Top 10 Self Drive Cars for Couples & Families in Chandigarh (2026 Guide)

Some trips are better when it's just the two of you. Others need room for parents, kids and a boot full of bags. Either way, the car you pick shapes the whole trip.

We rent out self drive cars in Chandigarh every day, and couples and families keep asking us the same thing: which car should we take? This guide is our honest answer, with prices from our current fleet, a few drives we like, and the small things that make a trip go smoothly.

Your own space

No driver in the front seat means you can talk freely, play your own music and stop wherever you like. For most couples, that privacy is the main reason to drive themselves.

Your own timing

Leave early to catch the sunrise in Kasauli, stay late at a dhaba, take the longer road because it looks prettier. Nobody is waiting for you or counting the hours.

Comfort for the whole family

Kids need breaks and parents need legroom. With your own car, you stop when someone needs to, and you choose a car with enough space for everyone.

It usually costs less

For a trip of two or three days, one rented car shared by the family often works out cheaper than booking taxis for every leg. You pay a daily rent, 200 km per day is included, and you only pay for the fuel you use.

How many people are travelling

• Two people: a hatchback like the Hyundai i20 or Maruti Baleno is plenty.
• Three or four: a compact SUV like the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue or Hyundai Creta gives you more space and a bigger boot.
• Five or more: take a 7-seater like the Toyota Innova Crysta or Mahindra Scorpio N.

Where you are going

• City drives and short outings: a small petrol car is easy to park and light on fuel.
• Kasauli, Shimla or Morni Hills: a compact SUV or a sedan with a decent boot.
• Manali, Dharamshala and other long hill drives: an SUV with good ground clearance.

Manual or automatic

If one of you doesn't enjoy a manual gearbox in traffic or on slopes, pick an automatic. The Honda Amaze, Honda City, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra Thar and Mahindra Scorpio N in our fleet are all automatic.

Budget

Daily rent starts at ₹1,200 for the Maruti Alto K10. The security deposit is ₹5,000 for most cars, and you get it back instantly when you return the car.

1. Hyundai i20 (₹1,800/day)

Best for: couples who want a nice car without spending much.

A comfortable hatchback with a good cabin. Easy in city traffic and fine for a day out to Morni Hills or Kasauli.

2. Maruti Baleno (₹2,000/day)

Best for: couples and small families.

One of the roomiest hatchbacks around, with a boot that takes a couple of suitcases. Very easy on fuel.

3. Maruti Swift Dzire (₹2,000/day)

Best for: couples who want a sedan on a budget.

The separate boot keeps your bags out of sight, and it's simple to drive and park.

4. Honda City (₹3,000/day, automatic)

Best for: a relaxed highway drive.

Smooth, quiet and spacious. A good pick for a Shimla weekend if you prefer a sedan to an SUV.

5. Hyundai Venue (₹3,000/day, automatic)

Best for: couples who want an automatic compact SUV.

It sits higher than a hatchback, handles city traffic well, and the automatic gearbox makes hill climbs less tiring.

6. Maruti Brezza (₹2,500/day)

Best for: small families heading to the hills.

Good ground clearance, a practical boot and sensible running costs. Works well for Kasauli, Pinjore or Timber Trail.

7. Hyundai Creta (₹3,500/day, automatic)

Best for: families of four on longer trips.

Comfortable seats, plenty of features and a diesel engine that is happy on the highway. A favourite for Shimla and Dharamshala.

8. Mahindra Thar 4x4 (₹4,500/day, automatic)

Best for: couples who want a bit of adventure.

Four seats, a proper 4x4 system and a lot of fun on hill roads. The driver must be 23 or older to rent the Thar.

9. Toyota Innova Crysta (₹4,500/day)

Best for: big families.

Seven seats, a comfortable ride and room for everyone's luggage. Available with a manual or an automatic gearbox.

10. Mahindra Scorpio N (₹5,500/day, automatic)

Best for: big families going into the mountains.

Seven seats, a strong diesel engine and a high driving position that helps on long hill roads.

You can compare every car, with its price and deposit, on our fleet page.

Kasauli (about 1.5 to 2 hours)

Quiet lanes, old churches and pine forests. Perfect for a couple's day out or a slow weekend.

Morni Hills (about 1 to 1.5 hours)

Haryana's only hill station, with gentle roads and the lakes at Tikkar Taal. A good first hill drive. Our Morni Hills guide has the details.

Shimla (about 3 to 4 hours)

A family classic. The highway is good, and there are plenty of places to stop and eat on the way.

Manali (about 7 to 9 hours)

A long drive that is best split with breaks. Take an SUV and start early. Our Chandigarh to Manali guide covers the route.

• A valid driving licence. Learner's licences are not accepted.
• ID proof such as Aadhaar, passport or voter ID.
• Minimum age 21 (23 for the Mahindra Thar and Toyota Fortuner Legender).
• A security deposit: ₹5,000 for most cars, more for premium SUVs. It is refunded instantly when you return the car.
• Fuel is same-to-same: return the car with the fuel level it had at pickup.
• 200 km per day is included. Extra kilometres cost ₹10–15/km, depending on the car.
• Tell us before you leave the Tricity and share your route.

The full list is in our documents guide.

• Walk around the car with our team before you leave, and take a few photos.
• On hill roads, use a lower gear going downhill and take the bends slowly.
• Save our number, +91 98150 70133. Support is available 24/7.
• Plan your fuel stops before you head into the hills.

Which car is best for a couple's trip from Chandigarh?

For a day trip or a weekend, the Hyundai i20, Maruti Baleno or Swift Dzire. If you want an automatic, take the Hyundai Venue. For an adventure drive, the Mahindra Thar 4x4.

Which car is best for a family of five or more?

The Toyota Innova Crysta or the Mahindra Scorpio N. Both have seven seats and enough room for luggage.

Can we take the car to Shimla or Manali?

Yes. Just tell us before you leave the Tricity and share your route. Light off-road driving is fine, but river crossings and extreme trails are not allowed.

Is self drive cheaper than a taxi for a family trip?

For trips of two days or more it usually is, because you pay a daily rent instead of per-km taxi fares, driver allowance and night charges.

How much is the security deposit?

₹5,000 for most cars. The Fortuner models need ₹10,000, and the Jeep Rubicon and Land Rover Defender need more. The deposit is refunded instantly when you return the car.

Call or WhatsApp us on +91 98150 70133 with your dates and where you're headed. We'll suggest a car that fits, confirm the price and deposit, and deliver the car to you anywhere in the Tricity. Delivery is free; only the driver and fuel costs apply, so please call to confirm.