homersimp

Hi,

What is the typical/average rate for a car and driver hire going from Delhi to Agra over 2 days with one overnight stay? I have seen quite a few recommended operators here but no price was ever mentioned. I was quoted Rs 8,000 for the entire trip with 3 people traveling. Is this reasonable?

Many thanks,
Mike

rhkkmk

that is $165, that seems way too much.. maybe 3000-4000

Trav_Eller

That seems overpriced. In 2008 I spent four nights, five days going from Delhi (the driver picked me up at 3am) to Agra (one night) Jaipur (3 nights) and back to Delhi, leaving the car in the evening of the fifth day. Total price was INR9000, I added a substantial tip. That was for a car and driver; I paid my own accommodation. There were no extras; the driver looked after his own meals and accommodation although I helped by having most of my evening meals at the restaurants he chose. Prices may have risen since then, but not that much. I booked through http://www.gajrajtravels.com/

I write a bit more on drivers here: http://loraltravel.blogspot.com.au/2...nd-baolis.html

I was alone, but it matters little how many are in the car as long as there are enough seats.

Cheers, Alan, Australia

thursdaysd

Any special reason to drive? If you just want to go to Agra and back to Delhi it makes more sense to take the train. It will be faster, safer and more comfortable. And cheaper - 753 INR in AC Executive Chair Class on the Shatabdi Express. (See http://www.seat61.com/India.htm for details.)

homersimp

Thanks everyone. Actually we are leaving from a hotel conference near the airport and heading to another Delhi hotel (not city center) when we come back from Agra. As a result, we thought a pre-booking arrangement with the Delhi hotel might save a lot of hassles of going back & forth from the city center. Plus, we don't have to look for another driver to get us to nearby sites such as Sikandra & Fatehpur Sikri in addition to our visit to Taj & Agra Fort.

Of course the big drawback is 4-5 hrs of travel by car vs. 2 hrs by train. But by splitting the cost among 3 of us, not schlepping the luggage, and having a car throughout at our disposal this helped tip us in favor for the former.

Assuming this trip goes well, is it typical to provide a 10% tip? I presume the driver will arrange his own lodging and dinner for our overnight stay.

qwovadis

indiamike.com good info driver/guides for me always cheaper boots on the ground not one line they are quoting you 100% more than you need to pay if experieience is good I tip 10% VERY good 15%.USD crisp new go far there beware online many scammers never wire money.CC only for me.

homersimp

Thank you very much for the info.

delhi123

Rs. 4000 for return trip is Ok if you are hiring a big car like Innova.