Minibus vs Volvo Bus Explained: Cheapest & Best Travel Option from Bangalore

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December 19, 2025

Minibus vs Volvo Bus Explained: Cheapest & Best Travel Option from Bangalore

Peaceful view of Lakshmi Sagar lake

lakshmi sagar

Travel Guide

Book the perfect bus for your group travel from Bangalore. Choose between a comfortable minibus or a premium Volvo bus for 15–25 people at the best price. Instant booking available!

Minibus vs Volvo Bus – Which is Cheaper & Better for 15–25 People from Bangalore?

Arranging group travel can cause misunderstanding regarding the choice of a vehicle. When people book a bus, many compare a minibus and a Volvo bus before they do that. This is the reason why the argument of Minibus vs Volvo Bus is brought up frequently. You need comfort, you need space, and you also need something affordable. It is in this guide that you will be acquainted with real differences, real costs, and real experiences. By the end, you will be informed about the winner in the Minibus vs Volvo Bus competition when the size of the group is 15-25.

What Are the Key Differences Between a Minibus and a Volvo Bus?

What Are the Key Differences Between a Minibus and a Volvo Bus?

A minibus is used to serve small and medium-sized groups. The majority of minibuses have a 12 seater, 15 seater, 18 seater, 20 seater and 25 seater options. This is an appropriate range when the groups are 10-25. An average Volvo bus has 35 seats and can have a capacity of up to 50 seats. This brings about a distinct disparity in capacity.

A minibus provides a small and cosy travelling experience. The cushions and legroom of the seats are decent. The ride is comfortable over city roads and short highways. The seating in a Volvo bus is high-end. You have long and wide reclining seats. The suspension is stronger. On long trips, you feel less vibration.

There is also a big difference in the luggage area. There is not much storage in a minibus. The space is good to fit in backpacks and a few trolleys. There is a complete luggage compartment in a Volvo bus. It carries a lot of suitcases and weight bags.

It is also transformed by the interior appearance and feel. Minibuses have a clean and new design with air conditioner vents, music, and power points. The interior of Volvo buses is luxurious and is better equipped with superior air-conditioning, deeper seats and increased space on the roof.

Which is Cheaper for Group Travel in Bangalore – Minibus or Volvo Bus?

Which is Cheaper for Group Travel in Bangalore – Minibus or Volvo Bus?

The cost of travelling in a minibus is less expensive. The km rate remains cost-effective. In Bangalore, the cost of a minibus is 20-30 per km by many operators. This rate suits those groups that do not want to spend a lot of money and enjoy it at the same time.

A Volvo bus is more expensive because the size of the vehicle is larger. The price usually begins at 45 to 60 per kilometre. This implies that Volvo buses are nearly two times the price of minibuses. It also costs more in fuel since Volvo buses burn a lot of diesel.

Tejas Travels has transparent prices. A 15-seater minibus, the charge would usually begin at approximately 18-20 per kilometre. A 20-seater mini bus can be priced at approximately 22-25 per kilometre. The cost of a 25-seater is approximately 25-28 per km, and Volvo buses usually begin at 45 per km, but increase depending on luxury features.

The difference is also evident in hourly packages. There are numerous minibuses that can be hired for a trip in the city at a low hourly rate. Volvo buses would only be cost-effective when making long outstation trips. These expenses are raised by the volume of fuel, fees of drivers, tolls and taxes on highways.

Final pricing is affected by a lot of factors. Tolls vary by route. Driver allowances would be an additional ₹500- 600 per day. There is state taxation when crossing the borders. There might be a charge for parking around tourist sites. These additional fees are even higher when you book a Volvo since the base rate is higher.

Is a Minibus or a Volvo Bus More Comfortable for 15–25 People?

Is a Minibus or a Volvo Bus More Comfortable for 15–25 People?

The comfort will be based on the kind of trip. A minibus is cosy when it comes to short distances and medium distances. The AC works well. The seats recline. The ride feels stable. Convenience is further provided by music systems and charge ports. The minibus is a comfortable commuting area among families, office workgroups and college groups.

A Volvo bus is more comfortable. The ride is not rough, even on long highways and hills. The seats recline softly. You get wide legroom. The AC can be maintained even during hot weather. The quiet cabin is favourable to many passengers. The suspension is good in rugged areas.

In the case of a group of 15-25, comfort is also dependent on the expectations of the group. A minibus keeps the group together and builds a cordial atmosphere. It is most effective in a scenario where the distance is not very far. The Volvo has additional space and might not be fully exploited to accommodate 20 people. You pay more for empty seats. Nevertheless, it does not erase the fact that Volvo is incredibly comfortable to travel with. Real experiences are commonly emphasised in the passenger reviews. It is claimed that minibuses are ideal when travelling a short distance to Mysore, Nandi Hills, or Wonderla. People say that Volvo buses are most comfortable on the Ooty, Coorg and Kerala routes, where the journey time is still long.

What Is the Ideal Vehicle Size for a Group of 15–25 People?

