Cost of chauffeur service by vehicle
The luxury level and passenger capacity of the vehicle are the main factors in the total cost of a chauffeur. The vehicle rental price includes the services of the driver. Typically, larger vehicles cost more than sedans, except for exotic and classic cars. For an extra cost you may be able to have a professional chauffeur pick you up in a Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Jaguar.
Here are pricing examples from WSI Limousine in McDonough, Georgia:
Luxury sedan: $75 per hour, with a three-hour minimum ($225)
Stretch SUV: $90 per hour, with a three-hour minimum ($270)
10-person limousine: $125, with a four-hour minimum ($500)
Limo bus: $150 per hour, with a four-hour minimum ($600)
20-person limo: $200, with a six-hour minimum ($1,200)
Party bus: $250, with a six-hour minimum ($1,500)
Cost of chauffeur service for special events and holidays
Chauffeur service companies generally charge higher rates for high-draw events, such as prom or the Super Bowl. The demand for drivers is greater, so higher rates help companies compete and also compensate drivers for working during special events or holidays. Many chauffeur companies offer packages instead of hourly booking on special event days, which allows them to schedule the longest time with the highest-rated car rather than shorter service with smaller cars.
Here’s how WSI Limousine charges for special events:
Tailgate package with SUV: $400
Prom package with luxury sedan: $400
Prom package with SUV: $550
Tailgate package with limo: $650
Prom package with 10-person limo: $850
Tailgate package with party bus: $1,000
Prom package with 20-person limo: $1,600
Prom package with 20-person party bus: $1,800
Prom package with 50-person party bus: $3,500
Cost of chauffeur service for weddings
Chauffeurs and weddings are a match made in heaven. Car service companies typically offer wedding packages that include a set amount of time with the car and driver and provide drop-off at the ceremony site, transportation to the reception, shuttling guests, and party stops after the event. Most chauffeur service companies offer wedding packages rather than hourly booking.
WSI Limousine charges the following for wedding chauffeur services:
SUV wedding package: $500
Limo wedding package: $750
Shuttle bus wedding package: $1,200
Gratuities
Gratuity for the chauffeur adds to the overall cost of services. It’s standard to tip chauffeurs 20 percent for a job well done. Many companies encourage clients to tip the driver directly in cash if possible, but some companies include gratuity in the contract — be sure to ask. Even if the contract includes a standard gratuity, you can add an extra tip to recognize outstanding service.
Cleaning charge
Professional chauffeur services will charge extra fees for major cleanup after a vehicle rental. Most chauffeur service contracts have clauses that account for broken glass, torn upholstery, vomit, and other party-related damage.
Tips for hiring a chauffeur service
Find out what’s available. Ask about the car classes they have available, costs for different services, and special pricing for holidays.
Download the app. Some professional chauffeur services have an easy-to-use app that can make it easier to book a car, which is especially convenient for repeat trips like airport transfers.