How much does a private driver cost in NYC?
A private driver in New York City usually costs $95 to $120 an hour in a full-size SUV, with a 3-hour minimum. A sedan or Maybach costs more. Here is how the pricing works, what is included, and when hourly service makes more sense than a single ride.
Short Answer
You pay for the car and the chauffeur by the hour.
When people ask me about "hiring a private driver for the day" in Manhattan, what they want is one car and one chauffeur that stay with them between stops. That is hourly service. The clock starts at your pickup time and the car waits for you at every stop, so you never stand on a corner looking for a ride.
These are GeronimoLux rates for 2026. There is no surge pricing and the hourly rate is the same at 7 a.m. on a Tuesday or 11 p.m. on New Year's Eve.
What You Get
What is included in the hourly rate?
- A licensed, professional chauffeur who stays with you for the booking
- Waiting time between stops (the car is yours, not someone else's)
- Unlimited stops inside the booked hours
- Help with bags and shopping
Extra stops on an hourly booking are part of the plan, not an add-on. Gratuity is optional; see our tipping guide.
Hourly Or One Ride?
When a single ride is cheaper.
If you only need to get from A to B, you do not need a private driver for three hours. A point-to-point ride inside NYC starts at $90 in a Suburban (first 3 miles), then $4 per mile. Airport transfers have flat fares: $220 for JFK and Newark, $180 for LaGuardia.
Hourly makes sense when you have two or more stops, meetings with unknown end times, a dinner and a show, or a group that needs the same car all day. My rule of thumb: if the car would wait for you more than once, book hourly. There is a longer comparison in hourly vs. point-to-point.
Real Examples
What a few common days cost.
Choosing A Car
Which vehicle should you book?
Escalade ESV
Same space with a more premium cabin. Popular for client meetings and evenings out. See Escalade vs. Suburban.
Suburban
The practical choice for most days: up to 6 passengers, plenty of room for bags and the lowest hourly rate.
S-Class or Maybach
For one to three passengers who want a sedan. The Maybach is for special occasions, has a 5-hour minimum and is priced by quote.
Booking Tips
How to book a private driver without surprises.
- Give us the first pickup and your rough plan for the day, even if it will change
- Book a little more time than you think; extra time is billed at the same hourly rate
- Tell us about car seats ($50 each) or extra luggage when you book
- For a day outside the city, ask for a quote; long-distance trips use per-mile pricing
Private Driver FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much is a private driver in NYC per hour?
With GeronimoLux, $120 per hour in a Cadillac Escalade ESV and $95 per hour in a Chevrolet Suburban, with a 3-hour minimum. An S-Class is $180 per hour and a Maybach is $380 per hour with a 5-hour minimum, by quote.
Can I hire a private driver for a full day?
Yes. Book the hours you need and the same chauffeur stays with you all day. An 8-hour day in a Suburban is $760.
Is there a minimum booking?
Yes. Hourly service has a 3-hour minimum for the Suburban, Escalade and S-Class, and a 5-hour minimum (by quote) for the Maybach.
Is a private driver cheaper than Uber Black for a day?
For several stops it is often close or cheaper, because you are not paying a new fare and surge each time, and the car waits for you. For a single short ride, an app is usually cheaper.
Do you charge surge pricing?
No. The hourly rate is the same at any time of day or year.
About The Author
Ariel Geronimo, founder of GeronimoLux
More than seven years in professional chauffeur transportation, serving airport travelers, executives, families and private clients across NYC.
GeronimoLux Chauffeur Guides
Explore more guides.
Ready To Ride?
