Ground mobility for orchestras on tour and on guest performances
For orchestra management and the agencies that send orchestras on tour: coaches, instruments, schedules and one contact.
Request a tourTOUR LOUNGE drives professional orchestras on tour, to guest performances and to run-outs: coaches with drivers for the orchestra, support vehicles for timpani, percussion and large instruments, and a schedule calculated backwards from the seating rehearsal. Our clients are orchestra management and the agencies that send orchestras on tour.
Germany has 129 publicly funded professional orchestras (unisono, 2026 statistics on permanent positions). On top come the international orchestras that concert management agencies send through Germany and on into the Benelux every year.
Last updated 26.09.2026
Your advantages with TOUR LOUNGE
Instruments to a plan
Cellos travel on the adjacent seat, double basses and harp in cases in the luggage bay, timpani and percussion in a support vehicle. The loading plan is agreed with the stage manager before the first run.
Arrival before rehearsal
We work backwards from the seating rehearsal, not forwards from departure, with buffers for traffic, access and unloading.
The return after the concert
Run-outs often end after midnight. Driver staffing follows the driver's shift limits; when the day runs long, a second driver comes along.
One look, one contact
Uniform, unmarked vehicles and a lead driver who is the first contact on site for orchestra management and the stage manager.
Which vehicles an orchestra needs
A large symphony orchestra of around a hundred musicians travels in two to three coaches, plus a support vehicle or truck for timpani, percussion and large instruments. A chamber orchestra often manages with one coach.
For longer legs we use coaches with table and lounge areas. On request the fleet runs in uniform branding with the orchestra's or a sponsor's logo.
Our services
Tours
Several cities and countries, hotel instead of sleeper bus, legs planned against Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and against your rehearsal and concert times.
Run-outs and guest performances
Day trips with the return at night, on request as one quote for every run-out of a season, with one standard and one contact.
Instrument logistics
Loading plan, cases and rack systems in the luggage bay, support vehicle for percussion, coordination with a freight forwarder when instruments travel separately.
Borders and customs
Tours to Switzerland or the United Kingdom usually need an ATA carnet for the instruments. We flag it early and build border time into the plan; low emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Amsterdam are handled before departure.
Frequently asked questions from orchestra management
Who drives an orchestra on tour and looks after the instruments?
TOUR LOUNGE provides coaches with drivers and support vehicles for large instruments and agrees the loading plan with the stage manager before the first run. A lead driver is the first contact on site throughout the tour.
How many coaches does a symphony orchestra need?
A large symphony orchestra of around a hundred musicians travels in two to three coaches, plus a support vehicle or truck for timpani, percussion and large instruments. The exact number depends on line-up, luggage and leg length.
How are harp, double basses, timpani and cellos transported?
Cellos travel on the adjacent seat, double basses and harp in cases in the coach luggage bay, timpani and percussion in a support vehicle or truck. Sensitive instruments stay in the climate-controlled cabin.
How long may a run-out with a night-time return be?
Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 requires eleven hours of daily rest within 24 hours of starting work, reducible to nine. Between the start and end of the driver's duty there are therefore normally at most 13 hours, 15 with reduced rest. When the day runs longer we plan a second driver.
What applies to tours to Switzerland or the United Kingdom?
Both are outside the EU. Instruments usually need an ATA carnet, applied for by the promoter, agency or orchestra through the responsible chamber of commerce. We flag it early and build border time into the plan.
Do we get a quote that can be compared with others?
Yes, within 24 hours, stating vehicle category, seats, luggage space, driver staffing, times, included waiting time and the change rule. On request for every run-out of a season in one quote.
Talk to us
We are happy to advise you on your upcoming tours and put together a tailored tour plan with suitable transport.
Request a tour