Hiring a car with a driver is the most common way for international visitors to travel between cities in North India. Driving yourself is rarely a good idea — traffic follows its own rules — and a good driver turns long road days into part of the experience.
What the driver does
Your driver takes you between cities and to each sight, waits while you visit, keeps the car clean and stocked with water, and helps with luggage at hotels. Drivers know the roads, the best places for a rest stop and the practicalities of each town. Most speak functional English.
What the driver does not do
Drivers are not licensed guides, and in most places they are not allowed to guide inside monuments. That is why tours include local guides at the main sights. Drivers also do not usually drive late at night between cities, for safety.
Hours and rest
A typical day runs from breakfast until early evening. If you plan an evening outing — a dinner across town, a light show — tell your driver in advance. Drivers stay in accommodation arranged for them in each town, and their food and lodging are normally included in your price.
Shopping stops
Some drivers suggest shops, and some receive commission from them. You are never obliged to stop or buy. If you are not interested, say so clearly at the start of the trip; a good driver will respect that.
Safety
Ask for seat belts in the back as well as the front, and do not hesitate to ask your driver to slow down. Highways are generally good, but cattle, tractors and slow trucks share the road, so a calm and careful driver is worth more than a fast one.
Tipping
Tipping your driver at the end of the trip is customary and appreciated, at your discretion. A rough rule many travellers use is a few hundred rupees per day of the tour, more if the service was excellent.
