How to Book a Tempo Traveller: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for First-Timers

Booking a tempo traveller for the first time can be confusing - how much should it cost? What size do you need? What is included in the price? This step-by-step guide covers everything first-timers need to know about how to book a tempo traveller for group trips, including pricing factors, what to check before booking, and common mistakes to avoid. Browse our tempo traveller options with transparent pricing.

Step 1: Determine the Right Size

Tempo Type	Seats	Rate/km	Best For	Luggage Space
9-Seater	9 passengers	₹16-18	Small families, 6-8 people with luggage	Moderate
12-Seater	12 passengers	₹18-20	Medium groups, 8-10 with luggage	Good
17-Seater	17 passengers	₹22-25	Large groups, office outings	Large
20-Seater	20 passengers	₹25-28	Large groups, college trips	Very Large
26-Seater	26 passengers	₹28-32	Large events, pilgrimages	Maximum

Pro Tip: Always book one size up from your exact headcount. A 12-seater for 12 people means zero luggage space and cramped seating. Book a 17-seater instead for comfort.

Step 2: Understand Pricing

What is Included in the Per-Km Rate

• Vehicle with AC (or non-AC if specified)
• Experienced driver
• Fuel for the journey
• Vehicle maintenance and insurance

What is NOT Included (Extra Costs)

• Toll charges: Paid as per actuals (₹500-2,000 depending on route)
• State permits: Required for inter-state travel (₹200-500 per state)
• Parking fees: At tourist spots (₹50-200 per stop)
• Driver allowance: ₹300-500 per night for overnight trips (for driver's food and accommodation)
• Night charges: Some operators charge extra for driving after 10 PM

Minimum Km Charges

Most operators have a minimum daily distance charge (typically 250-300 km/day). This means even if you drive only 100 km, you will be charged for the minimum. For short trips, a day package may be more economical than per-km billing.

Step 3: What to Check Before Booking

Vehicle Checks

• AC condition: Ask if AC is in working condition. Some older tempos have weak AC that fails on highways
• Seat type: Pushback (reclining) seats vs fixed seats. For long trips, always insist on pushback seats
• Music system: USB/Bluetooth connectivity for playing your own music
• Charging points: Ask about mobile charging points for each row
• Vehicle age: Ask about the vehicle model year. Newer Force Travellers (post-2020) have better suspension and comfort
• Luggage carrier: For large groups, check if a roof carrier is available for excess luggage

Operator Checks

• Reviews: Check Google reviews and ask for references
• License: Ensure the operator has a valid tourist vehicle permit
• Insurance: Verify the vehicle has comprehensive passenger insurance
• Breakdown policy: What happens if the vehicle breaks down? Ask about their replacement vehicle policy
• Cancellation policy: Understand charges for cancellation at different time frames

Step 4: Book and Confirm

• Get a written quote with all costs broken down (per-km rate, estimated km, tolls, permits, driver allowance)
• Pay the advance (typically 20-30% of total estimated cost)
• Get the driver's contact details 24 hours before the trip
• Confirm pickup time, location, and itinerary with the driver
• Ask for the vehicle number for identification

Step 5: During the Trip

• Note the odometer reading at start (or take a photo)
• Keep all toll receipts (your operator should share these)
• Communicate the itinerary clearly with the driver at the start
• Factor in rest stops every 2-3 hours for the driver's safety
• Settle final payment based on actual km driven + extras

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Related Reading

More guides for group and outstation travel:

• Outstation Cab Booking Tips - complete guide for all vehicle types
• Toll Charges Delhi-Agra-Jaipur - know your toll costs for popular routes
• Road Trip Packing Checklist - what to pack for a group trip
• Summer Hill Station Trips - popular group destinations from Delhi
• New Year Trip from Delhi - group tempo traveller for NYE trips
• Best Road Trips from Delhi - top destinations for your tempo traveller trip
• Browse Tempo Traveller Options - see all sizes and pricing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking the exact size: 12 people in a 12-seater is uncomfortable. Always go one size up
• Ignoring the return km: The vehicle charges for the return journey to its base even if you are dropped off somewhere else
• Not asking about minimum km: You may be charged for 300 km even on a 150 km day
• Choosing cheapest option: The cheapest quote often means an old vehicle, no AC, or hidden charges later
• Not checking vehicle before departure: Always inspect the AC, seats, and cleanliness before the trip starts
• Forgetting driver accommodation: On multi-day trips, the driver needs a place to sleep. Budget ₹300-500/night for this

Sample Cost Calculation

Trip: Delhi to Manali and back (4 days) with 12-seater tempo traveller

Expense	Calculation	Amount
Per Km Charges	1,200 km x ₹18/km	₹21,600
Toll Charges	Round trip	₹2,000
State Permit	Himachal Pradesh	₹500
Driver Allowance	4 nights x ₹400	₹1,600
Parking	Various stops	₹500
Total		₹26,200
Per Person (10 people)		₹2,620

Popular Tempo Traveller Routes from Delhi

Route	Distance	12-Seater Cost	Per Person (10 pax)
Delhi to Manali (one-way)	540 km	₹11,000	₹1,100
Delhi to Jaipur (one-way)	280 km	₹5,600	₹560
Delhi to Rishikesh (one-way)	240 km	₹4,800	₹480
Delhi to Agra (round trip)	460 km	₹8,280	₹828
Delhi to Shimla (one-way)	350 km	₹7,000	₹700

Value tip: Tempo travellers offer the best per-person value for groups. Compared to booking individual sedan cabs, a group of 10 in a 12-seater saves 40-60% on transport costs. The math is simple: one tempo at ₹18/km serves 10 people, while two sedans at ₹11/km each serve the same group but cost 22% more total.

Why Triveni Cabs for Tempo Traveller Bookings

Since 2015, Triveni Cabs has provided 500+ tempo traveller trips for weddings, corporate outings, pilgrimages, college trips, and friend group adventures. Our fleet includes 9-seater, 12-seater, 17-seater, 20-seater, and 26-seater Force Traveller vehicles, all post-2019 models with pushback reclining seats, individual AC vents, charging points, and ample luggage space.

What sets us apart: transparent pricing with no hidden charges. The quote we provide includes the per-km rate, estimated kilometres, and a clear list of additional costs (tolls, permits, driver allowance). No surprises at the end. All vehicles carry comprehensive insurance, and GPS tracking is shared with your group organizer. Our office at 366 Dandupura, Agra is available for in-person vehicle inspections before booking. Call 7668570551 or check our customer reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tempo traveller go to hill stations?

Yes, our tempo travellers regularly travel to Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, and Nainital. However, for very steep or narrow mountain roads (like the last stretch to Kasol or some Himachal interiors), a smaller 9-seater is preferable. Our team will advise the right vehicle size for your specific route. Drivers assigned to hill routes have specific mountain driving experience.

How far in advance should I book?

For regular trips, 3-5 days advance booking is sufficient. For peak season (October-March), long weekends, and festivals, book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. For New Year and Holi, book a month in advance as demand far exceeds supply.

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