How many passengers can a cross-border car carry?
One-line answer: From 3 to 23 passengers depending on vehicle. Strict rule: count must match the vehicle registration — overloading by one passenger is grounds for the checkpoint to refuse entry.
Capacity by vehicle
| Vehicle | Max passengers (excl. driver) | Comfort capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (E-Class / 5-Series) | 3 | 2–3 | Business solo / couple |
| Toyota Alphard / Vellfire | 6 | 4–5 | Family, executives |
| Mercedes V-Class | 6 | 5 | Premium business |
| Toyota HiAce | 10 | 8 | Small group |
| Toyota Coaster / mini-bus | 14 | 12 | Tour group |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 16 | 14 | Conference shuttle |
| Mid-bus | 19–23 | 18–20 | Wedding, exhibition |
Luggage capacity
| Vehicle | Large suitcases | Cabin cases |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 2 | 2 |
| Alphard | 4 | 4 |
| V-Class | 4 | 4 |
| HiAce | 6 | 6 |
| Coaster | 8 | 8 |
| Sprinter | 12 | 10 |
The "child counts as one passenger" rule
For checkpoint counting, every person in the vehicle counts, including infants. A child under 1 still requires their own travel document (passport / permit). Plan capacity accordingly.
When to switch to two vehicles
- 7+ passengers with luggage
- Mixed groups where some need different drop-off points
- Tight schedule (one vehicle stuck at border doesn't strand the whole party)
FAQ
Can I squeeze 8 people into a 7-seat Alphard?
No. The checkpoint will refuse. The 7-seat Alphard means 6 passengers + 1 driver; that's a hard ceiling.
What about pets?
Small pets in carriers are usually fine, but they must be declared at the border. Check the latest CIQ / AFCD rules.
Do strollers / wheelchairs count toward luggage?
They count toward cargo space, but folded strollers are easy to fit even in a sedan trunk. Wheelchairs need V-Class or larger; tell us at booking.
Can I book a Sprinter for an event with luggage?
Yes — common for weddings / corporate events. Book 7+ days ahead for guaranteed availability.
Are seat belts available in all rows?
Yes. All cross-border-permitted vehicles have seat belts in every passenger seat by law.