Tata Starbus Buses in India 2025: City, Suburban, Ultra & Staff Buses Models Explained in Detail

Tata Motors is one of India’s most trusted and oldest automobile manufacturers. Founded in 1945 as part of the Tata Group, the company started its journey by building commercial vehicles that could support India’s growing economy. Over the decades, Tata Motors has played a key role in shaping India’s transport system, especially in trucks and buses. From government transport fleets to private operators, Tata buses have become a common sight on Indian roads.

When it comes to buses, Tata Motors has built a strong reputation for reliability, safety, and cost-effective operations. Tata buses are widely used by state transport undertakings, schools, factories, staff transport operators, and city bus services. With a strong focus on cleaner fuel options, passenger comfort, and durable build quality, Tata Motors continues to improve its bus portfolio every year.

In 2025, Tata Motors strengthens its position further with the Tata Starbus range, which includes four key models designed for different travel needs. These are the Tata Starbus City, Tata Starbus Sub Urban, Tata Starbus Ultra Sub Urban, and Tata Starbus Staff Contract. Together, these buses cover city routes, suburban travel, long-distance staff movement, and commercial passenger operations.

Also Read: Top 5 Buses in India 2025: Most Popular and Advanced Models for Comfortable Travel

Tata Starbus Range in India 2025: An Overview

The Tata Starbus range for 2025 focuses on practicality, safety, and efficiency. Each model is designed to suit a specific type of route and passenger demand. While city buses need compact size and easy maneuverability, suburban and staff buses require more seating and better ride comfort. Tata Motors addresses all these needs with different engine options, body sizes, and seating layouts.

Key highlights of the Tata Starbus range include:

• Reliable CNG and diesel engines

• Strong, fully built bodies

• Comfortable seating arrangements

• Focus on safety features

• Cost-effective running for operators

Let us now understand each Tata Starbus model in detail.

Tata Starbus 2025: Model-Wise Power and Price Comparison

The table below gives a quick and easy comparison of the Tata Starbus range available in India in 2025. It highlights the engine power (HP) and price range of each model, helping fleet owners, transport operators, and buyers clearly understand which Tata Starbus best matches their route requirements and budget before making a decision.

Top 4 Tata Starbus Models in India 2025

1. Tata Starbus City

The Tata Starbus City is one of the most popular choices for municipal corporations and private city bus operators. It is mainly designed for short-distance city routes where buses operate in heavy traffic and crowded areas. With a competitive price range of ₹20.40 lakh to ₹25.98 lakh, this model offers good value for money.

Performance and Engine

The Tata Starbus City is powered by the Tata 3.8 SGI CNG engine. This engine produces 82 HP power and 285 Nm of torque, which is suitable for stop-and-go city driving. The manual gearbox and 280 mm clutch help in smooth gear shifts, even during peak traffic hours.

To support electrical systems such as lights and display boards, the bus gets a 120 A alternator and a 12 V, 120 Ah battery.

Body Design and Dimensions

This model comes with a fully built body and a GVW of 7300 kg, making it stable and safe on urban roads. It offers 24 passengers plus driver seating, which is ideal for city routes.

Key dimensions include:

• Wheelbase: 3600 mm

• Length: 7190 mm

The compact size helps the bus move easily through narrow roads and crowded city areas. In addition, parabolic suspension at both front and rear improves ride comfort for daily commuters.

Safety and Comfort Features

Safety is well taken care of with features such as air brakes, seat belts, emergency exits, and a first aid kit. The bus also comes with power steering, which reduces driver fatigue.

Although the Tata Starbus City does not offer air conditioning, it provides good ventilation through large side windows. A clear driver display and a luggage boot add to overall convenience.

2. Tata Starbus Sub Urban

The Tata Starbus Sub Urban is built for longer routes connecting cities and nearby towns. With a starting price of ₹24.22 lakh, this model suits operators who run buses on suburban and semi-urban routes where passengers travel for longer durations.

Engine and Performance

Like the City variant, this model also uses the Tata 3.8 SGI CNG engine, delivering 82 bhp power and 285 Nm torque. The GB400 cable-shift gearbox ensures smoother driving and better control.

Since it runs on CNG, the bus offers lower fuel costs, making it a preferred option for operators focused on running economically.

