Coach and minibus hire questions
Ritaat Coaches is a Glasgow, Scotland company that hires out coaches and minibuses with a driver, using its own Mercedes and Volvo vehicles and partner operators for larger groups. Every booking includes a driver, nothing is self-drive, and every trip is quoted individually in writing. This page answers the general questions; prices are on the price guide.
Booking and the trip
Is the driver included?
Yes. Every Ritaat Coaches booking is a coach or minibus with a driver. The driver holds the licence and drives the whole trip, so nobody in your group needs a minibus or coach licence.
Do you offer self-drive minibus hire?
No. We only hire vehicles with a driver. If you want to drive a minibus yourself, read our guide to whether you need a D1 licence first.
Can I book a single seat on a coach?
No. We hire the whole vehicle to one group for your own trip. We don’t run scheduled services or sell individual seats.
How much luggage can we bring?
It depends on the vehicle, so tell us what you’re carrying, not only how many people. As a planning guide for airport trips, allow one large suitcase and one small bag per person. Golf bags, sports kit, buggies and wheelchairs take more room, and a full minibus has far less luggage space than a coach.
What do you need from me for a quote?
The date, the pick-up and drop-off addresses, the number of passengers, your luggage, and the times you need to leave and be back. Tell us too if anyone uses a wheelchair. Send it through the quote form or WhatsApp and we reply with a written price.
Why does the driver need an overnight stay on long trips?
Drivers’ hours law requires at least 11 hours’ rest each day, which can be cut to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests. On a trip of more than one day, the driver stays overnight near the group so the next day can start on time.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. You pay a 50% deposit to book. The balance is due 7 days before departure. If you book within 7 days of departure, you pay in full when you book.
How quickly will I get a quote?
We reply within an hour. Our Support Agent is available 24 hours, every day.
Who pays for the driver’s accommodation on an overnight trip?
On multi-day trips the driver’s accommodation and meals are charged separately and shown on your quote.
Do your vehicles have seatbelts?
Yes. Our Mercedes Tourismo, Volvo B8R and Mercedes Sprinter all have a seatbelt at every seat. Schools should check this for every vehicle; see how to check a coach operator.
Do you have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?
Yes. Our own vehicles are wheelchair accessible, so tell us when you book. We can also supply a wheelchair-accessible vehicle through a partner operator.
Questions answered on other pages
Each of these is answered in full on one page only.
- How much does coach hire cost? Is VAT charged? See the coach hire price guide, which also covers what’s included.
- Do you use other operators? Yes, for larger groups or when our own vehicles are booked; partner vehicles are not part of our fleet. How it works is on the About page.
- Are you a licensed operator? Our company details and licence are on the About page. To check any operator yourself, use our guide to checking a coach operator.
- Can we drink alcohol on a coach to a football match? No: in Scotland it is an offence on vehicles going to or from designated sporting events. Details are on sports and supporters’ coach hire.
- Which size of vehicle do we need? See minibus or coach: which size do I need.
- Do I need a D1 licence? See do you need a D1 licence to drive a minibus.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly by phone, WhatsApp or the online form.