Driver allowance, night charges and tolls, explained
Beyond the rate per km, a group vehicle quote has a few lines that confuse people: the driver allowance, night halts, night driving and late returns, tolls and parking. Here is what each one is for, how it is counted and what it adds to a trip.
In our indicative fares the driver allowance is ₹500 a day and a night halt ₹300 a night (as of Oct 2026); tolls and parking are paid at actual cost. A 3-day trip adds ₹1,500 in allowance and ₹600 in night halts per vehicle.
What the driver lines add, by trip length
Per vehicle. Two vehicles pay them twice.
| Days | Driver allowance | Night halts | Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | ₹500 | — | ₹500 |
| 2 days | ₹1,000 | ₹300 (1 night) | ₹1,300 |
| 3 days | ₹1,500 | ₹600 (2 nights) | ₹2,100 |
| 4 days | ₹2,000 | ₹900 (3 nights) | ₹2,900 |
| 5 days | ₹2,500 | ₹1,200 (4 nights) | ₹3,700 |
Indicative, as of Oct 2026; operators set their own amounts and show them on the quote.
Toll estimates in inter-state fares
The toll estimate added to fares for trips that cross into each state. At the toll plaza the vehicle pays the actual toll.
| State entered | Toll estimate | Counted |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹2,500 | per trip |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹600 | per trip |
| Maharashtra | ₹800 | per trip |
| Rajasthan | ₹400 | per trip |
Estimates for the fare tables, as of Oct 2026; not state entry tax.
What to know
Driver allowance (bhatta)
A daily amount for the driver's food, charged for every day the vehicle is with you. It is on top of the rate per km and is paid even on a short day.
Night halt
Charged for each night the driver stays away from base with your group, for his stay. Ask whether the operator expects you to arrange a room instead; then the night halt may be lower.
Night driving and late returns
Some operators add a charge for driving late at night, and a return after midnight can count as one more day of hire. Agree the return time in writing and ask for any night-driving charge to be shown on the quote.
Tolls and parking
Paid at actual cost. Vehicles pay tolls by FASTag, so the operator bills what the tag was charged; keep parking receipts. Inter-state fares on this site include a toll estimate.
Extra hours on local hire
Local packages such as 8 hours / 80 km bill extra hours and extra km beyond the package. Outstation hire is billed on km with the daily minimum instead.
Questions groups ask
What is driver allowance (driver bhatta)?
A daily amount for the driver's food: ₹500 a day in our indicative fares (Oct 2026), charged for every day the vehicle is with you.
What is a night halt charge?
₹300 for each night the driver stays away from base with the group (Oct 2026). A 3-day trip has 2 night halts.
Are tolls included in the quote?
Usually not: tolls and parking are paid at actual cost, and the quote lists them separately. Our inter-state fares include a toll estimate so the total is closer to what you pay.
How much of a 3-day 17-seater fare is driver cost?
₹2,100 of the ₹21,100–25,800 total (Oct 2026): ₹1,500 allowance and ₹600 for 2 night halts.
Do we pay for the driver's room?
The night halt (₹300) is meant for it. If you book the driver a room yourself, ask the operator to drop or reduce the night halt on the quote.