A
Amy
2026-06-28
“Great customer service and communications before the trip. Very clear and flexible as well.”
West Somerset Railway Coach Hire & Minibus Hire
The West Somerset Railway runs from Minehead, with group travel requiring pre-booking and a minimum of 16 passengers.
Clear, Transparent Pricing
Door-to-Door Business Travel
Free Waiting Time Included
Meet & Greet Service Available
One Vehicle, One Arrival Time
Coach hire and minibus hire for the West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway operates from Minehead station, postcode TA24 5BG, and welcomes groups of 16 or more with discounted train fares. Organising coach hire or minibus hire for a visit here makes sense for schools, clubs and societies who want one straightforward pickup and drop-off rather than coordinating individual travel to a rural station.
Group travel requirements
Groups must pre-book directly with the railway, and the team can be reached on 01643 700398 to arrange dates and confirm numbers. School groups are accepted, and catering for groups is available on request, which suits full day trips where an early coach departure and a later return are both part of the plan.
Accessibility on board
On-train staff can assist passengers with limited mobility getting on and off the trains, and a ramp is available to board via the guard's van. This is worth flagging to your operator when booking a minibus or coach, particularly if the group includes passengers who need extra time or assistance at the station.
Getting there by road
Minehead sits at the western end of the line, and operators serving the West Somerset Railway typically bring groups in from Exeter, Bristol, Cardiff, Plymouth and further afield. None of the routes below require a legally mandated break for the driver on the way in, and a same day return is lawful from every listed origin, which keeps the logistics simple for one-day group visits.
Booking ahead
Because pre-booking is required for group rates, it is worth confirming your travel date with the railway before locking in a coach or minibus. Operators can then plan pickup times around the confirmed arrival slot at Minehead station.
Journey times to the West Somerset Railway
Breaks required follow GB drivers hours rules, and all six origins allow a lawful same day return.
Background on West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway runs to Minehead station, TA24 5BG, and was historically operated by British Rail. It welcomes group visits of 16 or more, with discounted fares available once a booking is confirmed with the group travel team on 01643 700398. School groups and catering for groups are both available on request. On-train staff assist passengers with limited mobility, and a ramp allows boarding via the guard's van. Coach hire and minibus hire suit groups travelling from Exeter, Bristol, Cardiff, Plymouth, Southampton or Birmingham, all offering a lawful same day return.
Availability varies by date and pickup point.
4.4/5 based on 439 reviews
Got a More Complicated Itinerary?
Odd timings and split groups are routine for us.
Get Your QuoteDisclaimer: Prices shown are guide prices only and are based on existing bookings. Final costs may vary depending on travel distance, locations, fuel prices, pickup and dropoff points, vehicle availability, travel dates, waiting time, journey duration, luggage requirements and any additional services requested.
MOT Certified Fleet
Regularly maintained vehicles for safe travel.
DBS Checked Drivers
Trusted, vetted drivers focused on your safety.
Onboard WiFi
Stay connected and entertained.
Real Time Tracking
Keep an eye on your journey with vehicle monitoring
4.4/5 based on 439 reviews
See What Your Trip Costs
Tell us the journey and we will price it properly.
Get Your Quote| Vehicle type | Seats | Starting | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minibus | 8 to 16 | from £180 to £350 per day | Small groups, airport runs and tight access |
| Mid-Size Coach | 24 to 35 | from £300 to £600 per day | Weddings, day trips and mid sized parties |
| Standard Coach | 36 to 49 | from £450 to £800 per day | School trips, match days and longer distances |
| Large Coach | 50 to 70 | from £600 to £1,200 per day | Festivals, stadium events and corporate away days |
Minibus
Seats: 8 to 16
Starting per hour: from £180 to £350 per day
Ideal for: Small groups, airport runs and tight access
Mid-Size Coach
Seats: 24 to 35
Starting per hour: from £300 to £600 per day
Ideal for: Weddings, day trips and mid sized parties
Standard Coach
Seats: 36 to 49
Starting per hour: from £450 to £800 per day
Ideal for: School trips, match days and longer distances
Large Coach
Seats: 50 to 70
Starting per hour: from £600 to £1,200 per day
Ideal for: Festivals, stadium events and corporate away days
Disclaimer: Prices shown are guide prices only and are based on existing bookings. Final costs may vary depending on travel distance, locations, fuel prices, pickup and dropoff points, vehicle availability, travel dates, waiting time, journey duration, luggage requirements and any additional services requested.
