Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), a historical and pilgrimage city in Uttar Pradesh, sees a lot of internal commuting, tourist traffic, and outstation travel. Having a good cab service is essential for locals, pilgrims, students, and visitors. This article explains what you need to know about cab services in Prayagraj: types of cabs, pricing, features, pros & cons, plus FAQs.
Why Use a Cab Service in Prayagraj?
- Convenient for early morning/late night travel (e.g. from railway stations, Sangam, airport).
- Useful for pilgrim/tourist spots (Sangam, Akshayavat, Bade Hanumanji, temples).
- For traveling to nearby cities (Ayodhya, Varanasi, etc.).
- Avoid hassles of parking, driving in traffic, navigating roads.
- Safer when new in the city; with drivers who know local routes.
Major Cab Service Providers in Prayagraj & What They Offer
From various sources, here are some of the providers, what they offer, and sample rates/terms:
| Provider | What They Provide / Key Features | Sample Price / Rate Info |
|---|---|---|
| MJ Cabs (MaharaJ Ji Tour & Travels) | 24×7 service; many cab types (Innova, Dzire, Ciaz, Baleno, Swift, Etios etc.). Transparent billing. Mahakumbh special offers and tour packages. (MJ Cabs) | Rates roughly: Innova ₹ 16/km ; Dzire/Swift/Etios etc ~ ₹ 12-14/km depending on model. (MJ Cabs) |
| SP Taxi Service | Taxi attachment/model (drivers can join network), local + outstation rides. Zero commission (for drivers). (SP Taxi Service) | — (doesn’t prominently list all fare rates in the accessible snippet) (SP Taxi Service) |
| KTS Cabs | Local taxi service across Prayagraj; operates 24/7. (KTS Cabs) | Contact-based rates; not all fares published. Offers for airport, local, outstation. (KTS Cabs) |
| Payal Cab | Affordable local & outstation; several categories (hatchback, sedan, SUV). 8-hr / 80 km packages. Transparent extra km, driver allowance etc. (Payal Cab) | Example: AC Hatchback — ₹ 2,299 for 8 hrs / 80 km; extra km ~ ₹ 12/km. Sedans more etc. (Payal Cab) |
| PIK Cab Service | Wide range: 4-seater, up to large travellers (15-20-26 seater). Rates start ~ ₹ 11/km for small cabs. No extra driver allowance or surcharge for some bookings. (https://www.mrcabby.in/) | Sedan / 4-seater ~₹ 10-12/km; SUV or large vehicles more. Minimum distance limits apply. (https://www.mrcabby.in/) |
| Cabio | Verified drivers, local + airport + sightseeing; 8 hr / 80 km & 12 hr / 200 km packages. (Cabio) | Example: 8 hr / 80 km local mini cab ~ ₹ 1,200; sedan options higher. (Cabio) |
| EasyGoCabs | Competitive rates; local and outstation; driver included etc. (EasyGo Cabs) | WagonR ~ ₹ 9/km; other cars higher. Night charges extra; outstation rates depend on distance. (EasyGo Cabs) |
Types of Cabs & Fleet Options in Prayagraj
Here are the kinds of vehicles generally available and what they are suitable for:
| Cab Type | Seating Capacity (excluding driver) | Best For / Typical Use-Case |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchback / Mini cars (e.g. Swift, WagonR, Etios mini, etc.) | ~ 3-4 | Short city rides; airport/train station pickup; low budget travellers. |
| Sedan (Dzire, Etios, Xcent etc.) | ~ 4 | Comfort inside city; slightly longer rides; business use; outstation with smaller groups. |
| SUV / MPV (Ertiga, Innova etc.) | ~ 6-7 | Larger families or groups; comfort on longer rides; relatively hilly/difficult routes. |
| Tempo Traveller / Large Minibus (13-26 seater etc.) | ~ 12-26 | Pilgrimages, group tours, school/college trips, festival crowd movement. |
| Luxury Cars (premium sedans, luxury SUVs) | ~ 4-5 | VIP / business / weddings / special rides. |
| Shared / Point-to-Point Service / Outstation vs Local | Varies | Outstation for long distance; local for city; shared for cheaper option (if available). |
Price / Fare Structure in Prayagraj – Sample Charts
Below are sample fare charts / packages based on real provider data. These are indicative; actual cost may vary with traffic, time, demand, and additional surcharges (night, tolls, driver allowance etc.).