Bigger Body and Higher Capacity

One of the biggest advantages of the Tata Starbus Sub Urban is its larger body and higher seating capacity. It offers 40 passengers plus driver seating, which is suitable for busy routes.

Important dimensions include:

• Length: 9750 mm

• Wheelbase: 5200 mm

• GVW: 9600 kg

Because of its longer structure, the bus feels stable on highways and open roads, even when fully loaded.

Safety and Passenger Comfort

The bus is equipped with air brakes, parabolic suspension, emergency exits, and a first aid kit. Though it does not come with AC, the wide windows and comfortable 2x2 seating layout make long journeys easier for passengers.

Additional features like tiltable steering and a luggage boot improve comfort for both drivers and passengers.

3. Tata Starbus Ultra Sub Urban

The Tata Starbus Ultra Sub Urban is the most powerful and premium model in the Starbus lineup. Priced at ₹33.31 lakh, this bus is designed for operators who need strong diesel performance, better pickup, and higher stability on longer and mixed routes.

High-Power Diesel Engine

This model uses a 3300 cc diesel engine that delivers 121 HP power and 390 Nm torque. This higher power output makes the bus suitable for hilly areas, highways, and routes with heavy passenger loads.

It comes with the GBS550 cable-shift gearbox and a strong 310 mm clutch, which ensures smooth operation even under heavy working conditions.

Strong and Spacious Body

The Tata Starbus Ultra Sub Urban offers 34 passengers plus driver seating and features a strong, fully built body. Key specifications include:

• GVW: 8750 kg

• Length: 8840 mm

• Wheelbase: 4400 mm

The front engine layout and parabolic suspension provide better balance and ride quality. Compared to CNG buses, the diesel engine offers stronger pickup and consistent performance.

Safety and Comfort Features

Safety features include air brakes, seat belts, emergency exits, and power steering. The bus also gets a driver information display, tiltable steering, and a luggage boot.

Even without AC, the bus ensures proper ventilation through large windows, making it suitable for long-distance travel.

4. Tata Starbus Staff Contract

The Tata Starbus Staff Contract is specially designed for daily employee transportation. It is ideal for factories, offices, schools, and institutions that need regular pick-up and drop-off services. The price of this model ranges between ₹21.43 lakh and ₹28.65 lakh.

Engine and Performance

This bus is powered by the Tata 4SP CR diesel engine, which produces 99 HP power and 300 Nm torque. The 3783 cc engine paired with the GB400 gearbox ensures smooth and reliable daily operations.

The alternator and battery are designed to handle all electrical requirements efficiently.

Seating Capacity and Body Structure

The Tata Starbus Staff Contract offers a high 59-passenger plus driver seating capacity, making it ideal for large staff groups.

Key dimensions include:

• GVW: 4950 kg

• Wheelbase: 2955 mm

• Height: 2780 mm

The 2x2 seating layout and standard seats provide comfort during short and medium-distance travel. Its compact design helps in easy movement within industrial areas and city roads.

Safety and Driver Comfort

Safety features include air brakes, seat belts, emergency exits, and a first aid kit. The bus also offers power steering and tilt-telescope steering, which reduces driver fatigue during long working hours.

Which Tata Starbus Is Right for You?

The Tata Starbus range 2025 offers reliable solutions for almost every passenger transport need. The Starbus City is perfect for daily city commuting, while the Starbus Suburban suits longer suburban routes. For operators looking for more power and premium performance, the Starbus Ultra Sub Urban stands out. Meanwhile, the Starbus Staff Contract is a practical choice for daily employee transport.

Overall, Tata Motors continues to deliver buses that focus on safety, comfort, durability, and low running costs. With growing demand for dependable public and staff transport in India, the Tata Starbus range remains a smart and cost-friendly choice for fleet owners and transport operators in 2025.

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CMV360 Says

The Tata Starbus range for 2025 offers practical, reliable, and cost-effective bus solutions for India’s growing transport needs. From city commuting and suburban travel to staff transportation, each model is designed with the right engine, seating capacity, and safety features. With strong build quality, comfortable interiors, and trusted Tata engineering, the Starbus lineup remains a smart choice for operators seeking durability, efficiency, and long-term value.