If you’re asking, “how much does a chauffeur cost UK?”, you’re not alone. The demand for private chauffeurs has grown rapidly across cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. From executive business travel to personal daily use, chauffeur services now cater to a wide range of budgets. In this guide, we’ll explore average hourly, daily, and yearly costs — and what truly influences those rates.
What Exactly Is a Chauffeur (vs. a Driver)?
Before we jump into numbers, let’s get definitions straight:
- A chauffeur generally implies a more polished, professional service. Think: immaculate dress, trained demeanor, maybe luxury vehicles, and often acting as a personal assistant (opening doors, managing routes, sometimes errands).
- A driver or personal driver might offer transport without all the bells and whistles — basically drive you from A to B.
- A full-time personal chauffeur is employed by an individual, household, or executive, often exclusively.
These distinctions matter — because they impact pricing a lot.
Hourly Rates: The Baseline for Chauffeur Hire
When you just need a chauffeur for a few hours — meeting, event, airport run — here’s what you can expect:
- In many UK cities, hourly chauffeur rates typically land in the £50 to £150 per hour range.
- For standard executive cars (Mercedes E, BMW 5), the lower end of that range is more common; for ultra-luxury vehicles (Rolls, Bentley), you could easily see the higher end.
- Some firms have a minimum hire period (e.g. 3 to 4 hours) even if you only need them for one.
- For example, iChauffeur in London lists hourly rates: £55/hour (3-hour minimum) for their Mercedes E class, going up to £75/hour for S-Class.
- DSL Cars quotes £45/hour as their chauffeur service rate, with a minimum booking period.
👉 So, “cheap” is relative — but expect £50–£100+ per hour in many cases if you’re going for quality.
Day Rates & Full-Day Hires
If you need someone for a full day (say 8–10 hours), that often brings down the effective hourly cost a bit:
- Some London services quote £520 for an 8-hour hire in a luxury saloon.
- Others quote full-day rates in the £400 to £1,000 bracket depending on vehicle class and extras.
- A first-class chauffeur service might charge around £640 + VAT for 8 hours (in London, with a high-end vehicle).
- Waverley Chauffeurs lists day hire for their Mercedes cars at £600 + VAT for 10 hours.
- Meanwhile, Belgraves of London shows “day rate” of £500 for their Mercedes E class. (
So for a day, you’re realistically looking at £400 to £1,000+ depending on how posh you go.
Monthly & Full-Time Chauffeur Costs
Now, if you want a chauffeur on tap — every day, all day — the numbers shift a bit.
Full-Time Salary
- The average chauffeur in the UK earns around £32,700 gross/year according to Jobted.
- Glassdoor estimates are similar: about £34,890/year (≈ £17/hour)
- Some very high-end or executive chauffeurs, especially in London, can command salaries above £55,000 or more.
- Indeed reports the UK average base as about £37,577/year for chauffeurs.
- In London specifically, chauffeurs average around £40,506/year according to Indeed.
So, as a ballpark: £30,000 to £50,000+ a year depending on location, vehicle expectations, and services.
What That Means Monthly
- If someone’s on £36,000/year, that’s about £3,000/month before taxes.
- Throw in perks (fuel, insurance, uniform, car maintenance), and you might be budgeting closer to £4,000–£5,000+ per month for all-inclusive service with a good vehicle and extras.
How Much Does a Personal Driver Cost per Month?
If you’re not employing them as staff but contracting a personal driver:
- Some luxury chauffeur firms estimate £4,000–£7,000/month for full personal chauffeur coverage in high-end vehicles. (Lavish Chauffeurs)
- That kind of cost assumes daily usage, waiting time, and possibly additional responsibilities.
- In more modest scenarios (less frequent use, simpler car), your monthly cost could be lower — perhaps in the £2,500–£4,500 territory depending on your area and needs.
What Does a Chauffeur Earn?
Putting the cost side aside, here’s what chauffeurs themselves make (which gives you insight into pricing):
- Most chauffeurs in the UK earn between £25,000 and £50,000/year.
- In more “average”/private driver roles, salaries might lean toward the lower half of that range. (NW Chauffeur Specialist)
- Employers advertise private chauffeur roles in the UK starting at £45K+ in some cases.
- The differing numbers reflect experience, vehicle type, the area (London vs smaller towns), and extra duties (errands, security, etc.).
Special Use Cases & Extras
Hiring a Chauffeur for Long Distances / Intercity
- Some firms charge per mile for long distances (e.g. £1.95–£2.15/mile) for “driver-only services” (i.e. driving your own car).
- In Manchester, local transfers (1–15 miles) in executive vehicles are quoted in the £100–£150 + VAT range.
Driving Your Car (Driver-Only Service)
- Some services provide chauffeurs who drive your own vehicle (i.e. you don’t have to supply a car). B C Chauffeur Services quotes £20/hour (minimum 4 hours) for “driver-only” service.
- Of course, that usually excludes wear & tear, insurance, potential liability, etc.
Wedding, Events & Special Occasions
- For wedding chauffeuring, prices can vary wildly: £500–£1,500+ depending on vehicle and distance.
