In the world of private aviation, “empty leg” flights are a well-known secret for getting luxury travel at a fraction of the price. But did you know the same concept applies to coach and bus hire? At Don’t Travel Empty, we’ve built our entire philosophy around this efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective travel method.
What is an “Empty Leg”?
An “empty leg” (or dead mileage) occurs when a coach needs to return to its depot after dropping off a group, or travel empty to pick up a group at a different location.
For example:
- A Manchester-based operator takes a group to London Heathrow Airport.
- After dropping them off, the coach must drive back to Manchester.
- That return journey is an empty leg.
Traditionally, the operator has to factor the cost of that empty return journey into the original quote. But if they can find a group looking to travel from London to Manchester at that exact time, they can offer that trip at a significantly reduced rate.
Why Choose Empty Leg Coach Hire?
1. Significant Cost Savings
The biggest advantage is price. Because the vehicle is already making the journey, operators are often willing to slash prices to cover their fuel and driver costs rather than earning nothing. This can result in discounts of up to 30-50% off standard charter rates.
2. Eco-Friendly Travel
Every time a large vehicle travels empty, it burns fuel and emits CO2 without moving people. By matching your trip with an empty leg, you are essentially “recycling” a journey that would have happened anyway. It’s one of the greenest ways to travel by road.
3. Support Local Operators
Using empty legs helps independent coach operators maximize their fleet utilization. It keeps their wheels turning and their businesses thriving, which supports the local economy.
How Don’t Travel Empty Helps
Our platform connects you directly with operators who have these empty legs available. Instead of calling dozens of companies to find a match, our system identifies routes where vehicles are already moving.
Perfect for:
- School Trips: Flexible dates? You could save thousands on your annual budget.
- Sports Teams: Traveling for away games often aligns with other groups returning home.
- Airport Transfers: The most common source of empty legs—buses constantly shuttle to and from major hubs.
Ready to Book?
Next time you need to hire a coach or bus, don’t just book a standard charter. Check if there’s an empty leg matching your route. You might just get a premium vehicle for a budget price, all while helping the planet.
Search for your route today at DontTravelEmpty.com