Arriving in Istanbul with more than seven people turns a simple transfer into a logistics question: will everyone, and every bag, fit in one vehicle? Passenger count is only half of the answer. Luggage decides the rest. This guide explains Solevra Travel's group vehicle classes, how to count your bags, and what to do when the group is staying at more than one hotel.
Vehicle classes from the Eco Van to the Midibus
Four classes cover group transfers. Capacities are shown as passengers/suitcases on the booking screen:
- Eco Van: 7 passengers, 6 suitcases. Small groups with light luggage.
- VIP Van: 6 passengers, 6 suitcases. Small groups who want a quieter, more comfortable cabin.
- Minibus: 14 passengers, 12 suitcases. The standard choice for groups of 8 to 14.
- Midibus: 27 passengers, 25 suitcases. Groups of 15 to 27, sports teams, corporate events.
Passenger capacity excludes the driver. Suitcase capacity is based on standard checked bags; cabin bags travel with passengers.
How to count your luggage
The most common booking mistake in group travel is counting people and forgetting bags. A simple method:
- Write down the number of large suitcases per person, usually one for a holiday group and two for long trips.
- Count each oversized item, such as a golf bag, a sports bag or an instrument case, as one suitcase.
- Compare the total with the class capacity. If you are at the limit, move up a class.
Twelve people with twelve large suitcases fit a Minibus exactly. Fourteen people with fourteen suitcases do not; that group needs a Midibus or two vehicles. With two vehicles, each has its own driver and both track the same flight.
Drop-offs at more than one hotel
Groups do not always stay under one roof. You can add intermediate stops in the booking to set several drop-off points. Stops are ordered, they count towards distance and price, and the full breakdown appears with VAT included before you pay. Writing the drop-off order yourself, rather than leaving it to the driver, shortens the route when the hotels are close to each other. The same stop logic is explained in our intercity transfer guide.
Meeting a group at the airport
Gathering a large group in an arrivals hall takes time. With the meet and greet service, the driver or a greeter waits with a name sign and walks everyone to the vehicle once the group is complete. Enter your flight number and the flight is tracked; if it is delayed, the pickup is adjusted. If part of the group arrives on a different flight, the cleanest solution is a separate booking for each flight.
Organisation tips
- One contact person: let one member of the group make the booking and keep the confirmation email and booking number.
- Passenger list: you do not have to list every name, but if the group is split between hotels, note who gets off where.
- Return journey: book the outbound and return legs in one reservation; a different driver can be assigned to the return.
- Events and weddings: for transfers between a venue and a hotel, our wedding and event transfer guide includes a sample timeline.
- Company groups: see the corporate transfer guide for receipts and invoicing.
How the price is calculated
Group transfers are priced per vehicle, not per person. Route, vehicle class and intermediate stops set the price; the total appears on the booking screen with VAT included and does not change on the road. You can view prices in EUR, USD or TRY.
Which vehicle do we need for a group of 16?
A Midibus (27 passengers, 25 suitcases) carries the group in one vehicle. With very little luggage, a Minibus plus an Eco Van is another option, with a driver for each vehicle.
Part of our group is staying at a different hotel. What should we do?
Add the second hotel as an intermediate stop in the booking. Stops are ordered and priced before payment, and the breakdown shows every item.
Is the group price per person?
No. The price is per vehicle, so the cost per person falls as the vehicle fills up.
How does the driver find a large group at the airport?
With meet and greet, the driver waits in the arrivals hall holding a sign with the group name. Without it, the driver waits at the meeting point given in the booking. Flight tracking covers the actual landing time.
Enter your group size and total luggage and get your price; suitable classes are listed with their capacities, and the choice is yours.