- Some luxury ones quote £1,700/day for a Rolls-Royce for special events
Why Rates Vary (and How to Predict What You’ll Actually Pay)
Here are the levers that push the price up or down:
- Vehicle / Car Class — Economy sedan vs luxury, SUV, Rolls.
- Location — London always costs more (congestion, demand).
- Duration & Hours — Nights, weekends, holiday time cost extra.
- Mileage & Waiting Time — If your itinerary is spread out, expect extra mileage or waiting fees.
- Duties — If your chauffeur also does errands, luggage handling, personal assistance, that’s more.
- Insurance, maintenance, fuel, parking, tolls — sometimes included, sometimes extra.
Sample Comparison Table
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
| Hourly hire (executive) | £50–£100/hr (or more) | 3-4 hour minimums common |
| Full day (8 hr) | £400–£1,000+ | Depends on car & location |
| Full-time chauffeur salary | £30,000–£50,000+ / year | Varies by location & duties |
| Personal driver (contract) | £2,500–£7,000+/month | Heavy usage & inclusives push it up |
| Driving your own car | ~£20/hr (driver-only) | Excludes vehicle costs in many cases |
A Few Real Quotes / Market Examples
- iChauffeur (London): £55/hr (3 hr minimum) for E-class, £75/hr for S-class.
- EG Chauffeurs (London): S-class hire in London ~ £125/hr minimum, full day £520 including 80 miles.
- Belgraves of London: E-class at £55/hr, day rate £500; Rolls-Royce at £175/hr or day rate £1,700.
- Waverley Chauffeurs: Mercedes S-class at £60/hr (3-hour minimum); Range Rover LWB at £120/hr; day hire ~ £600 for 10 hours.
- Danex Chauffeurs London: Hourly £42 / £62 depending on car; full day £336–£496.
Tips to Get the Best Value 💡
- Always ask for “all-inclusive” quotes (fuel, parking, waiting time, mileage).
- For regular work, try negotiating a monthly retainer or fixed contract rather than ad hoc hires.
- Use midweek over weekends if possible — lower demand can mean lower rates.
- Be flexible with car class if you don’t need ultra-luxury — a premium sedan might give 80–90% of the feel at 50% of the cost.
- Build in buffer for extra hours or unexpected delays — better safe than paying surprise fees.
Conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line? It depends on how much luxury, how many hours, and where. For a few hours, £50–£100/hr is common in many places. For all-day service, you might spend £400–£1,000+. For someone you want full-time, including benefits and extras — you’re easily looking at £30,000 to £50,000+ per year, or in monthly terms, several thousand pounds for a pristine experience.
If you tell me your target city (London? Manchester? Edinburgh?) and how many hours or days you’re thinking, I can help you zero in on a more precise estimate. Want me to do that next?
🚗 FAQs About Chauffeur Costs in the UK
How much does a chauffeur cost per hour in the UK?
On average, a chauffeur in the UK costs between £40 to £80 per hour. The rate depends on the vehicle type, distance, and service quality. Luxury cars or executive services usually cost more.
How much does a full-time chauffeur cost per year in the UK?
A full-time chauffeur can cost around £30,000 to £50,000 annually, depending on location and experience. In London or major cities, prices are usually higher. Some private employers also include benefits like accommodation or uniforms.
Is hiring a chauffeur cheaper than using a taxi every day?
It depends on how often you travel. For daily long-distance or business trips, a personal chauffeur might actually be more cost-effective. Plus, you enjoy comfort, privacy, and consistent service every time.
Can I hire a chauffeur to drive my own car?
Yes, absolutely! Many companies offer “drive my car” chauffeur services, which means a professional driver uses your vehicle. It’s a great option if you want luxury service without paying for an expensive car rental.
What affects chauffeur prices in the UK?
Main factors include distance, duration, vehicle type, and service level. Special events like weddings or airport transfers may have premium rates. Seasonal demand can also influence the cost.
Do chauffeurs charge extra for waiting time or delays?
Yes, most chauffeurs charge extra if waiting time goes beyond the agreed limit. The cost is usually £30–£50 per additional hour. Always confirm this in advance to avoid surprises.
How much does it cost to hire a chauffeur for a day in the UK?
Hiring a chauffeur for a full day (8–10 hours) typically costs £250 to £600, depending on the car and company. Executive or VIP vehicles will be on the higher end. Some firms offer day packages with mileage limits.
What’s the difference between a chauffeur and a driver?
A driver simply gets you from point A to B, while a chauffeur focuses on luxury, safety, and service. Chauffeurs often wear formal uniforms, open doors, and plan your route carefully. It’s a premium, more personalized experience.
Can I hire a chauffeur for long-distance trips across the UK?
Yes, long-distance chauffeur services are very common. Prices are usually calculated per mile or by the hour, depending on your destination. It’s ideal for stress-free business travel or family trips.
Are chauffeurs in the UK trained or licensed differently?
Yes, most professional chauffeurs have advanced driving and customer service training. Many also hold private hire or chauffeur-specific licenses. This ensures safety, professionalism, and smooth service for clients.