Hiring a Private Driver in London: What to Expect From a Premium Chauffeur Service
Hiring a private driver in London means more than just getting from A to B. It’s about comfort. Control. And never wondering if your ride will show up. Whether you need a single trip or a full-day booking, private chauffeurs offer a level of service that standard taxis and ride-hailing apps simply can’t match.
Key Facts – Hiring a Private Driver in London
- Price range: From £25 (short trips) to £450+ (full day)
- Booking model: By ride, hour, day, or week
- Vehicle class: Always executive – never basic
- Service type: Pre-booked, TFL-licensed, no street hails
- With OUNO: No surge. No cancellations. Your driver, your schedule.

Can you hire a private driver in London?
Yes – and it’s surprisingly seamless.
Private drivers operate under London’s Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing system. That means they can’t be hailed on the street like black cabs – every journey must be pre-booked. This brings structure, safety, and standards. No guesswork. No gamble.
At OUNO, we go a step further. Every driver is fully vetted, suit-wearing, and TFL-approved. No delays. No cancellations. Just executive travel done right.
What’s included when you book a private driver?
It’s more than just a ride.
A true private driver service offers:
- Executive-class vehicle (Mercedes S-Class, V-Class, or EQS)
- Door-to-door collection anywhere in Greater London
- Real-time ride tracking
- Professional, discreet service
- Transparent pricing – no surge, no hidden extras
With OUNO:
- Favourite your preferred driver for future trips
- Complimentary bottled water, so you never arrive dehydrated
- Enjoy 1-hour complimentary wait time at the airport
- Get instant confirmations, in-app support, and access to an invite-only network of London’s top 1% of drivers
Work in The City often? Check out our recent article: How CEOs gain 6 hours a week with a chauffeur service
How can you hire a private driver - and what are your options?
Not every journey is the same. Here’s how private driver services flex to fit your day:
Private driver for a single ride
Need a car now – or at 7am tomorrow? Book a one-off journey through the app. Ideal for airport runs, client meetings, or nights out when image matters.
With OUNO, it’s executive vehicles from £25.
No app roulette. No surge stress.
Private driver by the hour
Want your driver on standby? Hourly hire keeps things fluid. Perfect for multi-stop trips, estate viewings, or brand roadshows where you don’t want to keep rebooking.
You set the pace. Your driver stays close.
Private driver by the day
A full-day private driver gives you freedom to roam. Common for VIP guests, retail clients, and film production teams.
Expect rates around £350–£450 for 8 hours.
At OUNO, this includes a suited driver, executive car, and route flexibility.
Private driver by the week or longer
Need the same face every day? Long-term hire offers consistency, familiarity, and a bespoke experience. Popular with corporate clients, international visitors, and C-suite teams.
With OUNO:
- Build your own pool of preferred drivers
- Assign rides via app or desktop
- Get priority booking and 24/7 support

How much does it cost to hire a private driver in London?
Pricing varies based on car class, duration, and time of day. Here’s what to expect:
- Single ride: From £25 (short local trips)
- Hourly hire: £50–£80/hour
- Full-day (8 hours): £350–£450
- Weekly/long-term: Bespoke quotes available
With OUNO, all fares are fixed. No surge pricing. No nasty surprises.
You’ll see the quote before you book – and it won’t change.
Want specifics? Get your fixed‑fare quote in 90 seconds.
Private driver vs taxi: what’s the difference?
If you’re weighing up your options for getting around, a private driver offers a smarter, smoother taxi alternative in London – especially if you value consistency, comfort and control.
Feature | Private Driver | Taxi / Ride-Hail |
---|---|---|
Booking | Pre-book via app or web | Street hail / on-demand |
Vehicle | Executive-class (Mercedes) | Standard saloon or hybrid |
Driver | Suited, vetted, licensed | Mixed experience |
Pricing | Fixed, no surge | Surge pricing likely |
Experience | Discreet, tailored | Basic transport |
Why book your private driver with OUNO?
- Invite-only access to London’s top professional chauffeurs
- Executive vehicles – every time
- Transparent pricing with no surge
- 1-hour free airport wait
- On-demand and pre-booking options
- Electric ride upgrades at reduced rates
- Trusted by The O2, ExCeL, Prada, and Soho House Group
This isn’t a cab app.
It’s a better way to move through London.
FAQs: Hiring a Private Driver in London
Can I hire a private driver for the whole day?
Yes. OUNO offers full-day bookings with a set rate, flexible itinerary, and your driver staying local for the duration.
How far in advance should I book?
You can book instantly or plan ahead. For longer bookings (8 hours+), we recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance.
Do your private drivers wear suits?
Always. Every OUNO driver is professionally dressed, discreet, and trained to deliver a seamless experience.
Are all private drivers licensed?
Yes. Every OUNO private driver is licensed by TFL and fully insured.
Do you cover all of London?
We operate across Greater London and all major airports, with optional long-distance hire available on request.
Book your private driver - the OUNO way
Whether it’s one ride or a week of travel, hiring a private driver with OUNO is simple.
- Download the OUNO app
- Set your pick-up
- Choose your vehicle
- Confirm your fixed fare
No surge
No cancellations
Chauffeur service – redefined
Ready when you are. Chauffeur-level efficiency at every line.
Share
Continue Reading
10 Best Luxury Hotels to Travel to From London by Chauffeur
July 22, 2025