How to Choose the Right Tempo Traveller Size
This is the first question every group faces, and getting it wrong is one of the most common mistakes we see. People try to squeeze 14 people into a 12 seater because it is cheaper, and then spend the entire 5-hour journey to Shirdi with their knees pressed against the seat in front. Not worth it.
Here is how we think about it. The "seater" number is the technical maximum capacity. But the comfortable capacity is usually 2-3 seats less, especially on trips longer than 2-3 hours. You need room for bags, someone might want to stretch out, and the last row in any tempo traveller is a bit cramped compared to the front rows. So here is our honest recommendation:
9-12 People → Book a 12 Seater Tempo Traveller
This is the smallest option and works perfectly for mid-size family groups — say, two families going for a pilgrimage together, or a group of friends heading to Lonavala for the weekend. At 9-10 people, everyone is genuinely comfortable with luggage space to spare. At 12, it is tight but manageable for shorter trips. Rate: ₹18/km.
13-17 People → Book a 17 Seater Tempo Traveller
This is our most popular size, by far. It hits the sweet spot — enough room for a large family, a corporate team, or a college friend group without being a full-size bus. Most of our Shirdi pilgrimages and Goa group trips use 17 seaters. At 13-14 people, you have serious legroom and luggage space. Even at the full 17, it is comfortable because these vehicles are designed for that number. Rate: ₹20/km.
18-20 People → Book a 20 Seater Tempo Traveller
For larger groups — big family gatherings, office team outings, school trips. The 20 seater is essentially a mini-bus with pushback seats. It has more luggage storage and handles highway driving well. If your group is exactly 20, this is the right call. Rate: ₹22/km.
21+ People → Multiple Vehicles or 26 Seater Bus
For groups above 20, we can arrange a 26 seater mini-bus on request, or split the group into two tempo travellers. Two 12 seaters for a group of 22 is sometimes more practical (and more fun) than one 26 seater bus. Call us to discuss the best option for your group size.
The golden rule: If you are debating between two sizes, go with the bigger one. The price difference between a 12 seater and a 17 seater is only ₹2/km. On a 200 km trip, that is ₹400 extra for five more seats and a lot more comfort. Split across the group, you would not even notice it.
| Feature | 12 Seater | 17 Seater | 20 Seater |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | 9-12 people | 13-17 people | 18-20 people |
| Rate Per Km | ₹18/km | ₹20/km | ₹22/km |
| AC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pushback Seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music System | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Luggage Space | Moderate | Good | Large |
| Pune-Shirdi (187 km) | ~₹3,400 | ~₹3,750 | ~₹4,100 |
| Pune-Goa (450 km) | ~₹8,100 | ~₹9,000 | ~₹9,900 |
*Approximate outstation fares. Tolls and driver allowance additional. Use our fare calculator for exact pricing.
Tempo traveller exterior — clean, well-maintained vehicles
Interior view — pushback seats, AC, and ample legroom
Tempo Traveller Rates in Pune — What You Actually Pay
Let us break down the tempo traveller on rent in Pune rate per km so you know exactly where your money goes. The per-km rate is the base cost, but there are a few other components that make up the total fare. No surprises — we tell you everything upfront before you confirm the booking.
Per Km Rates (Outstation)
₹18
per km
12 Seater
₹20
per km
17 Seater
Most Popular
₹22
per km
20 Seater
Local Packages (Within Pune)
| Package | 12 Seater | 17 Seater | 20 Seater |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Hours / 40 km | ₹2,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹3,500 |
| 8 Hours / 80 km | ₹4,500 | ₹5,500 | ₹6,500 |
| 12 Hours / 120 km | ₹6,500 | ₹7,500 | ₹9,000 |
What is Included
- • Vehicle with AC and pushback seats
- • Experienced driver
- • Fuel charges
- • Driver's allowance (local trips)
- • Music system and charging points
Additional Charges
- • Toll charges (at actuals)
- • Parking fees (at actuals)
- • Driver allowance for outstation (₹300-500/night)
- • Extra km beyond package limit
- • State permit fee (for inter-state trips like Goa)
Here is the thing that catches people off guard: for outstation trips, there is usually a minimum km per day. For a one-day trip to Shirdi (round trip), the minimum is 300 km. The actual round-trip distance is about 374 km, so you will cross the minimum anyway. But for shorter outstation trips like Mahabaleshwar (240 km round trip), the minimum km applies. We always confirm the total fare before booking, so you know the exact number. Check our pricing page or fare calculator for your specific trip.
