Mini Bus Hire To London

[Ric.ror]

Would it be possible to hire a mini bus to take 7 adults and two children to London from Leeds?
The adults could share the driving - well 5 could and we could leave the bus near Euston station

[EDDIE51]

Yes I have done this (but not from Leeds ) and it worked out cheaper than buying the rail tickets. Main problem is finding parking!
Alternately look as getting a 'group save' rail ticket for all 9 of you. I had a local company that hired me the mini bus for £90 for a weekend. Most are more expensive.

[EDDIE51]

Another problem, Minibuses are limited to 7 seaters including the driver and children , unless you have a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) licence.
Also a hire company charges extra for each additional driver. I was the only one driving on my trip for 7 in a normal minibus.

[poorclare]

No reason you cannot hire mini bus, the problem would be the parking, doubt if you could park near Euston, its a very very busy area
Good luck and I hope you have a safe journey.

[Hymie]

Further to EDDIE51’s comment re needing a PSV licence – you only need category D1 (on your licence) to drive a vehicle with up to 16 passenger seats.

I believe this entitlement was automatic for those passing their car test prior to circa 1990.

Having passed my driving test back in the 70s – I have D1 entitlement on my licence and I’ve never taken any other vehicle test.

[-SharonA-]

Definitely no parking available at Euston. And you have to be careful not to go over Euston Road as the congestion charge kicks in.

[furrypusscat]

Unless rules have changed, I agree with Hymie. Check on the back of your driving license, this will show the categories you are allowed to drive then if in doubt go on to DVLA site to check what each category covers. I also have D1 entitlement due to age when passing car test.

[Buenchico]

Parking in central London can cost over £20 per hour and what little parking is available is almost entirely in multi-storey car parks (which a minibus won't fit into). I'd be amazed if you could find anywhere to park a minibus (for more than an hour or two) anywhere within several miles of Euston station.

[mushroom25]

try here:-
http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/transport-and-streets/parking/where-to-park/
however bear in mind in general on-street parking is limited to 2 hours at a time (except after 1830), and car parks which are not garage style tend to be by resident permit.

[EDDIE51]

Another idea get a coach, I think there are direct coach links Leeds to London. No driving no parking! A lot cheaper than the train!

[EDDIE51]

Leeds to London 26 coaches a day and from £5 per person one way
http://www.nationalexpress.com/routes/leeds-to-london.aspx

[furrypusscat]

I must admit in all honesty, I would prefer to go by train, it is much quicker, no parking issues and relatively cheap if you can get either group travel or family tickets. I would imagine from Leeds there will be plenty of choice of times. If you work out the cost of hire, the fuel you will use, parking and congestion charge and the time it will take, I wouldn't even consider the mini bus. Have a nice trip whatever you decide.

[Buenchico]

Rail example, based upon travel on Sat 21 January (assuming the children are aged 5 to 15 and that no adult holds a Friends & Family Railcard or a Senior Railcard):

Travelling out on the first train from Leeds (0505) gets you into London Kings Cross in time for a spot of breakfast (0734) and a full day in the capital.
Taking the 1958 return service from St Pancras International gets you back into Leeds at 2303.
The total cost, for all 9 passengers, would be £288.00

[Buenchico]

PS: It's not possible by National Express (because there aren't any early departures from Leeds) but you could do it by Megabus. Based, again, on travel on Sat 21 January:

Depart Leeds 0620, Arrive London 1030
Depart London 1930, Arrive Leeds 2340
Total fare, for all 9 passengers = £90.00

[EDDIE51]

^ Megabus has on board free wifi so you can talk to us on AB while you travel.

[New Judge]

^^

To tell us where you are currently stuck in a traffic jam :-)

[EDDIE51]

But at £200 cheaper than the train fare it looks a bargain to me.
Remember traffic is much less on a Saturday with no school run or work rush hour and the coach can use the bus lanes and bus routes forbidden to other traffic. So better than using a self drive minibus that can't use bus lanes/routes.

[New Judge]

I was being flippant, Eddie!

Of course travelling by public bus must be better than private minibus because (a) it's a lot cheaper (b) as you say, they can use bus lanes (c) no parking problems and (d) nobody in your party has to drive.

[New Judge]

And (e) free WiFi !!!!

[EDDIE51]

Free wifi and even free tea and coffee on Megabus NJ ! They have an on board toilet as well !

[Barmaid]

Park at Cockfosters and get the tube in. It's only about £5 all day.