Hourly Charter Car Service
Keep a professional chauffeur and luxury vehicle at your disposal for as long as you need. Multi-stop meetings, event transportation, city tours, and more with no per-mile charges.
How does hourly charter car service work in Chicago?
Hourly charter provides a dedicated chauffeur and luxury vehicle for a set number of hours starting at a 2-hour minimum. Rates begin at $75/hour for executive sedans and $95/hour for SUVs. There are no mileage charges, and you can make unlimited stops. The clock starts at pickup and ends at your final dropoff. Extensions are available in 30-minute increments.
How Hourly Charter Works
Unlike point-to-point transfers where you book a single pickup and dropoff, hourly charter gives you a vehicle and chauffeur on standby for your entire booking window. This is the most flexible way to use a professional car service and the best choice when your schedule involves multiple destinations, uncertain timing, or the possibility of spontaneous changes.
When you book an hourly charter, your chauffeur arrives at your first pickup location at the scheduled time. From that moment, the vehicle is exclusively yours. Your driver follows your itinerary, waits at each stop for as long as you need, and transports you to the next location when you are ready. There are no per-mile charges, no stop fees, and no surge pricing. You pay a straightforward hourly rate for the duration of service.
Need to change the plan mid-trip? Tell your chauffeur. Add a stop, skip a location, extend the booking, or wrap up early. Hourly charter is built around your real-world schedule, not around a rigid routing system.
Pro Tip: For full-day events or roadshows, book 8+ hours and ask about our full-day rates. Full-day bookings receive a discounted hourly rate, and corporate account holders receive additional volume savings.
Hourly Charter Rates by Vehicle
Choose the vehicle that fits your group size and occasion. All vehicles include a professional chauffeur, Wi-Fi, and standard amenities.
Executive Sedan
Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Lincoln Continental
2 hours minimum · 1-3 passengers
- ✓ Professional chauffeur
- ✓ Complimentary Wi-Fi
- ✓ Bottled water
- ✓ Phone chargers
- ✓ Unlimited stops
Best for: Solo executives, client entertainment, airport layover touring
Premium SUV
Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Chevrolet Suburban
2 hours minimum · 1-5 passengers
- ✓ Professional chauffeur
- ✓ Complimentary Wi-Fi
- ✓ Bottled water
- ✓ Phone chargers
- ✓ Unlimited stops
- ✓ Extra luggage capacity
Best for: Small groups, families, executives with equipment
Executive Sprinter
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Executive Configuration
3 hours minimum · 6-14 passengers
- ✓ Professional chauffeur
- ✓ Premium Wi-Fi
- ✓ Refreshments
- ✓ Conference seating option
- ✓ Standing headroom
- ✓ Unlimited stops
- ✓ PA system
Best for: Corporate groups, wedding parties, roadshows, VIP tours
Stretch Limousine
Lincoln MKT Stretch, Chrysler 300 Stretch
3 hours minimum · 6-10 passengers
- ✓ Professional chauffeur
- ✓ Premium bar setup
- ✓ Fiber optic lighting
- ✓ Premium sound system
- ✓ Privacy partition
- ✓ Unlimited stops
Best for: Special occasions, client entertainment, celebrations
Tolls and parking billed at cost. Gratuity not included. View all pricing details.
When to Book Hourly Charter
Hourly charter is the right choice when your transportation needs go beyond a simple A-to-B transfer.
Multi-Stop Business Meetings
Executives with back-to-back meetings across Chicago waste hours coordinating rides between locations. An hourly charter keeps your vehicle and chauffeur ready at every stop. Pull up to your next meeting on time, every time, without waiting for a new car. Your chauffeur learns the route and handles parking while you prepare for the next session.
Corporate Roadshows and Investor Days
Presenting to multiple investors or clients across the city requires seamless logistics. Book an hourly charter for the entire day and focus on your pitch, not your ride. Your chauffeur manages the schedule, handles downtown parking, and ensures you arrive composed and prepared at every meeting location.
Conference and Event Transportation
Hosting clients or guests at Chicago events like trade shows at McCormick Place, dinners in River North, or receptions in the Gold Coast? An hourly charter provides on-demand transportation without the hassle of booking individual rides. Your vehicle waits while you attend and departs whenever you are ready.