Need a Quick Quote for Your Group Trip?
Tell us your group size, destination, and dates. Fare confirmed in 2 minutes. No advance payment.
When Does a Tempo Traveller Make the Most Sense?
We get all kinds of bookings, but some trip types are a natural fit for a tempo traveller. Here are the situations where it genuinely beats the alternatives — and a few where it might not be the right choice.
Family Pilgrimages
This is our single biggest category for tempo traveller bookings. Extended families — 10, 15, sometimes 18 people — heading to Shirdi for darshan, doing the Ashtavinayak circuit, or visiting Trimbakeshwar. The appeal is simple: everyone travels together, the elderly are comfortable in pushback seats, the kids have room to fidget, and there is one vehicle to coordinate instead of three.
Most popular: Shirdi (one day), Ashtavinayak (2-3 days), Trimbakeshwar + Nashik (2 days)
Group Trips — Goa, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala
College friends, office friends, society members — groups that want to travel together without splitting into multiple cabs. A Pune to Goa trip in a 17 seater tempo traveller is genuinely fun. Everyone is in the same vehicle, you can play music, make stops wherever the group decides, and the per-person cost works out incredibly well. A 17 seater to Goa at ₹20/km with 15 people is about ₹600-700 per person for a one-way trip.
Also popular: Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Alibaug, Kolhapur
Weddings and Events
Wedding party pick-ups, baarat transportation, moving guests from the hotel to the venue and back. This is where the local hourly packages work best — book a 4-hour or 8-hour slot, and the tempo traveller does multiple rounds between locations. We have also done mehendi pick-ups, reception guest transfers, and post-wedding airport drops for the entire family.
Tip: Book 3-4 days ahead for wedding season (November-February). Tempo travellers get fully booked.
Corporate Outings and Team Events
IT companies in Hinjewadi, Kharadi, and Magarpatta regularly book tempo travellers for team outings — resorts near Pune, offsite meetings, year-end celebrations. The 17 seater is the sweet spot for most teams (12-15 people plus some equipment or supplies). We handle the logistics, your team just shows up.
Corporate billing with GST invoice available on request.
School and College Trips
Educational excursions, NCC trips, sports tournament travel. Schools usually need 20 seater or multiple vehicles. We assign experienced drivers who understand the responsibility of carrying students. The vehicles are clean, well-maintained, and fully insured. Teachers can focus on the kids instead of worrying about logistics.
For school groups, we recommend booking at least a week in advance with confirmed headcount.
Booking Tips — What We Wish Every Customer Knew
After handling thousands of tempo traveller bookings, there are a few things that make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one. This is not generic advice — these are the things that actually come up regularly.
Book 2-3 Days Ahead for Outstation
Unlike sedans and SUVs, tempo travellers are not available on every street corner. The supply is limited, especially for 17 and 20 seaters. For outstation trips, 2-3 days advance notice is ideal. For peak season (October-February, festival periods), book a week ahead if you can. Same-day bookings are sometimes possible for shorter routes, but do not count on it.
Tell Us Your Exact Group Size and Luggage
The number of people determines the vehicle size, obviously. But luggage matters too. If 12 people are travelling with 12 large suitcases (common for wedding trips), a 12 seater will not have enough luggage space. In that case, a 17 seater with extra room makes more sense. Be upfront about what you are carrying — it helps us assign the right vehicle.
Early Morning Departures Are No Problem
Many pilgrimage trips start at 3-4 AM. Our drivers are used to it. For early morning trips, we share driver details and vehicle number the previous night so you are not anxiously waiting in the dark wondering if anyone is coming. The driver calls you 10-15 minutes before reaching your pickup point.
Driver Handles Toll and Parking
You do not need to worry about toll plazas or finding parking at crowded spots like Shirdi or Goa. The driver handles all of that. You just need to reimburse the toll and parking charges — these are at actuals, and the driver will give you receipts. No markup from our side.