The best balance is provided by a 20-seater minibus. It is comfortable for a team of 15-25. The seats are also spaced out. The motion within the motor vehicle remains simple. The group does not feel crowded.

Minibuses could be congested when carrying more than 18 people. Crowding is a source of uneasiness. There is also difficulty in making adjustments to seats. Contrastingly, a 20-member group is too many to fit in a Volvo bus. You can also pay money to acquire a vehicle that is not fully utilised by your group.

The minibus is a 20-25 seater that fits well in the middle. The level of comfort is beneficial to the older generation. The entrance step feels low. The car moves through the narrow roads without much difficulty. It provides reasonable sightseeing visibility.

When Should You Choose a Minibus Over a Volvo Bus?

It is a minibus that is appropriate for numerous travelling requirements. You will have an option of a minibus that will be used on short and medium city routes. This involves the airport transfer, railway station pick up, office crew outing, picnics in schools, temple tours and family matters. A minibus is also appropriate for wedding travel locally.

A minibus is a solution to the budget problem. You are saving and are not uncomfortable. Minibuses are preferred by families since they suit them. You do not need extra seats and additional expense either.

A minibus can pass through small roads with ease. There are numerous places in the vicinity of Bangalore that contain narrow routes. Minibuses are better in places such as Nandi Hills, Lepakshi, Ramnagara and village routes. Parking would become more convenient in temples, viewpoints and hotels.

When Is a Volvo Bus Better Than a Minibus?

A bus is a Volvo that is appropriate for long routes. In case your party is taking a long journey to Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad or Kerala, a Volvo will be more comfortable. The cabin can remain stable for hours. Senior passengers are enjoying the ride. The AC stays consistent.

A Volvo also suits VIP travel. Volvo buses are popular among most companies on corporate outings, conferences, and other events held outside the organisation. Weddings and quality functions also need to be more comfortable and presentable. The Volvo bus is able to meet these expectations.

A Volvo bus, too, will help when you have heavy luggage. Most of the trips entail massive suitcases, sports gear or wedding bags. The Volvo has a big luggage bay that helps a great deal.

What Is the Cost Breakdown for Hiring a Minibus or a Volvo from Tejas Travels?

What Is the Cost Breakdown for Hiring a Minibus or a Volvo from Tejas Travels?

Tejas Travels provides an articulate cost structure. The per-kilometre cost covers both the car and gasoline. Driver charges remain extra. Outstation journeys involve the toll charge, parking charges, and state taxes. The end price is based on the distance and travel time.

The fare in the case of minibuses generally remains between 20 and 28 per km. Driver allowance is an extra 500-600 per day. The routes vary in highway tolls. The cost of diesel is not an issue since it is under the operator's control on the basis.

In the case of Volvo buses, the price per km will be initially 45 and can increase to 60. The Volvo consumes more fuel. The toll fees are also high due to the fact that the vehicle has more axles. Large vehicles could be higher in state taxes.

Local trips are also provided by Tejas Travels. The packages that are offered to customers when travelling to the city are 4 hours, 8 hours, and 12 hours. Such packages usually consist of limited km and fixed driver charges.

What Are People Saying About Minibus and Volvo Services from Tejas Travels?

Tejas Travels attracts a good customer response. Timeliness is highly rated by many customers. Many mention clean vehicles. The drivers are law-abiding and drive carefully. Families feel comfortable. It is a professional service that is valued by office teams.

Customer Reviews

Anjana Gupta:

We hired a 20-seater minibus to make a trip to Mysore. The vehicle felt clean. The seats felt comfortable. The driver was familiar with the road. We enjoyed the trip. The cost was also affordable for our budget.

Vikram Rana:

We had hired a Volvo to have an office outing in Coorg. The ride felt very smooth. The AC worked well. All were relaxed during the trip.

Ritu Singh:

A minibus of 25 seats was hired out by our family to hold a wedding. The vehicle looked neat. The music system worked well. Kids enjoyed the ride. I will reserve it again for the next event.

What Are the Top Destinations Around Bangalore for Group Bus Travel?

Mysore – 150 km:

A minibus is appropriate for a trip that takes one or two days. The roads feel smooth. The travelling time remains comfortable.

Coorg – 270 km:

This is a long trip that requires a Volvo bus. Volvo has a more comfortable feel to its hills and curves.

Ooty – 270 km:

The ghat part requires high suspension. Volvo is more comfortable.

Chikmagalur – 240 km:

A minibus is good with a population of approximately 20. The streets are even clean and picturesque.

Do minibuses have enough space for luggage?

Yes. Minibuses accommodate average luggage. They fit cases and certain suitcases.

How early should I book a minibus or Volvo from Bangalore?

Book at least one week early. Book further in advance, especially on weekends and holiday seasons.

Are there AC and Non-AC variants for minibuses?

Yes. Operators sell AC and Non-AC models.

What if we need to cancel or reschedule the trip?

The majority of the operators permit cancellation. Read the terms of booking and then pay.