Everyone is looking for the same thing under different names: a vehicle that fits the whole group, with a driver. Here's how to choose one.
They write to us every day in different words. Someone wants a minibus, someone a microbus, someone a minivan, and someone just a big taxi for the whole group. In the end, everyone wants the same thing: a vehicle where everyone fits, with their suitcases, and a driver who takes them where they want. In this article, I will tell you in simple words the difference between them and how to choose the right vehicle when renting a minibus in Albania.
The main difference is the number of seats. A minivan is the size of a large family car and seats up to 8 passengers. A minibus, sometimes called a microbus, usually seats up to 16 or 18 passengers and has more room for luggage. For even larger groups, a bus is used.
| tool | places | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Minivan | up to 8 passengers | families and small groups, airport transfers |
| Minibus (microbus) | up to 18 passengers | groups of friends, large families, multi-day tours |
| Bus | over 18 passengers | large groups, weddings, events, schools |
You can find our tools at our fleet, with photos and the exact number of seats.
The most common mistake is to only count the people. Eight people with a large suitcase and a handbag don't always fit comfortably in a minivan. In this case, a minivan with more seats is more comfortable, even if you don't fill it up.
So when you write to us, tell us how many people you are and how much luggage you have. If you have strollers, bicycles or sports equipment, tell us about them too. That way we can send you the right vehicle from the start, without any surprises at the airport.
When you are at the border, for example 8 people with a lot of luggage, choose the largest vehicle. The difference in price is small, while the comfort along the way is much greater.
Many people ask if they can rent a minibus and drive it themselves. For minibuses with more than 8 passenger seats, in Albania, as in all of Europe, a category D1 or D driving license is required. Most tourists do not have one, so the normal solution is to rent a minibus with a driver.
Even for minivans, which you can drive with a regular license, the driver has many advantages. He knows the roads, knows where to park and lets you enjoy the trip without thinking about the map. Check out our service minibus rental with driver in Albania.
When you arrive at Tirana Airport in a group, you have two options: take two or three taxis and split up, or have a minibus taxi waiting for you all together. The second is simpler and often cheaper.
The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on it, load your bags and take you straight to your hotel. The price is fixed in advance and does not change even if the plane is delayed. Check out transfers from Tirana Airport.
It doesn't matter what you call it, minibus, microbus or minivan. What's important is that the whole group travels together and comfortably.
Our office is in Tirana, but our minibuses operate all over the country. We pick you up at the airport, at your hotel, at the port or wherever you are: in Tirana, Durrës, Shkodër, Vlora, Saranda or Ksamil. For longer itineraries, we also take you to Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and further into the Balkans.
If you are looking for a minibus rental near you, just let us know where you are and when you need it. We will take care of the rest.
Booking is easy. Tell us the date, departure and arrival location, how many people you have and how much luggage you have. We will send you a quote with a clear price, including driver and fuel. Once you confirm, we will send you the driver's details and stay in touch until the end of the trip. We respond 24/7, also on WhatsApp. Check out How does the reservation work?.
Our minibuses usually have up to 18 passenger seats. For smaller groups we have minivans with up to 8 seats, and for larger groups we have buses.
It is a minibus that is used as a taxi for an entire group. Instead of taking several taxis, the entire group travels together in one vehicle, with a driver and for a fixed price.
For minibuses with more than 8 passenger seats, a D1 or D driving license is required, so most tourists choose to rent a minibus with a driver.
The price depends on the distance, duration and size of the vehicle. Tell us your dates and itinerary, and we'll send you a fixed-price quote, including driver and fuel.
Looking for a minibus for rent near you? We work all over Albania. We pick you up at the airport, at your hotel or wherever you are, from Shkodër to Ksamil.
Minivan, minibus or bus, anywhere in Albania. We respond 24/7.
Leonard works every day with groups of travelers from all over the world visiting Albania and the Balkans. On the Minibus.al blog, he shares practical tips on transportation, routes and destinations, so that your trip is safe and stress-free.
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