer two minibus sizes. Here’s how to choose.
9-Seat Minibus
Actual capacity:
- 9 passengers including driver (8 passengers + 1 driver)
- More realistically: 7-8 people for comfort on longer journeys
Luggage space: Limited boot space plus some seat storage. Works for:
- Day trips with light bags
- Short journeys where comfort is less critical
- Groups who don’t need extensive luggage capacity
Advantages:
- Easier to drive than 12-seater (shorter, lighter)
- Better fuel economy
- Fits in more parking spaces
- Less intimidating for first-time minibus drivers
Best for:
- Small sports teams (7-8 players)
- Extended families (2-3 households)
- Corporate groups (sales team visits, client meetings)
- Small wedding parties
- Groups where some flexibility on numbers exists
Daily rate from: £30
9-Seat Executive Minibus
Same capacity, better comfort:
- More comfortable seating
- Better interior finish
- Quieter cabin
- More refined driving experience
When to choose executive:
- Corporate transport where presentation matters
- Longer journeys (2+ hours)
- Client-facing situations
- When comfort justifies slightly higher cost
Daily rate from: £30
12-Seat Minibus
Actual capacity:
- 12 passengers including driver (11 passengers + 1 driver)
- More realistically: 9-11 people for comfort on longer journeys
Luggage space: Decent boot space plus overhead storage. Handles:
- Weekend trips with overnight bags
- Sports equipment (football bags, cricket gear)
- Moderate shopping loads
- Day trip supplies (picnic gear, coats, bags)
Advantages:
- Maximum capacity for groups
- Better value per person for larger groups
- Single vehicle keeps everyone together
- Significant savings vs multiple taxis or cars
Considerations:
- Longer than 9-seater (affects parking and manoeuvring)
- Slightly less fuel efficient
- Requires more confidence driving larger vehicles
Best for:
- Full sports teams (11 players + coach)
- Large family groups (grandparents, parents, children)
- Wedding guest transport (bridesmaids, groomsmen)
- Corporate away days (whole departments)
- Community groups (church outings, social clubs)
- School trips (small groups with teachers)
Daily rate from: £30
How to Decide
Count heads honestly: How many people are definitely coming? Add 1-2 buffer spaces for the driver and potential extras.
Consider journey length:
- Under 1 hour: pack it full if needed
- 1-2 hours: leave 1-2 spare seats for comfort
- 2+ hours: prioritise comfort over maximising capacity
Think about luggage: Day trip with small bags? Either size works.
Overnight trip with larger bags? 12-seater gives more breathing room.
Assess driver confidence: First time driving a minibus? Start with 9-seater.
Confident with larger vehicles? 12-seater is fine.
Call us for advice: Phone 020 8805 0011 and describe your trip. We’ll recommend the right size based on actual experience with thousands of North London group bookings.
What You Need to Drive a Minibus
Good news: standard UK car licences cover our minibuses.
Driving Licence Requirements
Category B (standard car licence) covers:
- Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes
- Up to 8 passenger seats (plus driver)
This means:
- Our 9-seat minibuses: Yes, you can drive with car licence
- Our 12-seat minibuses: Check your licence
12-seater special case: If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, your licence includes Category D1, which covers minibuses with 9-16 passenger seats. You can drive our 12-seater.
If you passed after 1 January 1997, you can only drive vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats on Category B. For our 12-seater, you’d technically need D1 (minibus) category.
Practical reality: Many customers with post-1997 licences hire our 12-seaters without issues because:
- Insurance covers the vehicle
- You’re not operating commercially (it’s self-drive hire)
- Most customers are comfortable driving larger vehicles
However, we must legally inform you: Check your driving licence category before booking a 12-seater. If your licence was issued after January 1997 and shows only Category B, strictly speaking you need D1 for 12-seaters.
Alternative: Book our 9-seater instead, which definitely falls under Category B regardless of when you passed your test.
Still unsure? Bring your licence when collecting the minibus. We’ll check the categories and ensure you’re hiring the right vehicle for your licence type.
Driving a Minibus: What to Expect
Minibuses drive like large vans. If you’ve driven a van before, you’ll manage fine. If you haven’t, here’s what changes from driving a car.
Size and Dimensions
9-seat minibus:
- Length: approximately 5.3m
- Width: approximately 1.9m (including mirrors)
- Height: approximately 2.4m
12-seat minibus:
- Length: approximately 5.8m
- Width: approximately 2.0m (including mirrors)
- Height: approximately 2.5m
Compare this to your car (typically 4.5m long, 1.8m wide, 1.5m high) and you’ll see why minibuses feel different initially.
