Definition
A shared transfer or tour in which you ride in a coach or van with travellers from other hotels on a fixed schedule. It's the cheapest way to get around on most packages; a private transfer costs more but runs on your timing.
How SIC works
The vehicle collects guests from several hotels within a pickup window, often 30–60 minutes, then takes everyone to the airport, attraction or tour. Airport SIC transfers may wait for passengers from more than one flight. You get a seat, not the vehicle.
SIC is standard on many packages to Thailand, Dubai and Singapore. Dubai desert safaris and Bangkok or Pattaya city tours are usually sold as SIC unless you ask otherwise.
The catches
- Waiting: you may be picked up first and dropped off last.
- Fixed times: miss the pickup and the tour leaves without you, usually with no refund.
- Night flights: many operators don't run SIC airport transfers late at night, so a 1 am arrival needs a private car.
- Luggage: a family's four large suitcases may not fit a shared van.
- Seniors and toddlers: long loops around hotels are tiring.
SIC or private?
A private transfer is a car or van for your party alone, door to door, on your timing. For a couple it can cost two to four times the SIC price. For a family of four or five the gap narrows, and in Bali, Vietnam or Sri Lanka a private car with driver is often only a little more.
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Couple on a budget, daytime arrival | SIC |
| Family with seniors or toddlers | Private |
| Arrival or departure between 10 pm and 6 am | Private |
| Day tours in Dubai or Singapore | SIC is usually fine |
| Sightseeing in Bali, Vietnam or Kerala | Private car with driver |
Most packages can mix the two: SIC for theme parks and day tours, private for airport runs. Ask for both in your tour package quote.