Albert, in the heart of the Somme, is one of the main gateways to the First World War battlefields. For many visitors from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and beyond, this small town is a base for exploring the sites of the Battle of the Somme, from Thiepval and Pozieres to Villers-Bretonneux. Group travel here is very specific: early-morning commemorations, quiet country roads, and sensitive visits to cemeteries and memorials where timing and logistics really matter.

Whether you are organising a school battlefield tour, a veterans’ association visit, or a group travelling specially for the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneux, having a reliable coach with driver in Albert allows you to focus on remembrance while we handle the roads, parking and schedules. Our local partners know the Somme battlefield area in detail and are used to the needs of international groups.

We hire all types of bus and minibus in France

In and around Albert, our local partners can provide a wide range of vehicles suited to different group sizes and styles of travel. For smaller groups, there are comfortable minibuses that work very well on country roads and in village centres. Mid-size coaches are ideal for school classes or medium groups visiting several sites in one day, while full-size touring coaches are available for larger parties, longer distances or multi-day itineraries.

Typical seating capacities in France range from around 16 seats for smaller minibuses up to approximately 57 seats for full-size touring coaches, depending on the exact vehicle used. Some partners, depending on the coach companies scheduled for your service, can also provide large-capacity vehicles offering around 61 or 63 seats, which are particularly useful for big school groups or combined associations travelling together.

Across all categories, the focus is on comfort and safety. Vehicles usually feature reclining seats, air-conditioning and luggage space adapted to your programme, whether you are travelling just for the day around the Somme or combining Albert with other regions of France. The vehicle provided will always be suitable for your group size and luggage requirements. Professional drivers familiar with the area ensure that loading, drop-offs and pick-ups at memorials and hotels are handled efficiently and calmly.

Suggested Day Trips from Albert

Albert → Australian National Memorial and Villers-Bretonneux
This classic itinerary focuses on the Australian contribution to the Western Front. Starting from Albert, your coach drives to the Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneux, where the annual Anzac Day Dawn Service takes place every 25 April. The site includes the military cemetery and the imposing memorial tower, with far-reaching views over the Somme countryside. You can then visit the town of Villers-Bretonneux itself and the Franco-Australian Museum, before returning to Albert in the afternoon. Practical information about Anzac Day ceremonies is regularly updated on the Somme tourism website, which many organisers consult when planning their trip.

Albert → Thiepval Memorial and Beaumont-Hamel
Another very popular day trip is a circuit including the Thiepval Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park. Your coach picks up the group in Albert and follows the former front line, stopping at viewpoints and smaller cemeteries along the way. At Thiepval, you can spend time at both the memorial and its visitor centre, before continuing to the preserved trenches and landscape at Beaumont-Hamel. The Thiepval site is recognised internationally as one of the most significant WWI memorials in France.

Albert → Amiens and the Somme Valley
For groups wanting a mix of remembrance and relaxation, a day combining Amiens and the Somme Valley works very well. The coach leaves Albert for Amiens, where you can visit the UNESCO-listed cathedral and walk in the historic centre. In the afternoon, you might add a gentle cruise on the Somme or a stop in one of the small riverside villages before returning to Albert in the evening. If your group later continues its journey from Amiens, more detailed options are available via coach hire in Amiens.

How to Book Your Coach in Albert

When you are ready to organise coach hire in Albert, it helps to prepare a few key details so that the right vehicle and schedule can be arranged from the start. Indicate your travel dates, approximate timetable, and the main sites you wish to include, such as the Australian National Memorial, Thiepval or Amiens. For Anzac Day, it is particularly important to specify the exact ceremony you plan to attend and any official timings already published by the organisers.

You should also confirm the size of your group, the amount of luggage, and whether you need the coach to remain with you all day or simply provide transfers between fixed points. If your group includes elderly passengers, veterans or schoolchildren, this can be taken into account when planning driving times and rest breaks. With this information, a clear itinerary and a suitable vehicle can be scheduled for your visit to the Somme.