Need coffee for a crowd but tired of brewing pots all day? The Starbucks Coffee Traveler is your secret weapon, but how much is a Starbucks coffee traveler?
As of May 2025, this bulk coffee box is $23.90, perfect for meetings, parties, or lazy Sunday brunches.
This guide discusses everything: flavours that wow (and ones to skip), pro-ordering tricks, and real-user stories.
Whether planning an office event or feeding a family reunion, you’ll leave knowing exactly how to caffeinate your crew without the chaos.
Starbucks Coffee Traveler
Have you ever tried carrying 12 cups of Starbucks coffee without spilling a drop? Meet the Coffee Traveler, a leak-proof, insulated box packed with 96 ounces of freshly brewed coffee.
Designed for chaos-free group caffeine fixes, it’s the MVP of office meetings, backyard parties, or even chaotic family mornings.
One box = 12 small cups (8 oz each) or eight large ones (12 oz). No math, no mess. The built-in insulation keeps it hot for 2-3 hours, ideal for road trips or outdoor picnics.
Forget lukewarm coffee from a thermos; this is barista-level quality, ready to pour.
Baristas brew it fresh when you order, so every sip tastes like it just left the counter. And yes, it’s lightweight and easy to toss in your car or carry upstairs.
Need coffee for five people or 15? The Traveler bends to your crowd size.
How Much Is a Starbucks Coffee Traveler?
So, how much is a Starbucks Coffee Traveler in 2025? Let’s settle this once and for all.
As of May 2025, the standard price is $23.90, with no games or regional surprises (unless you add extras like oat milk or caramel drizzle).
This isn’t a guess; it’s confirmed by Starbucks’ nutritional guides and dozens of customer receipts from California to New York.
Here’s why that $24 is a smart spend:
- 96 ounces of coffee = 12 small cups (8 oz each) or eight large ones (12 oz).
- At $2 per cup, you’re paying half the price of a regular Starbucks latte.
- Customizations like almond milk or vanilla syrup usually cost extra, typically between $1 and $5, depending on the store’s policy.
You might come across decade-old articles claiming the Coffee Traveler costs $15.95. Those are relics, like flip phones or free checked bags.
Starbucks quietly raised prices after 2020, and $23.90 is the new normal.
But what if you’re on a tighter budget? Starbucks offers two alternatives:
| Option | Price Range (USD) | Capacity | Servings |
| Starbucks Coffee Traveler | $23.90 (standard) | 96 fl oz | 12 (8 oz cups) |
| Starbucks Box of Coffee | 15.95–19.95 | 96 fl oz | 12 (8 oz cups) |
| Gallon Coffee | 20–45 (1 gal), $90 (5 gal) | 128–640 fl oz | 16–80 (8 oz cups) |
The Box of Coffee saves you $4 to $8, but it’s a downgrade: it has no insulation and no guarantee of freshness; some locations even use older brews.
The Gallon Coffee is cheaper per ounce for massive groups, but it’s clunky; imagine hauling a 5-gallon jug to a picnic.
The Coffee Traveler? It’s the sweet spot. For $24, you get barista-fresh coffee that stays hot for hours, fits in your car trunk, and doesn’t scream “budget cuts” at your office meeting.
Available Varieties and Customization
The Starbucks Coffee Traveler isn’t just a giant box of coffee; it’s a flavour adventure. Let’s break down your options so you can pick the perfect Roast for your crew.
Veranda Blend (Blonde Roast) is the morning whisperer. It’s light, smooth, and slightly sweet for folks who hate bitter coffee.
Pair it with pastries at a brunch, and watch even the pickiest guests refill their cups. And if you’re wondering, blonde coffee does have more caffeine than other roasts, making it ideal for early meetings.
Dark Roast is the opposite, a bold, smoky punch. It is ideal for late-night work sessions or post-dinner gatherings. Think of it as the espresso of bulk coffee. Don’t serve it to kids unless you want them bouncing off walls. If you’re curious about different roasts, check out the difference between light and dark roast coffee.
Pike Place Roast is the safe bet. It’s balanced, medium-bodied, and Starbucks’ most popular blend. It’s like coffee’s answer to jeans and a T-shirt: it works anywhere, anytime.
Decaf Pike Place Roast tastes identical to regular Pike Place without caffeine. It is perfect for evening events or anxious guests who want the ritual without the rush.
Many wonder if decaf coffee tastes different. With Starbucks’ quality brewing, you’ll barely notice the difference.
