Self-drive Volkswagen T1
Mood and style
Elegant Retro Eye-catching
Practical
7 passengers Without chauffeur from € 450 Zevenhuizen · all of the Netherlands
Volkswagen T1 wedding car hire
The Volkswagen T1 van with the split windscreen is a much-loved wedding bus. Here you can compare the T1s available for wedding hire, for the couple and their party. Read more
- 3 wedding cars
- from € 399 per day
- 3 self-drive
Selection: Volkswagen T1 wedding car
Self-drive 
Volkswagen T1 Blue Lagoon
Mood and style
Elegant Retro Eye-catching
Practical
8 passengers Without chauffeur from € 399 Hoogblokland · all of the Netherlands
Volkswagen T1 Mr. Pistache
Mood and style
Elegant Retro Eye-catching
Practical
8 passengers Without chauffeur from € 399 Hoogblokland · all of the Netherlands
The T1 van as a wedding car
The first-generation Volkswagen Transporter, known simply as the T1, was built in Germany from 1950 to 1967. You can spot it straight away by its windscreen divided into two halves, the large V on the nose and its rounded shape. In English it is known as the splitscreen, a name also widely used in the Netherlands. In Brazil a T1 was built long after 1967, so an example with a later year of manufacture does turn up.
As a wedding car, the T1 has a cheerful, relaxed look. It suits a wedding with a vintage or boho feel, on the beach, in the dunes, on a farm or in a festival-style garden. Where a saloon car carries only the couple, in a T1 you can take your witnesses, parents or children along. That turns the journey itself into a celebration.
Room for a party
Depending on the layout, a T1 often seats seven or eight people. That means the couple can travel from the ceremony to the reception together with the witnesses or close family. Many examples have been restored in a pastel colour with a white roof.
Getting in and comfort in a T1
The T1 has wide doors on the side leading to the passenger area. The step up is higher than in a regular car, but thanks to the large opening you can climb in standing upright. With the groom's hand to steady you, this works well even in a full skirt.
Dress and train in a van
The seats are wide. The couple sit together on one seat with room for the dress. A long train can rest on the floor or on the seat beside you. There is plenty of headroom, so an updo or veil won't brush against the roof.
Driving a T1
A T1 is slow and has an air-cooled engine at the rear. It is most at home on country roads and is not made for long stretches of motorway. There is no air conditioning, but the windows can be opened. Allow plenty of time, especially if the route includes hills or a dyke.
Check the layout
Not every T1 is fitted out in the same way. The seating arrangement differs from van to van, and some have a fabric sliding roof or extra windows in the roofline. Ask the rental company for photos of the interior, so you know how your group will be seated.
Photos and planning your day with the wedding bus
The T1 makes an excellent backdrop for group photos: the couple in the doorway, the witnesses around them. It also lends itself well to a photo along the beach, on a sandy track or by an old barn. A garland of flowers across the nose or around the V is a simple and fitting decoration.
If you are looking for a slightly younger van with a large panoramic window, take a look at the Volkswagen T2. More vans for a larger party can be found in the overview of wedding buses, and you can find all models of the brand under Volkswagen wedding cars.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a Volkswagen T1 as a wedding car?
The lowest price currently online is € 399 per day. The final price depends on the duration, the distance, whether a chauffeur is included and the date; demand is highest in the wedding season and on Saturdays. Every car shows its starting price, and when you request a quote you get a price for your own day.
Can you hire a Volkswagen T1 as a wedding car with a chauffeur?
The 3 wedding cars currently online are self-drive. With a chauffeur you do not have to think about parking, the route or the time, and the couple sit together in the back. Self-drive gives you freedom, but do ask about the deposit, the insurance and the minimum age. Every car page shows what is possible.
What is the difference between a VW T1 and a T2?
The T1 is the first generation, with a split windscreen and a rounder nose. The T2 arrived in 1967 and has a single large, curved windscreen, a more angular shape and a sliding door. Both are spacious, air-cooled and well suited as a wedding van. The T1 looks a little more vintage, while the T2 is often slightly more comfortable to drive.
Who can travel in a T1 wedding bus?
Depending on the layout, there is room for seven or eight people. Think of the couple with their witnesses, parents or children. Keep in mind that a full wedding dress takes up extra space on the seat. Talk to the rental company about who will be coming along, so that the seats and seat belts match the number of passengers.
Is a T1 suitable for a longer journey?
A T1 travels at a leisurely pace and is happiest on country roads. A drive of half an hour to an hour is perfectly doable, but a long motorway journey is less enjoyable and puts a lot of strain on the engine. So choose a wedding venue and a reception venue that are not too far apart, or plan a route past some beautiful spots with a photo stop.
How do we decorate a VW camper van for the wedding?
The large V on the front is the natural focal point. A wreath or garland of flowers around it looks lovely and stands out in the photos. Ribbons on the wing mirrors and a sign on the back finish it off. Don't use tape on the paintwork, and check with the rental company, who often have their own decorations that suit the van.