If you’re planning a meeting, road trip, or early morning event, you might be wondering how much is Starbucks Coffee Traveler. This popular option is a convenient way to serve a group fresh, hot coffee without the hassle of brewing multiple pots. We’ll cover the exact cost, what’s included, and everything else you need to know to order one successfully.
A Starbucks Coffee Traveler is essentially a box containing a full, fresh-brewed pot of coffee. It comes with all the essentials: cups, lids, sugar, stir sticks, cream, and even napkins. It’s designed for portability, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying. This makes it a perfect solution for office meetings, classroom events, or weekend gatherings.
How Much Is Starbucks Coffee Traveler
The price of a Starbucks Coffee Traveler is not fixed nationwide. It varies significantly by location. However, you can expect a general price range to help with your budgeting.
- Typical Price Range: Most Travelers cost between $17.95 and $24.95.
- Base Price Factors: The final price depends on your state, city, and even the specific Starbucks store (airport and hotel locations are often more expensive).
- Coffee Type: The blend you choose can affect the price. A basic Pike Place Roast is usually the standard price, while premium or decaf options might cost a dollar or two more.
Always check with your local store for the most accurate price. You can call ahead or ask at the register. Remember, tax is added on top of the displayed price.
What Exactly Do You Get for the Price?
When you pay for a Coffee Traveler, your getting a complete kit. Here’s the breakdown of what’s inside the box:
- Fresh Coffee: A full 96 fluid ounces of freshly brewed coffee (about 12 eight-ounce cups).
- Cups & Lids: 12 tall-sized (12 oz) paper cups with matching lids.
- Creamers: A pack of 12 half-and-half creamers.
- Sugar & Sweeteners: Packets of sugar, raw sugar, Stevia, and Splenda.
- Stir Sticks & Napkins: A bundle of wooden stir sticks and a stack of napkins.
Everything is packed securely in a cardboard box with a built-in handle. The coffee itself is in a insulated bag with a spout to help prevent spills during transport.
Available Coffee Blend Options
Starbucks offers several of its popular brews for the Traveler. Your choice might influence the final cost slightly.
- Pike Place Roast: The standard, well-balanced medium roast. This is the default and most common choice.
- Dark Roast: Options like Sumatra or Caffè Verona for a bolder, richer flavor.
- Blonde Roast: A lighter, smoother option like Veranda Blend.
- Decaf: Usually Pike Place Decaf, for those avoiding caffeine.
Not all blends are available every day. Stores typically brew a rotating selection of dark and blonde roasts alongside Pike Place. It’s best to ask about the “coffee of the day” or what’s available when you order.
Step-by-Step: How to Order a Starbucks Coffee Traveler
Ordering is straightforward, but a little planning ensures a smooth experience.
- Call Ahead (Strongly Recommended): Don’t just show up. Call your chosen Starbucks at least 2-3 hours before you need it, especially for early morning pickups. This gives the staff time to brew it fresh for you.
- Specify Your Details: Tell them the coffee blend you want (e.g., Pike Place, Dark Roast), your name for the order, and your pickup time.
- Confirm the Price: Ask for the total price over the phone so there’s no surprise.
- Pick Up & Pay: Arrive at your scheduled time, go to the register, and pay for your order. They will often have it ready near the pickup area.
- Check the Box: Quickly verify that all components (cups, cream, etc.) are inside before you leave.
Tips for a Successful Pickup
- Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM) for ordering if possible.
- Have a backup blend choice in case your first option isn’t available.
- Pick it up as close to your event as possible—coffee stays hot in the insulated bag for about 1-2 hours.
How Many People Does One Traveler Serve?
This is a common question. The box contains 96 ounces of liquid and 12 cups.
- If using the provided cups (12 oz): You can fill each cup about 80% full, serving exactly 12 people a decent portion.
- If using smaller cups: If you have your own 8-ounce mugs, you can stretch it to serve more people, roughly up to 12 full cups.
- Consider Refills: Remember, some people will want more than one cup. For a group of 8-10 thirsty adults, one Traveler is often a good fit. For larger groups or longer events, consider ordering two.
Traveler Etiquette and Practical Advice
To make the most of your purchase, keep these points in mind.
