Booking Advice

Understanding the Different Types of Chauffeured Services

Professional limousine companies generally offer services that are broken down into 3 types. Selecting the type of service that best fits your needs and budget can be an important factor in your experience.

Transfer

A transfer is the most straightforward service we offer—designed for direct, one-way transportation from point A to point B at a scheduled time. This option is ideal for airport runs, wedding exits, hotel drop-offs, and long-distance one-way trips to other cities. Transfers are best suited for sedan or SUV rides where no return trip or additional stops are needed.

Pricing for transfers is based on multiple factors including distance, day of the week, and time of day. While they can be a cost-effective option for certain types of trips, it’s important to understand that short distance does not always equal a low cost. Even for a quick ride—such as a two-mile shuttle after a wedding—our chauffeurs and vehicles are dispatched specifically for you. Behind the scenes, that means time spent preparing, fueling, staging, traveling to and from the pickup location, and cleaning afterward.

All non-airport transfers include up to 15 minutes of complimentary wait time upon arrival.

This service is not ideal for clients who:

  • Have uncertain pickup times

  • Need to make multiple stops

  • May need to adjust their plans mid-trip

Think of a transfer like a pre-arranged luxury version of a taxi—except with a premium vehicle, a professional chauffeur, and a highly personalized experience.

Round-Trip

A round-trip consists of two scheduled transfers with a significant gap between them—such as a ride to the airport, cruise port, or event, followed by a return hours later. It’s a convenient option that guarantees a professional chauffeur will be ready for both legs of your journey.

Round-trips work best when there's at least five hours between drop-off and pickup. This allows us to serve other clients during the gap and helps keep costs lower. When trips are closer together—like concerts, games, or weddings—we typically convert them to a charter, since the vehicle must remain dedicated to your group.

Round-trips require set times and are not ideal for flexible plans or trips with multiple stops. If your itinerary may change, an hourly charter is a better fit.

This option offers a great balance of convenience and value—perfect for clients who want a seamless, worry-free round-trip experience with the same professional service both ways.

Hourly Charter

An hourly service—also referred to as a charter—offers the highest level of flexibility and value. It’s the ideal option for occasions like weddings, funerals, celebrations, nights out, or any trip that involves multiple stops or a flexible, evolving itinerary.

With a charter, you reserve the vehicle for a set number of hours and enjoy unlimited local stops. You simply choose your pickup location and how long you’ll need the vehicle—and your chauffeur will take it from there.

At Atlantic Coach, all hourly charters include unlimited local itinerary stops within our service area—offering you true freedom and control over your trip. It’s the closest experience to having your own private vehicle and chauffeur.

Important Notes:

  • Some dates and occasions require a vehicle to be chartered, even for shorter or one-way trips—especially weekends, busy seasons, or trips that begin more than 45 minutes from our hub.

  • During high-demand days (Friday through Sunday), minimum charter durations typically apply—usually 4 hours.

  • While one or two hour charters may be possible by request, they are rarely offered at standard hourly rates. In those cases, your quote may reflect a “minimum vehicle rate” equivalent to a full 3 or 4 hour block.

Understanding Chauffeured Transportation Pricing

We understand that many first-time clients may not be familiar with how pricing works in the chauffeured transportation industry. It’s important to know that every vehicle we dispatch is reserved exclusively for you. Unlike taxis or rideshare services, our pricing reflects the high standards, professionalism, and legal requirements that come with operating luxury, fully licensed transportation.

Our black cars and SUVs often exceeds a $100,000 MSRP. Each chauffeur undergoes rigorous screening, training, and certification to ensure your safety and comfort.

In fact, before a single guest steps into a vehicle, there’s typically over two hours of preparation and travel time invested. This behind-the-scenes effort is a key part of the premium experience—and what sets us apart from conventional transportation options.

While the cost may surprise some at first, nearly every client who steps inside our vehicles has the same reaction:

“Wow, now I understand”

World-class service isn’t inexpensive—but once you experience it, you’ll never want to settle for less.

Why Choosing a Reputable, Professional Operator Matters

When booking a chauffeured vehicle—whether a limousine, SUV, or motorcoach—you’re entrusting the safety of yourself and your loved ones to a complete stranger. That’s why price alone should never be the deciding factor. A reputable operator will have a proven track record of safety, reliability, and professionalism.

Before booking, ask yourself:

  • Do they carry proper commercial insurance?

  • Are they registered with the Department of Transportation?

  • Are their chauffeurs background-checked, drug-tested, and professionally trained?

  • Are their vehicles well-maintained, inspected, and sanitized regularly?

Operators that cut corners in these areas often offer enticingly low prices—but at a significant cost to safety and service quality. Unlike Uber, Lyft, or unregulated providers, we invest in every aspect of your journey—from vehicle standards to chauffeur excellence—because your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Peace of Mind You Can Count On

The success of your event and the safety of your passengers deserve more than the lowest bidder. When you choose a trusted, fully licensed transportation provider, you’re choosing peace of mind, reliability, and a company that stands behind every trip. As the First Coast’s largest and highest-rated luxury transportation provider, we are proud members of the National Limousine Association, fully insured, DOT-certified, and always happy to provide proof of our credentials.

At Atlantic Coach, we live by one promise:
Excellence in Every Respect.
And we’ll never stop striving to earn your trust.