Active operating authority, $5M+ liability
Background-checked, DOT medical
Multiple bids side-by-side
Wheelchair lift on request
Best fits for Small Group (Under 15)
- Executive delegations and C-suite airport transfers where arrival timing matters
- Small wedding party VIP transport (immediate family, bridal party)
- Cruise embarkation for families with heavy luggage (2 bags per person overloads Uber XL)
- Small church youth groups (mission trips, retreats under 14 people)
- Corporate lunch offsites where the group needs to arrive together
When DIY (Uber XL, rental, rideshare) actually wins
Honest disqualification: cases where a charter bus is the wrong call at this group size.
- Point-to-point trips with no timing dependency (2 Uber XL vehicles usually cheaper)
- Groups that will split up at the destination and need separate returns
- Trips where any single-vehicle mechanical breakdown would strand the whole group
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest charter bus you rent?
The smallest vehicle in the BusBrother network is a 14-passenger minibus, priced 450 to 950 dollars for a one-way trip in Florida. For groups under 8 passengers, a single Uber XL or private SUV service is typically cheaper than a charter bus. Charter bus starts making economic sense around the 10-passenger mark.
Is a 14-passenger minibus cheaper than 2 Uber XL vehicles?
Depends on the trip. For a 45-mile Orlando to Port Canaveral trip: 2 Uber XL vehicles at surge run 340 to 500 dollars total; a 14-passenger minibus runs 450 to 650 dollars. Minibus wins on group cohesion (arrives together, luggage stays together) and on peak-surge days. Uber XL wins on total cost during off-peak hours.
How much luggage fits in a 14-passenger minibus?
A 14-passenger minibus carries 14 carry-ons plus 10 to 14 checked bags in the rear compartment. For cruise groups arriving with 2 bags per person (14 checked plus 14 carry-ons), the rear compartment fills to capacity. If your group has heavier luggage (multi-week cruise, ski trip), book a 25-passenger minibus which has larger rear luggage capacity.
Can we book a 14-passenger minibus for a bachelor or bachelorette party?
Yes. Small bachelor/bachelorette party groups (8 to 14 people) commonly book a 14-passenger minibus for the evening. Rate for a 6-hour block runs 650 to 1,400 dollars. Under Florida law, alcohol is permitted for passengers in the vehicle cabin (never for the driver). Confirm alcohol policy with the specific carrier at booking - some restrict.
Do 14-passenger minibuses have bathrooms?
No. Onboard restrooms are only standard on full-size 45 to 55-passenger motorcoaches. For trips under 90 minutes a restroom-equipped vehicle is not required. For longer trips with a small group, upgrade to a 25-passenger minibus with restroom availability on some units, or a full motorcoach.