Everything you need — vehicles decoded, all five airports mapped, booking secrets, London's 2026 congestion rules, pricing explained, and etiquette for first-timers and seasoned travellers alike. Compiled by Ridealux's operations team.
A complete guide to every vehicle category used in professional chauffeur service — what they offer, who they suit, and how to choose the right one for your journey.
Terminal-by-terminal guides for all five major London airports — exactly where your chauffeur meets you, how long transfers take, and what changes in 2026.
How to book correctly, what to expect, what questions to ask, London's 2026 congestion and ULEZ charges explained, tipping guidance, and passenger etiquette.
Ridealux note: This guide is written to help you understand professional chauffeur travel in London — whether you use us or not. All pricing, charges and specifications are accurate as of March 2026. For a personalised quote on any of the journeys described, our team is available 24/7.
+44 208 146 0508Professional chauffeur services match specific vehicles to specific passengers. Same-day bookings at premium services are possible, but for a VIP vehicle like the S-Class or Range Rover Autobiography, booking at least 24–48 hours ahead guarantees the right car is available, cleaned, and allocated to you.
A good chauffeur service tracks your flight in real time. Without a flight number, they cannot adjust for early arrivals, delays or terminal changes. Provide the full flight code (e.g. BA293) at booking — not just the airline name or estimated time.
There is a significant difference between a Mercedes S-Class at two years old and the same model at seven years old. Ask your chauffeur company about fleet age — the most serious operators rotate their fleet every two to three years. Ridealux maintains all vehicles under three years old.
Executive saloons accommodate standard luggage without issue. But two passengers with oversized golf bags, ski equipment, or extensive event luggage may need an estate variant or an upgrade to the V-Class or GLE. Specify bags and large items when booking — it affects vehicle selection, not just boot organisation.
Heathrow has four active passenger terminals (T2, T3, T4, T5) spread across a significant area. Transferring between them by foot is impossible. Always confirm with your service which terminal your chauffeur is meeting you at — and double-check your departure terminal before outbound flights.
A chauffeur service operates on fundamentally different principles to a taxi or app-based ride. The vehicle is allocated exclusively to you. The driver knows the route. Waiting time is included. The fare is fixed at booking. The driver will not cancel. If you are comparing prices, compare the full picture — not just the per-mile rate.
As of January 2026, the Congestion Charge rose to £18 per day for central London. ULEZ covers all 33 boroughs at £12.50 daily for non-compliant vehicles. Reputable chauffeur companies include these charges transparently in quoted fares — ask specifically if they are included, as some operators add them afterwards.
It is considered a significant breach of etiquette to slam the door of a high-end chauffeur vehicle. These cars are engineered for precise closure — a firm push is sufficient. Better still, allow your chauffeur to close the door for you. It is part of the service, not a gesture of imbalance.
Some passengers want silence. Others appreciate a brief conversation about the route or the city. Professional chauffeurs are trained to follow the passenger's lead — but there is nothing wrong with saying quietly at the start, "I need to make a few calls during the journey." A good chauffeur will appreciate the clarity and adjust accordingly.
In London, all private hire vehicles must be licensed by Transport for London. Every vehicle should display a TfL private hire licence plate on the rear windscreen. Every driver must hold a TfL Private Hire Driver licence. You can verify any London PHV operator at tfl.gov.uk — it takes under a minute and confirms the service operates legally.