40 vs 45 Seater Bus: Seats, Cost and the Benz Option

40 seater vs 45 seater bus is the choice most groups of 35 to 45 people face when they call us. Both are AC buses with wide 2+2 pushback seats. The 40 seater is ₹60/km and the 45 seater is ₹65/km. Then there is the 45 seater BharatBenz at ₹70/km, billed at 400 km a day. All three are on our bus on rent in Bangalore page.

Below is how the three compare on cost per head, which one suits which group, and when splitting into two vehicles works better.

40 vs 45 seater bus at a glance

Start with the headcount

For 34 to 38 people the 40 seater fits with a few seats spare. From 39 people we ask one question: will anyone join at the last minute? On office trips someone always does, so we usually quote the 45 seater. Above 45, it is a 49 or 50 seater, or two vehicles.

Cost per head: 40 vs 45 seater

Outstation trips are billed at 300 km per day minimum (400 km for Volvo and BharatBenz buses), or the actual km if more. Fares below are from Bangalore, before driver allowance, tolls, parking and state permits.

For 38 people on the Coorg trip, that is about ₹980 each in the 40 seater and ₹1,060 each in the 45 seater. Fill both buses and the 45 works out cheaper per head: about ₹896 each against ₹930.

See 40 seater bus on rent in Bangalore →

The 45 seater BharatBenz and the 400 km rule

Our 45 seater BharatBenz coaches have 2+2 recliner seats, air suspension and a luggage bay under the floor. The ride is the smoothest in our fleet, and long highway days show it. The catch is the billing: 400 km per day minimum at ₹70/km.

One of our 45 seater BharatBenz coaches with a large group at an event venue.

On a short trip the 400 km minimum makes the BharatBenz far costlier than a regular 45 seater. On a long run like Goa the gap drops to about ₹6,000, and many groups take the coach. A 45 seater Volvo is also ₹70/km with the same minimum; we book it on request, as we do not run our own Volvo yet. Our Volvo vs Benz bus guide compares the two coaches.

See 45 seater BharatBenz bus on rent in Bangalore →

Who books which size

• 40 seater: company outings to resorts within 150 km, college department trips, family functions of about 35.

• 45 seater: bigger office teams, school trips with two sections and their teachers, wedding parties going to another town.

• 45 seater BharatBenz: Goa, Hyderabad, Kerala and other long highway trips, and airport groups for conferences.

When two vehicles beat one big bus

If 42 people start from Whitefield and Kengeri, one bus spends two hours crossing the city. A 25 seater mini bus and a 17 seater tempo traveller can pick up at the same time and meet on the highway. It costs a little more, but the trip starts on time.

Two vehicles also mean two driver allowances, so we show both totals in the quote and let you decide.

Roads, gates and parking

Our drivers find the 40 seater a little easier in old town lanes, temple streets and narrow resort roads. On ghat roads to Coorg, Ooty or Chikmagalur both sizes go, and we plan those stretches in daylight. If the hotel or hall has a small gate, send us the address.

The driver checks the spot a day before, and if a big bus cannot enter, we meet the group on the nearest main road.

Tips from our trip desk

• Divide by your real headcount. Compare the per head cost, not the per km rate.

• Keep two seats for late joiners. It is easier than adding a car on the morning of the trip.

• Short trip? Skip the coach. The 400 km minimum on the BharatBenz adds a lot to a 1-day trip.

• Book early for November to February. Weddings, school tours and year-end outings take the big buses first. Call 3 to 4 weeks ahead for a Saturday.

How to book a 40 or 45 seater

Send the date, pickup area, places and the number of people to +91 9980277773 on call or WhatsApp. We send a written quote within 2 hours, with both sizes when your count is close, and confirm after a 15 to 20% advance. All sizes are on bus on rent in Bangalore, and from Mysore on bus on rent in Mysore. For school trips see our student transportation service.

See 45 seater bus on rent in Bangalore →

See all sizes and rates: tempo traveller on rent in Bangalore, mini bus on rent in Bangalore, bus on rent in Bangalore, cab rental in Bangalore.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for 38 people, a 40 or a 45 seater bus?

A 40 seater bus fits 38 people with two seats spare. If anyone may join on the day, book the 45 seater bus; it costs ₹5/km more.

How much more does a 45 seater bus cost than a 40 seater?

The 40 seater is ₹60/km and the 45 seater ₹65/km for a round trip. In the city it is ₹13,000 against ₹15,000 for 8 hours and 80 km.

Is every 45 seater bus a Volvo or a Benz?

No. Our regular 45 seater is ₹65/km. The 45 seater BharatBenz is ₹70/km, and a 45 seater Volvo is booked on request at ₹70/km.

Why is the BharatBenz billed at 400 km a day?

Volvo and BharatBenz coaches cost more to run and are booked mostly for long trips, so they are billed at 400 km per day minimum. Other buses are billed at 300 km.

Can a 45 seater bus reach a resort on a narrow road?

Most resorts around Bangalore take a 45 seater. Send us the resort name; if the approach is too narrow, the driver stops at the main road and the resort usually sends a smaller vehicle.