Customization? Absolutely. Do you crave vanilla sweetness or nutty almond milk? Tell your barista. These tweaks cost extra (1–5) but are worth it for discerning coffee lovers.
Pro tip: Order half the Traveler with syrup and half without. Compromise saves the day. You could even ask about using brown sugar in your coffee for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritionally, it’s guilt-free: 5 calories per cup, zero sugar, and vegan-friendly (if you skip dairy creamers).
Caffeine ranges from “I need a nap” (decaf) to “I can run a marathon” (Blonde Roast).
| Variety | Description | Price | Calories | Caffeine (mg) |
| Veranda Blend (Blonde) | Smooth, mellow, subtle sweetness | $23.90 | 5 | 180* |
| Dark Roast | Bold, rich, deep flavors | $23.90 | 5 | 130* |
| Pike Place Roast | Balanced medium roast, approachable | $23.90 | 5 | 155* |
| Decaf Pike Place Roast | Caffeine-free, same balanced taste | $23.90 | 5 | 0 |
Still stuck? Ask your barista for a sample of the roasts. Most will gladly pour a sip to help you decide. After all, $23.90 is a small price for coffee peace.
Ordering Process and Tips
Ordering a Starbucks Coffee Traveler isn’t rocket science, but timing is everything. Walk into a store at 8 AM and ask for three Travelers?
You’ll get side-eye from baristas and a 45-minute wait. Here’s how to do it right.
In-Store Orders: Head to the counter, ask for a Coffee Traveler, and pick your Roast: Veranda, Dark, Pike, or Decaf. Easy. But during rush hour (7–9 AM), expect delays.
Each Traveler takes 15 minutes to brew, and most stores only have two coffee pots. Order five? That’s 75 minutes.
Pro tip: Smile, tip $5, and say, “No rush!” Baristas might prioritize you.
App Orders are your secret weapon. Open the Starbucks app, tap “Order,” scroll to “Hot Coffee,” and select “Coffee Traveler.”
Choose your Roast, add almond milk or caramel syrup if needed, and pick a pickup time. Show up, grab your box, and leave. No small talk, no waiting.
Big Orders (10+ Travelers): Call the store 24 hours ahead. Speak to the manager, confirm your roasts, and lock in a pickup time.
One barista shared, “We had a wedding order for 20 Travelers. They called three days early, smooth as butter.”
Timing mishaps? Avoid mornings. Order after 10 AM or during lunch lulls. Stores are quieter, and baristas can focus on your bulk brew.
And always, always check the label. Decaf mix-ups happen; nothing kills a meeting faster than 12 sleepy colleagues.
Need it now? The Drive-Thru works, but only for one Traveler. And don’t forget, the box is bulky. Clear your trunk, bring a towel to catch drips, and keep it upright.
What’s Included in the Package
Open the Starbucks Coffee Traveler box, and you’ll find more than just coffee; it’s a portable café. The star?
A sealed, insulated container holding 96 ounces of freshly brewed coffee, still steaming hot. Nestled beside it are 12 short cups (8 oz each) or eight tall ones (12 oz), depending on your crowd size.
Do you prefer larger mugs? Ask your barista for tall cups when ordering at no extra cost.
The package includes a venti-sized cup of half-and-half (enough for 12 servings) and a condiment pack stuffed with sugars, sweeteners, stir sticks, and napkins.
Forgot creamer? Don’t panic; the half-and-half covers about two tablespoons per cup. Need more? Request an extra cup of oat milk or whipped cream for just 1–5 extra.
Hot chocolate fans, listen up: Some stores let you swap coffee for cocoa in the Traveler. It’s not advertised, but ask nicely; your barista might hook you up.
Nutrition nuts, here’s the scoop: The creamer adds 50 calories per serving (600 total), sugar packs 16 calories per teaspoon (192 total), and 2% milk sits at 30 calories per splash (360 total).
But let’s be real: nobody counts calories at a team meeting.
Customer Experiences and Insights
Your office manager walks in with a Starbucks Coffee Traveler, and the Monday morning gloom suddenly lifts.
Sarah, a project lead in Chicago, swears by this ritual: “I’ve ordered Travelers for three years. They’re foolproof, no one complains, and the cups never leak.”
But not every story is sunshine. Jake, a startup founder, learned the hard way: “I grabbed one last-minute for an investor meeting. The barista forgot the creamer. Never again, now I check the box before leaving.”
