Minibus Hire for Schools in London

From £62.21 per day / From £383.22 per week

Whether it’s a day trip to a museum or a sports fixture across town, Fairview provides schools across London with reliable and well-maintained minibuses to get pupils there safely and on time. With flexible hire periods and a fleet built to accommodate groups of all sizes, we make organising school travel straightforward for staff and budget holders alike.

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Minibus Hire for Schools in London

Schools in London hire minibuses and vans for a wide range of activities, from day trips and sports fixtures to drama productions and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Fairview Vehicle Hire provides self-drive minibus hire and van hire for schools in London. All vehicles are ULEZ-compliant and available for short- and long-term hire, with collection and drop-off flexible from our branches across London.

Fairview provides self-drive vehicle hire for schools and educational groups, so schools provide a member of staff with the appropriate licence to drive the vehicle.

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Our Most Popular School Trip Minibuses in London

Self-Drive Minibus Hire for Schools in London

Self-drive minibus hire with Fairview allows the school to arrange for a qualified member of staff to drive, and we provide the minibus for the duration of the hire. You can book online, through our app or speak to the team about longer-term arrangements.

What Do Schools Use Fairview Vehicles For?

Schools in or travelling in London use Fairview for practical transport across a range of activities throughout the year.

School trips and educational visits: Minibuses for museums, galleries, science centres, outdoor education days and field trips. Our fleet includes 8-seat to 17-seat options depending on group size.

Sports days and away fixtures: PE departments hire minibuses for away games, county tournaments and multi-school events.

Drama and music: Productions, concerts and competitions often require a van for transporting sets, instruments, equipment and props.

Sixth form and college groups: University open days and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions commonly require minibuses to keep the group together and avoid the cost and complexity of coordinating multiple cars.

Some trips require more than one vehicle, for example a minibus for the pupils and a van for sports equipment. Fairview can arrange both vehicles from the same booking. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.

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Why Choose Fairview Vehicle Hire for School and Educational Trips?

  • Minibuses from 8 to 17 seats available for short- and long-term hire
  • All vehicles are ULEZ-compliant for trips into Central London
  • Hire from one day upward, with no minimum commitment for one-off trips
  • Multi-vehicle hire available for schools needing a minibus and a van on the same day
  • 24/7 breakdown cover included on all hire
  • Easy booking through our online system or app

Need Any Assistance?

Our experienced, friendly team are always on hand to help you with any questions you may have before you book your hire vehicle with us.

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FAQs

  • What licence does a teacher need to drive a hired minibus for a school trip?

    The licence required to drive a minibus on a school trip depends on the number of passenger seats and the nature of the arrangement. A standard category B car licence covers minibuses with up to 8 passenger seats. For minibuses with 9 to 16 seats, a D1 licence is usually required.

    However, there are exemptions for teachers driving as part of their employment rather than for hire or reward. Schools should confirm their specific situation with the DVLA and their own legal or HR team before booking. The rules depend on the individual driver’s age, licence history and circumstances.

  • Do you offer van hire for schools to transport sports equipment or drama kit?

    Yes, Fairview offers van hire for schools needing to transport sports equipment, drama kit and props. Crew vans are a practical option when a small group of staff also need to travel with larger loads. Both are available for a single day.

  • Are your minibuses ULEZ-compliant for trips into central London?

    Yes, all Fairview minibuses are ULEZ-compliant. Schools making day trips into Central London will not face a ULEZ charge when hiring from Fairview. Note that the London Congestion Charge still applies if your route enters the charging zone during operating hours, and this is the school’s responsibility to pay.

  • Can a school hire both a minibus and a van at the same time for a large trip?

    Yes, Fairview can arrange both a minibus and a van on the same day for schools that need to move a group of pupils and a separate load of equipment. Contact the team in advance to arrange this and confirm availability across both vehicle types.

  • How far in advance does a school need to book a minibus or van?

    Booking as far in advance as possible is recommended, particularly for popular dates such as the start of term, sports day season or end-of-year trips. Fairview can also accommodate shorter-notice bookings (Subject to availability). Check availability online or contact our team to confirm.

  • What insurance is included with minibus hire for schools?

    Minibus hires with Fairview include third-party liability insurance as standard. Schools may also want to consider additional excess protection. The school is responsible for ensuring its driver holds the appropriate licence and that any DBS requirements are met through its own processes.

    Read more: Van Hire Requirements and How Does Van Hire Insurance Work?.

  • Do you offer long-term hire for schools that need a vehicle on a regular basis?

    Yes, long-term commercial hire from 28 days is available for schools with a regular transport need, such as a weekly sports fixture run or an after-school programme requiring consistent vehicle access. Contact the team to discuss a longer-term arrangement.

  • Can independent schools and universities as well as state schools hire from Fairview?

    Yes, Fairview provides vehicle hire for state schools, independent schools, sixth form colleges, universities and other educational organisations. Any school or educational institution can book, provided the driver meets the hire requirements. For schools visiting London from abroad, our Heathrow Airport and London City Airport branches also make it easy to collect your vehicle on arrival.

Our Locations

With branches across London and the Home Counties, we are well placed to help you and your business on the road.

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