If you ask most people if they have heard of sprinter van rentals, they will tell you no. Despite its numerous benefits, the sprinter van has remained a well-kept secret for the most part.

In this article, we discuss what exactly sprinter vans are and why they would be ideal for travel. Let’s get right into it!

What Exactly Is A Mercedes Sprinter Van Rental?

Sprinter buses, also commonly referred to as sprinter vans, were designed in 1995 by Mercedes-Benz. They are often described as being a hybrid of a minibus and a van and come in the following three variations:

  • Crew
  • Passenger
  • Cargo

The cargo version is primarily used to transport cargo and is favored by delivery companies. The crew version on the other hand has two rows of six seats, leaving space for any items that may need to be transported. The passenger version has four or five rows of seats, and can comfortably fit around 15 people.

Sprinter buses are often ideal for transporting a small group of people around Washington DC and beyond.

Why Hire A Sprinter Bus in Washington DC?

Are you thinking of planning a small group trip from Washington DC to Virginia? Or is your company looking into group transportation models for a comfortable corporate tour experience? Here are a few reasons why you should definitely give sprinter van rental a try:

  • Convenience- this is one of the greatest advantages of the sprinter bus. You and your group of friends get to be picked up at your chosen pick up locations, driven to your destination, and driven back to your chosen drop off point in a luxurious ride. All you need to do is show up and have a good time!

  • Comfort- most sprinter buses come fitted with luxuries that most other forms of ground travel do not provide. Your sprinter bus will possibly come fitted with bucket seats, free WIFI, and charging ports.

  • Affordability- because you are traveling as a group, the total price of hiring the sprinter vehicle will most likely be split among passengers, making the cost of traveling much cheaper compared to other modes of transport such as air travel.

  • Easily maneuver narrow streets- due to their small size, sprinter van rentals have no difficulty accessing narrow streets in different locations. You also don’t have to fret about finding parking spaces in large cities such as Washington DC when using these vans because they can fit about anywhere, as opposed to a limo service.

  • Environmental Friendly- traveling via a sprinter rental reduces the carbon footprint either for your employees or for your group of friends. Seeing as they take cars off the road, they generally work towards lowering carbon emissions.

How Many People Does A Sprinter Van Carry?

As indicated earlier, a sprinter van has the capacity to carry 8-15 passengers, making the van perfect for transporting small groups of people. If your group comprises more than 15 people, you may want to consider a minibus.

Do I Need A Special License To Drive One?

If you want to rent and drive the sprinter van yourself, you will not be required to take out a commercial driver’s license (CDL). That being said, renting a sprinter van is the same as renting any other vehicle. Drivers must hold a valid and current driver’s license, must be of age, and must possess valid insurance coverage for the group transportation.

Do Sprinter Buses Offer Protection From Covid-19?

Being smack in the middle of a pandemic, we are all trying to minimize exposure to germs as much as possible. A van rental provides you with an environment that nearly mirrors that of a group quarantine. As opposed to public buses where many different people get on and off the bus, a sprinter bus carries the same group of people throughout the entire trip.

Further, most companies have taken to disinfecting the van rentals in between trips to further enhance passenger safety.

To further ensure the safety of the trip, you may consider getting screened for the virus prior to the trip.

Are Sprinter Buses Fitted With Washrooms?

Typically, sprinter vans aren’t fitted with washrooms. However, it’s common to find customized sprinter buses that have a washroom and a kitchen. The customized sprinter vans are mainly the posh Mercedes sprinters. These ones have washrooms fitted into them.

Are Sprinter Buses Handicap Accessible?

Sprinter buses can be ADA compliant. However, because not every bus in a company’s fleet will be fitted with wheelchair lifts, it is important to let the company know that you require one while you’re booking to ensure that it is reserved for your group.

How Much Does Renting A Sprinter Bus Cost?

The cost of a sprinter bus rental may vary due to various reasons such as:

  • The duration of the trip- one-day trips may be charged using an hourly rate while longer trips are probably charged per day. Average daily rates range from $350 to $700.

  • The season of travel- you may expect higher prices for your luxurious sprinter van during peak seasons such as the summer.

  • Distance and fuel- fuel costs are generally included in the rental price of a sprinter van. It, therefore, goes without saying that the longer the travel distance the more fuel used, and consequently the higher the overall cost.

  • Group size- smaller sprinter vans usually cost less to rent than the larger options.

We recommend that you request for a quote from different van rental companies so that you compare and find one that suits your budget.

When Should I Book My Sprinter Van Rental?

Sprinter buses are commonly used as shuttle services for events like corporate conferences, weddings, and couple retreats. Considering thousands of such events occur across the country, the earlier you book your Washington DC van rental, the better!

It is highly recommended that you book your van three to four months in advance. Remember to be sure about your headcount to avoid ending up with a much smaller or bigger van than you require.

Which Sprinter Bus Company Should I Use?

Select your van rental of choice based on your budget, location, and size of the group you will be traveling in. Due to the pandemic, sprinter vans have become a much smarter option for travel in Washington DC as they offer you minimized exposure to germs.

Because you are now equipped with the fundamentals of using a sprinter van rental, we are confident that you will be able to make an informed decision as you choose your luxury van rental. Whether you want transportation to and from the airport or just a luxury drive, you’ll find something that suits your needs.