FAQ: - Your frequently asked questions about Drive 57 – bus rental in Berlin
When you are planning a group trip, need an important guest picked up from the airport or want to organise a business event, plenty of organisational questions come up. Public transport is not suitable for this kind of travel: it costs time and is uncomfortable. That is why more and more private customers and companies use Berlin bus companies such as Drive 57 to rent a bus with a driver. On this page we answer your frequently asked questions about VIP bus rental and our first-class shuttle service in Berlin.
General questions about bus rental
1What services does Drive 57 offer?
As an experienced Berlin bus company, we have tailored our services to what our customers actually need. We drive you through Berlin to the airport, to Berlin Central Station or to your event location. We are also happy to provide VIP shuttles for public figures such as ambassadors. Even large groups of up to 3,000 people can make use of our bus rental service in Berlin.
2Does Drive 57 also rent out buses without a driver?
We rent out our buses exclusively with a driver. Our aim is to offer you a complete service in which you can place your entire transport organisation in our hands. Our trained drivers will get you safely to your destination. You do not have to worry about anything, either beforehand or during the trip.
3For which occasions can I rent a bus?
We are available for all kinds of transfers, for example to Berlin airport or the railway station, and for corporate events, trade fairs and concerts. You can also book our buses for wedding parties, city sightseeing tours, the transport of film extras or shuttle services for embassies.
1Does Drive 57 operate only in Berlin?
Our focus is on the Berlin and Brandenburg area. Our drivers were all born here and know the city inside out. That way they always find the best and fastest route and can avoid traffic jams and roadworks. However, we are not limited to the city area. We are also happy to drive you within the region and throughout Germany. Simply tell us your preferred route when you enquire and we will gladly plan the trip for you.
2Can you also transport very large groups?
Drive 57 organises trips for small groups just as reliably as the bus logistics for large-scale events with up to 3,000 people. Depending on group size and occasion, we put together the right vehicles and, where necessary, simply deploy several buses in parallel.
3What is the difference between a VIP bus and a classic coach?
The difference lies above all in the comfort and the equipment of our vehicles. Our fleet consists of state-of-the-art vehicles fitted with comfortable reclining seats, Wi-Fi and USB charging points directly at the seat, and of course with air conditioning in the passenger compartment. On longer journeys and VIP transfers in particular, this makes travelling considerably more comfortable.
Buses, fleet & equipment
1What bus sizes are available?
In our fleet you have a choice of buses for different group sizes. You can book minibuses with 20 or 26 seats as well as coaches and VIP buses with up to 80 seats.
2How many people can travel in one bus?
Depending on the vehicle, up to 80 people can travel in one Drive 57 bus. For smaller groups we have buses with 20, 26, 37, 54 or 58 seats. For even larger groups we can deploy several buses at the same time.
3Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Wi-Fi is available in our buses on request. It is best to state directly in your enquiry if you need an internet connection during the trip.
4Are there USB ports or charging options?
Many of our buses have USB charging points directly at the seats, so you can conveniently charge your smartphone or other mobile devices while travelling.
1Are the buses air-conditioned?
Our buses are air-conditioned. Depending on the vehicle, they are fitted with front air conditioning and a separate air-conditioning system for the passenger compartment. This means our guests always enjoy pleasant temperatures, especially on longer journeys.
2Is there enough space for luggage?
Our buses offer ample storage space for normal travel luggage. If you would like to bring particularly large or bulky items, please let us know when you make your enquiry.
3Can I book a specific vehicle?
Feel free to take a look at our fleet. If you would prefer one of our buses or limousines for your trip, simply let us know when you enquire. We will then be happy to reserve your preferred vehicle for you.
Enquiry, quote & booking
1How can I enquire about a bus at Drive 57?
For your enquiry, simply use our online booking tool, enter your key details and you will receive a reply shortly. Alternatively, you can also contact us by phone or via WhatsApp.
2What information is needed for a quote?
For a suitable quote we mainly need the desired travel date, the pick-up and destination address and the number of passengers. Please also tell us if you would like to make stops along the way or use additional services such as separate luggage transport.
3How does booking a bus work?
After your enquiry we check availability and, based on your details, schedule the right vehicle for your trip. You will then receive an individual quote. As soon as you confirm it, the trip is booked bindingly and prepared by our team.
4How quickly will I receive a quote?
As a rule, you will receive a prompt reply to your enquiry. Once all the key details of the trip are available, we can check availability and prepare an individual quote for you as quickly as possible.
1How far in advance should I book a bus?
As a general rule: the earlier you enquire, the wider the choice of available vehicles. For larger groups in particular, or for trips at weekends and during the holiday season, we recommend enquiring and booking our services early. For spontaneous enquiries, however, we can usually find a solution as well.
2Are short-notice bookings possible?
Short-notice bookings are generally possible too. We simply need to check which vehicles are still available on the date you want and how to arrange the fleet, especially for larger groups. It is best to contact us as soon as you have your dates so that we can provide a suitable vehicle for you.
3Can I change my booking afterwards?
We know that plans and dates can sometimes change. That is why we are very flexible and can accommodate a new number of passengers, a different pick-up time, an updated route or other details of your trip, even at short notice. Please inform us of any changes as early as possible. We will then check whether and how we can adjust your booking accordingly.
Prices, costs & cancellation
1How much does it cost to rent a bus with a driver?
