How many suitcases fit? Choosing your transfer vehicle
Shuttlix teamUpdated October 9, 2026 · 3 min read
The most common problem with an airport transfer is not the driver or the traffic. It is a car that is too small for the luggage. This guide shows what fits in each vehicle class, so you can book the right one the first time.
What fits in each vehicle
| Vehicle class | Seats | Bags | Typical cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard sedan | 3 | 2 | Toyota Camry or Corolla |
| Comfort sedan | 3 | 2 | Hyundai Sonata or Elantra |
| Business sedan | 3 | 2 | Lexus or Audi |
| Standard SUV | 4 | 3 | Kia Sportage or Toyota Highlander |
| Luxury SUV | 4 | 4 | GMC or Toyota Land Cruiser |
| Standard minivan | 5 | 4 | Kia Sedona or Honda Odyssey |
| Standard minibus | 7 | 6 | Toyota Hiace or Hyundai H1 |
| Comfort minibus | 10 | 8 | Toyota Hiace or Mercedes Viano |
Seats is the largest number of passengers. Bags is the number of large suitcases. You can compare every class on our fleet page.
What counts as a large suitcase?
A large suitcase is a standard checked bag: about 75 cm tall and 23 to 30 kg. A cabin bag or a backpack for each passenger normally fits as well. As a rule, two cabin bags take the space of one large suitcase.
Three rules for choosing
- Count the suitcases first, then the people. Three adults fit in a sedan. Three adults with three large suitcases do not.
- If you are at the limit, go one size up. A full car with a full boot is uncomfortable after a long flight, and the price difference is usually small.
- Remember that a child seat takes a full seat. A family of four with one child seat and four suitcases needs a minivan, not an SUV.
Strollers, golf bags and other large items
- Strollers and travel cots: count a folded stroller as one large suitcase.
- Golf bags: one golf bag takes the space of about two suitcases. Two golfers with clubs and luggage need a minivan.
- Wheelchairs: a folding wheelchair fits in any boot, in place of one suitcase. Tell us if you need extra time or help at the kerb.
- Bike boxes, surfboards and instruments: these usually need a minibus. Message us on WhatsApp with the size before you book.
How the booking form helps
When you book with Shuttlix, you enter the number of passengers and the number of suitcases. The form then shows only the vehicles that fit both, with the fixed price of each. The price is for the vehicle, not for each person, so a minivan shared by five people often costs less per person than two taxis. Compare the classes on our price list.
Groups of more than 10
For a larger group, we send two or more vehicles that arrive together. Ask for one quote on our group transfers page.
Cruise passengers and long stays
Cruise passengers and families on a long stay usually carry more than one suitcase each. Count the bags honestly and choose a minivan or a minibus. Our guide to the Dubai cruise terminals explains the journey from the airport to the ship.