Key Differences from Cars
Higher seating position: You’re sitting 30-40cm higher than in a car. This gives excellent forward visibility but changes your spatial awareness. Kerbs look further away than they are. Other cars look smaller.
Longer wheelbase: The distance between front and rear wheels is much greater. This affects:
- Turning circles (you need more space to complete turns)
- Overhang (rear end swings out when cornering)
- Reversing (what you see in mirrors is further behind than in cars)
No rear-view mirror vision: Passengers fill the back of the minibus, blocking your rear-view mirror. You’ll rely entirely on wing mirrors. This feels odd initially but becomes natural within 15-20 minutes.
Heavier steering: Power steering helps, but minibuses have heavier steering than modern cars. This is most noticeable at low speeds when parking.
Different acceleration: Minibuses are slower to accelerate than cars. You’ll need bigger gaps when:
- Pulling out of junctions
- Joining roundabouts
- Overtaking (which you should avoid doing unless absolutely necessary)
Your First Drive
Before leaving our Enfield or Hertford branch:
- Adjust your seat and mirrors
- Sit high enough for clear forward vision
- Adjust wing mirrors to see down the sides (you need to see the rear corners)
- Check all passengers are seated and belted
- Familiarise yourself with controls
- Indicators (usually on right stalk)
- Lights (separate switch or on left stalk)
- Windscreen wipers
- Gear pattern (most minibuses are manual)
- Do a slow lap around our yard
- Practice moving off, stopping, turning
- Get a feel for the clutch and steering weight
- Try reversing a short distance with mirrors only
- Drive local streets first
- Don’t head straight onto the A10 or A406
- Spend 10 minutes on quieter roads building confidence
- Practice checking mirrors every 5-8 seconds
Within 30 minutes, most people feel comfortable. The first 10 minutes are always the most nerve-wracking.
Parking a Minibus
Forward bay parking (easiest):
- Approach slowly
- Turn into the bay as you would in a car
- Use mirrors to ensure you’re centred
- Pull forward until level with other vehicles
Reverse bay parking (worth doing):
- Pull past your target bay, positioning about 1.5m away
- Stop when your rear is level with the bay’s far edge
- Reverse slowly, turning towards the bay
- Use passenger mirror to monitor gap to bay edge
- Straighten wheels once you’re angled in
- Continue reversing, checking both mirrors
Parallel parking (avoid if possible): Minibuses are difficult to parallel park. You need approximately 1.5x the vehicle length (for a 5.8m minibus, that’s 8-9m of space). Find forward parking or reverse bays instead.
Parking tips for North London:
- Many retail parks (Enfield retail park, Tesco Ponders End) have large bays – use them
- Avoid multi-storey car parks (height restrictions typically 2m – you’re 2.4-2.5m)
- Look for end-of-row bays where extra width helps
- Consider street parking on wider roads rather than tight car parks
Popular Minibus Routes From North London
Here’s where our North London customers typically drive minibuses.
North London to South Coast (Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne)
Distance: 65-75 miles (Brighton)
Time: 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic
Route: A10 south → A1 → M25 → A23/M23 → Brighton
Perfect for:
- Day trips to Brighton beach
- Shopping weekends
- Football fans (away matches at Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Family days out
Mileage considerations: Our 150-mile daily allowance covers Enfield to Brighton return (130 miles) with 20 miles buffer for local driving. You’re well within limits.
Parking in Brighton: Use Bartholomew Square Car Park (3m height limit – you’ll fit) or street parking away from seafront (cheaper and easier).
North London to Airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton)
Heathrow:
- Distance: 25 miles
- Time: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic
- Route: A10 → M25 (west) → M4 → Heathrow
Gatwick:
- Distance: 40 miles
- Time: 60-90 minutes
- Route: A10 → M25 (south) → M23 → Gatwick
Stansted:
- Distance: 30 miles
- Time: 40-60 minutes
- Route: A10 → M11 → Stansted
Luton:
- Distance: 25 miles
- Time: 35-50 minutes
- Route: A10 → M25 → M1 → Luton
Why minibus beats taxis for airport runs:
- 12 people to Heathrow in taxis: £300-400
- 12 people in hired minibus: £30 (one-day hire) + £25 fuel + £6 parking = £61
- Saving: £240-340
Plus everyone travels together with luggage space sorted.
