Royal Carriage Limousine

How to Book a Limo in Chicago — Everything First-Timers Need to Know

If you’ve never booked a limo before, the process can feel opaque — how much should it cost? What’s included? Do you tip? This guide covers everything from a Chicago limo company that handles thousands of bookings a year.

Step 1: Know Your Trip Type

Limo bookings fall into two categories:

Point-to-point: Airport runs, hotel transfers, one-way trips. You pay a flat rate based on distance. Example: home to O’Hare Airport = $65–$125 depending on your location and vehicle.

Hourly: Events, nights out, tours, weddings. You pay per hour with a minimum (usually 3 hours). Example: date night in a sedan = $65/hour × 4 hours = $260.

Step 2: Choose Your Vehicle

See our complete fleet guide for detailed breakdowns. Quick summary:

• Sedan: 1–3 people, business or airport. $55–$125 per trip.
• SUV (Escalade): 1–6 people, executive or family. $85–$165 per trip.
• Stretch limo: 8–10 people, weddings/proms/events. $125–$200/hour.
• Sprinter van: 12–14 people, corporate/group. $150–$250/hour.
• Party bus: 20–40 people, parties/events. $175–$400/hour.

Step 3: When to Book

Airport runs: 24–48 hours in advance is fine. Same-day is possible but not guaranteed.
Weddings: 3–6 months ahead. See our wedding transportation page.
Prom/homecoming: 6–8 weeks ahead. See our prom guide.
Holiday (NYE, Thanksgiving): 2–4 weeks ahead. See our holiday guide.
Corporate accounts: Set up anytime, then book on demand. See corporate car service.

Step 4: What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Always included: Professional chauffeur, vehicle, water bottles, phone charger, flight tracking (airport runs), meet-and-greet at terminals.

Not included: Gratuity (15–20% is standard), tolls (usually absorbed on flat-rate bookings), alcohol (BYOB in limos and party buses — we provide ice and glasses), parking fees at event venues.

Step 5: What to Expect

The driver arrives 10–15 minutes early. For airport pickups, they track your flight and meet you at baggage claim with a name sign. For events, they pull up exactly when and where you specified. The vehicle is clean, cold or warm depending on the season, and ready to go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking a vehicle that’s too small — if you have 6 people, don’t squeeze into a sedan
• Not mentioning luggage — 4 people with 4 large suitcases need an SUV, not a sedan
• Waiting until the last minute for popular dates (NYE, prom weekend, wedding season)
• Assuming rideshare is always cheaper — for groups, it often isn’t. See our rideshare comparison

FAQ

Do I pay upfront or after?
We charge a deposit at booking and the balance after the trip. Corporate accounts get monthly invoicing.

Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same-day cancellations may incur a fee.

Is there a minimum?
Point-to-point bookings have no minimum. Hourly bookings require 3 hours minimum.

Ready to book? (224) 801-3090 | royalcarriagelimo.com