# How much does a driver charge per day for outstation trips?

> An outstation driver in India charges ₹1,000–₹2,000 per day plus food and accommodation (customer's cost) in 2026. Luxury car drivers or those handling long-distance highway trips charge ₹1,500–₹2,500/day. Metros charge 25–30% more. Minimum 2-day booking common.

**Source:** [https://solve24.in/answers/driver-charges-per-day-for-outstation](https://solve24.in/answers/driver-charges-per-day-for-outstation)  
**Updated:** 2026-07-03  
**Trade:** driver  

## Answer

Outstation driver hiring in India follows a day-rate model. Base rate is ₹1,000–₹2,000/day at pan-India rates. This covers 10–12 hours of driving per day. Overtime (beyond 12 hrs) is billed at ₹100–₹200/hour extra. Food (₹300–₹500/day) and accommodation (₹500–₹1,500/night on tours) are always the customer's responsibility, not included in the rate.

Luxury/premium car drivers (SUV, sedan >₹15L) charge ₹1,500–₹2,500/day because they need more driving skill and there's implicit liability. Wedding/event drivers for multi-day tours charge ₹1,200–₹2,500/day.

Most outstation drivers require a minimum 2-day booking (day out + day back) even for a one-way trip. If the trip is round-trip within a day (<12 hrs), the rate is still 1 full day. Fuel is always customer's cost — the driver doesn't include it in the day rate.

For a 3-day Delhi–Manali or Mumbai–Goa trip, expect ₹5,000–₹8,000 driver + ₹3,000 food + ₹2,000 accommodation = ₹10,000–₹13,000 for the driver overall. Plus fuel (₹8,000–₹15,000 depending on car).

## Data

**Outstation driver rates in India (2026)**

| Trip type | Rate (₹/day) | Metro rate (₹/day) | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Standard car outstation | 1,000–2,000 | 1,300–2,600 | + food + stay |
| SUV/premium car | 1,500–2,500 | 1,950–3,250 | + food + stay |
| Wedding driver (multi-day) | 1,200–2,500 | 1,560–3,250 | Formal attire required |
| Long-haul highway (2000+ km) | 1,500–2,500 | 1,950–3,250 | Includes overtime pool |
| Overtime (>12 hrs/day) | 100–200/hr | 130–260/hr | On top of day rate |

## Frequently asked

### Is food included in outstation driver charges?

No — food is always the customer's cost. Budget ₹300–₹500/day for driver meals on the trip.

### Is accommodation included?

No — customer arranges + pays for driver's stay. Budget ₹500–₹1,500/night depending on location.

### What is the minimum outstation driver booking?

Typically 2 days minimum (even for a one-way trip that ends within 24 hours). Some drivers accept 1-day minimum for local outstation (<300 km round-trip).

### Do I pay for the driver's return day if I only need one-way?

Yes — you pay for the driver's return day (they need to come back). This is called "return kirya" and is standard practice.

### What is the outstation driver rate in Delhi/Mumbai?

Delhi: ₹1,250–₹2,500/day for standard car (base × 1.25). Mumbai: ₹1,300–₹2,600/day for standard car (base × 1.3). SUV/premium adds 30–50%.

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Published by Solve24 — India's hyperlocal services marketplace. Direct-hire, zero commission.