India Tour Hire Car and Driver in Delhi

Why Hire a Car and Driver For India Tour?

Why not simply hire a car and drive yourself? Or take the train or fly? Or take a pre-packaged tour? Hiring a car hire in Delhi with driver is ideal for independent travelers who want flexibility, control over their itineraries, and ease of travel.

You'll be able to stop at places that interest you and not have to worry about how to get around. While options for hiring a car without a driver are growing in India, self-driving is not recommended for mental health and safety reasons, as roads are often in poor condition and traffic rules are frequently not followed. Train and plane travel is useful for covering long distances with nothing much to see in between. However, if you are planning to explore multiple destinations in a state such as Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Manali), Uttarakhand (Haridwar, Mussoorie, Nainital), or Kerala, hiring a car and driver makes the most sense.

Where to Hire From?

Any tour company in India will be able to arrange a car and driver for you, as will most hotels. However, if anything goes wrong (such as a vehicle breakdown or misunderstandings), you'll want the business to be responsible for it and not the individual driver. Rates from hotels will also be more expensive.

Hence, it is best to book through a reputable car rental in Delhi company. These companies will also organize hotels and guides if necessary. Some recommendations are provided below at the end of the article. Most tourists start their trips from Delhi and head to Rajasthan, so these locations have many options. Be sure to do plenty of research and make comparisons to decide on what suits you best. Decent independent drivers with their own vehicles do exist, but you will need the right contacts to find them.

Where Does the Driver Eat and Sleep?

Drivers are provided with a daily allowance (usually a few hundred rupees) by their employers to cover the cost of their food and accommodations. Some hotels offer separate accommodations specifically for drivers. However, drivers will commonly sleep in their cars to save money.

Foreign tourists who are used to social equality often feel that their drivers should dine with them, especially during lunch if they are on the road. This is not the norm in India though. Drivers have their preferred places to eat, and they may not be comfortable joining you for social reasons (as local dynamics can be hierarchy-oriented). It doesn't hurt to ask, but don't be surprised if they are reluctant to accept the invitation.

Tipping the Driver

Is it necessary and how much? Your driver will definitely expect a tip. Depending on how happy you are with his services, 200 to 400 rupees per day is standard, reasonable, and appreciated.

What to Keep in Mind

The condition of the roads in India is variable and can be very poor in some places. It may take you longer to reach your destination than expected, so take this into consideration when planning your itinerary and allow plenty of time. Don't always believe the travel times shown by Google Maps!

Other Things to Expect

Your driver may invite you to his home to meet or have dinner with his family. This can be interpreted as a friendly and warm gesture. However, do be aware that drivers usually come from lower middle-class backgrounds, and it may be done in the hope that you will give something to them. Many tourists do feel compelled to contribute some money or financial assistance. If you are fine with this, especially if your driver has been honest and helpful, then there is no problem!

It is also likely that your driver will suggest that you shop at certain places and eat in certain restaurants. This is because he will receive a commission from those places or get free food. It can become tiring after a while, especially if you are not interested in doing so. Be firm yet polite in declining.

How Much Does it Cost?

The price will depend on the type of car and whether or not your driver speaks English (English-speaking drivers typically cost a bit more). The charge is per kilometer, and you'll always have to pay a minimum daily limit (usually 250 kilometers per day) no matter what distance is traveled.

The rates for each type of car vary by company and state. For a general estimate and detailed pricing of each vehicle model, please refer to our Car Hire Rates Table below, or contact us directly.