Booking a minibus to Brighton is one of the easiest ways to get a group to the seaside together, with a driver, shared costs and nobody stuck hunting for a parking space. Prices depend on the number of seats, the distance and how long the driver has to wait, but local hires in the city start from about £120, and a full day starts from around £380. This guide covers real prices, seat sizes, licence rules, where to park in Brighton and the seafront sights that are worth planning your day around.

How much does a minibus cost?

Most companies quote by the journey or by the hour, and most prices include the driver. One Brighton operator says its hires with a driver run from £70 to £200 or more, depending on what you need. The examples below come from operators and a booking system, so treat them as a guide and ask for a written quote.

The price is for the whole vehicle, not for each person, so the cost per head drops as your group fills the seats. For example, a full day hire at £380 comes to about £32 each for 12 people and about £24 each for 16 people, before parking and any tips. A 16 seater usually costs only a little more than a 12 seater on the same route, so if you are close to the limit it is often cheaper to book the larger vehicle than to squeeze people in.

How many seats do you need?

Count every person in your group, then think about luggage. Ask the operator whether the seat count includes the driver, because some firms list passengers only. One operator describes its largest minibus as carrying 16 passengers excluding the driver.

For a day at the seaside you will not need much luggage, but coats, bags and picnic gear add up. If your group is large, two smaller minibuses can make it easier to split into early and late departures.

Do you need a driver or can you drive yourself?

Driving a minibus with 9 to 16 passenger seats normally needs a D1 licence, and if the driver is paid or the passengers pay anything for the ride, it counts as hire or reward and you need a full D1 licence. GOV.UK says you may be able to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats on a car licence if you have held it for at least 2 years, you are driving as a volunteer, and the minibus is used for social purposes by a non commercial body.

If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, your licence may already carry minibus entitlement, but it is marked as not for hire or reward. A charity or club that wants to charge passengers to cover running costs can apply for a Section 19 minibus permit. A standard car licence does allow you to drive a vehicle with up to 8 passenger seats, so a self drive 8 seater can be a simple option for a small group.

Where to park and drop off in Brighton

Brighton city centre parking is expensive and limited, so most groups use the coach park on Madeira Drive. Visit Brighton describes it as pay and display, close to Brighton Marina and within easy reach of the city centre drop off and pick up points. SEA LIFE Brighton says there are council drop off bays on Madeira Drive just after the roundabout, with day parking bays further along.

Two cautions apply. Madeira Drive is sometimes closed to traffic for large events, including the Brighton Marathon, and the coach park cannot be used on those days. The council also proposed in 2024 to remove some coach bays just east of Duke's Mound and replace them with paid parking, so check the council's website for the current layout and charges before you plan your drop off.

Seaside sights worth your time

Start at Brighton Palace Pier, which opened in 1899 and stretches about 525 metres into the sea. Walking on is free outside peak periods, though recent years have brought a small summer entry fee, so check the pier's website for the current rule. The rides and arcades cost extra. SEA LIFE Brighton is a few minutes' walk away, and one recent guide lists adult tickets from £15 to £21.50 online. A short walk along the seafront takes you to Volk's Electric Railway, which runs from near the pier to Black Rock and dates from 1883.

It is said to be the oldest operating electric railway in the world, and it is a gentle way to rest your feet. The Royal Pavilion is the city's most unusual building, and the surrounding gardens are free to enter. Opening hours run from 9.30am to 5.45pm from April to September, and 10am to 5.15pm from October to March. From there it is a short stroll into The Lanes and North Laine, which are full of independent shops, cafes and street performers. The Palace Pier, the Lanes, the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum are all within about a 10 minute walk of each other.

Read more: Hit the Peak District Adventure Trail with Van Hire Sheffield.

Quick questions

How much does a minibus with a driver cost?

Local hires start from about £120 for up to 4 hours, and a full day starts from around £380. Your price will depend on the distance and the vehicle.

Do I need a special licence to drive a minibus?

For 9 to 16 passenger seats you normally need D1 entitlement. Unpaid volunteers for non commercial groups may drive on a car licence if they meet the GOV.UK conditions.

How many people fit in a minibus?

Most minibuses seat 8 to 16 passengers. For 17 or more, you will need two vehicles or a coach.

Where can a minibus park in Brighton?

The Madeira Drive coach park is pay and display, and there are council drop off bays nearby. Check for event closures first.

Is Brighton Palace Pier free?

Entry has been free for most of the year, but a small summer fee has applied recently, so check the official website before you go.

Last updated

Last updated: 27 October 2026.

Please check with your operator, Brighton & Hove City Council and GOV.UK before you travel.