We do not have a flat-rate price list for our services. Every enquiry comes with entirely individual requirements, so we always have to calculate individually. The cost depends on various factors such as the route, the vehicle chosen and the length of time you book us for. Simply send us your enquiry and we will prepare a suitable quote for you.
2How are the costs of a bus trip calculated?
When calculating our individual quotes, we take into account the planned route, the rental period, the time required by the driver and the choice of vehicle. As soon as you send us the details of your plans, we will prepare a binding quote tailored precisely to your requirements.
3Which services are included in the price?
The price is an all-inclusive package covering our full range of services: the vehicles with driver, including equipment such as Wi-Fi, USB ports and air conditioning. The trip itself along with all incidental costs such as fuel, and any additional services agreed such as separate luggage transport, are also part of the quote.
4Are there additional costs for the driver?
No. All services are included in the total price quoted, and that includes the driver. No further staffing costs are charged.
1Is there a minimum booking period?
We adapt the route and the times individually to your needs. You are welcome to book a short transfer from the airport to your hotel, or to use our services for a whole day for a sightseeing tour through Berlin or as a shuttle for a wedding party.
2Can I cancel my bus trip free of charge?
You can cancel your booking free of charge up to 14 days before the agreed date. After that, staggered cancellation terms apply.
3What are the cancellation terms?
Cancelling your booking up to 14 days before our services are provided is generally free of charge. If you cancel from 14 days before the date, we charge 50% of the booking price; from 7 days before, 75%; and if you cancel from 1 day before the date, we invoice 100% of the costs.
Your trip & the drivers
1Where will the bus pick us up?
We discuss the entire route in advance, including the pick-up and arrival points. When booking, simply tell us the address you want, the name of the hotel, the airport terminal or the meeting point at the station. Our driver will be waiting for you punctually at the agreed spot.
2Are stops along the way possible?
Stops are possible at any time. Where possible, please tell us about them when planning your route so that we can schedule the time accordingly. Short-notice changes to the route are also possible; you can simply arrange these with your driver during the trip.
3Can the route be planned individually?
We do not impose fixed routes but base everything entirely on your destination and your requirements. Once we have all the necessary details from you, we draw up an individual route plan. You can of course still add individual requests at any time.
4How early will the bus be at the pick-up point?
Our drivers know the area and know exactly how long a route takes, where roadworks currently are and which spots are prone to traffic jams. That way you can count on them being at the meeting point shortly before the agreed pick-up time.
1What happens in the event of delays?
We monitor your arrival times, for example for flights or train connections, in real time. If your arrival is unexpectedly delayed, we see it and adjust accordingly. If you can foresee a delay, please let us know as early as possible so that we can adapt the schedule calmly for everyone involved.
2Can the drivers help with loading luggage?
Of course. Our drivers are happy to help you load and unload your luggage, or with luggage transport using baggage trolleys at the airport.
3Are trips possible at night or at weekends?
Our buses with drivers are on the road for you around the clock. Our service is available seven days a week, which of course includes nights as well as Saturdays and Sundays.
Luggage, food & conduct on board
1How much luggage may I bring?
We initially allow for one large item of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage per person. If you would also like to bring bulky items such as sports equipment or musical instruments, please tell us when you make your enquiry so that we can take this into account when reserving a suitable vehicle.
2Can large amounts of luggage be transported?
Yes, that is no problem at all. Please let us know the number and size of your items of luggage when booking so that we can schedule a vehicle with sufficient storage space for you.
3 Is separate luggage transport possible?
We are happy to offer separate transport for your luggage. Please just let us know in good time so that we can plan our fleet accordingly.
4May I bring food and drinks on board?
You are welcome to bring your own drinks and small snacks on board our buses. Some of our VIP vehicles also have their own on-board drinks service. After every trip we clean our buses thoroughly and hygienically.
1Can children travel on the bus?
Children are very welcome. Please tell us the children's ages when booking so that we can provide the necessary child seats or booster seats in line with the statutory safety regulations.
2Are dogs allowed on the bus?
You are welcome to bring dogs by prior arrangement. Please tell us the type and size of the animal when you enquire. That way we can select the right vehicle and make sure everyone is comfortable during the trip.
3What happens if something is left behind on the bus?
If you have left something on the bus, simply get in touch with us. Our drivers check the vehicles after every trip. If we find items that have been left behind, we will let you know and keep them safe for you until you collect them from us. We are also happy to arrange for them to be sent by post.
Safety, accessibility & special requirements
1 What safety standards do the buses meet?
The safety of our guests during the trip is our top priority. Our buses are technically state of the art and equipped with all modern assistance systems such as ESP, ABS and emergency braking assistants. In addition, all vehicles are serviced regularly in our workshops. Our drivers receive ongoing training to guarantee a safe journey.
2Are seat belts provided?
Our vehicles are of course fitted with seat belts at every seat. It is very important to us that you reach your destination safely and properly belted up throughout the entire trip.
3Can people with reduced mobility be transported?
We also transport guests with reduced mobility. Please let us know briefly when booking what support you need. That way we can provide the right vehicle and get you to your destination safely and comfortably.
4Are the buses accessible?
Part of our fleet is designed for transporting people with reduced mobility. Please inform us of any physical limitations when booking so that we can provide the right vehicle and make an accessible trip possible.