Questions & Answers
Tipping, pricing & what to expect.
Straight answers about private car service tipping etiquette, NYC black car rates, airport transfer costs and booking policies with BNY Limo.
Tipping Etiquette
- Do I need to tip a private car service chauffeur?
- Tipping is not required, but it is customary for private car service and chauffeur service in NYC. A standard gratuity of 15–20% of the base fare is typical when service is professional, on time and helpful. Corporate accounts may include gratuity in the contracted rate, so check your confirmation.
- How much should I tip for airport car service?
- For airport transfers to JFK, LaGuardia or Newark, tip $20–$50 depending on distance, luggage handled and whether you choose curbside or meet-and-greet service. Meet-and-greet pickups where the chauffeur waits inside with a name board are often tipped at the higher end.
- Should I tip on an hourly charter?
- Yes. Hourly charters are usually tipped at 15–20% of the total hourly bill. For a wedding, event or full-day roadshow, many clients tip $100–$200 per day, or more when the chauffeur carries luggage, runs errands or makes multiple stops.
- When should I tip — before, during or after the trip?
- Most clients add gratuity when paying the final invoice, either through the online payment link or by telling dispatch to charge the card on file. Cash tips handed to the chauffeur at drop-off are also welcome.
- Is gratuity included in the quoted price?
- BNY Limo quotes flat, all-inclusive rates for airport and point-to-point trips that include tolls, parking and gratuity, unless the reservation notes otherwise. Hourly charters quote the vehicle and time; gratuity may be added by the client at the end of the trip.
Pricing & Rates
- How much does a private car service cost in NYC?
- Hourly charters start at $99/hour for a luxury sedan, $115/hour for a Chevrolet Suburban and $125/hour for a Cadillac Escalade ESV, with a 3-hour minimum. Airport and long-distance trips are priced as flat, all-inclusive rates based on pickup, drop-off and vehicle class. See the Fleet page for current hourly rates by vehicle.
- What is the hourly minimum for chauffeur service?
- All hourly charters require a 3-hour minimum. Additional time is billed in 15-minute increments at the vehicle's published hourly rate.
- Are tolls and parking included in the fare?
- Flat-rate quotes include tolls and standard parking. For routes through Manhattan or the Bronx a $7.46 toll is applied automatically when a tolled crossing is used. Cross-state trips between New York and New Jersey incur a $20 toll automatically. Garage parking beyond the included allowance and event-venue parking are billed at cost.
- Do you charge for wait time?
- Airport arrivals include 60 minutes of complimentary wait time after landing. All other pickups include 15 minutes free. After that, waiting is billed in 15-minute increments at the vehicle's hourly rate, and we always call or text before any wait charge begins.
- Are there extra charges for late-night or holiday rides?
- BNY Limo operates 24/7 with live dispatch. Some peak dates and overnight periods may carry a modest surcharge; the exact amount is quoted before you confirm.
What's Included
- What amenities come with every ride?
- Every vehicle includes bottled water, phone chargers, complimentary Wi-Fi, climate-controlled cabin and luggage assistance. Child seats are available with advance notice.
- What is meet and greet airport service?
- Meet and greet means your chauffeur waits inside the terminal with a personalized name board, assists with luggage and escorts you to the vehicle. BNY Limo offers this option for $25 on airport arrivals.
- How does airport pickup work?
- Send us your flight number when you reserve. We track the flight in real time and dispatch your chauffeur to match the actual landing time. For domestic arrivals your chauffeur can meet you at baggage claim; for international arrivals, just outside customs. Curbside pickup is available on request.
Payment & Booking
- How do I pay for my reservation?
- You can pay securely online with a credit or debit card through our online payment page, call to provide a card over the phone, or set up a corporate account with monthly invoicing. All major cards are accepted.
- How far in advance should I book?
- Same-day bookings are often available, but 24 hours notice guarantees your preferred vehicle class — especially for SUVs, Sprinters and specialty vehicles.
- Do you offer corporate accounts or event contracts?
- Yes. We offer centralised billing, priority dispatch, cost-centre coding and monthly invoicing for businesses. Event planners and wedding clients can also reserve multi-vehicle packages with dedicated dispatch. Visit our Events page for more.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours before pickup receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may be subject to a partial charge depending on vehicle commitment and route.
Still have questions?
Speak with our dispatch team.
We're available around the clock for airport pickups, hourly charters and point-to-point rides across NYC, New Jersey and Connecticut.