If you’re planning a meeting or a road trip and need to know how much Starbucks Coffee Traveler costs, you’re in the right place. Starbucks prices its Coffee Traveler, a portable box of brewed coffee, as a flat rate for the entire container. This guide will give you the exact price, explain what you get, and show you how to order one for your next group event.
We’ll cover everything from the current cost to tips for customizing your order. You’ll learn how to get the best value and what to expect when you pick it up.
How Much Starbucks Coffee Traveler
The standard price for a Starbucks Coffee Traveler in the United States is between $17.95 and $21.95. The exact price depends on your location, as Starbucks pricing can vary slightly by region and store. Generally, you can expect to pay right around $20 for a full box.
This is a flat fee for the entire container, not a per-person or per-cup charge. It’s a set price that includes the coffee, cups, condiments, and the insulated box itself. There are no refills or discounts on the Traveler itself, but you can add pastries or other items to your order separately.
Remember that sales tax will be added to this base price at checkout. It’s always a good idea to call your local store ahead of time to confirm their specific price before you place your order.
What Is Included In The Price
When you pay for a Coffee Traveler, you are getting a complete package designed for serving a group. Here is exactly what your purchase includes:
- One Insulated Cardboard Box: This keeps the coffee hot for several hours. It has a secure lid and a convenient carrying handle.
- 96 Ounces of Freshly Brewed Coffee: That’s equivalent to twelve 8-ounce cups. The box contains a full batch of brewed coffee, not a concentrate.
- Eight 12-ounce Cups: Starbucks provides eight paper cups with lids. If you need more than eight cups, you can request additional ones, sometimes for a small extra fee.
- Complimentary Condiments Pack: You get a packet that includes sugar, sugar substitutes, stir sticks, and napkins. Cream and milk are typically included in small containers on the side.
The value comes from the convenience and the quantity. Buying twelve tall coffees individually would cost significantly more than the flat Traveler rate.
Factors That Can Affect The Final Cost
While the base price is consistent, a few factors can change your final total at the register.
- Location: Stores in major metropolitan areas or airports often have higher prices than suburban locations.
- Coffee Type: The standard Traveler is filled with Starbucks’ featured Pike Place Roast. If you request a different brewed coffee, like a dark roast or blonde roast, there is usually no extra charge. However, ordering a Traveler of iced coffee or cold brew may cost more.
- Extra Cups and Condiments: Asking for more than the included eight cups may incur a small per-cup charge, though many stores will provide a few extras for free if you ask politely.
- Add-Ons: Adding a box of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, or other food items will, of course, increase your total bill.
How To Order a Starbucks Coffee Traveler
Ordering a Coffee Traveler is simple, but planning ahead is key to a smooth experience. You cannot order a Traveler through the mobile app; it requires a direct order with the store.
Step-by-Step Ordering Process
Follow these steps to ensure your order is ready when you need it.
- Call Your Local Store in Advance: Find the phone number for your preferred Starbucks location. It’s best to call at least 2-3 hours before you want to pick it up, especially for morning orders. For very early pickups, consider ordering the day before.
- Specify Your Order Details: Clearly state that you want a “Coffee Traveler.” Tell them your preferred pick-up time. Ask if you can have a specific brew, like a dark roast, if you want one.
- Confirm the Price: Ask for the total price, including tax, so you know exactly what to pay.
- Pick Up and Pay: Go to the store at your scheduled time. You will pay at the register when you collect your Traveler. Check that all the components are in the box before you leave.
Tips For A Successful Order
- Avoid peak hours like weekday mornings between 7-9 AM for ordering, as the staff is very busy.
- Be prepared to provide a name for the order when you call.
- If you need a very large quantity, like multiple Travelers, give the store even more notice, such as 24 hours.
- Double-check that the store you’re calling actually offers the Traveler. Most do, but some licensed locations (like those in grocery stores) may not.
Customizing Your Coffee Traveler Order
The standard offering is great, but you do have some options to tailor the Traveler to your groups preferences.
Choosing Your Coffee Brew
You are not limited to Pike Place Roast. You can typically request any coffee that Starbucks brews in batches that day. Popular alternatives include:
- Starbucks Dark Roast
- Starbucks Blonde Roast
- Decaf Pike Place Roast
Just ask when you place your order. The availability of decaf may vary, so calling ahead is crucial for that request. Iced coffee Travelers are sometimes available in warmer months, but they are less common and may be priced differently.
Managing Condiments And Cups
If you know your group has specific needs, you can request adjustments to the condiment pack.
- You can ask for extra creamers or a specific type of milk, like almond or oat milk. The store will usually provide these in small containers.
- Requesting extra sugars or stirrers is normally not a problem.
- If you need more than eight cups, simply ask how many you can have included. Some stores charge a nominal fee for extras, like 25 cents per cup.
Is the Starbucks Coffee Traveler a Good Value?
To determine the value, let’s break down the math. At an average price of $20, a Coffee Traveler provides 96 ounces of coffee.
If you bought 12 tall (12-ounce) cups of brewed coffee individually at, say, $2.75 each, your total would be $33. The Traveler saves you about $13 in this scenario. Even accounting for the slightly smaller cup size provided (12oz vs 8oz of coffee in the Traveler comparison), the savings are clear for serving a group of 8 or more people.
The value extends beyond just price. You get the convenience of a single, easy-to-carry package with everything included. You save time by not ordering multiple separate drinks, and the insulation keeps the coffee hot for your entire event.
Comparing To Other Group Coffee Options
How does the Traveler stack up against alternatives?
- Brewing at Home: Cheaper, but requires equipment, time, cleanup, and you miss out on the Starbucks brand and consistency.
- Individual Cafe Orders: Much more expensive and logistically complicated for a group.
- Other Coffee Chains: Some competitors offer similar bulk options. It’s worth checking prices at places like Dunkin’ or local shops, but the Starbucks Traveler is widely recognized for its reliability.
For a hassle-free, brand-name coffee solution for meetings, parties, or team events, the Coffee Traveler offers strong value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Many Cups Of Coffee Are In A Starbucks Traveler?
The box contains 96 ounces of coffee. With the eight 12-ounce cups provided, you can fill each cup about 3/4 full. If you pour standard 8-ounce servings, you can get about 12 cups from one Traveler.
Can I Order A Starbucks Coffee Traveler Online Or Via The App?
No, you cannot. The Coffee Traveler is not available for order on the Starbucks mobile app or website. You must place your order by calling the store directly or ordering in person at the counter. This is because it requires special preparation and is considered a bulk item.
How Far In Advance Should I Order A Coffee Traveler?
It is recommended to order at least 2 to 3 hours before you plan to pick it up. For early morning pickups (before 8 AM), placing the order the afternoon or evening before is your best bet to guarantee availability. Always call the specific store you plan to visit to understand their policy.
Does The Starbucks Coffee Traveler Stay Hot?
Yes, the insulated cardboard box is designed to keep the coffee hot for serveral hours. For optimal heat retention, keep the lid securely closed when not pouring. It’s not intended for all-day use, but it will maintain a hot temperature for a typical morning meeting or gathering.
Can I Get A Starbucks Iced Coffee Traveler?
This is not a standard menu item, but some stores may accomodate a request for an iced coffee or cold brew Traveler, especially during summer. You must call and ask. Be aware that the price will likely be higher than the hot coffee version, and it may come in a different container without insulation.