How to Choose the Right Car for Long-Distance Travel
Planning a long road trip from Delhi? Whether you’re travelling to the hills, the deserts of Rajasthan, or the beaches of Goa, choosing the right car can make your journey smoother, safer and far more enjoyable. A reliable and comfortable vehicle is essential for long-distance travel, especially when you’re spending hours on highways and winding hill roads.

At Online Tempo Traveller – Tyagi Travels, travellers often ask:
“Which is the best car for long-distance travel?”
To help you make the right decision, here’s a complete guide on how to choose the perfect car for your next journey — with all the important factors, best vehicle options, and expert tips.
1. Consider the Distance and Route
The type of route plays a huge role in selecting the right vehicle.
City + Highway Travel
If your route is mostly highways and flat roads, choose a car that offers:
- Good mileage
- Smooth handling
- Spacious seating
Recommended: Swift, Baleno, i20
Hill Station Routes
For destinations like Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital or Dharamshala, you need:
- Strong engine power
- Better traction
- Higher ground clearance
Recommended: Creta, Innova Crysta, Fortuner
2. Choose the Right Car Segment
Different travellers have different comfort needs. Here’s what suits long journeys:
Hatchbacks – Best for Solo Travellers
Ideal for:
- Light travel
- Shorter distances
- Budget-friendly trips
Popular Models: Swift, i20, Baleno
These offer great mileage and easy handling.
Sedans – Perfect for Couples
Best for:
- Long highway routes
- Comfortable seating
- Good boot space
Examples: Honda City, Hyundai Verna
SUVs – Best for Hills & Long Outstation Trips
Suitable for:
- Rough terrain
- Long travel hours
- Families and groups
Top Choices: Creta, Fortuner, Innova Crysta
These are the most preferred self-drive SUVs in Delhi for long trips.
3. Check Comfort & Seating Quality
Comfort becomes crucial when you’re spending 6–12 hours on the road.
Look for:
- Cushioned, supportive seats
- Ample legroom
- Large boot space
- Smooth suspension
- Adjustable driver’s seat
- Rear AC vents
For couples and families, a comfortable long-distance travel car is more important than speed or style.
4. Consider Fuel Efficiency
Fuel costs add up quickly on long trips. Choosing a fuel-efficient car helps you save more during your journey.
Fuel Efficient Options
- Swift
- Baleno
- i20
- DZire
Balanced Efficiency + Power
- Creta
- Innova Crysta
When planning a road trip, always look at the mileage of self-drive cars before booking.
5. Safety Features Matter Most
Long-distance trips require strong safety features. Choose a car that includes:
- ABS
- Dual or six airbags
- Rear parking sensors
- Hill-hold assist
- Traction control
- Stability control
- Seat belt reminders
- Tyre pressure monitoring
Whether it’s a self-drive sedan or a self-drive SUV for outstation, safety should never be compromised.
6. Luggage Space for Long Trips
For weekend getaways or long vacations, you’ll need enough boot space.
Small Luggage (1–2 people):
Swift, i20, Baleno
Moderate Luggage (2–3 people):
Sedans like Honda City
Large Luggage (3–5 people):
Creta, Innova Crysta, Fortuner
If you’re heading for a mountain vacation or a week-long trip, SUVs and MUVs offer the best boot capacity.
7. Check Vehicle Condition Before You Start
When booking a rented or self-drive car in Delhi, ensure the vehicle is:
- Well-maintained
- Recently serviced
- Clean and sanitised
- Equipped with a spare tyre
- Carrying complete documents
Tyagi Travels provides fully verified, serviced and insured self-drive cars, ensuring a safe and stress-free experience.
Best Cars for Long-Distance Travel from Delhi
Here are the top recommendations from Tyagi Travels:
✔ Maruti Swift
Perfect for solo travellers and short highway trips.
✔ Hyundai i20
Smooth, stylish and comfortable for couples.
✔ Maruti Baleno
Offers premium feel + good mileage.
✔ Hyundai Creta
Best self-drive SUV for hills and long-distance routes.
✔ Toyota Innova Crysta
The king of long trips — ideal for comfort, space and power.
✔ Toyota Fortuner
Excellent for mountain routes and premium travel.
Why Choose Online Tempo Traveller – Tyagi Travels?
- Large fleet of self-drive hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs
- Affordable long-distance car rental plans
- Fully insured, clean and well-maintained vehicles
- Easy pick-up and drop services
- Ideal for outstation tours, weekend getaways and long road trips
Whether you’re travelling for leisure, adventure or a special occasion, Tyagi Travels offers the best self-drive car rental in Delhi for long-distance journeys.
Choose the Right Car for a Comfortable and Safe Long-Distance Journey
Choosing the right car ensures a comfortable, safe and enjoyable long-distance trip. Whether you prefer a small hatchback, a feature-rich sedan or a powerful SUV, always pick a vehicle that suits your distance, terrain and comfort needs.
👉 Book your long-distance self-drive car rental in Delhi with Tyagi Travels and travel with confidence!