Airport parking: Most airports have short-stay and long-stay options. For drop-off/pick-up only, use short-stay (check height restrictions – you’re 2.4-2.5m). For longer stays while you fly, compare off-site parking.
North London to Theme Parks (Thorpe Park, Chessington, Legoland)
Thorpe Park:
- Distance: 35 miles
- Time: 60 minutes
- Route: A10 → M25 (west) → M3/A320 → Thorpe Park
Chessington World of Adventures:
- Distance: 30 miles
- Time: 60 minutes
- Route: A10 → M25 (west) → A243 → Chessington
Legoland Windsor:
- Distance: 40 miles
- Time: 70 minutes
- Route: A10 → M25 (west) → M4 → Windsor
Perfect for:
- Kids’ birthday parties (hire covers the day)
- Extended family days out (grandparents included)
- School groups (with appropriate supervision)
Cost advantage: Taking 10 children plus 2 adults to Thorpe Park:
- Taxis there and back: £200-250
- Minibus hire + fuel: £60
- Saving: £140-190
That’s money better spent on food, photos, and souvenirs at the park.
North London to Countryside and Heritage Sites
Cotswolds:
- Distance: 90-100 miles
- Time: 2-2.5 hours
- Route: A10 → M25 → M40 → Cotswolds
Cambridge:
- Distance: 45 miles
- Time: 60 minutes
- Route: A10 → M11 → Cambridge
St Albans:
- Distance: 25 miles
- Time: 40 minutes
- Route: A10 → M25 → A414 → St Albans
Perfect for:
- Community groups (church outings, social clubs)
- History enthusiasts (heritage site visits)
- Walking groups (drive to starting point together)
North London Sports Fixtures
Common destinations for North London sports teams:
South London clubs:
- Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic, Millwall
- Distance: 15-25 miles
- Time: 40-70 minutes depending on traffic
Essex clubs:
- West Ham United (Stratford), Southend United
- Distance: 15-40 miles
- Time: 30-80 minutes
Hertfordshire clubs:
- Watford FC, Stevenage FC
- Distance: 20-35 miles
- Time: 35-60 minutes
Weekly use case: Sunday league football team based in Tottenham playing away match in Barnet. Hire minibus for the day, drive 11 players to match, return same day. Cost: £30 hire + £5 fuel = £35 total. Compare to players driving individually (petrol + parking for 4-5 cars = £40-50).
Common Uses for Minibus Hire in North London
Over 30 years, we’ve seen every possible minibus use case. Here are the most common.
Weddings (35% of bookings)
Typical scenario: Bride and groom need transport for bridesmaids and groomsmen from hotel in Enfield to ceremony venue in Barnet, then to reception in Hertfordshire.
What size: 9-seater for small bridal parties
12-seater for larger groups including parents
Benefits:
- Everyone arrives together and on time
- Professional appearance (hire clean, modern vehicles)
- ULEZ compliant (no charges across North London)
- Driver can be best man or appointed guest
- Return flexibility (use 24-hour drop-off if reception runs late)
Cost comparison: Wedding car hire for bridal party: £200-400
Minibus hire (covers multiple journeys): £30-60
Saving: £140-370
Popular North London wedding routes:
- Enfield Town churches → Hertfordshire country house venues
- Barnet synagogues → North London reception halls
- Tottenham registry office → restaurant celebrations
Sports Teams (25% of bookings)
Typical scenario: Football team based in Edmonton needs regular transport to away matches across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire.
What size: 12-seater (11 players + coach)
Benefits:
- Team travels together (builds morale)
- Space for kit bags and equipment
- Designated driver rotates weekly
- Significantly cheaper than multiple cars
Long-term use: Many sports teams become regular customers, hiring every weekend during season. We offer competitive rates for repeat bookings.
Common sports using minibuses:
- Football (Sunday leagues, youth teams)
- Rugby (local clubs)
- Cricket (Saturday matches)
- Netball (away games)
- Athletics (competitions)
Corporate Events (20% of bookings)
Typical scenario: Company in Haringey running team-building day in Hertfordshire countryside. Need transport for 12 staff members.
What size: 12-seater for whole team, or 9-seater if some staff driving separately
Benefits:
- Professional image (modern, clean vehicles)
- Team bonding during journey
- Control over schedule (no waiting for coaches)
- Cost-effective vs hiring coaches or multiple taxis
Corporate uses:
- Team building days
- Client site visits
- Conference attendance
- Training sessions
- Christmas parties
- Summer outings
Tax consideration: Business hire is usually tax-deductible as transport expense. Keep receipts.
