Tempo Traveller Price in Varanasi 2026: Full Fare Table (12, 16 & 17 Seater), Per KM Rate & Booking Tips
⚡ Quick Answer: Tempo Traveller Price in Varanasi
- 12 Seater: ₹3,000–₹4,000/day (local) · ₹22–₹24/km (outstation)
- 16 Seater: ₹3,800–₹4,800/day · ₹24–₹26/km (outstation)
- 17–20 Seater: ₹4,500–₹6,000/day · ₹26–₹30/km (outstation)
- Includes: Driver + fuel + AC. Toll & parking extra.
- Peak season (Oct–Feb, festivals): add 15–25% to base rate.
Planning a group trip to Varanasi — for a pilgrimage, wedding, family reunion, or corporate outing? The first question you will ask is: how much does a tempo traveller cost in Varanasi? This guide gives you the exact 2026 rates, broken down by seater capacity, trip type, and season — no vague “depends on the route” answers.
Taxi Kashi has been operating tempo travellers across Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and the broader UP pilgrimage circuit since over a decade. The numbers in this guide are real, current fares, not estimates copied from the internet.
Tempo Traveller Fare Table in Varanasi 2026 — By Seater
The table below covers local hire (within Varanasi, 8 hours / 80 km) and outstation per-km rates. All rates include the driver and fuel. Tolls, parking, and overnight driver batta are charged separately.
| Seater | Capacity | Local Rate (8 hrs / 80 km) | Outstation Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Seater | 10–12 pax | ₹3,000–₹4,000/day | ₹22–₹24/km | Small group pilgrimage, family trip |
| 16 Seater | 14–16 pax | ₹3,800–₹4,800/day | ₹24–₹26/km | Wedding group, school trip |
| 17 Seater | 15–17 pax | ₹4,500–₹5,500/day | ₹26–₹28/km | Large family, corporate team outing |
| 20 Seater | 18–20 pax | ₹5,500–₹6,500/day | ₹28–₹32/km | Large group, religious circuit tour |
Tempo Traveller Per KM Rate in Varanasi — Outstation Breakdown
Per-kilometre rates apply for outstation trips — any journey that takes the vehicle beyond Varanasi city limits or runs longer than 8 hours / 80 km in a single day.
| Route from Varanasi | One-Way Distance | 12 Seater Cost (approx) | 17 Seater Cost (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi → Ayodhya | ~200 km | ₹4,400–₹4,800 | ₹5,200–₹5,600 |
| Varanasi → Prayagraj | ~125 km | ₹2,750–₹3,000 | ₹3,250–₹3,500 |
| Varanasi → Gaya (Bihar) | ~250 km | ₹5,500–₹6,000 | ₹6,500–₹7,000 |
| Varanasi → Chitrakoot | ~300 km | ₹6,600–₹7,200 | ₹7,800–₹8,400 |
| Varanasi → Lucknow | ~315 km | ₹6,900–₹7,600 | ₹8,200–₹9,000 |
| Varanasi → Naimisharanya | ~345 km | ₹7,600–₹8,300 | ₹9,000–₹9,800 |
All estimates above are one-way fares. For round trips, the return journey is charged at the same per-km rate. If the tempo traveller returns empty (no passengers), you still pay for the driver’s return distance — this is standard on all outstation bookings in Varanasi. Check our Varanasi tempo traveller hire page for current confirmed rates.
What’s Included in the Tempo Traveller Fare — and What’s Not
| ✅ Always Included | ❌ Charged Separately |
|---|---|
| Driver (licensed, experience on UP routes) | Toll charges (actual, at each booth) |
| Fuel (no separate petrol charge) | Parking fees at temples, ghats, airports |
| AC (all our vehicles are AC) | Driver overnight batta: ₹300–₹400/night |
| Water bottles (1 per person on outstation) | Extra km beyond 80 km/day (on local hire) |
| Luggage space (rear + overhead) | Extra hours beyond 8 hrs (₹300–₹500/hr) |
Seasonal Pricing — When Tempo Traveller Rates Change in Varanasi
Varanasi is a year-round pilgrimage city, but demand spikes sharply during festivals and the winter pilgrimage season. Here is how pricing shifts across the year:
| Season / Period | Months | Rate Adjustment | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak — Winter Pilgrimage Highest Demand | Oct – Feb | +15% to +25% | Dev Deepawali, Chhath Puja, Magh Mela, Mahashivratri |
| Peak — Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Very High | Jan–Feb (Kumbh years) | +25% to +40% | Massive demand for Varanasi–Prayagraj corridor |
| Regular Season Standard | Mar – Jun | Base rate | Steady bookings, no festival surge |
| Monsoon | Jul – Sep | -5% to -10% possible | Lower tourist volumes; negotiate advance bookings |
Tempo Traveller vs Other Vehicles — Which One to Book?