Airport Layover City Tours
Long layover at O'Hare? Instead of sitting in the terminal for 4-6 hours, book a 3-hour city tour with a professional chauffeur. See Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Willis Tower. Your driver returns you to the airport in time for your connection with zero stress.
Wedding Day Transportation
Wedding parties need flexible transportation from morning prep through the reception send-off. Hourly charter covers salon visits, photo stops, ceremony transfers, and post-reception rides. Your chauffeur stays with the party all day. For more details, see our partner site for Chicago wedding transportation.
Real Estate Tours and Property Showings
Agents showing luxury properties across the North Shore or western suburbs benefit from hourly charter service. Your clients ride in comfort between viewings while you discuss each property. The professional vehicle and chauffeur reinforce the premium experience your buyers expect.
Hourly Charter vs. Point-to-Point Transfers
Not sure which booking type fits your needs? Here is how to decide:
| Feature | Hourly Charter | Point-to-Point Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Flat hourly rate | Flat rate per route |
| Stops | Unlimited | One pickup, one dropoff |
| Wait Time | Included in hourly rate | 30 min free, then per-minute fee |
| Schedule Flexibility | Change on the fly | Fixed pickup time |
| Best For | Multi-stop days, events | Airport runs, single destination |
| Cost Efficiency | Best for 3+ stops | Best for single trips |
For straightforward airport transfers, our O'Hare and Midway flat-rate service is typically the better value. For anything involving multiple stops, uncertain timing, or extended wait periods, hourly charter saves time and removes the complexity of booking separate rides.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Charter
Share Your Full Itinerary in Advance
Even though hourly charter is flexible, providing your planned stops when booking helps your chauffeur pre-plan the most efficient route. This is especially important in downtown Chicago where one-way streets, construction zones, and event-related closures can add unexpected time to crosstown drives.
Book the Right Vehicle for Your Group
If you are traveling with a group of four, an SUV is a better fit than a sedan even if it costs $20 more per hour. Comfort over a full-day charter makes a significant difference in energy and productivity. For groups of six or more, the Executive Sprinter provides space to work, talk, and move without feeling cramped.
Communicate Schedule Changes Directly
Your chauffeur carries a mobile phone and is available for direct text or call communication throughout your charter. If a meeting runs long or a stop gets canceled, let your driver know immediately so they can adjust positioning. This avoids unnecessary waiting in expensive parking structures and keeps the day running smoothly.
Consider Corporate Account Benefits
Companies that book hourly charters regularly should consider opening a corporate account. Account holders receive volume-based discounts, consolidated monthly billing, and priority dispatch during high-demand periods like convention season and the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum booking for hourly charter service?
Executive sedans and premium SUVs require a 2-hour minimum. Executive Sprinters and stretch limousines require a 3-hour minimum. There is no maximum duration. Many corporate clients book 8-12 hour full-day charters for roadshows, conferences, and multi-meeting days.
How is hourly charter time calculated?
The clock starts when your chauffeur arrives at your first pickup location and ends when you are dropped at your final destination. All time in between, including wait time at your stops, is counted. If you finish early, you are only charged for the minimum booking duration or the actual time used, whichever is greater.
Are tolls, parking, and gratuity included in the hourly rate?
Tolls and parking are billed at cost on top of the hourly rate. Gratuity is not included and is at your discretion, with 18-20% being customary. There are no fuel surcharges, mileage charges, or hidden fees. The hourly rate covers the vehicle, chauffeur, and all standard amenities.
Can I make unlimited stops during my hourly charter?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of stops. Your chauffeur follows your itinerary and waits at each location for as long as needed. You can add, skip, or reorder stops on the fly by communicating directly with your driver.
Can I book an hourly charter for someone else?
Absolutely. Executive assistants, travel coordinators, and event planners frequently book hourly charters for executives, clients, or guests. Provide the passenger's name and mobile number so the chauffeur can coordinate directly. Corporate account holders can book for any authorized traveler.
What happens if I need the car longer than originally booked?
Extensions are handled seamlessly. Notify your chauffeur or call our dispatch line, and we extend your charter in 30-minute increments at the same hourly rate. There are no overtime premiums or penalties for going beyond your original booking window.
Book Your Hourly Charter Today
Whether you need a car for two hours or twelve, our fleet and chauffeurs are ready to keep your day moving. Book online or call for personalized service.