Guide · Assessing a quote

What should a quote include? A checklist for comparing

Two prices side by side don't always say the same thing: one may be all-inclusive, the other not quite. This is what to look out for so you compare like with like.

Part 1 of 3

What a complete quote always states

The number of kilometres and hours included, the rate if you go over them, and whether waiting time is included (and if so, how much). The driver and insurance are always included, so you don't need to ask about those. If any of the other points is missing, ask about it before you choose.

Part 2 of 3

Common hidden costs

Surcharges for a journey at the weekend, at night or on a public holiday, the cost of a second driver on long days, parking and toll costs, and a higher rate for a journey abroad. A quote that mentions these points up front leads to fewer surprises afterwards than one that only shows a bare total.

Part 3 of 3

How BusOffer.com makes this clear for you

Every price estimate on BusOffer.com shows a breakdown of the main cost items, so you can see at a glance how the amount is made up, instead of having to dig it out of a separate document for each provider yourself.

Written and checked by Martijn Smeets, founder of BusOffer.com. Last updated on 9 October 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

Why do two quotes for the same journey differ so much?

Often because one quote already includes more cost items (waiting time or tolls, for example) and the other doesn't. So always compare the breakdown, not just the total.

Can a coach company add costs afterwards that weren't in the quote?

A careful quote should state all foreseeable costs; unexpected extras (such as a changed route) are something you discuss in advance with the coach company itself.

Is VAT already included in the price shown on BusOffer.com?

Yes, the price estimates shown include VAT.

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Fill in your place of departure, your destination and your group, and compare the coach companies with their prices.

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