How Much to Tip a Limo Driver in Chicago

Not sure how much to tip your limo driver? You are not alone. The short answer is 15% to 20% of the base fare. This guide explains when to tip more, when the tip may already be on your bill, and what is normal for airport rides, proms, weddings and party buses in Chicago.

The quick answer

Tipping is common for chauffeured service in the United States, the same as at a restaurant. Most chauffeurs count on tips as part of their pay, so a fair tip makes a real difference.

Check if the tip is already included

Before you hand over cash, look at your quote or invoice. Some limo companies add a "gratuity" or "service charge" of 18% to 20% to every booking. If yours does, you do not need to tip again, though you can add a little extra for great service.

With Limo Service Chicago, the tip is not included in our rates. It is always your choice. You can add it to your booking or give it to your chauffeur directly. See our rates page for what is included in every fare.

How much to tip by type of trip

Airport rides

For an airport transfer, 15% to 20% of the fare is normal. On a $75 sedan ride from downtown to O'Hare, that is about $11 to $15. If your flight was hours late and your chauffeur waited, or you had a lot of heavy bags, tip toward the top of the range.

Hourly service and nights out

If you booked a car by the hour for meetings, dinner or a night out, tip 15% to 20% of the total hourly charge. A 4-hour night at $95 an hour comes to $380, so a tip of about $57 to $76 is fair. See our hourly chauffeur service and night out car service.

Prom and homecoming

For prom limos, plan on 15% to 20% of the total rental. Most parents take care of the tip when they book. That way the students do not need to carry cash, and nobody forgets at the end of a long night.

Weddings

For a wedding limo, 15% to 20% of the total is standard if the tip is not already in your contract. The easiest way is to put the tip in an envelope and ask your planner, a parent or the best man to hand it over at the end of the night.

Party buses

For a party bus, tip 15% to 20% of the total. If your group was loud, made a mess or added a lot of stops, lean toward 20% or more. Your driver worked hard to keep everyone safe.

Long-distance trips

For a long-distance ride to Milwaukee, Madison or Notre Dame, the same 15% to 20% applies. On very long trips, some people round to a set amount instead.

When to tip more

• Your chauffeur waited through a long flight delay.
• You had heavy bags, golf clubs, strollers or car seats.
• The trip was in snow, ice or heavy traffic.
• It was a very early morning or very late night.
• Your plans changed and your chauffeur made it work.
• Your group needed extra patience or care.

What if the service was not good?

If the car was late, dirty or the driving felt unsafe, it is fair to tip less. The better step is to tell the company. A good limo company wants to know and will make it right. At Limo Service Chicago, email us at info@limoservicechicago.co after your ride.

Cash or card?

Both are fine. Cash goes straight to your chauffeur at the end of the ride. Adding the tip to your card when you book is easier for events like proms and weddings, when nobody wants to track down cash at midnight.

Wrap up

When in doubt, tip 15% to 20% of the base fare, and more for great service. Check your invoice first so you do not tip twice. If you want to know your full cost up front, see our Chicago limo prices guide.