No Advance Payment with CabsPune
This is a big one. You pay the full amount to the driver after the trip is complete. Cash or UPI — your choice. We do not ask for deposits, tokens, or advance transfers. This means there is zero risk on your side. If the vehicle does not show up (it will, but hypothetically), you have not lost any money.
One Pickup Point Keeps It Simple
Try to gather your group at one pickup location. When a 17 seater needs to pick up people from five different addresses across Pune, it adds an hour or more to the trip start and burns extra fuel. Most groups designate one central meeting point — someone's society, a landmark, or a mall parking lot.
What to Expect Inside the Tempo Traveller
If you have never been in a tempo traveller before, it is quite different from a regular car or even a large SUV. Think of it as a mini-bus with proper individual seats instead of bench seating. Here is what our vehicles come with:
Pushback Seats
Individual reclining seats — not the flat bench seats you find in older tempo travellers or buses. Each seat has a headrest and reclines independently. On long trips, this is the difference between arriving fresh and arriving with a sore back.
Full AC
Roof-mounted AC that actually cools the entire cabin. The driver controls it, but you can always ask to adjust the temperature. In Pune's summer heat (March-May), this is non-negotiable.
Music System
Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging, and speakers throughout the cabin. Connect your phone, play your playlist. On pilgrimage trips, families play bhajans. On Goa trips, it turns into a party on wheels. The system is decent — not audiophile-grade, but loud enough for everyone to enjoy.
Luggage Space
Dedicated luggage area in the back, plus overhead storage in most vehicles. For a Goa trip with 15 people and bags, there is enough space for everyone's stuff. If you have oversized luggage (like wedding decorations or sports equipment), let us know in advance.
Clean, Well-Maintained
Our vehicles are cleaned before every trip — no leftover food packets from the last group, no stale smells. Seat covers are washed regularly. We take vehicle cleanliness seriously because a 5-hour trip in a dirty vehicle is genuinely unpleasant.
Experienced Drivers
Driving a tempo traveller on the Pune-Goa highway is not the same as driving a sedan. Our drivers are experienced specifically with large vehicles — they know the road widths, the tight turns in the ghats, and how to handle a fully loaded vehicle at highway speeds. Verified, professional, and courteous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tempo travellers come in 12, 17, and 20 seater configurations. A 12 seater comfortably fits 9-12 passengers, a 17 seater fits 13-17 passengers, and a 20 seater fits 18-20 passengers. For groups over 21, we arrange multiple vehicles or a 26 seater bus on request. For the most comfortable ride on long trips, go one size up from your exact headcount.
The 12 seater tempo traveller is the most affordable at ₹18/km for outstation trips. For local use within Pune, the 4-hour package starts from ₹2,500. Split between 10-12 people, a full-day local booking works out to around ₹375-450 per person — significantly cheaper than booking individual cabs for everyone.
Yes, we have local hourly packages — 4 hour, 8 hour, and 12 hour options. The 4-hour package is popular for wedding guest pickups, airport group transfers, or short local events. Minimum booking is 4 hours. If you exceed the time or km limit, extra charges apply at the per-km or per-hour rate.
Absolutely. Tempo travellers are designed for highway travel. Pushback seats, AC, good suspension, and ample luggage space make them ideal for trips to Goa (450 km), Shirdi (187 km), Mahabaleshwar (120 km), or even longer distances like Hyderabad. The ride is significantly more comfortable than a bus, and the per-person cost with a full group is very reasonable.
WhatsApp or call us at +91-88620-92781. Share your group size, pickup location, destination, travel dates, and any special requirements (extra luggage, early morning departure, etc.). We confirm the vehicle, fare, and all details within minutes. No advance payment — you pay the driver directly after the trip is complete.
The per-km rates are: 12 seater at ₹18/km, 17 seater at ₹20/km, and 20 seater at ₹22/km. These cover the vehicle and driver. Tolls, parking, and driver night allowance (for outstation) are additional and charged at actuals. The complete fare including all extras is confirmed before you book — no hidden charges.
Ready to Book a Tempo Traveller in Pune?
Verified drivers. No advance payment. 24/7 available. Fare confirmed in 2 minutes.