Most fans rave about the convenience. “It’s like a coffee buffet in a box,” says Maria, who hosts monthly book clubs. “I set it on the counter, and guests serve themselves. No fuss, no spills.”
But peak hours test patience. Emily, a teacher, admits: “I ordered two Travelers during finals week. The app said, ‘Ready in 15 minutes.’ I waited 40. Kids were not happy.”
Baristas whisper secrets, too. One shared: “We’ve put hot chocolate in Travelers for holiday parties, just ask. But don’t tell Corporate!”
Others warn about weight: “That 7-pound box feels light until you’re carrying four to a conference room. Use both hands!”
Order early, check the contents, and skip the rush. For every “best coffee decision ever” review, there’s a “where’s my sugar?!” panic. But at $23.90, it’s still cheaper than 12 venti dramas.
Tips for Optimal Use
These pro tricks keep your Starbucks Coffee Traveler from becoming a lukewarm letdown. First, heat is everything.
The insulated box locks in warmth for 2–3 hours, but you can stretch that by wrapping it in a kitchen towel, parking it near a sunny window, and hosting a half-day conference.
Transfer the coffee to a thermal carafe mid-event; it’ll stay piping hot until the last drop.
Cups matter, too. The default 12 short cups (8 oz) are perfect for quick refills, but ask for eight tall cups (12 oz) if your crowd prefers lingering over larger mugs.
Not all stores stock tall cups daily, so mention it when ordering.
Customizing? Go wild, but strategically. Order half the Traveler with almond milk and caramel syrup half plain. This avoids upcharges for the whole batch and keeps both picky sippers and purists happy.
Power outage at your venue? No problem – you’ve already got hot coffee ready to go, unlike those who need to learn how to make coffee without electricity.
For larger events, you should know how many cups of coffee are in a gallon or how many gallons of coffee 100 people need to plan accordingly.
Leftovers? Don’t toss them. Pour cold brew into ice trays for tomorrow’s iced coffee, or bake them into mocha brownies.
But fair warning: Reheated coffee tastes… reheated.
And here’s the kicker: The box weighs 7 lbs, so grip it from the bottom. One wrong move, and you’re mopping up Pike Place for hours.
If you’re concerned about potential spills, avoid putting hot coffee in glass cups, which might crack from thermal shock.
Comparison with Other Bulk Coffee Options
Most bulk coffee tastes like burnt water. The Starbucks Coffee Traveler dodges that trap with its signature roasts, but how does it compare to competitors?
Take gallon-sized boxes from chains like Dunkin’ or Peet’s. They’re cheaper per ounce at 20–45 ounces, but you’re buying a giant thermos of mediocrity.
There are no cups, creamers, or insulation. When you add sleeves of cups and sugar packets, you’re at $30+, and the coffee’s already cold.
Local cafés might sell bulk carafes for 15–25, but the quality is hit or miss. One day, it’s artisanal perfection; the next, it’s acidic swill.
Starbucks’ consistency is its superpower; a Veranda Blend in Miami tastes identical to one in Seattle.
Even DIY options flop. Brewing 96 ounces at home saves cash, but good luck keeping it hot for three hours.
Your $30 thermal carafe will leak, and you’ll still need to buy cups and creamer.
For those considering other options, learning to use a coffee urn might be helpful for large gatherings.
When brewing in bulk, you should also know how much coffee is for 30 or 20 cups.
The Traveler’s real edge? Freshness on demand. Competitors like Panera or Einstein Bros. use pre-brewed batches sitting for hours.
Starbucks baristas grind and brew your order when you arrive.
Pro tip: Pair one Traveler ($23.90) with a Panera Unlimited Sip Club subscription ($12/month) for hybrid events—caffeine for 12 and endless refills for you.
At $23.90, the Coffee Traveler isn’t the cheapest, but it’s the only one that doesn’t taste like a compromise.
Conclusion
So, how much is a Starbucks Coffee Traveler? At $23.90, it’s a no-brainer for feeding a crowd without the chaos.
Whether your team craves the gentle kick of Blonde Roast or the bold punch of Dark Roast, this box keeps everyone sipping happily.
Order it the night before for morning meetings; baristas need time to brew it fresh. Heading outdoors?
Keep the lid sealed tight to trap heat, and toss a towel around the box for extra insulation.
Forget generic bulk coffee that tastes like yesterday’s brew. The Traveler delivers Starbucks’ signature quality, with cups and fixings included.
And hey, if you’re eyeing a deal, check the app; some stores throw in free syrups during slow hours.