- Hot Holding Time: The insulated bag is good, but not perfect. For best quality, serve the coffee within 60-90 minutes of purchase.
- Transport Carefully: Keep the box level in your car to avoid leaks from the spout.
- Serving: Open the box, tear open the top of the coffee bag, and pull out the spout. Pour slowly, as the bag can glug if tipped too quickly.
- No Returns: Due to health regulations, Starbucks cannot accept returns on any food or drink items, including partially used Travelers.
Comparing Cost: Traveler vs. Individual Drinks
Is a Traveler actually a good deal? Let’s do the math.
- One Traveler (12 servings): ~$20.00 + tax.
- 12 Tall Brewed Coffees: At ~$2.50 each, that’s $30.00 + tax.
You save around $10, plus you get the convenience of a single carry box, cream, and sugar included. The value is clear for groups. For very small groups, individual drinks might be simpler.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to handle common issues.
- Problem: The coffee is lukewarm at pickup.
- Solution: Politely ask if it was just brewed. If not, they can usually make a fresh one quickly.
- Problem: They forgot an item like cream or sugar.
- Solution: Check the box before leaving. If something’s missing, the baristas will happily provide it.
- Problem: You need it sooner than they can prepare it.
- Solution: Always call ahead with plenty of lead time. During busy times, they may need an hour or more.
Can You Customize a Coffee Traveler?
Customization is very limited due to the bulk format. You cannot get a mix of blends in one box. However, you can make simple requests.
- Extra Condiments: You can ask for extra cream, sugar, or napkins at no extra charge.
- Substitutions: You might request only certain sweeteners (e.g., all Stevia), but this depends on store stock and they may not be able to fulfill it.
- No Custom Brews: You cannot get a Traveler of iced coffee, cold brew, or hot tea. Those are separate products (like the Iced Coffee Traveler, which is seasonal and not always available).
Alternative Options at Starbucks
If a hot coffee Traveler isn’t quite right, ask about these alternatives.
- Iced Coffee Traveler: Sometimes offered in summer months. Contains iced coffee, not cold brew. Call to check availability.
- Hot Tea Traveler: Comes with 12 bags of a selected tea and hot water. Serves 12 as well.
- Boxed Water or Juice: For non-caffeinated options, you can purchase cases of Ethos water or Evolution Fresh juices.
- Large Catering Orders: For very big events, contact the store manager. They may be able to arrange multiple Travelers or discuss other bulk options.
Final Tips Before You Order
To summarize, here’s your final checklist.
- Decide on your preferred coffee blend and a backup.
- Call your local store at least 2-3 hours in advance.
- Confirm the price and your pickup time clearly.
- Plan to serve the coffee within 90 minutes for optimal heat.
- Check the box contents before driving away.
- Have a flat, stable place in your car to transport it.
A Starbucks Coffee Traveler is a cost-effective and hugely convenient solution for group coffee needs. By understanding the price, how to order, and what to expect, you can ensure your event goes smoothly. Just remember that the key to success is planning ahead and communicating clearly with your local store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is a Starbucks Coffee Traveler in 2024?
Prices vary, but you can generally expect to pay between $18 and $25, plus tax. Airport and downtown locations often charge more.
Can I order a Starbucks Coffee Traveler on the app?
No, you cannot order a Coffee Traveler through the Starbucks mobile app for pickup or delivery. You must order by calling the store or in-person.
How much coffee is in a Starbucks Traveler box?
It contains 96 fluid ounces of coffee, which is equivalent to 12 eight-ounce cups or about 3 standard liters.
Does the Starbucks Traveler come with cups?
Yes, it includes 12 tall (12 oz) cups with lids, along with cream, sugar, stir sticks, and napkins.
Can you get a Starbucks Traveler with decaf coffee?
Yes, most stores offer a decaf option, typically Pike Place Decaf. You should request it specifically when you order.
How long does the coffee stay hot?
In the provided insulated bag, the coffee will remain hot for about 1 to 2 hours. For best results, serve it within the first hour.
Is there a Starbucks Iced Coffee Traveler?
Starbucks sometimes offers an Iced Coffee Traveler seasonally, usually in warmer months. Availability varies greatly by store, so calling ahead is essential.