Your group size and budget should drive this decision. Here’s how a tempo traveller compares to the alternatives available in Varanasi:
| Vehicle | Capacity | Outstation Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 6–7 pax | ₹14–₹17/km | Family of 5–6, comfortable highway travel |
| 12 Seater Tempo Traveller | 10–12 pax | ₹22–₹24/km | Small group, cost-per-head savings |
| 17 Seater Tempo Traveller | 15–17 pax | ₹26–₹28/km | Large group, pilgrimage circuits |
| Force Urbania | 14–17 pax | ₹26–₹30/km | Premium group travel, better ride quality |
| Mini Bus (27–35 pax) | 25–35 pax | ₹38–₹45/km | Very large groups, temple committees |
Rule of thumb: If your group has 8–12 people, a 12 seater tempo traveller gives you the lowest cost per head on outstation routes. For groups of 13–17, a 17 seater is more economical than booking two Innovas. For a luxury upgrade with the same group size, consider the Force Urbania over Tempo Traveller.
🚐 Local Insight — From Our Varanasi Drivers
- During Chhath Puja, roads near Assi Ghat and Ravidas Gate are blocked from midnight. We drop passengers at Ravidas Gate; the ghat is an 8-minute walk. This saves 45+ minutes of jam.
- The Varanasi–Ayodhya route via NH-27 is faster and better maintained than the Ghazipur bypass. Our drivers always use NH-27 to save 30–40 minutes on this corridor.
- For Gaya pilgrimage (Pitru Paksha season), book 3 weeks early. Varanasi–Gaya corridor hits near-zero vehicle availability in Sep–Oct every year.
7 Tempo Traveller Booking Tips to Save Money in Varanasi
1. Book Direct, Skip Aggregators
OTA platforms like MakeMyTrip or IndiaCab add 15–25% commission to the base rate. Booking directly with a local operator like Taxi Kashi gets you the real price. You also get the driver’s number directly — no middleman if there’s a delay.
2. Confirm the Exact Seater You Need
An operator who quotes ₹2,800 for a “tempo traveller” may be offering a 9-seater Winger, not a 12-seater Tempo Traveller. Always confirm seating capacity, roof height, and luggage space before paying the advance.
3. Ask What’s Not Included
Toll, parking, and driver batta are almost always extra — but some operators quote these as included to show a higher headline number. Clarify upfront: “Is the toll included or extra?” This one question saves misunderstandings at the drop point.
4. Pre-Book for October–February Travel
Varanasi attracts millions of pilgrims between Dev Deepawali and Mahashivratri. Vehicles are booked 10–21 days out during this period. Trying to book 2–3 days before travel in November will leave you with either no vehicle or a 30–40% inflated rate.
5. Calculate Per-Head Cost Before Deciding
A 17 seater at ₹26/km for 200 km (₹5,200 one-way) for 17 people = ₹306/person. Two Innova Crystas at ₹15/km for the same 200 km = ₹6,000 total for 14 people = ₹428/person. The tempo traveller is always cheaper per head for groups of 10+.
6. Verify the Vehicle’s Fitness Certificate
For inter-state routes (Varanasi → Gaya, Varanasi → Lucknow), the tempo traveller must have a valid All-India Tourist Permit. Ask your operator for it — any credible operator will share it without hesitation.
7. Pay a Nominal Advance, Not Full Payment
A booking advance of ₹500–₹1,000 is enough to confirm a tempo traveller in Varanasi. Never pay the full amount in advance to an unknown operator. At Taxi Kashi, no advance is required — just send your trip details on WhatsApp and we confirm immediately.
