A shuttle is a minibus or coach running a repeat loop on a timetable you set. It is the answer when guests are parked in one place and the event is in another, when a hotel is a short drive from the venue, or when people arrive in waves and need to be moved without a long wait. Sydney Bus Hire runs shuttles with 12, 20 and 24 seat vehicles, and larger coaches when the numbers call for it, each with a professional driver.

When a shuttle beats a one-off transfer

  • Remote parking: guests park at an overflow car park and the shuttle brings them to the gate.
  • Hotel to venue: a wedding or conference where guests are staying at one or two hotels nearby.
  • Staggered arrivals: trains or flights land at different times and the shuttle keeps cycling until everyone is in.
  • Venues with little parking: harbourside venues, wineries and private properties with limited spaces or narrow access.
  • Site moves: staff moved between buildings, campuses or a station and a work site. See also our staff shuttle service.

Sizing a shuttle

The right number of vehicles depends on three things: how many people need moving, how long one loop takes, and how long you are happy for guests to wait. A 20 seater on a 15 minute loop moves around 80 people an hour. If you need everyone in within half an hour, you either add a second vehicle or step up to a coach. We work these numbers out with you when we quote, so you are not paying for a coach that runs half empty or leaving guests waiting in the sun.

Running it on the day

We agree pickup and set-down points with you and, where needed, with the venue. Drivers know the loop, the timetable and the finish time, and stay in contact with our office. For larger events it helps to have signage at the pickup point and someone from your team at the door who can tell the driver when the last guest is through. Our event transport planning page covers bigger events in more detail.

What is included

  • Professional drivers who hold Working With Children Checks
  • Vehicles for the hours you book, with fuel
  • Seatbelt-equipped vehicles, which can be confirmed when you book
  • Private use for your event only

Plan your shuttle

Tell us the event date, the pickup and drop-off points, the expected numbers and the window you need covered. Use our online quote form or call 0452 104 173. For one-way or return group moves rather than a loop, see transfers and shuttles, and for events, see event transport.

Three shuttle plans that work

A wedding with guests at two hotels

One 20 seater collects from the first hotel, a second run collects from the other, and both arrive at the ceremony with time to spare. After the reception, the same vehicle runs a return loop to each hotel until the last guests are home. Guests never need to drive, and nobody is left waiting for a taxi late at night.

An event with an overflow car park

Guests park at a larger car park a few minutes away and a minibus loops between the car park and the entry every ten to fifteen minutes. At the end of the event the loop runs in reverse until the car park is empty. One vehicle is often enough for a modest crowd, and a second can be added for peak arrival times.

A conference with a station transfer

Delegates arriving by train are collected from the nearest station in the morning, the shuttle pauses during sessions, and runs again at the end of the day. Timing the loops around the train timetable keeps waits short.

Shuttle checklist for organisers

  • Confirm the pickup and set-down points with your venue, including where the vehicle can wait.
  • Put up simple signs at each pickup point so guests know where to stand.
  • Tell guests the shuttle times in their invitation or event information.
  • Nominate one person on the day who can talk to the driver and our office.
  • Let us know about anyone who needs extra help boarding.
  • Give us the expected finish time, and tell us early if it moves.

Minibus shuttle service for an event in Sydney
Minibus shuttles in Sydney

Shuttle questions

How many vehicles do we need?

It depends on your numbers, the length of one loop and how long guests can wait. Tell us those three things and we will recommend the number and size of vehicles.

Can the shuttle start before guests arrive?

Yes. We usually start the first loop a little before the first guests are due, so there is always a vehicle waiting at the busiest pickup point.

Do we need permission from the venue?

Some venues have rules about where vehicles can stop and wait. Check with your venue, and we will plan the set-down points around what they allow.

Can you run a shuttle late at night?

Yes for weddings, where we have also provided the transport to the wedding. For other late finishes, ask us about your event.