Local / City Rental (by Hour + Fixed Distance)
| Cab Type | 8 hr / ≈ 80 km Package | Extra Km Rate | Driver Allowance / Other Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback / Mini | ~ ₹ 1,200 – ₹ 2,000 | ~ ₹ 10-15/km | Some providers include driver allowance; others charge extra after certain hours. (EasyGo Cabs) |
| Sedan | ~ ₹ 2,200 – ₹ 2,500 | ~ ₹ 15/km | Night time may add extra; driver allowance possible. (Payal Cab) |
| SUV / MPV | ~ ₹ 3,000 – ₹ 3,500 | ~ ₹ 18-20/km | Extra cost for comfort; possibly fuel surcharge etc. (Payal Cab) |
Outstation / Intercity Rates
| Cab Type | Starting Rate / Per Km | Minimum Distance / Conditions | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback / Sedan | ~ ₹ 10-12/km | Usually minimum distance (e.g. 250 km) for outstation. (EasyGo Cabs) | One-way vs round-trip charges differ; tolls & state border check posts may add cost. |
| SUV | ~ ₹ 13-18/km | Same kind of minimum km or daily cap. (https://www.mrcabby.in/) | Fuel & driver allowances likely to be higher. |
| Large Vehicle / Luxury | ~ ₹ 20-25+/km for luxury or large travellers. | Higher minimum; sometimes special permits or extra fees. (https://www.mrcabby.in/) |
Sample Fare Sheet from Payal Cab
| Cab Type | Package | Base Fare (8h / 80km) | Extra Km | Driver Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback (AC) | 8h / 80km | ₹ 2,299 | ₹ 12/km | ~ ₹ 100 (Payal Cab) |
| Sedan (AC) | 8h / 80km | ₹ 2,499 | ₹ 15/km | ~₹ 100 (Payal Cab) |
| SUV | 8h / 80km | ₹ 3,499 | ₹ 20/km | ~₹ 200 (Payal Cab) |
Features / Amenities You Can Expect
Here are features commonly offered (and sometimes those that are optional or premium), in cab services in Prayagraj:
| Feature | Offered By Most Cab Services? | Details / Optional Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning (AC) | Yes | Often standard in sedans/SUVs; for smaller cabs may be optional or non-AC budget version. |
| GPS Tracking | Many providers | Helps for safety & route tracking. |
| Verified Drivers & Documents | Yes | Driver’s license, RC, sometimes background checks. |
| 24×7 Booking | Yes | Local cabs and outstation always possible; some services might have limited hours. |
| Transparent Billing | Varies | Some providers show full breakdown; others have hidden fees (tolls, driver allowance, night charges). |
| Driver Allowance / Night Charge | Usually extra | Night surcharges (late night / early morning) are common; driver allowance may apply for long trips. |
| Comfort features (Music, WiFi, Water) | Some premium services | Luxury cars especially; local ones may have basic features. |
| One-Way / Round-Trip Options | Yes | Many services allow one-way drop-offs or total round-trip booking. |
| Large-group options (Tempo Traveller etc.) | Available | For pilgrims, group tours etc. |
Pros and Cons of Using Cab Services in Prayagraj
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable, door-to-door transport | Can be more expensive than shared transport / buses particularly in peak times or festivals |
| Flexibility in timing and route | Traffic congestion can increase travel time and cost |
| Variety of options (hatchback → luxury → group cabs) | Some hidden costs (tolls, driver allowance, night surcharge) |
| Safer and more convenient for unfamiliar visitors | Availability may drop in remote areas or during large events |
| Useful for pilgrimages and tourism sites | Pricing surges on holidays, during big events (e.g. Kumbh) |
| Local knowledge helps in navigating the city | Sometimes lack of standardization; quality can vary between providers |
Price / Rate Sheet – Summarised
Here’s a combined sheet summarising what generic rates look like (based on current offerings). This can serve as a guideline for travellers.
