Cost guide
How much does ice cream van hire cost?
An ice cream van costs £300 to £600 for two hours of unlimited soft serve at a private event, and £450 to £850 for longer wedding bookings or larger crowds. Per head it works out at about £3 to £6. Extra time is charged by the hour or half hour.
Typical prices
Ranges, not quotes. A quote depends on your room.
| Work | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Two hours unlimited, up to about 100 guests | £300 to £600 |
| Wedding package, up to 150 guests | £450 to £850 |
| Per head at a large event | £3 to £6 |
| Extra hour beyond the minimum | £100 to £150 |
| Public event where guests pay | Often no fee |
Ask whether the price is unlimited ice cream or a set number of cones, and which toppings are included. Ask where the van needs to park and whether the engine runs to power the machine.
What moves the price
- Hours booked. Two hours is the usual minimum, and each extra hour adds to the price.
- Guest numbers. Unlimited packages are priced for an expected crowd, and large events move to a price per head.
- The van or cart. Vintage vans, gelato carts and branded units cost more than a standard soft serve van.
- Travel. Most include a set distance and charge beyond it.
- The date. June and July weekends are the busiest and the least discounted.
Who quotes for it
19 of the 2,162 caterers listed on this site take on ice cream van hire.
Where they are: Oldham (4), Cramlington (2), Armthorpe (1), Chippenham (1), Ely (1).
Questions about ice cream van hire
Can you hire an ice cream van in winter?
Some vans take winter bookings, but many stop trading from November to February. An ice cream cart for an indoor venue is easier to find out of season.
Does an ice cream van need a licence for a private party?
At a private party on private land, a van does not normally need street trading consent. It must be registered as a food business with its home council. At a public event, the organiser or van needs consent from the council.