In this article
Hourly car service usually has a minimum booking, commonly three hours — ours is three hours. The minimum exists because a chauffeur and vehicle are reserved exclusively for you, including time to travel to your pickup and back, and it’s hard to fill short gaps with other work. Time is typically counted from the scheduled pickup to the final drop-off, and extra time beyond the booking is billed in increments, subject to availability. Larger vehicles and peak dates such as New Year’s Eve or prom season may carry longer minimums.
How hourly time is counted
| Method | What it means |
|---|---|
| Door to door | From your pickup time to your final drop-off |
| Garage to garage | Includes the chauffeur’s travel to and from base (less common) |
| Overtime | Additional time billed in set increments |
Always confirm which method applies.
Why minimums exist
A vehicle booked for a two-hour evening can’t easily be used for another booking that night — the chauffeur still has to get there, wait and return. Minimums ensure the reservation is viable.
When hourly makes sense
- Multiple stops: meetings, shopping, museums.
- Uncertain timing: events, dinners, weddings.
- Keeping the car on standby.
For a simple A-to-B trip, point-to-point pricing is usually better. Read hourly vs point-to-point.
Tips
- Estimate generously — extensions depend on availability.
- Share your itinerary so the chauffeur can plan.
- Ask about peak-date minimums for holidays and events.
See our hourly service and pricing.
Example
If you book a three-hour minimum for dinner and a show from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and the show runs until 9:45, the extra 45 minutes are usually billed as overtime in the company’s increments — provided the chauffeur is available. If you expect to run late, booking an extra hour up front is often smoother.
Weddings and events
Weddings typically require longer blocks — often six hours or more for the couple and wedding party — because of the ceremony, photos and reception timing. Discuss the timeline with the company to book the right duration. Read wedding transportation.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum for hourly car service?
Commonly three hours; ours is a three-hour minimum.
How is overtime billed?
In set increments beyond the booked time, subject to availability.
Is hourly cheaper than point-to-point?
For single trips, point-to-point is usually cheaper; for multi-stop days, hourly is often better value.
