The midi-coach
A midi-coach seats about 29 to 35. It suits a group too big for a minibus but too small to fill a full-size coach, and it copes better with tight streets.
When the smaller coach pays off
Old town centres and small venues are where it helps. Many stops have room for one vehicle only: each of Montpellier's three city-centre drop-off points takes a single coach. Hotels can be tight too. On the Place du Capitole in Toulouse, only coaches of 10 m or less may serve the hotels, and the hotel must be told in advance. Ask the operator for the vehicle's length.
Luggage goes underfloor or at the rear, in less space than a full-size coach offers. For an airport run with big cases, check the hold before you settle on this size. For a day tour with light bags, it is rarely a problem.
Capacity
- Seats: 29-35
- Luggage: Underfloor or rear luggage space, smaller than a full-size coach
Rules and equipment
- Easier than a full-size coach in narrow streets, historic centres and small venues
- With more than 17 seats including the driver, or more than 8 m long, it needs a category D licence rather than D1
- The operating company must be entered in the register of road passenger transport companies and hold a licence communautaire
- EU drivers' hours apply: at most 9 hours of driving a day (10 hours twice a week) and a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours
- On a single occasional international coach trip, the driver may postpone the weekly rest for up to 12 days
Licence, hours and touring
Once a vehicle passes 17 seats (driver counted) or 8 m long, D1 is no longer enough: the driver must hold category D. The operator is registered and holds a licence communautaire. EU limits apply: a ceiling of 9 hours' driving per day, 10 hours on two days a week, and a 45-minute pause after 4.5 hours.
For a one-off occasional tour abroad, the weekly rest can be deferred for as long as 12 days. That suits a touring circuit, but each day's limits stay the same.
Organisers ask
How many people fit with luggage?
Start from the seat count, then check the hold. Thirty people with large cases may need a full-size coach.
Can it go where a full-size coach cannot?
Sometimes, but most rules cover every coach. Avignon keeps heavy vehicles outside its walls whatever their length, and Mont-Saint-Michel sends every coach to P7.
Is it a good size for a wedding?
Often. Between 29 and 35 seats is a common size for a guest shuttle between hotels and the venue, and it copes better than a full-size coach with a narrow drive.