Tour Bus And Trailer: How Long Is Too Long?

Tour buses are commonly used for longer-distance travel and are designed with features that maximize passenger comfort. These buses are often privately chartered and can be customized with amenities such as reclining seats, tables, luggage racks, air conditioning, toilets, entertainment systems, and more. The length of a tour bus can vary, but on average, it is around 39 feet and 4 inches, with a width of 8 feet and 4 inches, and a height of 12 feet and 6 inches. Additionally, tour buses can tow trailers, and the maximum legal length of a vehicle combination (a bus towing a trailer) is typically 65 feet.

A tour bus with a trailer can be up to 65 feet in length

Companies like Star Coaches Inc. and Village Coach provide rental trailers for tour buses. These trailers are built to accommodate road cases, gear, merchandise, and other production needs. The trailers have a large rear ramp for easy loading of large cases and heavy equipment, as well as an E-Track system with anchor points for tie-down hardware. The overall length of the Village Coach trailer is 19'4" (rear to tongue), with a front width of 8'1" and a back width of 7'4". The side door height is 6'6", and the side door width is 35.75".

Van Hool, a Belgium-based company, is known for its line of world-renowned tour coaches and charter buses. They offer a range of midibuses, larger-capacity coaches, and double-decker buses. Their buses are designed with comfortable interiors and high-end finishing touches, such as roomy cabins and extra-tall front windows. Prevost, TEMSA, and MCI are also popular charter bus manufacturers, known for their luxury and quality.

When planning a tour or trip, it is important to consider the length and size of the tour bus and trailer to ensure compliance with local regulations and to accommodate all passengers and equipment safely and comfortably.

The average coach bus length is 39'4 (12 m)

The average coach bus length is 39'4" (12 m). This length is designed to accommodate longer-distance travel with greater comfort for passengers. Coach buses are often chartered privately and can be customised with features such as reclining seats, tables, luggage racks, air conditioning, toilets, entertainment systems, and more. The width of these buses is typically 8'4" (2.55 m), and their height is 12'6" (3.81 m). They can seat between 44 and 49 passengers, with an additional seat for a tour guide or assistant.

The length of a coach bus is an important factor to consider when planning a tour or trip. The standard length ensures that the bus can navigate through roads and highways safely, while also providing ample space for passengers and their luggage. The average length of 39'4" strikes a balance between manoeuvrability and comfort, making it a popular choice for groups travelling together.

In terms of customisation, coach buses offer a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Reclining seats, for example, are a common feature, providing comfort for passengers during long journeys. Tables and luggage racks are also available, offering convenience and additional storage space. Localised air conditioning and entertainment systems, such as DVD players and WiFi, can be installed to enhance the overall travel experience.

The width and height of coach buses are also important considerations. The average width of 8'4" allows for a comfortable seating arrangement, while the height of 12'6" provides ample headroom and ensures that the bus can navigate under most structures, such as bridges or overpasses.

Additionally, coach buses have a large capacity, seating between 44 and 49 passengers. This makes them ideal for group travel, as they can accommodate a significant number of people while also providing a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The additional seat for a tour guide or assistant is also a valuable feature, especially for tours or trips where guidance and assistance are required.

Overall, the average coach bus length of 39'4" (12 m) is designed to balance manoeuvrability and comfort for longer-distance travel. With customisable features and a large capacity, coach buses are a popular choice for groups travelling together, offering a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.

The average coach bus width is 8'4 (2.55 m)

The average coach bus width is 8'4" (2.55 m). This measurement is important to consider when planning excursions, business trips, sports events, or private tours.

In the context of bus dimensions, width is a crucial factor that determines the overall capacity and manoeuvrability of the vehicle. A width of 8'4" (2.55 m) is a standard measurement for coach buses, providing ample space for passenger seating and amenities. This width allows for comfortable seating arrangements, typically accommodating 44 to 49 passengers, with additional space for features such as luggage racks, toilets, and entertainment systems.

The width of a coach bus also plays a role in determining the routes it can access. While wider buses may offer more interior space, they might encounter challenges on narrow roads with tight curves or without shoulders. Therefore, certain jurisdictions, such as California, have restrictions on bus widths for specific routes to ensure safe passage.

Additionally, the width of a coach bus is a consideration when it comes to attaching a trailer. In the US, a bus towing a trailer can have a maximum combined length of 65 feet. By keeping the average width of a coach bus at 8'4" (2.55 m), it ensures that the bus can navigate through roads and highways without difficulty while also providing a comfortable and spacious interior for passengers.

When planning a trip that involves a coach bus, it is essential to be aware of the width restrictions on the intended route and to choose a bus that complies with those restrictions. This ensures that the bus can safely navigate the roads and provides a comfortable journey for all passengers on board.

The average coach bus height is 12'6 (3.81 m)

The average height of a coach bus is 126 inches, or 3.81 metres. This measurement is important to consider when planning a tour bus with a trailer, as it ensures compliance with legal height restrictions.

In the context of tour buses, the term "coach" typically refers to a bus designed to carry a larger number of passengers, such as more than 15 or 16 people, including the driver. These buses are often utilised for tours, charters, or transportation services provided by companies or nonprofit organisations.

The height of a coach bus is a significant factor to consider when planning a tour bus with a trailer. The average height of 126 inches, or just under 10 and a half feet, is essential for adhering to legal height restrictions for vehicles. This height ensures that the coach bus can safely navigate under bridges, through tunnels, and along roads with height limitations.

Additionally, when attaching a trailer to a coach bus, it is crucial to abide by the legal length restrictions. In California, for instance, the basic vehicle length limit is 40 feet, according to the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 35400(a). However, buses are exempt from this restriction and are allowed to be up to 45 feet in length.

When planning a tour bus with a trailer, it is important to be mindful of the height and length limitations stipulated by local laws and regulations. By adhering to these restrictions, you can ensure the safety and legality of your vehicle configuration.

The average coach bus capacity is 44-49 (+1) seats

The average coach bus has a capacity of 44-49 seats, with an additional potential seat for a guide or driver. These buses are designed for longer-distance travel and are often chartered privately. They are commonly designed with features that enhance passenger comfort, such as comfortable reclining seats, tables, luggage racks, localized air conditioning, toilets, entertainment systems, refreshments, curtains, and Wi-Fi. The average coach bus has a length of 39'4" (12 m), a width of 8'4" (2.55 m), and a height of 12'6" (3.81 m).

In California, the standard length for a bus is 40 feet, but they can go up to 45 feet. A vehicle combination, such as a bus towing a trailer, can be up to 65 feet in length. The California Bus Association estimates that 78% of new bus sales are 45-foot models. These longer buses provide increased capacity and better accommodations for passengers with disabilities. However, they may encounter challenges on narrow two-lane roads with tight curves or without shoulders.

When it comes to trailer options for tour buses, companies like Star Coaches, Inc. offer rental trailers that comply with legal size restrictions. Their trailers can be pulled behind a 45-foot coach and have approximate interior measurements of 15' in length, 7'11" in width, and 7'6" in height.

It's important to note that the presence of additional amenities on a coach bus, such as built-in restrooms and entertainment systems, can affect the seating capacity. For instance, a typical bathroom takes up the space of four seats.

The average capacity of a coach bus makes it suitable for various purposes, including long-distance trips, city tours with multiple stops, wine tours, and conferences with attendees from different hotels. It can accommodate large groups while catering to different requirements and budgets.

Frequently asked questions