Family Days Out (15% of bookings)
Typical scenario: Extended family in Palmers Green planning day trip to Brighton. Three generations (grandparents, parents, children) want to travel together.
What size: 12-seater for full extended family (typically 8-11 people)
Benefits:
- Everyone together (no coordination needed)
- Space for pushchairs, beach gear, shopping
- Flexibility on timings (leave when ready, not to coach schedules)
- Massive cost savings vs trains or multiple cars
Popular family destinations from North London:
- Brighton (beach days)
- Theme parks (Thorpe Park, Legoland)
- London attractions (museums, theatre)
- Countryside (Cotswolds, Kent)
- Shopping (Bluewater, Lakeside)
Community Groups (5% of bookings)
Typical scenario: Church group in Barnet organising monthly outings for elderly members to countryside locations, heritage sites, or coastal towns.
What size: Usually 12-seater (maximises capacity for group)
Benefits:
- Affordable transport for regular activities
- Accessible vehicle (easier entry than cars)
- Community atmosphere (travel together)
- Flexible booking (hire just when needed)
Community uses:
- Church outings
- Social clubs
- Youth groups
- Charity events
- Support groups
- Educational trips
Cost Breakdown: Real Savings From Minibus Hire
Let’s compare actual costs for real scenarios.
Scenario 1: Weekend Wedding Transport
Group: 11 guests from Enfield to Hertfordshire wedding
Journey: Hotel → ceremony (15 miles) → reception (10 miles) → return to hotel (20 miles)
Total distance: 45 miles
Option A: Taxis
- 3 taxis for outbound journey: £90
- 3 taxis for return journey: £90
- Total: £180
Option B: 12-Seat Minibus
- Weekend hire (Sat-Sun): £60
- Fuel (45 miles): £10
- Total: £70
Saving: £110 (61% less)
Scenario 2: Sports Team Away Match
Group: 11 players + coach
Journey: Tottenham to Essex (40 miles each way)
Frequency: Every Sunday for 20-week season
Option A: Players Drive Individually
- 4-5 cars needed
- Fuel: £60 per match day × 20 weeks = £1,200
- Parking: £20 per match day × 20 weeks = £400
- Season total: £1,600
Option B: Weekly Minibus Hire
- Hire: £30 per week × 20 weeks = £600
- Fuel: £20 per week × 20 weeks = £400
- Season total: £1,000
Saving: £600 (38% less)
Scenario 3: Airport Transfer
Group: 10 people from Enfield to Heathrow for group holiday
Journey: 25 miles each way
Option A: Pre-Booked Taxis
- Outbound: 3 taxis × £60 = £180
- Return: 3 taxis × £60 = £180
- Total: £360
Option B: 12-Seat Minibus
- Two-day hire: £60
- Fuel: £20
- Airport parking: £12 (short stay for drop-off/pick-up)
- Total: £92
Saving: £268 (74% less)
Scenario 4: Family Day Trip
Group: 9 family members to Brighton
Journey: 65 miles each way (130 miles total)
Option A: Train
- Off-peak return: £35 per person × 9 = £315
Option B: 9-Seat Minibus
- Weekend hire: £60
- Fuel: £30
- Brighton parking: £15
- Total: £105
Saving: £210 (67% less)
Additional minibus advantages:
- Door-to-door (no walking to/from stations)
- No carrying luggage on trains
- Flexibility on return time
- Space for shopping/beach gear
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage Planning
Understanding fuel consumption helps budget accurately.
Typical Fuel Economy
9-seat minibus:
- Approximately 30-35 MPG (motorway driving)
- Approximately 25-30 MPG (mixed urban/motorway)
- Approximately 20-25 MPG (heavy urban)
12-seat minibus:
- Approximately 28-32 MPG (motorway driving)
- Approximately 23-28 MPG (mixed urban/motorway)
- Approximately 18-23 MPG (heavy urban)
Fuel type: Diesel (more economical for larger vehicles)
Calculating Fuel Costs
Example journey: Enfield to Brighton return (130 miles)
12-seat minibus:
- 130 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 4.3 gallons
- 4.3 gallons × 4.5 litres = 19.4 litres
- 19.4 litres × £1.50/litre = £29.10 fuel cost
Add 10% buffer for urban driving and detours = £32
Our 150-Mile Daily Allowance
Every hire includes 150 miles per day. Extra miles cost 10p each.