| Type | City / Local Package (8h / ~80 km) | Per-Km Rate beyond Package | Outstation Per Km Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback / Mini | ₹ 1,200 – ₹ 2,000 | ~ ₹ 10-₹ 15/km | ~ ₹ 10-₹ 12/km (if long distance) |
| Sedan | ₹ 2,200 – ₹ 2,600 | ~ ₹ 15/km | ~ ₹ 12-₹ 15/km |
| SUV / MPV | ₹ 3,000 – ₹ 3,500 | ~ ₹ 18-₹ 22/km | ~ ₹ 15-₹ 18/km |
| Large Traveller / Luxury | ₹ 4,000+ (depending on size / comfort) | ~ ₹ 20-₹ 30/km | ~ ₹ 20-₹ 25+/km for luxury & long trips |
How to Book a Cab in Prayagraj
- Online / App-Based Services – Some providers have their own apps or are listed on multi-cab apps.
- Phone / Call Booking – Many local agencies accept calls for immediate pickup.
- Through Local Agencies – For group tours or pilgrimage itineraries, travel agencies arrange cabs.
- On-Spot / Standby – At railway stations, bus terminals & airports there are often cab counters or drivers waiting (but rates may be higher).
- Advance Bookings – Especially during festivals like Kumbh, or during peak tourist season.
Make sure when booking:
- Ask for total fare (or a fare estimate) including all extras.
- Confirm whether driver’s allowance, night charges, tolls, check-post charges are included.
- Confirm vehicle type and whether AC, comfort features are included.
- Check cancellation policy.
- Check for ride sharing / pooling or drop-off flexibility if needed.
Pros & Cons Sheet (for quick decision making)
| If you care about… | Advantage by using cab in Prayagraj | Potential downside to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Cost-savings | Competitive local rates; many providers start at low per-km rates. | Hidden surcharges, distance minimums, extra charges. |
| Comfort & features | Good fleet variety; luxury and premium options available. | Cheaper options may have basic amenities only. |
| Safety / Reliability | Verified drivers; apps with tracking; reputed services. | Unlicensed/unverified drivers in some informal services. |
| Flexibility | 24×7 booking; local pick-ups / drop-offs; outstation options. | During events, many bookings, fewer cabs available. |
| Large group travel | Tempo travellers / large minibuses exist. | Cost becomes high; need to find specialized provider. |
FAQs about Cab Service in Prayagraj
Q1. What is the approximate minimum fare for a short inter-city or local ride?
A1. For a small local ride (within city), using a hatchback or mini car, rates often start from ₹10-12 per km, sometimes with base fare plus minimal distance. (https://www.mrcabby.in/)
Q2. Are there night surcharges or driver allowances?
A2. Yes. Most services impose night charges (for rides during late night / early morning). Also, driver allowance may apply for long hours / long distances. Always ask while booking. (EasyGo Cabs)
Q3. Is there a difference in cost for one-way vs round trip / returning?
A3. Yes. Many providers require return fares or charge for “dead-heading” (returning without passenger), or have higher rates for one-way trips. Outstation one-way drops may cost more. (Taxi & Travels service in Allahabad)
Q4. Can I hire a cab for sightseeing or pilgrimage tours?
A4. Absolutely. Providers like MJ Cabs, Payal Cab, Cabio etc. offer tour packages (city sightseeing, trips to nearby pilgrimage sites). (MJ Cabs)
Q5. What are common extra / hidden charges?
A5. Some extras to watch for: tolls, state border check posts, driver allowance, night surcharge, waiting time if delay, extra km beyond package, fuel surcharges. Always ask for a breakdown.
