Looking to buy a new minibus in 2026? In this guide, Business Choice Direct’s experienced Minibus Insurance team look at how much a minibus costs to buy and key factors that can impact the minibus price.
Minibus prices can vary depending on the number of seats, whether it is electric, hybrid or diesel, and what safety features and fittings it has.
It also depends on whether you buy a second-hand minibus or a new one fresh off the showroom floor. Companies such as The Minibus Centre sell and hire a wide range of minibuses ranging from 17-seaters to 9-seaters which can both include wheelchair access.
New 9-seaters such as the Renault Trafic Passenger which is great for large families and transporting passengers on a professional basis start at around £49,505. They run on diesel and the seating layout can be customised to suit your purpose.
In comparison, a second-hand 2018 Renault Trafic Passenger with 63,300 mileage costs around £11,490; considerably cheaper, but a lot older.
What is the OTR price of a minibus?
If you have just started searching the market for a minibus, it’s recommended that you ask the dealer for the OTR (on-the-road) price which can drive up the overall cost of a minibus. An OTR price is the total cost of driving a new vehicle on UK roads. It includes:
- Price of the vehicle
- First registration fee (paid to the Drivers and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA)
- First year’s road tax
- Cost of the number plates
- Cost of transporting the vehicle to the dealership
- Value Added Tax (VAT) – usually 20%
To give you an example; a new Ford Transit Minibus Leader seating up to 18 people plus luggage has with one dealer, an OTR price of £51,235.83.
An OTR price does not include insurance for your minibus or other type of vehicle. To insure your minibus, which is a legal requirement in the UK, talk to the BCD team of insurance experts. We can provide you with Minibus Insurance that will cover you, your passengers, and your vehicle at competitive prices.
What are the running costs of a minibus: Electric vs Diesel?
Electric minibuses can be more expensive to buy and insure, but long-term running costs can often be significantly cheaper.
Based on the average cost of diesel in August 2025, 20,000 miles annually can cost around £4,840. An electric (E-Transit) minibus costs on average approximately £3,800 per annum (based on mixed charging in a combination of typical and heavy/winter charging.)
Wheelchair access
With an increasing number of organisations and people needing wheelchair access, buying a minibus which can transport a person(s) using a wheelchair(s) can be a smart decision.
An electric Ford E-Transit Minibus with 16 seats, designed specially for schools, and wheelchair access with space for 3 wheelchair users can cost from around £64,995.
In contrast, a 2023 diesel Ford Transit with wheelchair access is priced at £34,995.
To find out about our Minibus Insurance or for a FREE quote, contact us now.
How much does it cost to lease a minibus?
Many companies which can be found online offer the option of leasing a minibus either by the day or longer. Some organisations such as schools choose to lease a minibus for 3, 4, or 5 years. Minibus lease packages can include maintenance and servicing, breakdown cover and fixed monthly instalments, making paying for the leasing, more flexible and potentially, more affordable .
What about insurance?
Whether you need an insurance policy for a private use minibus or business use, we can cover you. BCD offers comprehensive insurance for a wide range of business types including taxis, sports clubs, groups, schools, and charities. We can insure from 8 to 18 passengers, providing you with the right level of cover at the best possible prices.
To find out about our Minibus Insurance or for a FREE quote, contact us now.