Van Type Guide
Minibus leasing, subscriptions & short-term hire
A minibus moves a whole group in a single trip — typically 9 to 17 seats — and leasing one keeps maintenance and running costs predictable.
What is it?
What is a minibus?
Minibuses are passenger-focused vehicles built around seating capacity rather than load space. Leasing packages are often tailored for higher-mileage, multi-driver use, which suits the way most minibuses are actually run.
Best for: Schools, care homes, community transport schemes, sports clubs and churches or other community groups.
Popular minibus models
- Ford Transit Minibus
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Minibus
- LDV Maxus Minibus
- Volkswagen Crafter Minibus
How to get one
Minibus leasing options
However long you need a minibus for, there's an agreement type to match.
Minibus Subscription
A rolling minibus subscription from 1 month, with maintenance, servicing and breakdown cover included — ideal if your requirements might change.
Read the van subscriptions guide →Minibus Short-Term Lease
A fixed 6–12 month minibus lease, usually cheaper per month than a subscription if you know your required contract length.
Read the short-term lease guide →Minibus Long-Term Leasing
A traditional 2–4 year minibus lease, typically the lowest monthly cost of any agreement — well suited to fleets and predictable, ongoing use. The fastest way to see what's available is Cocoon's Van Finder tool.
Read the long-term leasing guide →FAQs
Minibus leasing questions, answered
How many seats does a minibus have?
Minibuses typically range from 9 seats up to around 17, with larger models built on a Sprinter, Crafter or Maxus chassis.
Can a minibus be wheelchair accessible?
Many minibus leasing providers offer wheelchair-accessible conversions — worth asking about specifically when you enquire, as availability varies by partner and model.
Do I need a special licence to drive a leased minibus?
It depends on the vehicle's weight and seating capacity, and on when you passed your driving test. Check the specific model's requirements against your licence category before committing.