Q6. Are large vehicles (15-20-26 seater) available?
A6. Yes. Services like PIK Cab Service, Mr. Cabby, etc., provide large-seater / tempo traveller-style vehicles for group travel. Rates per km or fixed packages vary. (https://www.mrcabby.in/)
Q7. Is there app-based service (Uber / Ola) in Prayagraj?
A7. Local info suggests there are popular ride-hail services operating in Prayagraj, though their rates, availability may vary depending on area, time, events. (Though specific Uber/Ola fare lists weren’t detailed in sources we checked.)
Q8. How far before do I need to book for big events / pilgrimage (e.g. Kumbh)?
A8. Best to book well in advance. During major events like Kumbh, demand surges, many cabs booked out, prices higher. Booking ahead helps ensure availability and better rates.
Q9. Is driver knowledge / local route important?
A9. Very much so. Drivers familiar with local roads (Sangam area, Patalpuri, temples, ghats etc.) can save time. Ask if driver is familiar with pilgrimage routes if that’s part of your destination.
Q10. What payment methods are accepted?
A10. Cash is almost always accepted. Many providers also accept online payments / wallets. If using app or website booking, you often get digital payment options. Check in advance.
Sample Price Charts & Sheets (for Quick Reference)
Here are sample tables you can keep or show travellers to get a sense quickly.
Chart A: Local Packages
| Cab Type | 8hr / ~80 km Package | Approx Extra Km Rate | Notes / Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback / Mini | ₹ 1,200 – ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 10-₹ 15/km | Best for solo / couples, light luggage. |
| Sedan | ₹ 2,200 – ₹ 2,600 | ₹ 15/km | More comfort, good for families. |
| SUV / MPV | ₹ 3,000 – ₹ 3,500 | ₹ 18-₹ 22/km | Groups, longer city rides. |
| Large / Luxury | ₹ 4,000+ | ₹ 20-₹ 30/km | Special, premium usage. |
Chart B: Outstation / Per-Km Rates
| Cab Type | Rate per Km (Outstation) | Minimum Distance / Common Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchback / Sedan | ₹ 10-₹ 12/km | Usually ≥ 200-250 km; sometimes one-way charges extra. |
| SUV | ₹ 13-₹ 18/km | As above; comfort & fuel cost factor. |
| Larger Vehicle / Luxury | ₹ 20-₹ 25+/km | For luxury or special group cabs; possibly extra fees. |
Chart C: Pros vs Cons Quick View
| Feature | Pros | What to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Low cost | Some providers offer very competitive rates, especially for local rides. | Hidden charges, minimum distance, surge in fare during events. |
| Comfort / Fleet variety | Many types: from hatchbacks to SUVs, large travellers. | Lower-cost vehicles may have less comfort. |
| Safety & Reliability | Verified drivers in many services, GPS tracking. | Unofficial operators may not offer the same safety standards. |
| Availability | Many services 24×7, even for outstation. | Remote areas may have fewer options; during festivals, bookings fill up. |
| Group travel flexibility | Large cabs, tempo travellers available. | Cost goes up; coordination & scheduling needed in advance. |
Things To Clarify Before Booking
- What is the total cost including all charges (toll, fuel, check posts, driver allowance, night surcharges).
- Whether the cab will come from far (garage to pickup) and whether that adds cost.
- What happens if there is traffic delay / waiting time. Are you charged for waiting time.
- Cancellation policy and whether deposit / advance payment is needed.
- If travelling outstation, check for any required permits or border check post fees.
- Inspect the vehicle (if possible) when it arrives (cleanliness, condition).
Conclusion
Cab services in Prayagraj are quite varied and generally well-established. Whether you’re a pilgrim, tourist, businessman, or local resident, there are good options from low-cost hatchbacks to luxury SUVs and large group vehicles. To get the best deal, compare providers, ask for full fare breakdowns, plan ahead (especially for outstation or during big events), and choose the vehicle type that suits your needs.