Planning group travel comes with a lot of decisions. One of the biggest? Choosing the right vehicle. Whether you’re organizing a corporate retreat, a wedding, a school field trip, or a campus shuttle service, the bus you choose can dramatically shape your group’s experience.
At Adventure Tours, we’re often asked to recommend between our 34-passenger Temsa TS30 Mini Coach and our 24-passenger Ford StarTrans Sento Mini Bus. And while both are great options, they serve very different purposes.
This guide will break down the key differences between the two, so you can confidently choose the right fit for your next event or outing.
Capacity: How Many Seats Do You Really Need?
Temsa TS30: 34 passengers
Ford StarTrans Sento: 24 passengers
If your group size is mid-size or if you want extra room for comfort, the Temsa TS30 has you covered. It’s a go-to for wedding parties, tour groups, and corporate events that need a little more legroom and a lot more style.
The StarTrans Sento, on the other hand, is perfect for small- to mid-sized groups. It’s easy to maneuver, quick to load, and budget-friendly — ideal for shorter routes and smaller headcounts.
Pro Tip: Overestimate your passenger count slightly to allow for last-minute additions or extra space for comfort.
Comfort & Amenities: Business Class vs. Economy
Think of this as the difference between flying business class and flying economy with extra legroom. Both get you there — but one does it with flair.
Temsa TS30 Highlights:
- High-back reclining seats
- Overhead storage bins
- Individual reading lights and air vents
- USB ports and onboard PA system
- Smooth, quiet ride with air ride suspension
Ford StarTrans Sento Highlights:
- Mid-back seats (cloth or vinyl options)
- Rear luggage storage
- Simple, no-frills interior
- Great for shorter trips under 90 minutes
If your trip is longer, or if your passengers will want to nap, charge devices, or relax with a little more elbow room, the Temsa is the way to go.
Luggage Space: How Much is Enough?
One of the most overlooked parts of group travel planning is luggage. If you’re transporting attendees for a weekend retreat, a wedding, or airport pickups, you’ll need luggage space — real luggage space.
Temsa TS30:
- Underfloor luggage bays (ideal for suitcases, gear, equipment)
- Overhead bins for personal items, jackets, snacks, etc.
Ford StarTrans Sento:
- Rear luggage compartment (limited space)
The StarTrans is great if your passengers only need a backpack or small bag. But if you’re traveling with suitcases, supplies, or anything bulky — trust us, the Temsa is the smarter pick.
Use Case Matchups: What Each Bus Does Best
Let’s make this simple:
Choose the Temsa TS30 if you’re:
- Hosting a wedding party and want everyone together in style
- Planning a corporate or VIP event
- Booking for a school trip that lasts several hours
- Traveling to/from the airport with lots of luggage
- Running a city-to-city tour or long-distance route
Choose the Ford StarTrans Sento if you’re:
- Running a hotel or campus shuttle
- Organizing a short local trip or field trip
- Moving a small group between venues
- Prioritizing value and efficiency over luxury
Ride Experience: How Does It Feel Onboard?
The Temsa TS30 offers a premium onboard experience. The smooth ride, comfortable seats, and extra features (like USB charging and overhead storage) create a relaxed, polished atmosphere — perfect for when the ride is part of the experience.
In contrast, the StarTrans Sento is all about simplicity and practicality. It gets the job done and keeps things easy for quick drop-offs and pickups.
Customer Feedback:
- “The Temsa mini coach felt like a mini version of a luxury tour bus. Everyone loved it, especially the bride and groom!” — Event planner in Philadelphia
- “We used the Sento mini bus for a college campus loop. It was quick, clean, and did exactly what we needed.” — University operations manager in Charlotte
Budget Considerations: What’s the Cost Difference?
In general, the Ford StarTrans Sento will be the more economical option. It’s smaller, simpler, and ideal for budget-conscious clients.
The Temsa TS30, with its added features and higher capacity, comes at a higher price point — but delivers excellent value when comfort, image, or distance are key factors.
Our advice? Start with your headcount and trip length. From there, we can tailor a quote that matches your needs and keeps your budget happy.
The Final Word: It’s Not About Better — It’s About Better For You
Both of these buses are fantastic. They just serve different needs.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Feature | Temsa TS30 | Ford StarTrans Sento |
| Capacity | 34 passengers | 24 passengers |
| Comfort | High | Moderate |
| Luggage | Underfloor + overhead | Rear only |
| Ideal For | Events, tours, long trips | Shuttles, short trips |
| Budget | $$$ | $$ |
If you’re still unsure, no worries — that’s what we’re here for. At Adventure Tours, we’ve been matching groups to the perfect vehicle for over 25 years. Just let us know your event type, headcount, and destination, and we’ll do the rest.