Organising a school trip is a big responsibility — you're coordinating students, teachers, parents, and schedules. The last thing you need is transport stress! At Bouden Coach Travel, we've been trusted by schools across the UK for over a decade. Here are our top 7 tips to make your next school trip transport smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Book Early (Especially in Peak Months)
School trip season peaks in June and July, which means coach availability can get tight.
Tip: Secure your coach hire as early as possible — ideally 6–8 weeks in advance. Booking early gives you more choice of vehicle sizes and helps keep costs lower.
Choose the Right Vehicle Size
Getting the right size matters — too small and you're squeezing in students, too big and you're overpaying.
Here's a quick guide:
| Group Size | Vehicle Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Up to 16 students | 8–16 seater minibus |
| 17–20 students | 16–20 seater minibus |
| 21–32 students | 20–32 seater midi coach |
| 33–49 students | 49 seater coach |
| 50+ students | 62–72 seater double-deck coach |
💡 Tip: Always include teachers and helpers in your count, and consider adding a few extra seats for last-minute additions.
Decide on Comfort Level: Standard, Executive, or Luxury
Not every school trip needs leather recliners — but it's nice to have options!
- Standard: Basic, budget-friendly option. Perfect for short trips and local visits.
- Executive: Newer coaches with reclining seats, air-conditioning, and extra comfort — great for longer day trips.
- Luxury: Premium coaches with leather recliners, tables, charging ports, and a very modern feel — ideal for residentials or VIP school events.
Keep Safety Front and Centre
Parents want reassurance that students are in safe hands.
- At Bouden Coach Travel, all our vehicles are fully insured, PSV compliant, and undergo regular maintenance checks.
- Our drivers are DBS checked, experienced, and trained to work with school groups.
💡 Tip: Ask your operator for their compliance documents and share them with the school or parents — it builds trust.
Plan Your Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs Carefully
Time can be tight on school trips, especially if you have multiple pick-up points.
- Provide a clear, detailed itinerary with times and locations.
- Allow extra time for boarding (students are slower than adults!).
- For city centre drop-offs, we'll advise on safe stopping points.
Think About Luggage & Equipment
Heading on a residential trip? Taking sports kit or musical instruments?
- Tell us in advance so we can allocate a vehicle with the right amount of luggage space.
- For larger groups with lots of kit, we can provide trailers or larger coaches with bigger luggage holds.
Have a Back-Up Plan
Even the best plans can face delays (traffic, weather, road closures).
- Work with a coach company that has 24/7 support and can communicate quickly with you if plans change.
- At Bouden Coach Travel, our operations team is on call, and we always have contingency plans ready.
Why Schools Choose Bouden Coach Travel
- Over 10 years' experience working with schools
- DBS-checked, professional drivers
- Fleet from minibuses to double-deckers
- Flexible payment terms for schools and colleges
- Competitive pricing with discounts for weekday off-peak trips
Ready to Plan Your Next School Trip?
Let us take the transport stress off your plate.
- 📧 Request Your Free Quote
- 📞 Call our friendly booking team on 0800 112 3770
We’ll make sure your students arrive safely, comfortably, and on time — every time.