Why Busroute?
Fully insured & licensed transport
DBS checked drivers
Pickup & dropoff across UK
Door to door service
24/7 customer support
Fixed pricing with no surprise fees
Money back guarantee
All types of payment accepted
4.4/5 based on 439 reviews
Unsure Where to Start?
Ask us about access, parking or drop off points.
Get Your Quote| Standard Minibus | Executive Minibus | Luxury Coach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfortable Seating | |||
| Professional Driver | |||
| Passenger Seatbelts | |||
| Air Conditioning | Not included | ||
| USB Charging | Not included | ||
| Extra Legroom | Not included | ||
| Premium Interior | Not included | ||
| Leather Seating | Not included | Not included | |
| Onboard Entertainment | Not included | ||
| Luggage Space |
Comfortable Seating
Standard Minibus:
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
Professional Driver
Standard Minibus:
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
Passenger Seatbelts
Standard Minibus:
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
Air Conditioning
Standard Minibus:Not included
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
USB Charging
Standard Minibus:Not included
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
Extra Legroom
Standard Minibus:Not included
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
Premium Interior
Standard Minibus:Not included
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
Leather Seating
Standard Minibus:Not included
Executive Minibus:Not included
Luxury Coach:
Onboard Entertainment
Standard Minibus:Not included
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
Luggage Space
Standard Minibus:
Executive Minibus:
Luxury Coach:
Coach and minibus travel to the West Somerset Railway
Minehead station is the western terminus of the line, and groups of 16 or more qualify for discounted fares if they pre-book. Coach hire suits schools and societies travelling from Exeter, Bristol or further afield for a same day visit.
Get Your Quote
4.4/5 based on 439 reviews
Reasons Groups Book This Journey
Airport Transfers
Corporate Travel
Weddings
Shared Coach Parking
Worth Knowing in Advance
Answers to what groups usually ask.
The West Somerset Railway requires a minimum of 16 people to qualify for group travel and discounted train fares. Smaller parties can still visit, but they will not receive the group rate. Pre-booking is required for any group arrangement, so confirm numbers with the railway before travelling.
School groups are welcomed and follow the same pre-booking process as other groups. Contact the railway on 01643 700398 to arrange dates, confirm numbers and discuss any specific requirements for the visit before coach or minibus travel is finalised.
Yes, catering for groups is available and can be arranged alongside the group booking. This is useful for full day visits where a coach or minibus brings a group in for several hours, allowing food to be organised in advance rather than left to chance.
On-train staff can assist passengers with limited mobility getting on and off, and a ramp is available to board via the guard's van. It is worth mentioning any access needs when booking so both the railway and your coach operator can prepare accordingly.
Group travel questions for the West Somerset Railway
Common questions about arranging coach or minibus travel for group visits to the West Somerset Railway at Minehead.
Group rates for 16 or more
Groups of 16 or more qualify for discounted train fares on the West Somerset Railway, making coach hire an efficient way to bring a full party to Minehead station in one trip rather than arranging individual journeys.
Pre-booking is required
All group travel must be pre-booked with the railway, and the team can be reached on 01643 700398. Confirming dates early lets your minibus or coach operator plan pickup times around the arranged arrival slot at Minehead.
Same day return from six origins
A same day return is lawful from Exeter, Bristol, Cardiff, Plymouth, Southampton and Birmingham, with no mandatory driver break needed on the way in. That makes a full day trip to the railway straightforward to organise.
Booking Takes Four Steps
No account, no deposit to enquire, no waiting on hold.
1. Tell Us The Journey
Pickup, destination, date and how many of you there are.
- •Takes two minutes
- •No obligation
2. We Match An Operator
We find a licensed operator with the right vehicle for your group.
Checked, licensed, insured
3. You Get One Clear Price
Driver, fuel and VAT included, with nothing added later.
- •No booking fees
- •Free cancellation
4. Travel Together
Your driver arrives at the agreed pickup and the group travels as one.
- •One vehicle, one arrival
- •Driver contact shared before travel
About BusRoute
BusRoute is a UK coach and minibus booking platform. We do not own vehicles. We connect groups with licensed operators who do, which means you are matched to the operator best placed to run your journey rather than to whoever happens to own the nearest coach.
Every operator we work with holds a valid PSV operator licence and full passenger insurance. Drivers on school and youth bookings are DBS checked as standard.
Journeys That Speak for Themselves!
