If you have never used a professional chauffeur service, the experience can feel unfamiliar. Where do you sit? Do you tip? Can you eat in the car? Is conversation expected? This guide covers the etiquette -from both the chauffeur's side and the passenger's -so you know exactly what to expect.
What the Chauffeur Does
A professional London chauffeur follows a set of operational standards that are consistent regardless of the client, journey, or occasion:
Before the Journey
- Arrives early: 10-15 minutes before the agreed pickup time, in position and ready.
- Vehicle inspection: The vehicle is cleaned inside and out, climate control set to a comfortable temperature, water and phone charger available.
- Communication: A confirmation message is sent to the passenger (or their PA/EA) when the chauffeur is in position.
At Pickup
- Door service: The chauffeur exits the vehicle, greets the passenger, and opens the rear door. This is standard, not optional.
- Luggage: The chauffeur handles all luggage -taking bags from the passenger, loading them in the boot, and retrieving them at the destination.
- Name board (airports): For airport pickups, the chauffeur holds a name board in arrivals and escorts the passenger to the vehicle.
During the Journey
- Professional silence: The default mode is attentive silence. The chauffeur does not initiate conversation unless the passenger does. If you want to talk, the chauffeur will engage warmly. If you want quiet, the chauffeur respects that entirely.
- Route awareness: The chauffeur monitors traffic in real time and adjusts routing as needed. They will inform you if a significant delay is expected and offer alternatives.
- Smooth driving: Professional chauffeurs drive with a level of smoothness that is noticeably different from standard driving. Acceleration, braking, and cornering are calibrated for passenger comfort, not speed.
At Destination
- Door service: The chauffeur exits first, opens your door, and assists your exit.
- Luggage: Retrieved from the boot and placed where you need it -at the hotel reception, at the terminal kerb, or at your front door.
- Departure: A brief acknowledgement and the chauffeur departs. No awkward lingering.
Where to Sit
The rear left seat (behind the front passenger seat) is the traditional chauffeur-service seat. It offers the easiest kerbside exit when the vehicle pulls up at a destination. However, there is no strict rule -sit wherever you are most comfortable. Some passengers prefer the rear right, and couples naturally sit together in the rear.
Conversation
There is no expectation of conversation. Professional chauffeurs are trained to read the passenger's preference -if you are on a call, working on a laptop, or simply looking out of the window, the chauffeur maintains silence. If you want to chat about London, ask for restaurant recommendations, or discuss the traffic, they are happy to engage.
Eating and Drinking in the Vehicle
Water is always provided. For longer journeys, light refreshments are perfectly acceptable. If you are on an hourly hire day with multiple stops, the chauffeur expects you to eat, drink coffee, and use the vehicle as a mobile office. The vehicle is cleaned between clients regardless.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but never expected. If you feel the service was exceptional, a tip of £5-20 (depending on the journey length and complexity) is generous. Many corporate clients do not tip, and the chauffeur's service standard does not vary based on tipping expectation.
Phone Calls and Privacy
The vehicle is your private space. Make calls, hold meetings (on speakerphone or Zoom), discuss confidential business -the chauffeur operates under strict confidentiality. Nothing said in the vehicle is repeated or referenced. For clients in finance, law, or entertainment, this discretion is not a bonus feature -it is a professional requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sit in the front?
In a chauffeur service, the rear seat is standard. Sitting in the front is unusual and most chauffeurs would find it slightly awkward, though they would accommodate it without comment. If you prefer the front for any reason (motion sickness, preference), simply let us know at booking.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are welcome with advance notice. We request that dogs travel with a blanket or cover to protect the seating, and we apply a modest cleaning fee. Please mention this at the time of booking.
What if I am running late?
Call or message the chauffeur directly. For standard transfers, waiting time beyond the complimentary period (15 minutes for domestic pickups, 60 minutes for airport arrivals) is charged at the hourly rate. The chauffeur will wait as long as needed -just communicate the delay.
