Cost guide
How much does food truck hire cost?
A food truck at a private event costs £10 to £18 per head for one main dish, against a minimum spend of £500 to £1,500. Simpler menus such as burgers, hot dogs or loaded fries sit at £8 to £12; food smoked, wood-fired or cooked to order sits higher. Two vans for a full wedding meal come to £25 to £50 per head.
Typical prices
Ranges, not quotes. A quote depends on your room.
| Work | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Burger, hot dog or fries van, per head | £8 to £12 |
| Cooked-to-order street food, per head | £12 to £18 |
| Minimum spend per van, private event | £500 to £1,500 |
| Two vans for a wedding meal, per head | £25 to £50 |
| Dessert van such as crêpes, churros or doughnuts, per head | £3 to £8 |
Ask what the minimum spend covers: how many hours, how many portions, and what happens if fewer guests eat than expected. On a pay-as-you-go booking, ask how any shortfall against a guarantee is worked out.
What moves the price
- The menu. Burgers and fries are quick and cheaper per head; slow-cooked, wood-fired or plated dishes cost more and serve more slowly.
- Guest numbers against the minimum spend. Below the minimum, you pay the minimum.
- Service length. Most prices cover two to three hours; a longer window adds staff time.
- Travel and the pitch. Travel beyond the included distance adds £50 to £200 or more, and a site with no power may need a generator.
- Who pays. Host-paid service is priced per head; pay-as-you-go service may need only a pitch fee or a takings guarantee.
Who quotes for it
467 of the 2,162 caterers listed on this site take on food truck hire.
Where they are: Oldham (5), Poole (5), Bognor Regis (4), Dartford (4), Grays (4).
Questions about food truck hire
How far in advance should I book a food truck?
Popular traders book summer Saturdays six to twelve months ahead. Weekdays and dates outside May to September are easier to find at shorter notice.
Do food trucks have food hygiene ratings?
Yes. A mobile food business is registered and inspected by the council where the unit is kept, and rated 0 to 5, or Pass and Improvement Required in Scotland. caterers.trade lists only caterers rated 3 or above, or Pass in Scotland.