The Sprinter: Small-Group Travel Made Easy
For a family, a bridal party or a wine-country outing with friends, a Sprinter-style van is often just the right size: typically 17 to 19 seats, with bags stowed behind the last row.
Who books a Sprinter
Families flying in for a reunion, friends out for a day among the vineyards, a small corporate team moving between meetings, a bridal party on the way to the photographer. It carries more people than two or three cars, yet everyone still travels together in one vehicle.
Typical models
The photos show typical models in this size. Which vehicle runs depends on the licensed operator that takes the booking.
Executive Sprinter van (17 to 19 seats)
Business Sprinter
17 passengers · 14 bags
Business Sprinter
19 passengers · 15 bags
Business Sprinter
18 passengers · 14 bags
Rules that apply even to a van
Ontario counts a van as a bus once it has 10 or more passenger seats, which means a class F licence for the driver and a CVOR certificate for the operator.
In BC it depends on the seats and the service: a passenger-directed van carrying no more than 11 riders runs under a special authorization licence, while vans with at least 12 forward-facing seats need general authorization. Alberta puts vehicles designed to carry 11 or more people, the driver among them, under its Safety Fitness Certificate system.
On board
- In Alberta, vehicles designed for 11 or more people, including the driver, run under a Safety Fitness Certificate
- In BC, passenger-directed vans with 11 or fewer passengers need a special authorization licence; 12 or more forward-facing seats need a general authorization licence
- With 10 or more passenger seats it counts as a bus in Ontario: class F licence and a CVOR certificate
Luggage and layout
The luggage area sits behind the last row. That's plenty for a day out, but it gets tight with a suitcase each for a full van. For an airport run with full luggage, either carry fewer passengers or step up to a midi coach with underfloor bays.
Your questions
Sprinter or minibus?
They seat about the same: a Sprinter 17 to 19, a minibus 16 to 19. The Sprinter is the executive option; beyond 19 people, a midi coach gives everyone room.
Can a Sprinter collect us at Toronto Pearson?
Yes. Licensed limousines and charter buses pick up there only on a pre-arranged basis, and each trip needs a GTAA Service Permit, which the operator arranges.
Does it suit a winery tour?
Yes, it's a comfortable size for one. Niagara-on-the-Lake is about an hour and a half from Toronto; list the wineries you want so the timings work.