What 150 miles covers:
Single day trips:
- Enfield to Brighton return: 130 miles (within allowance)
- Enfield to Cambridge return: 90 miles (within allowance)
- Enfield to Thorpe Park return: 70 miles (within allowance)
- Enfield to Cotswolds return: 200 miles (50 miles over = £5 charge)
Weekend hires (2 days = 300 miles):
- Most North London to UK destinations fit easily
- Multiple local trips across weekend covered
- Very generous for typical wedding or sports use
Tracking mileage: We note mileage at collection and return. Any excess is calculated and charged at 10p per mile. Simple, transparent, fair.
ULEZ and Minibus Hire in North London
All of North London sits within the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone). Non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50 per day.
Our minibus fleet: 100% ULEZ compliant. Every minibus meets Euro 6 emission standards.
What this means:
- Drive anywhere in London without daily charges
- No surprise penalties arriving weeks later
- Save £12.50 per day vs non-compliant vehicles
Example savings:
Weekend hire (Fri-Mon):
- Non-compliant vehicle: £50 ULEZ charges (4 days × £12.50)
- Our compliant minibus: £0 ULEZ charges
- Saving: £50
20-week sports season (Sunday hires):
- Non-compliant vehicle: £250 ULEZ charges (20 weeks × £12.50)
- Our compliant minibus: £0 ULEZ charges
- Saving: £250
Further information: See our complete “ULEZ Compliant Van Hire Guide” for emission standards, zone boundaries, and compliance checking details.
Booking Your North London Minibus
Online Booking
Visit nlvth.com:
- Select dates and minibus type (9 or 12 seat)
- Choose Enfield or Hertford branch
- Enter details and confirm
- Receive confirmation with collection information
Phone Booking (Recommended)
Call 020 8805 0011:
- Discuss your specific needs (how many people, where going, etc.)
- Get advice on 9 vs 12 seater
- Confirm driving licence requirements
- Book with verbal confirmation
Why phone booking helps for minibuses: We can answer questions like “will 10 adults fit comfortably for 2 hours?” or “can we fit sports bags for 11 players?” based on actual experience.
What You Need to Collect
Documentation:
- Valid UK driving licence (check categories – see section above)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- Credit or debit card for £100 deposit
Collection locations:
Enfield: 1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield EN3 7NJ (behind McDonald’s)
- Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 7:30am-12pm
- 24-hour drop-off available
Hertford: Kingfisher Nurseries, White Stubbs Lane, Bayford, SG13
- Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 7:30am-12pm
Collection Process
- Review driving licence – ensure correct categories
- Explain hire terms – insurance, mileage, return
- Walk around minibus – check for existing damage
- Show all controls – lights, wipers, indicators, fuel
- Process deposit – £100 pre-authorised on card
- Practice drive – short lap around our yard if you want
- Drive away – enjoy your trip
Time needed: 15 minutes
Safety and Insurance
What’s Included
Comprehensive insurance: All our minibus hires include insurance covering:
- Damage to the minibus
- Third-party liability
- All named drivers on the agreement
Excess:
- Standard: £1,200
- Reducible to £200 for £15 per day
Breakdown cover: AA breakdown assistance included. If the minibus breaks down, call the AA number in the documents. They’ll fix it roadside or recover the vehicle.
Safety Tips for Group Transport
Before departure:
- Ensure all passengers have working seatbelts
- Check everyone is seated before moving off
- Confirm luggage is secured (won’t slide during braking)
- Verify you have all passengers’ phone numbers
During journey:
- Take regular breaks (every 90-120 minutes)
- Rotate drivers if multiple people are insured on the hire
- Maintain safe following distances (minibuses brake slower than cars)
- Check mirrors constantly (passengers create blind spots)
Passenger responsibility:
- No standing or moving while vehicle is in motion
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times
- Keep aisles clear for emergency exit access
- Avoid distracting the driver
Why North London Customers Choose NLVTH for Minibus Hire
Local Convenience
Two North London locations: Our Enfield and Hertford branches serve all of North London. From Barnet, Haringey, Tottenham, Edmonton, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, or anywhere nearby – we’re typically 10-20 minutes away.
24-hour drop-off in Enfield: Finish your event at midnight? Return the minibus immediately. No waiting for Monday morning. No keeping it overnight because we’re closed. Just drop keys and walk away.
Fleet Quality
Modern, reliable vehicles:
- Serviced every 5,000 miles
- GPS tracked for security
- Clean, well-maintained interiors
- 100% ULEZ compliant
Passenger comfort:
- Comfortable seating
- Working air conditioning
- Ample headroom
- Good visibility for passengers
Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges:
- £100 pre-authorised deposit (not taken unless necessary)
- 150 miles per day included (10p per extra mile)
- Insurance excess £1,200 or £200 (your choice)
- Fuel: you pay for what you use (return full)
Monday-Thursday discount: Book midweek and save 20% on daily rates. Perfect for corporate events or flexible group trips.