What Our Customers Say
“Booked 12 seater for our family Ayodhya trip from Varanasi. Vehicle was on time, clean AC, and the driver knew NH-27 extremely well. Rate was exactly what they quoted — no surprises.”
Rajeev Pandey
Varanasi → Ayodhya | Dec 2025
“Hired 17 seater for a group Prayagraj trip during Magh Mela. Taxi Kashi confirmed the vehicle 3 days before and sent the driver’s number 2 hours in advance. Very professional.”
Sunita Mishra
Varanasi → Prayagraj | Jan 2026
“Used 12 seater for Varanasi Ghat sightseeing for our college group of 11. Very affordable compared to two Innova bookings. Will use again for our Chitrakoot circuit.”
Amit Gupta
Varanasi Local Sightseeing | Mar 2026
Frequently Asked Questions — Tempo Traveller Price in Varanasi
How much does a 12 seater tempo traveller cost in Varanasi per day?
A 12 seater tempo traveller in Varanasi costs ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per day for local hire (8 hours / 80 km). For outstation trips, the rate is ₹22 to ₹24 per km. Rates are inclusive of driver and fuel. Toll, parking, and overnight driver batta (₹300–₹400) are charged separately.
What is the per km rate for a tempo traveller from Varanasi?
The per km rate for a 12 seater tempo traveller from Varanasi is ₹22–₹24/km. For a 16–17 seater, the rate is ₹24–₹28/km. For a 20 seater, rates start from ₹28/km. All outstation rates include the driver and fuel. Minimum billing is typically 250 km per day on outstation.
How much is the Varanasi to Ayodhya tempo traveller fare?
The Varanasi to Ayodhya distance is approximately 200 km one-way. A 12 seater tempo traveller will cost approximately ₹4,400–₹4,800 one-way. A 17 seater will cost ₹5,200–₹5,600. Add driver batta of ₹300–₹400 for an overnight stay, plus actual tolls (approximately ₹400–₹600 on this route).
Do tempo traveller rates increase during festivals in Varanasi?
Yes. During peak festival periods — Dev Deepawali, Chhath Puja, Mahashivratri, and the winter pilgrimage season (October to February) — tempo traveller rates in Varanasi increase by 15% to 25% above the base fare. During Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, the Varanasi–Prayagraj corridor sees a 25–40% surge. Book 2–3 weeks early during these periods.
Is a tempo traveller available for airport pickup in Varanasi?
Yes. Tempo travellers are available 24/7 for Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) pickup and drop. For airport transfers, the local rate applies (up to 80 km). Pre-book at least 12–24 hours in advance for airport pickups. Flight tracking is done to avoid delays.
What is the difference between a 12 seater and 17 seater tempo traveller in Varanasi?
A 12 seater tempo traveller seats 10–12 passengers and is ideal for small group trips. A 17 seater seats 15–17 passengers with slightly more legroom in some models. The 17 seater costs approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000 more per day locally and ₹3–₹5/km more on outstation routes. For groups of 13 and above, the 17 seater is more economical than adding a second vehicle.
Are there any hidden charges in tempo traveller hire in Varanasi?
At Taxi Kashi, there are no hidden charges. Common add-ons you should ask about with any operator: toll charges (actual), state border tax (for inter-state routes), parking at popular ghats and temples (₹50–₹200 per stop), and driver night halt batta. Ask for a written breakdown before confirming the booking.
How early should I book a tempo traveller in Varanasi?
For regular season travel (March–June), 3–5 days’ advance booking is sufficient. For October–February travel — especially around Dev Deepawali, Chhath Puja, and Mahashivratri — book 2–3 weeks in advance. For Kumbh Mela periods, book 4–6 weeks early as the Varanasi–Prayagraj corridor runs at near-zero availability.
Can I book a tempo traveller from Varanasi to Gaya for pitru paksha?
Yes. Varanasi to Gaya (Bihar) is approximately 250 km, and the route is regularly served by our tempo travellers. For Pitru Paksha (September–October), this is our busiest outstation corridor. Book at least 3–4 weeks before Pitru Paksha starts, as vehicles are typically fully committed within the first week of bookings opening.
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📍 Serving Varanasi · Prayagraj · Ayodhya · Chitrakoot · Naimisharanya · Gaya & all UP pilgrimage routes
