Two ways trips are priced
Most chauffeur companies price trips one of two ways. Airport transfers and simple point-to-point rides are usually quoted as a flat rate for the trip. Weddings, wine tours, meeting days and nights out are usually hourly, because the vehicle and chauffeur are reserved for you for a block of time.
Hourly bookings almost always carry a minimum, commonly three to four hours for sedans and SUVs and longer for vans and buses. The minimum covers preparing the vehicle and the drive to and from your first and last stops.
What gets added to the base rate
A base rate is rarely the full price. Depending on the company, a quote may add gratuity (often 15–20%), a fuel surcharge, tolls, parking, airport fees, and extra wait time. None of these are unusual. What matters is whether the quote shows them up front.
How to compare quotes fairly
Ask every company for the total, out-the-door price for the same itinerary and the same vehicle class. Then check what happens if your flight is delayed, if the day runs long, or if you add a stop. A cheaper hourly rate with a longer minimum can cost more than a higher rate with a shorter one.
Check the license and insurance
Chauffeured passenger carriers in California must hold a TCP permit from the California Public Utilities Commission. Ask for the TCP number and confirm the company carries commercial insurance. A quote far below everyone else's can mean a company is cutting corners on maintenance, insurance or driver vetting.
A quick checklist
Before you book: get the all-in total; confirm the hourly minimum; ask whether gratuity is included; ask how wait time and overtime are billed; confirm the TCP number and insurance; and ask exactly which vehicle you will get.
How Golden Eye prices trips
Airport and point-to-point trips are quoted as a flat rate, and events and multi-stop days are hourly. We confirm the total before you book. See our pricing page or request a quote.