Short answer: for an office Christmas party, book the return journeys in advance, give a headcount and the venue's exact pickup point, and stagger departures instead of sending everyone home at once. December evenings are busy, so booking early gives you the most choice.
This guide is for the person organising a work Christmas party, staff night out or team celebration. Prices on our site are estimates, confirmed when we accept your booking.
Plan the ride home before the invitations go out
The journey home is where Christmas parties go wrong. Everyone leaves at the same time, on-demand apps surge, and the colleague who left last ends up waiting on a pavement. Pre-booking takes the problem away from you and from your staff.
Work out three things first:
- Who is going where. Group staff by area, not by seniority. A minibus or two cars heading the same direction is easier than eight individual rides.
- When people will leave. Most parties thin out gradually. Book two or three departure slots rather than one.
- How many people each vehicle takes. A standard car carries four passengers; larger groups need a minibus. See how many people fit in a minicab.
Choosing the vehicle
| Group | Suggested vehicle | | :-- | :-- | | 1–4 | Saloon or estate | | 5–8 | Minibus | | 9 or more | Larger minibus or minicoach, or several vehicles |
Our group minicab guide explains when two cars beat one minibus, and the fleet page lists seats and luggage space.
What to tell us when you book
- The venue name and exact pickup point, not just the postcode. Restaurants and event spaces often have a side entrance for cars.
- The number of passengers in each booking, including anyone who needs extra space or has mobility needs. Accessible vehicles are available by request.
- The time people will be ready, and who is the contact on the night.
- Drop-off addresses for each group.
If plans change, see how to cancel or change a booking. For anything last-minute on the night, last-minute minicab booking explains what to expect.
Late nights and staggered finishes
Parties that run late need a pickup plan for after midnight. Our late-night minicab guide covers what to arrange, and Christmas and New Year minicab booking covers the wider festive period.
Paying and expenses
Many companies cover the ride home for staff. If you are booking on behalf of colleagues, see corporate minicab travel for teams and the business travel expenses guide for receipts and booking for others.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How far in advance should I book minicabs for an office Christmas party? A: As early as you know the date and venue. December evenings are busy, and booking ahead gives you more choice of times and vehicle types.
Q: Can I book one minibus for the whole team? A: If the group fits. A minibus carries up to eight passengers; for more people, book several vehicles or a larger minicoach.
Q: Can I book return journeys for different departure times? A: Yes. Book separate pickups for each group, with the time and the pickup point for each.
Q: Can the company pay for staff journeys home? A: That is a decision for your employer. If you book on behalf of colleagues, the person who makes the booking arranges the payment.
Q: What if the party finishes earlier or later than planned? A: Tell us as soon as you know. See our guide to changing a booking for how this works.
Q: Can I get an accessible vehicle for a colleague? A: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available by request. Mention it when you book so we can plan for it.
Get an estimated fare for your Christmas party minicabs and list the group size and pickup point in the notes.