Quick answer: choose your taxi size by passengers first, then luggage. For up to 4 passengers, book a saloon, an MPV (more luggage space) or an executive car. For 5 to 8 passengers, book an 8-seater minibus, and for 9 to 12, a 12-seater minibus. Every passenger counts, babies included. Looking for a 7-seater taxi? Our 8-seater minibus covers groups of 5 to 8, with room for 6 large cases.
Booking the wrong size of taxi is easy to do and awkward to fix on the day. This airport taxi vehicle size guide explains which of our vehicles suits each group size, what changes between a saloon, an MPV, an executive car and a minibus, and when one minibus beats two cars. For the full details of each vehicle, see our fleet.
Taxi size by number of passengers
| Passengers | Vehicle | Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | Saloon or executive car | 2 large cases and 2 small bags (executive: 1 small bag) |
| 3 or 4, light luggage | Saloon | 2 large cases and 2 small bags |
| 3 or 4, holiday luggage | MPV | 3 large cases and 2 small bags |
| 5 to 8 | 8-seater minibus | 6 large cases and 8 small bags |
| 9 to 12 | 12-seater minibus | 12 large cases and 12 small bags |
Large cases are check-in suitcases; small bags are cabin bags and holdalls. Estate cars are also available on request.
Saloon vs MPV vs executive car vs estate
All four take up to 4 passengers. The difference is luggage and comfort:
- Saloon: the everyday choice for local trips, station runs and airport transfers travelling light, with 2 large cases and 2 small bags.
- MPV: the same passengers with more luggage space, 3 large cases and 2 small bags, which suits families on airport runs.
- Executive car: a more premium ride for meetings, business flights and special occasions, with 2 large cases and 1 small bag. Our guide to executive vs standard taxis explains the difference.
- Estate: available on request; ask when you book if you think it suits your luggage.
Taxi for 5 or 6 people
Our cars take up to 4 passengers, so a group of 5 or 6 needs the 8-seater minibus. That also leaves room for the extra bags a bigger group brings, and keeps everyone together rather than splitting into two cars. A family of five counts as 5 passengers, even if one of them is a baby.
Looking for a 7-seater taxi?
Many people search for a 7-seater or people carrier taxi when what they need is space for 5 to 7 people and their luggage. Our 8-seater minibus does that job, with 8 passenger seats and room for 6 large cases and 8 small bags, so a group of 7 has a seat to spare. See our minibus taxi page for more.
8 and 12-seater minibuses
Every minibus comes with a professional driver, so nobody in your group has to drive or find parking. The 8-seater suits families, airport parties and nights out, and the 12-seater suits bigger groups such as wedding guests, work teams and sports clubs. For airport minibuses, book at least 24 hours ahead.
What changes the size you need
- Luggage. Four people with a large case each is more than a saloon or MPV can take, so book the 8-seater minibus. Our luggage capacity guide helps you count.
- Child seats. Each child needs a seat of their own, and child and booster seats are available on request. The GOV.UK child car seat rules explain what the law requires.
- Bulky items. Pushchairs, golf bags and ski bags take boot space, so count each one as at least a large case.
- Long journeys. On a two-hour run to Stansted or a cruise transfer, a little extra space makes a real difference to comfort.
Our family airport taxi guide covers car seats and pushchairs in more detail.
One minibus or two cars?
For a group of 5 to 12, one minibus keeps everyone and every case together, with one driver, one pickup time and one fixed fare. Two cars mean two arrival times, two sets of bags and someone always waiting for the other car. If your group is close to a limit, go one size up or give us a call and we will match you with the right vehicle.
Taxi size guide: FAQs
What size taxi do I need for 5 people?
An 8-seater minibus. Our saloons, MPVs and executive cars take up to 4 passengers.
What size taxi do I need for 6 passengers with suitcases?
An 8-seater minibus, which takes 8 passengers with 6 large cases and 8 small bags.
Do you have a 7-seater taxi?
For groups of 5 to 8, we use our 8-seater minibus, which has room for 6 large cases and 8 small bags.
What is the largest taxi I can book?
Our 12-seater minibus, which takes 12 passengers with 12 large cases and 12 small bags.
Does a baby count as a passenger in a taxi?
Yes. Every person travelling needs a seat, babies included, so count them when you choose the vehicle and book a child seat.
What is the difference between a saloon and an MPV taxi?
Both take 4 passengers. Our MPVs carry more luggage: 3 large cases and 2 small bags, against 2 large cases and 2 small bags in a saloon.
Can I book an estate car?
Yes. Estate cars are available on request, so ask when you book.
Is one minibus cheaper than two taxis?
It can be, and it keeps your group together. Every minibus trip has a fixed fare agreed when you book, so you can compare before you decide.
Book the right size of taxi
Saloons, MPVs, executive cars and 8 and 12-seater minibuses from Camberley and Surrey Heath, with a fixed fare agreed when you book.
Prefer to talk? Call 01276 66888.
