When it comes to choosing transport for a funeral service, it’s often easier to communicate your preferences to the funeral director and let them handle the practicalities of organising and booking vehicles. However, some people may prefer to take the matter into their own hands and book additional transport or a specific type of vehicle. So what is involved in organising funeral transport and what choices might you be expected to make?
When comparing funeral directors through Beyond, you can customise every detail including the hearse itself and the number of limousines, and see quotes from nearby funeral directors. You can also pay for this funeral expense in advance through a prepaid funeral plan.
How much does funeral transport cost?
On average, people tend to spend around £150-£250 on a hearse to transport the coffin and a further £150 per vehicle on cars for the main funeral party. However, there are numerous types of vehicle and hearse to choose from, so prices can vary enormously.
What funeral transport do I need?
A funeral procession usually consists of the hearse, carrying the coffin, followed by one or more limousines, containing close family, but none of this is obligatory. While you may want to make traditional transport arrangements, if you are concerned about money you could book only a hearse and encourage guests to make their own way to the service. Likewise, as long as the coffin is secured, you could even transport the deceased in your own vehicle. If a funeral director tries to tell you otherwise, remember that it’s your farewell and that you have the last word when it comes to deciding on transport.
Am I limited in my choice of transport?
For a variety of personal reasons, many people decide to transport their loved one to the funeral service in something other than the traditional hearse. In many ways, the choice of vehicle can be regarded as a kind of tribute, particularly if they were a car or motorbike enthusiast. Such options include:
- Motorbike hearse, with the coffin usually transported in a sidecar beside the motorbike.
- Campervan.
- Tank hearse.
- Vintage lorry.
- 4x4s and SUVs.
- Tractor and trailer.
- The traditional style of hearse in a variety of bright colours or designs.
- Horse-drawn carriage. These hearses add a touch of class to proceedings but are much more costly and can only travel short distances.
- You may also wish to forego the traditional limousine and hire a Routemaster bus to transport all of the funeral attendees.
Are there any other considerations?
When considering funeral transport options, remember to consider more than just the deceased’s journey, such as:
- Are any of the mourners disabled and do they require adapted transport?
- Do you wish for the funeral procession to take a specific route?
- Who will be travelling in the official cortège?
Answering these questions early on will leave you much better prepared and will hopefully ensure the whole service runs smoothly.