Frequently asked questions

Although we prioritize payment by bank transfer or Interac e-Transfer, it is also possible to pay by Visa, MasterCard, or cheque. All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Mid-May to mid-June
A deposit may be requested at the time of booking. Full payment is due 30 days before departure (non-refundable). Cancellations within 30 days of departure will incur 100% of the fees.

November to August
A deposit may be requested at the time of booking. Full payment is due 15 days before departure (non-refundable). Cancellations within 15 days of departure will incur 100% of the fees.

September/October and long weekends (Canadian statutory holidays)
A non-refundable deposit may be required at the time of booking. Full payment is due 60 days before departure (non-refundable). Cancellations within 60 days of departure will incur 100% of the fees.

Canada – In short:
A driver may work up to 14 hours per day, including preparation, driving, and waiting during group activities. Within these 14 hours, driving time is limited to 13 hours. The driver must take a 10-hour break in each 24-hour period and two 30-minute breaks during the workday.

United States:
Maximum driving time is 10 hours after 15 hours on duty, followed by 8 hours of mandatory rest.

For more information, please visit our driving hours page.

For safety reasons, a driver change is scheduled at 3:00 a.m., regardless of the travel schedule. Please note that night travel may be limited to certain times of the year.

Driver accommodations are the client’s responsibility and must be arranged in each overnight city. Meals are normally the driver’s responsibility, but a gratuity from you, at your discretion, is greatly appreciated (recommended: 10% of the total bill or $3–$5 per person per day).

Tolls, parking fees, and other additional charges related to the trip are the client’s responsibility.

Coach and minibus rental pricing is based on several factors:

• Duration of rental
• Distance to be traveled
• Vehicle type (luxury coach, minibus, features such as restroom, wheelchair access)
• Time of year

To receive an accurate quote, provide:

1. Date, time, and departure location
2. Number of passengers
3. Vehicle type and required services
4. Destination, itinerary, and stops
5. Desired end time
6. Any specific requests

We will then create a customized trip for you. Contact us now to plan your next journey with peace of mind!

Autocar Excellence does not offer intercity transport for individuals. We specialize exclusively in group charter services for events, school trips, corporate travel, and other group needs. Please contact us for group transport requests.

Autocar Excellence focuses solely on charter transport. Our sister company, Alta Voyages, specializes in group travel and can provide customized packages including activities, lodging, and meals. Contact Alta Voyages for full-service packages.

No. Autocar Excellence only provides group charter transport with experienced drivers to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Since September 1, 2020, all newly built medium and large coaches must be equipped with seat belts at all seats, according to Transport Canada regulations. If the vehicle you are using has seat belts, each passenger is required to wear them in accordance with Article 396 of the Quebec Highway Safety Code.

According to Article 397 of the Highway Safety Code, a child under 63 cm in seated height (measured from the seat to the top of the head) must be secured in a booster or restraint system according to manufacturer instructions.

However, our coaches do not have anchoring devices, so it is not possible to properly install a booster or restraint system per manufacturer instructions. Therefore, if the child cannot sit upright independently, they may sit on a parent’s lap. The child cannot use a restraint system or booster if it cannot be properly installed in the vehicle.

We do not have fully wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, our coaches and minibuses include some features to facilitate access:

• Coaches: Lowerable front suspension to reduce entrance height, and handrails at the door and entrance for safe access.
• Minibuses: Lowered front suspension with a handrail at the entrance.

These features make access easier for passengers with reduced mobility, although our vehicles are not specifically designed for wheelchair users.

We have several types of vehicles to meet different group needs:

• Sprinter 11 passengers:
  • Length: 23 ft (7.01 m)
  • Width (with mirrors): 8.25 ft
  • Height: 9.33 ft
  • Window dimensions: 30 in height × 158 in width (3 windows: 53 + 56 + 49 in

Note: Up to 1.5 bags per person.

• Minibus 21 passengers:
  • Length: 26 ft (8 m)
  • Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
  • Height: 9.42 ft (2.87 m)
  • Luggage compartment: 8 ft L × 3 ft W × 8 ft H
  • Window dimensions: 30 in height × 130 in width (5 windows, 26 in each)

Note: Max 16 passengers with luggage.

• Coach 56 passengers:
  • Length: 45 ft (13.72 m)
  • Width (with mirrors): 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
  • Height: 12.5 ft (3.81 m)
  • Luggage compartment: 96 in depth × 44 in width × 44 in height

Note: Up to 1.5 bags per person for 11- and 56-passenger vehicles.

These dimensions allow us to meet passenger and luggage needs while ensuring comfort and space.

Safety and maintenance
Safety is not just a goal—it’s a priority. At Autocar Excellence, it’s a commitment. By choosing our vehicles, you get full safety assurance through multiple criteria.

Quality manufacturers
We use Prévost Car coaches, known in North America for quality, reliability, comfort, and environmental standards. Prévost vehicles are ISO 14001 certified for energy efficiency and environmental management.

Rigorous maintenance
Drivers conduct mechanical checks before each trip and provide feedback to our mechanics. Mechanics follow a preventive maintenance program accredited by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), maintaining high safety standards and vehicle condition.

Continuous training and eco-driving
Drivers receive regular training in customer service, emergency management, CPR, and eco-driving—a sustainable driving practice that reduces costs, increases road safety, and lowers environmental impact.

Electronic logging device (ELD)
Since April 30, 2023, drivers of heavy vehicles use an ELD to record driving, rest, and work hours, ensuring regulatory compliance and reducing fatigue.

These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to safety, professionalism, and environmental responsibility, offering a reliable and enjoyable travel experience.