Hourly chauffeur service
Hourly Car Service vs. Point-to-Point: When Hourly Costs Less
Point-to-point suits one trip from A to B. Hourly service costs less once an itinerary has several stops, waiting time, or a return trip within a few hours.
Chauffeured trips are priced in two ways. Point-to-point service charges for a single trip from a pickup to a drop-off. Hourly service, also called "as directed," charges for the time the vehicle and chauffeur are reserved, whatever the route. This guide explains when each one costs less.
How each pricing model works
| Point-to-point | Hourly (as directed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Priced on | Distance or a flat route fare | Reserved time, with a minimum |
| Stops | One pickup, one drop-off | Any number within the time |
| Waiting | Not included | Included — the chauffeur waits |
| Return trip | Booked and paid separately | Included if within the time |
When point-to-point is the better choice
- An airport transfer from home to MSP
- A one-way ride to a dinner where you will take another ride home much later
- A single trip with no waiting
When hourly is the better choice
- Several stops: client meetings across Minneapolis, a real estate tour, a day of errands.
- A round trip within a few hours: dinner and a show, a game, a funeral and reception.
- Unknown end time: the chauffeur stays nearby instead of you calling for a new ride.
- Waiting matters: luggage stays in the vehicle, and the car is at the door when you walk out.
A worked comparison
A dinner in the North Loop followed by a show on Hennepin Avenue and a ride home to Edina:
- Point-to-point: three separate trips (home to dinner, dinner to theatre, theatre to home), each with its own minimum fare, plus the risk of no car being available after the show.
- Hourly: one reservation of about five hours covering every leg, with the chauffeur waiting at each stop.
Once an evening has three legs and waiting time, hourly service is usually equal or lower in cost, and it removes the uncertainty of finding a ride at 10:30 p.m. Limo MSP's online calculator prices both: choose "Point to point" or "By the hour" to compare.
A simple rule
If the trip has one leg, book point-to-point. If it has three or more legs, or a return within four hours, price it hourly. For two legs, compare both quotes.
Learn how billing works in hourly minimums, wait time and overtime explained, and see a sample day in planning a multi-stop business day in Minneapolis. Book hourly car service in Minneapolis or private point-to-point car service.
Frequently asked questions
What is an hourly or as-directed car service?
You reserve the vehicle and chauffeur for a block of time, with a minimum, and the chauffeur drives and waits wherever you direct within that time.
When is hourly car service cheaper than separate rides?
Usually when the trip has three or more legs, includes waiting, or returns within about four hours.
Is an airport transfer hourly or point-to-point?
A one-way airport transfer is normally priced point-to-point or at a flat airport rate.
Ready to plan your ride?
Get an instant price for your date and route, then reserve with a 25% deposit. Prefer to talk it through? Call (612) 230-8329.