Family Business Values
30+ years serving North London: We’re not a national chain. We’re a family business based locally. When you call 020 8805 0011, you speak with our team – not a call centre.
BVRLA membership: We’re BVRLA members, guaranteeing professional standards in vehicle rental and customer service.
Local knowledge: We understand North London routes, parking, and access. This helps you plan better trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a minibus on a normal car licence?
Yes, but it depends on your licence date and the minibus size. Standard UK car licences (Category B) cover vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats. This includes our 9-seat minibus (8 passengers + 1 driver). For our 12-seat minibus, you need Category D1 unless your licence was issued before January 1997 (which automatically includes D1). Check your licence before booking, or bring it when collecting and we’ll confirm you’re hiring the appropriate vehicle.
How difficult is it to drive a minibus?
If you can drive a van or large car confidently, minibuses are straightforward. They’re bigger than cars (longer, wider, taller), so you need better mirror awareness and spatial judgment. Most people feel comfortable within 20-30 minutes of driving. The first 10 minutes feel odd, then it becomes natural. We recommend driving quieter roads initially to build confidence before joining motorways or busy urban routes.
What’s the difference between 9 and 12 seat minibuses?
Size and capacity. 9-seaters are shorter (about 5.3m vs 5.8m), easier to drive, more fuel efficient, and fit more parking spaces. They’re perfect for smaller groups and first-time minibus drivers. 12-seaters offer maximum capacity, better value per person for larger groups, and more luggage space. Choose based on actual passenger count – don’t hire a 12-seater for 7 people just because it’s available.
Can multiple people share driving?
Yes, as long as all drivers are named on the hire agreement at collection, have valid UK licences with appropriate categories, and meet insurance requirements (typically 25+ years old with clean licence). No additional charge for multiple drivers. This is useful for longer journeys where rotating drivers prevents fatigue and shares responsibility.
Are minibuses ULEZ compliant for London driving?
Yes, all our minibuses are 100% ULEZ compliant. You can drive anywhere in London (including Central London and throughout North London) without paying the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge. Our fleet meets Euro 6 emission standards. This saves you money compared to hiring older, non-compliant vehicles from other companies.
What happens if we go over the mileage allowance?
We charge 10p per extra mile. For example, if you’re allowed 150 miles and drive 180 miles, you’ll pay an extra £3. We check mileage when you return the minibus and charge any excess to your card. Most North London uses stay within the daily allowance – it’s roughly Enfield to Brighton and back with buffer for local driving.
Can we hire a minibus for multiple days?
Yes, we offer daily, weekend, weekly, and longer-term hires. Weekend hire (Friday-Monday) is popular for events and sports. Weekly hire works for holiday groups. Daily rates apply to each 24-hour period. Our 24-hour drop-off at Enfield means you can collect Friday morning and return Monday morning, maximizing your hire period without paying for time you’re not using.
Do you provide drivers, or is it self-drive only?
We’re self-drive only – you drive the minibus yourself. This keeps costs low and gives you complete flexibility on routes and timings. If you need chauffeur service, you’d need a coach or taxi company instead. Self-drive suits most North London group transport needs and offers significantly better value than hiring drivers.
Book Your North London Minibus Today
Whether you’re organising a wedding in Barnet, taking your sports team to Essex, planning a family trip to Brighton, or arranging corporate transport across Hertfordshire, our minibuses provide affordable, flexible group transport from convenient North London locations.
Call us at 020 8805 0011 to discuss your minibus hire needs. Our team will help you choose between 9 and 12 seats, confirm licence requirements, and ensure you’re fully prepared for collection.
Book online at nlvth.com for instant availability and confirmation, or visit our Enfield branch at 1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield EN3 7NJ (behind McDonald’s), or our Hertford location at Kingfisher Nurseries, White Stubbs Lane, Bayford, SG13.
Our family business has served North London for over 30 years with reliable vehicles, transparent pricing, and genuine local expertise. BVRLA membership guarantees professional standards. Our 24-hour drop-off at Enfield gives you flexibility that national chains simply don’t offer.
From £30 per day, our minibuses deliver exceptional value for groups across North London and beyond. Stop coordinating multiple taxis or cars. Travel together, save money, and make memories on the journey.