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Luxury Car vs. Limo: Which Vehicle Service Should I Choose?

March 9, 2019
Driver in a black luxury vehicle

Traveling in a limo used to be the ultimate sign of wealth and status on the road, but since its heyday in the 1980s it has gradually transformed into more of a novelty or cliché. 

The next time you're looking for a swanky and stress-free mode of transportation to or from an event or meeting, don't overlook a luxury car service.

What is a luxury vehicle service?

Luxury vehicle service, also referred to as black car service or simply a town car, is a more sophisticated option than a regular taxi service for times when you want an experience that is more, well, luxurious. The vehicles dispatched for these services are typically black Lincoln Town Cars or SUVs.

Black car service has been the standard for executive travel for decades, but anyone can book this affordable service.

How do luxury car services compare to limos?

Both options provide an upscale, sophisticated experience, but when you compare cost, convenience, and service area, a town car is hard to beat.

Luxury vehicle vs. limo cost comparison chart

Vehicle Type

Hourly Rate

Luxury sedan or town car

$40-$70

SUV

$40-$75

Limo

$75-$135

Stretch limo

$100-$250

SUV or Hummer limo

$100-$300


Extra costs

In addition to the higher cost of limo services, there are extra fees to pay, including service charges, cleaning charges, any bar fees, and a 15-20% tip on top of it all. 

Cancellation fees

Most limo companies will charge a fee if you need to cancel your ride (and sometimes just to change it).

The average cost of renting a limousine is $95-$200 per hour depending on the vehicle type, number of passengers, services offered, and number of stops. Luxury vehicle services offer affordable rates, no extra fees, and won't penalize you for needing to change your plans.

Convenience

Most limo services impose a minimum rental time of 3-4 hours. For some, that may be longer than they need or want the service. With luxury vehicle services you are not required to book a certain length of time and then try to make it "worth it." You can also book a luxury vehicle ahead of time or in the moment — something you wouldn't be able to do with a limo.

Service area

You need to check with each limo service to see if they serve the area you are in or want to travel to. Some companies only operate in certain areas and/or don't want to send their limos on long trips. That is almost never a concern with a luxury car service. Transportation Plus services the entire 7-county Twin Cities area and beyond, including Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and Mankato. 

Occasions for luxury vehicle service

Any occasion when you want to travel in comfort and style and show up looking like a VIP is the perfect time for a luxury car service. 

  • Prom – get safe and stylish travel to and from the festivities
  • Date night – treat yourself and someone special to a luxurious experience
  • Wedding – for the bride and groom, parents, wedding party, or guests
  • Birthday or anniversary – celebrate milestone events with VIP treatment
  • Airport pickup/drop off – treat a loved one or make a good business impression
  • Business travel – skip navigation and parking and project a professional demeanor
  • Vacation travel – see the city sites without worrying about navigation or parking

Book your luxury travel

When it comes to traveling in style, the choice is simple. You can't beat the affordability, convenience, and availability of a luxury black car service. Book a trip now or for a future date online, by phone, or through our app with Transportation Plus.