Splitting a group across several cars creates coordination problems and often costs more. Here is how to work out the right vehicle and plan the pickup.
Family holidays, stag and hen weekends, sports tours, wedding parties and corporate trips all run into the same question: how do we get everyone to the airport without a relay of cars and a stream of phone calls at 4am?
Fares are per vehicle, not per person
This is the single most useful thing to understand. Taxi fares are calculated on the vehicle type and the distance travelled, not on the number of passengers. So a group of six travelling in one eight-person people carrier pays one fare, while the same group split across three saloons pays three.
That usually makes a larger vehicle both simpler and cheaper, even though the per-vehicle price is higher.
Choosing the right size
| Group size | Sensible vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Saloon | Fine for hand luggage; consider an estate if everyone has a large case |
| 3 to 4 with lots of luggage | Estate | Noticeably more boot space than a saloon |
| 5 to 6 | Six person people carrier | Everyone together, one fare |
| 7 to 8 | Eight person people carrier or minibus | The largest single vehicle we run |
| More than 8 | Multiple vehicles travelling together | We coordinate them so you arrive at the same time |
Planning the pickup order
If your group is spread across several addresses, agree a collection order in advance so the morning runs to a plan. A few things that make it work:
- Start with whoever takes longest to get ready, or whoever has the most luggage.
- Collect from one side of town and work across, rather than zig-zagging.
- Agree a strict time for each pickup and tell everyone, so nobody is still in the shower.
- Have everyone's bags packed and by the door before the car is due, not when it arrives.
Why everyone arriving together matters
When a group travels in separate cars there is always the question of who waits for whom. Some people end up at the terminal early and standing around, others arrive late and stressed, and check-in for a group is far easier when the whole party is present at once.
It also solves the designated driver problem on the way home. Nobody has to stay sober, and the vehicle is waiting at an agreed time rather than being called for at the last minute when demand is at its peak.
Booking a group transfer
Tell us the number of passengers and the luggage, the pickup addresses and the flight number, and we will work out the vehicle or vehicles needed and confirm the fare. For larger groups we will tell you how many vehicles it takes and keep them travelling together. Call 01903 500600.
Arrange your transfer
Western Cars Worthing Ltd runs airport and seaport transfers from Worthing and across West Sussex, with fixed prices, flight monitoring and meet and greet available. Call 01903 500600 at any hour, or book online.