The journey to the funeral is a part of the day families often remember. It can be traditional and understated, or something that reflects the person's life.
The hearse
A hearse carries the coffin to the funeral. Most funeral directors include one in their price, usually a traditional black or silver car. The hearse may leave from the funeral director's premises, or collect the family from home first.
Cars for the family
Many families hire one or more cars - often limousines - so the closest family can travel together behind the hearse. Ask the funeral director how many people each car seats and what each car costs; they're usually listed separately on the funeral director's price list.
Using your own cars
Is entirely acceptable and can keep the cost down. Family can meet the hearse at the service, or follow it from the house.
Alternatives to a traditional hearse
If the person had a passion, there's often a way to reflect it:
Horse-drawn carriage
A traditional Victorian-style carriage, drawn by horses
Motorcycle hearse
A motorbike with a sidecar or trailer for the coffin
Vintage or classic vehicles
From classic cars to old buses and fire engines
Campervans, lorries and tractors
Specially adapted to carry a coffin
A walking funeral
Where the coffin is carried, or wheeled on a bier, and mourners walk behind, usually over a short distance
Specialist firms provide these, and your funeral director can usually arrange them for you. Book early, as they can get busy.
Find funeral transport hire near you
On the day
- The funeral director will plan the route and timings so you arrive at the right moment.
- There's no special right of way for a funeral procession in the UK, so allow for traffic. See the funeral procession.
- If you're using your own cars, agree beforehand who's driving and where to park.
If the funeral is far away
If the person needs to travel a long way - to another part of the UK, or from abroad - see arranging a funeral from a distance.
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
Common questions
Is a hearse included in the funeral director's price?
Most funeral directors include one. Cars for the family are usually listed separately on their price list.
Can we use our own cars?
Yes. It's entirely acceptable and keeps the cost down.
Can we have a different kind of hearse?
Yes. Options include horse-drawn carriages, motorcycle hearses, vintage vehicles and walking funerals. Book early, as they can get busy.
Does a funeral procession have right of way?
No. There's no special right of way in the UK, so allow for traffic.