12 vs 17 vs 26 Seater Tempo Traveller: Which Should You Book?

"Which tempo traveller should we book?" is the most common question we get from groups planning a trip from Bangalore. Book too small and the trip is cramped with luggage on laps; book too big and you pay for empty seats. This guide compares the common tempo traveller sizes — 12, 17 and 26 seaters — and when a mini bus makes more sense.

Quick answer

• 8–10 people: a 12 seater — comfortable, with room for bags.
• 11–15 people: a 17 seater.
• 16–22 people: a 26 seater, or a 21–25 seater mini bus.
• More than 22 people: a bus (25 to 49 seats) — see bus hire in Bangalore.

The rule of thumb: book two or three more seats than you have people on any trip longer than four hours. The spare seats take bags and let people stretch out.

12 seater tempo traveller

The 12 seater is the most booked size for family trips and small friends' groups. Most have pushback seats in a 2+1 layout, with a dedicated luggage area or roof carrier.

• Best for: 8–10 adults, or a family with children.
• Good trips: weekend getaways such as Coorg, Chikkamagaluru and Ooty, and temple trips such as Tirupati.
• Watch out for: with 11–12 people and full luggage it gets tight on long drives.

17 seater tempo traveller

The 17 seater is longer, with more rows and usually a larger luggage space at the back. It is the sweet spot for medium groups who still want everyone together in one vehicle.

• Best for: 12–15 people — extended families, college groups and team outings.
• Good trips: pilgrimages like Dharmasthala and longer trips such as Gokarna.
• Watch out for: some hill roads and narrow village lanes are slower for the longer vehicle.

26 seater tempo traveller

The 26 seater is the largest tempo traveller and works almost like a mini bus, while still being easier to manoeuvre on hill roads than a full-size bus.

• Best for: 18–22 people — wedding guests, office outings and family functions.
• Good trips: resort and team outings, and group trips to Goa or Pondicherry.
• Watch out for: availability is limited — book two to three weeks ahead, especially in wedding season.

Tempo traveller vs mini bus

For 20–25 people you can choose between a 26 seater tempo traveller and a 21–25 seater mini bus. Tempo travellers usually have pushback seats and feel more like a large van; mini buses typically have more luggage space underneath and higher seating. On hill routes, the tempo is often quicker; on long highway runs, many groups prefer the bus. Compare both on our bus hire page.

AC or non-AC?

Non-AC is cheaper and fine for short daytime trips in cooler months or hill stations. For long drives, summer travel and groups with elderly passengers or small children, AC is worth the difference. Both are available on most routes.

What does the fare include?

Outstation tempo traveller fares on XploreCabs include fuel, driver allowance, tolls, state tax and GST. Kilometres beyond the included distance per day are charged extra, and a night allowance applies if the driver is driving late at night. Check live fares for your route and dates in the booking box on this page.

Things to tell us when you book

• Exact number of adults and children, and roughly how much luggage.
• All pickup points — multiple pickups in Bangalore can be arranged.
• Your full itinerary, including any sightseeing stops, so the right number of days and kilometres is quoted.
• Any need for a carrier on the roof, or extra space for things like a wheelchair or music equipment.

Book the right tempo traveller

Still not sure? Tell us your group size and trip in the booking box or on WhatsApp, and our team will suggest the right vehicle before you pay anything. Browse all our tempo traveller route guides and popular routes from Bangalore.