Etiquette & Safety
How Much Should You Tip a Chauffeur or Black Car Driver?
How much to tip a chauffeur or black car driver: the customary percentage, when gratuity is already included, and when to tip extra.
By the Black Car Service Limo dispatch team · Updated · 4 min read
Key takeaways
- The customary tip for a chauffeur in the New York area is 15–20% of the base fare, with 20% the norm for good service.
- Many car services — including ours — already build gratuity into the quote, so check before tipping twice.
- An extra cash tip is appropriate for exceptional help: heavy luggage, long waits you caused, extra stops, or a flawless event night.
The standard: 15–20%
In New York and New Jersey, 20% of the base fare is the customary gratuity for a professional chauffeur who does the job well, with 15% reasonable for a routine ride. That matches what most people tip in restaurants and reflects that chauffeurs often wait unpaid before and after your trip.
Check whether gratuity is already included
Many black car and limousine companies add a standard gratuity to the quote automatically. With Black Car Service Limo, online quotes already include gratuity along with tolls, so there is nothing extra to hand over at the end of the ride.
If you are not sure, look at your confirmation or ask dispatch. Tipping on top of an included gratuity is generous, not expected.
When to tip extra
Even when gratuity is included, a little extra is a kind gesture when your chauffeur:
- Handles unusually heavy or bulky luggage — golf bags, strollers, a week of cruise bags.
- Waits significantly longer than planned because of you (not because of a flight delay).
- Makes extra stops or adapts to last-minute itinerary changes.
- Goes beyond the job on a wedding day or special event.
Groups and hourly bookings
For hourly and event bookings, the gratuity is normally calculated on the total booked time. For wedding and prom groups, it is simplest for the organizer to cover it on the booking rather than collecting cash on the night.