When organising summer days, the first things you think about are location, programme and catering. But one important detail is often forgotten – transportation.
In fact, every team event begins with the journey. Do employees arrive in separate cars, a bit stressed, relying on Google Maps? Or do they ride together, in a good mood and anticipation, in a comfortable bus with a professional driver? That first emotion sets the tone for the whole day. Don’t forget: one bus with 48 passengers equals about 32 cars (assuming about 1.5 people per car) – so is driving yourself really worth it!?

In this post we share practical advice on how to organise bus transport so the entire ride is simple, safe and memorable.

Right size bus according to participant count
First determine how many participants you have. Choice depends primarily on traveller numbers:

• 8–29 people: minibus. Common options include various Mercedes Benz Sprinters, Iveco Daily and Iveco Feniks buses. When ordering these buses, also account for the fact that adult passengers may not be comfortably seated if capacity is tight, so it’s worth ordering slightly over your head-count. Also consider luggage space: some smaller buses reduce storage capacity to favour seating.

• 30–49 people: medium and large buses. This is the most common tour-bus category, offering the widest selection. A tour bus differs from a regular one by typically including an onboard toilet, high adjustable seats and large luggage space. For shorter or more local trips you might use a city-line type bus without a toilet. Popular models include Scania Higer, Mercedes Benz Tourismo, Volvo 9700 / 9900, Temsa Safari etc. When ordering such a bus you must also consider access to your chosen location, as these buses are 10-12 m long with larger turning radii than standard vehicles.

• 50 or more people: large and double-deck buses. For larger groups consider that standard tour-buses carry up to around 61 passengers. These buses are fewer in the market and for groups of this size you should book early. There are double-deckers up to 88 seats but only a few in Estonia. Also note these buses may measure up to 13.5 m and, even if they have rear-steering wheels, their turning radius is nevertheless large. Ensure at stops there’s enough space for everyone to board or alight without stepping into traffic or obstructing flow.
  If you select the right-sized bus you guarantee comfort for participants and avoid unnecessary costs. That way logistics run smoothly with no hitches.

Comforts that make the ride pleasant
A quality travel experience depends on small but important details:

• Air conditioning and good ventilation ensure fresh air circulation on a hot summer day. Buses built from about 2018-19 on generally have more efficient A/C and air-exchange systems than older buses.

• Luggage space allows for sports equipment, picnic baskets or technical gear. For smaller or city-type buses, check for both presence and size of luggage compartments.

• On-board toilet is important for longer distances. If you anticipate a toilet break ask for it separately – rules vary by operator and bus. Only for tour-buses from around 30 passengers upward is a toilet usual.

• On-board screens work well on the return journey, once the chatter is done and you want to watch a film.
  These extras make the journey smooth and enjoyable.

  The appearance of the bus also matters – even if it doesn’t seem so at first glance
  If your event is outside the office or part of a larger function the image of the bus matters:

• A clearly branded bus creates strong visual identity for the employer

• A clean and well-maintained exterior signals a quality service

• The design can match the theme of the event, for example a beach party or nature trip
  If the goal is purely practical and low-cost transport, focus on safety, comfort and reliability instead.

Previously organising transport for a corporate event meant many price requests and time-consuming messaging. Mobifer unites over 70 Estonian bus companies on one platform and makes the whole process easy:

• Bus firms, bus options and prices can be compared instantly based on your location

• Depending on the nature of the trip we suggest the optimal solution – e.g. whether the bus and driver wait at the destination or return to home base

• Pricing is calculated using a consistent model and is clear, transparent. Mobifer always ensures you get the best price for the date you want

• Booking happens quickly and directly on the platform

• Payment options include invoice, bank link or credit card

• All communication and reminders are neatly structured and automated

• The service is managed conveniently inside Mobifer without emails or phone-calls

  
  Mobifer makes booking a bus with a driver as easy as booking a hotel room – in just a few clicks.
  A bus with a driver is not merely a transport option – it is part of the event.
  How employees arrive to summer days affects their mood and the atmosphere of the whole event. They say: if you go to the event by bus, it actually starts there already, where you can engage in social group activities or relax and forget about punctuality and obligations.