Tips for Varanasi mini-bus and coach tourism

Useful tips for Varanasi bus groups with ‘what to see’ and ‘what to do’ items and  ‘bus- friendly’ or must see tourist sites in Varanasi. Check our list of attractions before planning your bus tour with a stop or departure in Varanasi. Let us know if your favourite attraction or ‘bus-stop’ is not there and you think we should add it to our list of Varanasi highlights.

What to expect when renting a car with driver in Varanasi?

Varanasi is a mad holy city that nobody forgets. In many ways it showcases the best and the worst of this country. It"s colourful, vibrant, vivid, and on every corner you"ll find something that could only be witnessed in India. Like the resident urban monkeys, people bathe next to dead bodies, or pilgrims chanting in the streets. But Varanasi is also a place of funny smells, scams, and strange things going on.

While the old town is pedestrianised it"s well worth hiring a car with driver in Varanasi. There are many attractions around the old town and as day trips from Varanasi. But your driver is also a guide and friend who will help you to make sense of it all. Plus the prices are extremely cheap.

New Vishwanath Temple at BHU

New Vishwanath Temple at BHU credit: Kuber Patel, Rosehub CC BY-SA 4.0

Different car with driver rental prices in Varanasi:

Many travel agents specialise in car with driver rentals. This is one of the most common services taken by tourists in India, particularly in Varanasi. Our website lists different companies based in Varanasi like Car Rental in Varanasi on Santosh Kumar Singh, Varanasi Car Rental on Bangali Tola, and Varanasi Tours on Dasaswemedh Road.

The cheapest deals will start at around €15-25 for a full day. For this you"ll get an old run down Tata vehicle, perhaps with air-conditioning. These are generally comfortable enough if you are 2-3 passengers but a more expensive car is required to squeeze in 4 passengers. From here prices can go up to €100 if you"re looking for a new vehicle and travelling long distances. Fill out the quote form to compare different cars and driver options before booking

Luxury car Sri Panchvati Travels & Tours

Luxury car with driver from Sri Panchvati Travels & Tours

The Varanasi driver"s experience:

But why not drive yourself? When you arrive in Varanasi you"ll understand that passing a Western driving test in no way prepares you for the madness of this city. Nothing is at is seems and nobody enforces the rules. Cows sleep in the middle of the highway, vehicles ignore all road signs, and the only rule of the road is to try and fit into a space that"s too small for your vehicle.

Nearly all car rental companies won"t hire cars to foreigners. It"s not worth it as they"ll probably have to repair the dents and bruises to the vehicle. The experience of the driver is essential to the cost of the service. Good newer vehicles are only trusted to older experienced drivers who understand both how to drive and how to keep customers happy.

However, anyone with a bit of cash can buy a car and start offering these services. The cheaper cars with their doors hanging off usually come with less experienced drivers who think every drive should be like a theme park ride. They can be charismatic but sometimes their confidence gets the better of them.

Tipping and Recommending:

In India recommendation is very important. If you"ve been given a good service then it"s essential you tell the rental agency and other potential users. You can leave feedback on our site to help other people renting a car with driver in Varanasi.

Tips should be given but how much is up to you. These drivers earn very little so adding a 10% tip doesn"t hurt your wallet but makes a world of difference to a local. However, you should feel forced into tipping. If it"s not been a good experience don"t tip the driver.

41-Volvo-Bus Japji Travel

41 seats Volvo bus from Japji Travel

What happens if there is a problem?

Always keep the number of the car rental agency and contact them if there is a problem. While agencies are more expensive that individuals they have the advantage of a fleet of vehicles to call on if there is a problem. If you hire a car from an individual then right the agreed price down and get both of you to sign it. This can avoid problems later.

What to see with your chauffeured rental car in Varanasi?

With a car with driver you"ve got a few choices for your time.

Varanasi Old Town:

People of Varanasi, India

People of Varanasi, India credit: Wallace Howe CC BY-SA 2.0

Vehicles can"t enter Varanasi"s old town and how close your car gets will depend on how much baksheesh or bribe they pay. The old town is the epicentre of the madness. Cows block the street, funeral processions carry dead bodies on stretchers, and on every corner you"ll find something bizarre and wonderful. Many touts will offer to guide you through the old town, but the best choice is to ask the driver to accompany you. Being with a local will ward off the touts and he"ll help both orientate you and take you to the best places.

Around Varanasi:

There is a whole network of temples around Varanasi that are worth visiting. Many are off the beaten track and blend spirituality with beauty. The Ganges River is where everything radiates from so the best journeys are along the water, taking in the many ghats and temples. You"ll see men bathing beside floating bodies, colourful babas giving religious ceremonies, and sacrifices being offered to the Gods.

Aarti Dance, Ganga River, Varanasi

Aarti Dance, Ganga River, Varanasi credit: Prayudi Hartono CC BY 2.0

Varanasi day trips:

With a car and driver you can easily get away from the chaos and enjoy two excellent day trips. Sarnath was the place where Buddha preached his first ever sermon so it"s an essential part of world history. There is an unexplainable charm to Sarnath that has to be seen to be believed. Further away is Allahabad, a holy site where three rivers converge. Allahabad is far less visited and infinitely more relaxing than Varanasi and you"ll find temples where locals invite you inside for ceremonies.

Dhamek Stupa and Jain Temple

Dhamek Stupa and Jain Temple credit: Ramón CC BY-SA 2.0
It is a pilgrim place for those who have greater belief on Buddhism. 

Moving on from Varanasi:

Hiring a car with driver is an excellent way to see all of Uttar Pradesh province. From Varanasi most people head west towards Agra and Delhi, stopping at some unique spots on the way. Through the window you"ll see the vibrancy of India in all its glory. If Uttar Pradesh was a country it would be the 5th most populated on the planet and not a kilometre goes by without something strange passing the window.

Toyota Coaster ajaytravels 18 seater

Toyota Coaster 18 seater from Ajay Travels Pvt Ltd

Compare car with driver rental services

Read more information about travel services in India or transport in Uttar Pradesh on this website. If you want to hire a car with driver in Varanasi, please use our quote request form. RentAutobus is the one-stop chauffeured services portal for smart travellers, travel agents, travel managers and tour operators!

More about Varanasi

Would you like to organize a bus tour to see all these beautiful highlights? Request quotes and compare the different bus and coach hire companies:

Bus tours in Varanasi