A private driver in Toronto costs from $445 for 3 hours in a sedan ($135 per extra hour), $482 for 3 hours in an SUV ($144 per extra hour) and $585 for 3 hours in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ($195 per extra hour), plus HST, gratuity and 407 tolls when used. You book a professional chauffeur and a commercially insured vehicle for as long as you need. Ready to book? See our Toronto chauffeur service.
Hiring a private driver is the step up when a taxi or ride-share is not reliable or professional enough: an airport run that cannot be late, a day of meetings across the GTA, or a family outing where everyone rides together. This guide explains what it costs, how it differs from renting a car, which vehicle to choose and the questions to ask before you book.
Private driver, rental car with driver or taxi: what is the difference?
People search for “rent a car with driver” or “driver rental”, but in Toronto what you actually book is a chauffeured vehicle: the car and the licensed driver come together, and you never sign a rental agreement or drive yourself.
| Private driver (chauffeur) | Taxi or ride-share | Rental car | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who drives | A professional chauffeur you book ahead | Whoever accepts the trip | You |
| Vehicle | Sedan, SUV or Sprinter you choose | Whatever arrives | The class you rent |
| Waiting and multiple stops | Yes, booked by the hour | Limited, meter or surge pricing | Yes, but you park and drive |
| Airport pickups | Flight tracked, pickup timed to your arrival | Queue or app request | Rental counter and parking |
| Insurance | Commercial livery coverage carried by the company | Varies by driver and platform | Your policy or the rental add-on |
For a cost comparison with driving a rented 7-seater yourself, read our 7-seater rental vs chauffeur guide.
How much does a private driver cost in Toronto?
There are two ways to pay. Hourly booking suits days with several stops or waiting time. A flat transfer price suits a single trip, such as a ride to or from Toronto Pearson.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Hourly, starting from |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (BMW 7 Series) | Up to 3 | 3 hours from $445, then $135 per hour |
| SUV (Escalade ESV, Suburban, Yukon XL) | Up to 6 or 7 | 3 hours from $482, then $144 per hour |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | Up to 14 | 3 hours from $585, then $195 per hour |
Starting prices. Hourly bookings have a 3 to 4 hour minimum depending on the vehicle and day, and rates can be higher at peak times and in busy seasons. HST, gratuity and 407 tolls when used are extra, and your exact price is confirmed when you book. For one-way trips by city, see our rates.
Choose a vehicle and the hours you need to see a starting estimate.
Gratuity, 407 tolls and parking are not included. Hourly bookings have a 3 to 4 hour minimum, and rates can be higher at peak times and in busy seasons. This is a starting estimate, not a quote; your exact price is confirmed when you book.
Get my exact priceWhat the price includes and what is extra
- Included: the chauffeur, the vehicle and our commercial insurance.
- Extra: HST, gratuity, 407 tolls when used, and any parking or extra waiting confirmed in your booking.
Hiring a driver for the day
A full-day booking keeps the same car and chauffeur with you from the first pickup to the last drop-off. It is the usual choice for:
- Business days: meetings across downtown Toronto, Mississauga and Markham, with the car ready when you leave each building. Companies can book on account through our corporate executive car service.
- Airport days: a pickup at Toronto Pearson followed by hotel and meeting stops. See our Toronto Pearson airport limo service.
- Family and personal days: appointments, visits and outings where an older relative or young children need an easy, comfortable ride.
Choosing the right vehicle
- 1 to 3 passengers with light luggage: a sedan such as the BMW 7 Series.
- Families, seniors or more luggage: an SUV. Its higher seat is easier for knees and hips than a low sedan, and there is room for a foldable wheelchair or walker. Tell us about mobility aids when you book so we can confirm the right vehicle.
- Groups of 8 to 14: a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter keeps everyone together.
- Young children: child seats are available on request; give the child’s age when you book.
Passenger and luggage details for every vehicle are on our fleet page.
Questions to ask before you hire a private driver
- Is the company commercially licensed and insured? We carry $5 million in liability coverage.
- Is the airport flight tracked? Ours are, so your pickup moves with early or late arrivals.
- How much free waiting time is included, and what does extra waiting cost? At Pearson we include 30 minutes free for domestic arrivals and 45 minutes for international arrivals.
- What is in the price, and what is added on top (HST, gratuity, tolls, parking)?
- What are the cancellation terms? Ours are confirmed in writing when you book.
- Are the vehicles cleaned daily? Ours are cleaned every day.
- Can they provide child seats or help with mobility needs?
Sedans from $445 for 3 hours ($135 per extra hour), SUVs from $482 for 3 hours ($144 per extra hour), Sprinters from $585 for 3 hours ($195 per extra hour). Rates vary with the time and season, and your price is confirmed before the ride.
How booking works with VVIP Toronto Limo
- Tell us the plan: pickup, stops, timing, passengers and luggage, by phone, email or online booking.
- Get your price confirmed: hourly or flat, with the vehicle and terms in writing.
- Meet your chauffeur: the car arrives freshly cleaned, and for airport pickups your flight is tracked.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a private driver for a day in Toronto?
Hourly bookings have a 3-hour minimum and start from $445 for a sedan, $482 for an SUV and $585 for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, plus HST, gratuity and 407 tolls when used. Rates can be higher at peak times and in busy seasons, so your exact price is confirmed when you book.
Can I rent a car with a driver in Toronto?
Yes. You book a chauffeured vehicle: the car and a professional driver come together, so there is no rental agreement and you never drive.
What is the difference between a private driver and a taxi?
A private driver is booked ahead for you, in the vehicle you choose, and can wait between stops. A taxi or ride-share is whoever is available at that moment.
Is a private driver a good option for seniors?
Yes. An SUV’s higher seat is easier to get in and out of, the chauffeur helps with bags, and a foldable wheelchair or walker fits in the back. Mention mobility needs when you book.
Do you track flights for airport pickups?
Yes. We track your flight so the pickup time follows the actual arrival, and we include 30 minutes of free waiting for domestic arrivals and 45 minutes for international arrivals.
Do private drivers provide car seats for children?
Child seats are available on request. Tell us the child’s age when you book.
How far in advance should I book?
24 to 48 hours ahead gives you the best choice of vehicle. Same-day requests are accepted when a vehicle and chauffeur are available.
