Got questions before you book? You’re not alone. We get asked the same things every week — about seatbelts, how far in advance to book, what you can bring on board, and what happens if you’re running late. We’ve pulled together every question we hear regularly and answered them honestly, so you can go into your booking with no surprises.
Booking & Planning
How far in advance should I book a charter bus?
For most events, 4–8 weeks notice is comfortable. For peak periods — Melbourne Cup Carnival, AFL finals, New Year’s Eve, and the wedding season between October and April — we’d recommend booking 3 to 6 months ahead. The more vehicles you need, the earlier you should lock it in.
That said, if you’re in a pinch, it’s always worth calling. Last-minute availability does come up.
How do I get a quote?
The quickest way is by calling us on (03) 4327 9943 or submitting a quote request through our website. We’ll need to know your pickup location, destination (or itinerary if there are multiple stops), date and time, and approximate passenger numbers. From there we can suggest the right vehicle and give you an accurate price.
Is there a minimum hire period?
Generally yes — most bookings have a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, though this can vary depending on the type of trip and the vehicle. Transfer-only jobs (point A to point B) are sometimes available with shorter minimums. Ask us when you enquire and we’ll work out what makes sense for your trip.
Can I make changes after I’ve booked?
Yes, within reason. Tweaks to pickup times, stops, and passenger numbers are usually fine as long as you give us enough notice. Major changes to the itinerary or vehicle close to the event date may not always be possible depending on availability. Get in touch as early as you can if something changes.
What information do I need to have ready when I enquire?
The basics are:
- Date and time of travel
- Pickup and drop-off locations
- Number of passengers
- Any stops along the way
- The nature of the event (wedding, corporate, tour, etc.)
If you’re not sure on passenger numbers yet, give us your best estimate. We can always adjust the vehicle as it gets closer.
The Vehicles
What size bus do I need?
It depends on your group size. As a general guide:
| Group Size | Suggested Vehicle |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 | Minivan or small minibus |
| 12–24 | Minibus |
| Up to 27 | Standard minibus |
| 28–57 | Coach |
| 58+ | Multiple vehicles |
One thing worth knowing: once your numbers go above 27, a single coach is usually more cost-effective than running two minibuses. See our full vehicles page for specs and seating layouts.
What’s the difference between Economy, Premium, and Luxury?
Our fleet is graded by vehicle age and condition:
- Economy — older vehicles (18+ years), clean and roadworthy, great for school trips, sporting groups, and budget-conscious bookings
- Premium — mid-range vehicles (8–18 years), well-presented and comfortable for most events
- Luxury — newer vehicles (under 7 years), immaculate presentation, ideal for weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions
For weddings and formal events, we only use Premium or Luxury vehicles — Economy isn’t an option for those bookings.
Do the buses have air conditioning?
Yes. All vehicles in our fleet are fully air-conditioned. Given Melbourne’s weather, you’ll be glad of it.
Is there a toilet on the bus?
Some of our larger coaches do have an onboard toilet. It depends on the specific vehicle. If this is important for your trip — particularly for long-distance runs or tours — let us know when you enquire and we’ll confirm what’s available.
Do charter buses have seatbelts?
Most of our coaches and minibuses are fitted with seatbelts. Under Victorian law, passengers must wear a seatbelt if one is available. For school excursions involving children, seatbelted vehicles are required. If seatbelts are essential for your booking, let us know and we’ll make sure the right vehicle is allocated.
On the Day
Can you drink alcohol on a charter bus in Victoria?
No. Alcohol is not permitted on our vehicles. This applies to all bookings regardless of the occasion.
Can we bring food and drinks on the bus?
Cold drinks and light snacks are fine. Hot food is not permitted on board — the smell and mess aren’t ideal in an enclosed vehicle. For longer trips, we build comfort stops into the itinerary so passengers can stretch their legs and grab a bite. Let us know your trip duration when you enquire and we’ll plan accordingly.
What happens if we’re running late?
Call us as soon as you know. Our drivers have schedules, but we do our best to accommodate reasonable delays. If the driver has another booking immediately after yours, we may not be able to extend the run — which is why building a small buffer into your timeline is always a good idea, especially for weddings and events.
Can the driver make multiple stops?
Absolutely. Multi-stop itineraries are very common — hotel pickups, multiple venues, guest drop-offs at different addresses. Just make sure all stops are included in your booking so we can plan the route and timing accurately.
Can I change the itinerary on the day?
Minor changes are usually fine at the driver’s discretion. Significant route changes that add time or distance may incur additional charges. It’s always better to sort this out in advance rather than on the day.
Drivers & Safety
Are your drivers properly licensed and accredited?
Yes. All Busify drivers hold Victorian bus driver accreditation. To obtain accreditation, drivers must hold a full Victorian driver licence, pass a national criminal history check, and be assessed as medically fit to drive — with that medical assessment renewed every three years. This is a legal requirement for anyone driving a bus with passengers in Victoria.
What if the bus breaks down?
We have protocols in place for mechanical issues. Our drivers carry emergency contacts and we can arrange a replacement vehicle where possible. It’s rare, but it does occasionally happen — we’ll always communicate with you quickly and work to get your group moving again with minimal disruption.
Are you insured?
Yes. All vehicles operate with full public liability and passenger insurance as required under Victorian transport law. You don’t need to arrange separate cover for your passengers.
Pricing & Payment
How much does bus hire cost in Melbourne?
It varies based on the vehicle, distance, duration, and time of year. We’ve written a detailed pricing guide that covers typical ranges across vehicle types — worth a read before you request a quote: How Much Does Bus Hire Cost in Melbourne?
Why do prices differ between companies?
Fleet age, accreditation, insurance coverage, and driver experience all affect pricing. A suspiciously cheap quote can sometimes mean older vehicles, less experienced drivers, or gaps in insurance. We’d rather be upfront about what you’re getting than win on price and underdeliver on the day.
Do you charge more on weekends or public holidays?
Peak times — weekends, public holidays, Melbourne Cup week, New Year’s Eve — do typically attract higher rates due to driver penalty rates and vehicle demand. This will be factored into any quote we provide, so there are no surprises.
Is a deposit required?
Yes, a deposit is typically required to secure your booking, with the balance due closer to the event date. We’ll confirm the payment schedule when we send your booking confirmation.
Still have a question?
If something isn’t covered here, we’re easy to reach. Call us on (03) 4327 9943 and we’ll get back to you quickly. Most quotes come back within a few hours.
