If there are more than four of you, a standard minicab won't do. The next step up isn't a single option, though. It's a choice between a people carrier, an MPV and a minibus, and the right one depends as much on your luggage as on the number of people.
This guide compares the three so you can pick a vehicle you won't have to change on the day.
The three options side by side
| Vehicle | Seats | Large bags (approx.) | Best for | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | People carrier | 6 | 5 | Five or six people with a normal amount of luggage | | MPV | 7 | 4 | Up to seven people travelling lighter | | Minibus | 8 | 8 | Groups with full holiday luggage |
Exact numbers for every vehicle in our fleet are on the fleet page.
Why seats and bags trade off
In a people carrier or MPV, the back row of seats takes up space that would otherwise be boot. That's why a 7-seater MPV can carry fewer large cases than a 6-seater people carrier. With every seat in use, there's less room left behind it.
Three ways this plays out:
- Six adults, six suitcases. That's more luggage than a people carrier or MPV is designed for. A minibus is the safe choice.
- Five people with carry-on bags only. A people carrier or MPV is plenty.
- A family of four with a pushchair, a car seat and holiday cases. Often this needs a people carrier rather than an estate, even though there are only four people.
Our luggage capacity guide covers awkward items such as golf bags, skis and bikes.
When a 6-seater is the right call
A people carrier is a good fit when:
- You're a group of five or six with one suitcase each.
- You're a family that needs room for a pushchair or child seat as well as luggage.
- You'd otherwise book two saloons. One larger vehicle keeps everyone together and is usually cheaper than two cars.
When to go up to a minibus
Choose a minibus when:
- There are seven or eight of you with full luggage.
- You're carrying sports equipment or bulky cases.
- It's a team, a wedding party or a stag or hen group that wants to travel together. See our group travel guide.
For more than eight, we also have 9-seater minibuses and 13- and 14-seater minicoaches.
Airport runs in a larger vehicle
Larger vehicles are most popular for airport transfers, when luggage is at its maximum. A few tips:
- Book early. People carriers, MPVs and minibuses are fewer in number than saloons, and they're the first to go in school holidays.
- Count bags honestly, including pushchairs and car seats.
- Give the flight number for pickups so the driver can follow delays.
If you're starting from central London, our guides to EC1–EC4 and WC1–WC2 airport transfers cover the routes.
What it costs
A larger vehicle costs more than a saloon for the same journey, but usually less than two cars. Enter your journey on the booking page, choose the vehicle and you'll see an estimated fare. Our fare estimates guide explains what goes into the price. We confirm the final price when we accept your booking.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I book a 6-seater minicab? A: Yes. Our people carrier seats six with room for around five large bags. Choose it when you book.
Q: What's the difference between a people carrier and an MPV? A: Our people carrier seats six with more luggage space. Our MPV seats seven but has room for fewer large bags, because the third row of seats takes up boot space.
Q: Is an 8-seater minibus better than two cars? A: Usually, yes. One minibus keeps the group together, and it typically costs less than two separate cars for the same journey.
Q: How many suitcases fit in an MPV minicab? A: Around four large cases in our 7-seater MPV with every seat in use. If you have more, choose the people carrier or a minibus.
Q: Can I get a 6-seater for an airport transfer? A: Yes. People carriers and MPVs are available for transfers to and from all London airports. Book early in holiday periods.