DO
David Oliver Berglund-Seland
2026-06-22
“Good and accommodating bus-rental Great at following up with news and update for the journey, and good at accommodating the bus-rentals for our needs. :-)”
ED
Estephanie Domingo
2026-07-24
“We booked Bus Route for our group of 35 passengers travelling from London to Ipswich return trio and the experience was excellent from start to finish.On our way to the venue, the road was unexpectedly closed when we were only about 15 minutes away. Our driver remained calm, patient, and professional throughout, finding an alternative route without any stress or delay on our part. We really appreciated how composed and experienced he was in handling the situation.The coach was clean, comfortable, and the air conditioning worked perfectly, which made a huge difference as we were travelling during an extremely hot day. Everyone in our group was able to relax and enjoy the journey.Overall, we had a fantastic experience on both the outbound and return trips. The service was reliable, comfortable, and well-organised. I would highly recommend Bus Route to anyone looking for coach transport for a large group. Thank you for helping make our trip so enjoyable!”
HL
Heidi Lees
2026-06-27
“Very helpful, great communication and would definitely use again!”
JS
Jimmy Sorrie
2026-07-04
“Excellent customer service from start to finish. Easy booking system and cost was the best we could find. Driver was brilliant with all our group and we will definitely be using this company again”
KS
Katie Scott
2026-07-04
“Booked for a hen do for 20 girls. Seamless experience! Drivers were great, very prompt and swift communication throughout. Very reasonable quote too compared with other providers. Would recommend!”
K
Kiera
2026-07-06
“Great service on time nice comfortable bus would highly reccomend”
LL
Lauren Lancaster
2026-07-27
“Really good, clean vehicle, friendly driver, who was talkative n helped with our bags,”
LD
Lee Dutton
2026-06-27
“Fantastic trip. I was a little concerned that the bus might not turn up but can’t compliment the service enough on time lots of communication and driver was really nice. The busses themselves were clean and actually of a lot higher quality than I was expecting will definitely use again.”
L
Lesley
2026-06-24
“Absolutely amazing company everything went smoothly & the students loved it door to door pick up and drop off. Worth every penny”
MO
Matthew Oram
2026-06-27
“Great communication throughout, arrived on time for both ends of our journey, driver was great”
MH
Meghan Hall
2026-07-27
“We booked through this company as we needed to organise transport for guests to our son’s wedding. The staff were amazing from our first contact. On the day the driver was cheery courteous and helpful.”
MT
Michael Toomey
2026-07-04
“Great service! I hired BusRoute to provide a shuttle bus service for guests at my wedding in Gordon, Scotland. The bus was perfect and arrived promptly both for drop-off and pick-ups. The customer service and the communication with the company was fantastic. And it was very affordable. Two thumbs up!”
NP
Nicola Pearse
2026-06-27
“Driver arrived promptly. He was very polite and ensured we were happy throughout the journey. Arrived at our destination safely and on time. Minibus had air conditioning and plenty space for all our luggage and passengers.”
OO
Ona Onyekweli
2026-06-27
“We hired two buses for our event last Saturday. The drivers were prompt and accommodated all our needs. I just want to say a huge thank you to the team which were absolutely lovely, we definitely will be using this service again in future.”
R
Rhodri
2026-06-18
“The booking process with Busroute was easy, and follow up communication excellent. Despite a 6a.m. start the bus was there at 5.40, ready to load and ensure a prompt getaway. Our driver was very friendly, helpful and courteous and helped with unloading at the airport. The return to Swansea from the airport was equally easy and comfortable with an ontime pick-up and arrival back in Swansea. I highly recommend BusRoute and0 their partners.”
SM
Sonana Mielo
2026-06-27
“Busroute were able to accommodate my plans effectively and for a good price. It was easy to communicate with the team from planning phases to the day itself - Peter was an especially huge help in making ideal plans a reality. The team are very open to questions, feedback, and care greatly about offering the best experience for you.”
DL
demi lindo-lewis
2026-07-20
“Great driver and polite, the company was easy to work with, no issues”
L
lexi
2026-06-18
“Driver was early was easy to book and a very good price in comparison to other places i looked”
MW
morgan winchurch
2026-06-19
“Driver was friendly and helpful. Booking process was easy and service was exceptional.”
A
Amy
2026-06-28
“Great customer service and communications before the trip. Very clear and flexible as well.”
