The right vehicle depends on two numbers: passengers and items of luggage, with skis, golf bags and buggies counted as bulky items. As a rule of thumb at AirportsTransfers.ch, a Business Sedan suits up to three people with three bags, a Van (Mercedes V-Class) up to seven people with ten bags or ski equipment, and a Minibus (Mercedes Sprinter) larger groups.
- Business Sedan (E-Class): up to 3 passengers, 3 bags
- First Class Sedan (S-Class): the same small group, more rear space and comfort
- Van (V-Class): up to 7 passengers, 10 bags, skis
- Minibus (Sprinter): larger groups and their luggage
- Count separately: passengers, suitcases, bulky items, child seats
Start by counting everything
Most problems at the kerb come from underestimating luggage. Before booking, count passengers including children and babies, then count every suitcase, then list bulky items separately: ski or snowboard bags, golf bags, bike boxes, buggies, travel cots and instrument cases. A cabin-size trolley counts as a bag. Child seats also take space, since a seat fitted in the rear reduces how many adults can sit there comfortably. With these numbers in hand, the choice usually becomes obvious, and the transfer company can confirm it.
Think about the return journey at the same time. Holiday luggage tends to grow, with gifts, wine, cheese or new ski equipment bought in the resort, and a sedan that was just right on arrival may be tight on the way home. Business trips change too: a colleague may join for the drive back to the airport. It is perfectly normal to book a sedan one way and a van the other. Also consider the length of the journey. Three adults with three bags fit a sedan, but three tall adults on a nearly three-hour drive to a high Alpine resort may welcome the extra room of a larger vehicle. Comfort over distance is a legitimate reason to choose a size up, not an extravagance.
Business Sedan and First Class Sedan
The Business Sedan (Mercedes E-Class) is designed for up to three passengers with three standard bags. It is the natural choice for a business traveller, a couple with two suitcases, or two colleagues heading to a meeting in Lausanne, about 61 km and 45 minutes from the airport. The First Class Sedan (Mercedes S-Class) carries a similar group but with noticeably more rear legroom and a quieter, more refined ride, which suits executives, special occasions or anyone who simply values the extra comfort on a longer journey. Neither sedan is meant for skis or many large cases: if the luggage count goes above three, move up to a van.
Van: the all-rounder
The Van (Mercedes V-Class) seats up to seven passengers and carries up to ten bags, including skis. That flexibility makes it the most common choice for holidays. Examples that fit well: a family of four with four suitcases, two ski bags and a buggy heading to Megève, around 75 km away; four friends with golf bags on their way to Crans-Montana, about 2 hours 15; or three people with five large suitcases moving to Geneva for a long stay. The sliding door and the space inside make it easy for children, older passengers and anyone with lots to load.
Minibus: for larger groups
When the group outgrows a single van, the Minibus (Mercedes Sprinter) keeps everyone together in one vehicle. It suits wedding parties, corporate teams, ski clubs and extended families, especially when travelling with lots of equipment. Give the exact passenger and luggage count when booking so capacity can be confirmed for your group. For very large parties, or groups landing on different flights, two or more vehicles may work better than one; the transfer company can suggest a combination.
Worked examples
- Solo traveller with a carry-on to a Geneva hotel: Business Sedan
- Couple with two suitcases and two ski bags to Verbier (about 2 hours): Van
- Two executives with laptop bags to a meeting in Lausanne: Business or First Class Sedan
- Family of five with skis and a buggy to Chamonix (about 90 km): Van
- Group of twelve with ski equipment to Val d'Isère (about 2 hours 45): Minibus or two vans
When in doubt, size up. A slightly larger vehicle costs less stress than a squeeze, especially on mountain roads where comfort matters for the whole journey.
Booking the right vehicle
On AirportsTransfers.ch you choose the vehicle category during booking, and the fixed price for that vehicle is shown before you pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Remember to add child seats and declare skis or other equipment. Your chauffeur tracks your flight and meets you with a name sign. If you are not sure which category suits your group, call or message the team on +41 78 346 56 77, available around the clock.
