Round Trip vs One-Way Cab: Which One Saves You More Money?

Round Trip vs One-Way Cab

When planning an outstation trip in India, one of the first decisions you’ll make while booking a cab is: Should I book a round trip or a one-way ride? While both options have their pros and cons, the big question is — which one is more economical?

In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between round trip and one-way cab services and help you decide which one offers better value based on your travel needs.

🚖 What Is a Round Trip Cab?

A round trip cab is when you book the same cab for both your onward and return journey. For example, if you’re traveling from Delhi to Agra and back, you hire the same car and driver for the entire trip, and they wait or return with you on the scheduled return time.

✅ Pros:

  • Ideal for short visits or same-day returns
  • No hassle of arranging separate return transport
  • Fixed fare in advance (includes both legs of the journey)
  • Better for family trips, business travel, or planned vacations

❌ Cons:

  • You pay for both journeys regardless of whether you use the return leg
  • You may also be charged for driver waiting time or night halt charges

🚗 What Is a One-Way Cab?

A one-way cab is when you hire a taxi for a single leg of the journey. For instance, if you’re traveling from Mumbai to Pune and don’t plan to return soon (or want to return by train or flight), this is a smart choice.

✅ Pros:

  • Pay only for the distance covered one way
  • Great for relocation, drop-offs, or one-time travel
  • No waiting charges or night halts
  • Often cheaper than round trips if you’re not returning the same day

❌ Cons:

  • Availability may vary depending on location and time
  • Return trip (if needed) must be booked separately
  • Slightly higher per-km rates (since the operator may not find a return ride)

💰 Cost Comparison: Round Trip vs One-Way

Let’s look at a typical example:

Bangalore to Mysore (145 km)

  • Round Trip Cab (Sedan): ₹10/km x 290 km = ₹2,900
    • ₹300 driver allowance = ₹3,200 (approx.)
  • One-Way Cab (Sedan): ₹12/km x 145 km = ₹1,740 (approx.)

➡️ One-way trip saves ₹1,400 if you’re not planning to return the same day.

However, if you do need to come back the same day or next morning, round trip pricing is better, especially as it includes return travel without requiring a second booking.

🧠 When to Choose a Round Trip Cab?

  • You’re going for a planned holiday or business trip and returning soon
  • You’re visiting a place with low cab availability (remote areas)
  • You want to keep the same driver for comfort/safety
  • You’re traveling with family, luggage, or seniors and need flexibility

🎯 When to Choose a One-Way Cab?

  • You’re relocating, changing cities, or moving for work
  • You’re planning a one-time drop and returning via train/flight
  • You’re traveling solo or as a couple with light luggage
  • You want to save costs and avoid driver wait charges

✅ Final Verdict: Which One Saves You More Money?

If your trip is strictly one-way, then booking a one-way cab is cheaper and more practical. However, for round trips, especially when returning within 1–2 days, a round trip cab is more cost-effective and offers more convenience.

The best part? Gozo Cabs offer both options across India with transparent pricing, verified drivers, and clean vehicles — so you can choose what suits your journey best.

✨ Pro Tip:

Always compare prices before booking and check if the fare includes tolls, driver allowance, GST, and waiting charges. Booking in advance often fetches better rates!