When booking a minicab for travel in London or the surrounding areas, you may need to choose between a saloon, executive, MPV or 8-seater. The right vehicle depends on how many passengers you’re carrying and how much luggage you have. Under-declaring luggage can lead to extra charges or even a larger vehicle being sent, so it’s important to get it right.
All our journeys are pre-arranged, and we do not operate as a street-hail taxi service. Whether you’re travelling to Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport or a hotel in central London, we’ll confirm the vehicle type and price before your trip.
This guide explains the luggage capacity of each vehicle type and how to ensure you’re not charged extra for under-declaring bags.
Why luggage capacity matters when booking a minicab
Our drivers must follow strict passenger and luggage limits set by law. If you declare fewer bags than you actually have, we may send a larger vehicle to avoid overloading. This could mean a higher fare than expected.
When booking, always tell us the exact number of passengers and bags, including suitcases, holdalls, sports equipment or any other bulky items. If you’re unsure, we can help you choose the right vehicle.
Saloon minicab luggage capacity
A standard saloon, such as a Toyota Prius or Mercedes E-Class, is the most common minicab for solo travellers or small groups. It typically seats up to four passengers, but luggage space is limited.
For a saloon, you can usually fit:
- 1 large suitcase (up to 60cm x 30cm x 20cm) in the boot, plus a small bag or hand luggage on the back seat.
- 2 medium suitcases (around 50cm x 30cm x 20cm) if no passengers are seated on the back row.
- No large sports equipment or oversized bags—these will require an MPV or 8-seater.
If you have more than two suitcases or bulky items, an MPV or 8-seater will be more suitable.
MPV minicab luggage capacity
An MPV, such as a Renault Espace or Volkswagen Multivan, is ideal for families, groups or those with extra luggage. These vehicles seat up to six or seven passengers and offer significantly more boot space than a saloon.
For an MPV, you can usually fit:
- 3–4 large suitcases (up to 60cm x 30cm x 20cm) in the boot, depending on how they’re packed.
- Additional bags, such as hand luggage or shopping, on the back seats if needed.
- Sports equipment (e.g., golf clubs, skis or bicycles) with advance notice—these may require securing to avoid damage.
- A baby travel seat or pushchair, but you must inform us in advance so we can arrange seating.
MPVs are popular for Airport Transfers, Group & Family Transfers and Hotel Transfers where extra luggage is involved.
8-seater minicab luggage capacity
An 8-seater, such as a Mercedes V-Class or Ford Tourneo, is the largest vehicle we offer. It seats up to eight passengers and has a spacious boot, making it ideal for big groups, weddings or long trips.
For an 8-seater, you can usually fit:
- 4–6 large suitcases (up to 60cm x 30cm x 20cm), depending on how they’re arranged.
- Additional bags, such as hand luggage, shopping or gym equipment, on the back seats.
- Bulky items like musical instruments or large sports gear, but these must be secured properly.
- Multiple pushchairs or baby seats if travelling with children—inform us in advance.
8-seaters are often used for Wedding Services, Leisure Travel and Group & Family Transfers where multiple passengers and large amounts of luggage are involved.
How to avoid extra charges for luggage
To ensure you’re not charged extra for under-declaring luggage, follow these steps:
- Measure your bags before booking. Use a tape measure to check the dimensions of each suitcase or holdall. Most minicabs can accommodate bags up to 60cm x 30cm x 20cm, but larger items may require a bigger vehicle.
- Declare all luggage when booking. If you’re unsure whether your bags will fit, ask our team—they can advise on the best vehicle for your needs.
- Avoid overloading. Our drivers cannot exceed legal passenger or luggage limits, so packing too much into a small vehicle could result in a larger (and more expensive) minicab being sent.
- Check for bulky items. Sports equipment, musical instruments or large shopping bags may not fit in a saloon and could require an MPV or 8-seater.
If you’re travelling with Airport Transfers, Cruise & Seaport Transfers or Business & Corporate Travel, we recommend booking in advance to secure the right vehicle.
Special cases: sports equipment, pushchairs and more
Some items require extra care or a larger vehicle. Here’s what you need to know:
- Sports equipment: Golf clubs, skis, bicycles or surfboards may not fit in a saloon. An MPV or 8-seater is usually needed—inform us in advance so we can prepare the vehicle.
- Pushchairs and baby seats: These take up space and must be secured safely. If you’re travelling with children, let us know so we can arrange seating and ensure comfort.
- Oversized bags: Luggage exceeding 60cm in length or width may not fit in a standard minicab. In this case, an MPV or 8-seater will be required.
- Heavy or awkward items: Furniture, large tools or other bulky goods are not suitable for minicabs. For these, consider a removal service.
If you’re unsure whether your luggage will fit, contact our customer support team between 8am and 6pm for advice.
Our Meet & Greet and Hotel Transfers services often involve passengers with extra luggage, so we’re experienced in handling a variety of travel needs.