DO
David Oliver Berglund-Seland
2026-06-22
“Good and accommodating bus-rental Great at following up with news and update for the journey, and good at accommodating the bus-rentals for our needs. :-)”
ED
Estephanie Domingo
2026-07-24
“We booked Bus Route for our group of 35 passengers travelling from London to Ipswich return trio and the experience was excellent from start to finish.On our way to the venue, the road was unexpectedly closed when we were only about 15 minutes away. Our driver remained calm, patient, and professional throughout, finding an alternative route without any stress or delay on our part. We really appreciated how composed and experienced he was in handling the situation.The coach was clean, comfortable, and the air conditioning worked perfectly, which made a huge difference as we were travelling during an extremely hot day. Everyone in our group was able to relax and enjoy the journey.Overall, we had a fantastic experience on both the outbound and return trips. The service was reliable, comfortable, and well-organised. I would highly recommend Bus Route to anyone looking for coach transport for a large group. Thank you for helping make our trip so enjoyable!”
HL
Heidi Lees
2026-06-27
“Very helpful, great communication and would definitely use again!”
JS
Jimmy Sorrie
2026-07-04
“Excellent customer service from start to finish. Easy booking system and cost was the best we could find. Driver was brilliant with all our group and we will definitely be using this company again”
KS
Katie Scott
2026-07-04
“Booked for a hen do for 20 girls. Seamless experience! Drivers were great, very prompt and swift communication throughout. Very reasonable quote too compared with other providers. Would recommend!”
K
Kiera
2026-07-06
“Great service on time nice comfortable bus would highly reccomend”
LL
Lauren Lancaster
2026-07-27
“Really good, clean vehicle, friendly driver, who was talkative n helped with our bags,”
LD
Lee Dutton
2026-06-27
“Fantastic trip. I was a little concerned that the bus might not turn up but can’t compliment the service enough on time lots of communication and driver was really nice. The busses themselves were clean and actually of a lot higher quality than I was expecting will definitely use again.”
L
Lesley
2026-06-24
“Absolutely amazing company everything went smoothly & the students loved it door to door pick up and drop off. Worth every penny”
MO
Matthew Oram
2026-06-27
“Great communication throughout, arrived on time for both ends of our journey, driver was great”
MH
Meghan Hall
2026-07-27
“We booked through this company as we needed to organise transport for guests to our son’s wedding. The staff were amazing from our first contact. On the day the driver was cheery courteous and helpful.”
MT
Michael Toomey
2026-07-04
“Great service! I hired BusRoute to provide a shuttle bus service for guests at my wedding in Gordon, Scotland. The bus was perfect and arrived promptly both for drop-off and pick-ups. The customer service and the communication with the company was fantastic. And it was very affordable. Two thumbs up!”
NP
Nicola Pearse
2026-06-27
“Driver arrived promptly. He was very polite and ensured we were happy throughout the journey. Arrived at our destination safely and on time. Minibus had air conditioning and plenty space for all our luggage and passengers.”
OO
Ona Onyekweli
2026-06-27
“We hired two buses for our event last Saturday. The drivers were prompt and accommodated all our needs. I just want to say a huge thank you to the team which were absolutely lovely, we definitely will be using this service again in future.”
R
Rhodri
2026-06-18
“The booking process with Busroute was easy, and follow up communication excellent. Despite a 6a.m. start the bus was there at 5.40, ready to load and ensure a prompt getaway. Our driver was very friendly, helpful and courteous and helped with unloading at the airport. The return to Swansea from the airport was equally easy and comfortable with an ontime pick-up and arrival back in Swansea. I highly recommend BusRoute and0 their partners.”
SM
Sonana Mielo
2026-06-27
“Busroute were able to accommodate my plans effectively and for a good price. It was easy to communicate with the team from planning phases to the day itself - Peter was an especially huge help in making ideal plans a reality. The team are very open to questions, feedback, and care greatly about offering the best experience for you.”
DL
demi lindo-lewis
2026-07-20
“Great driver and polite, the company was easy to work with, no issues”
L
lexi
2026-06-18
“Driver was early was easy to book and a very good price in comparison to other places i looked”
MW
morgan winchurch
2026-06-19
“Driver was friendly and helpful. Booking process was easy and service was exceptional.”
4.4/5 based on 439 reviews
Get Your Group Moving
One pickup, one driver, everyone arrives at the same time.
Get Your Quote4.4/5 based on 439 reviews
Get Your Group Moving
One pickup, one driver, everyone arrives at the same time.
Get Your Quote
