An executive car for the few who travel apart

Not everyone travels in the minibus. The couple on their wedding day, a speaker leaving early or grandparents who'd like a quieter ride may be happier in an executive car with a driver, booked alongside the group transport.

Seats and luggage

An executive saloon typically carries one to three passengers, with the boot for bags. If there are more of you, or plenty of luggage, a minibus gives more room. Tell us the number of people and cases and the right car can be offered. For a bride or groom in a full dress or morning suit, a roomier car makes getting in and out far easier, which is worth a thought for the photos.

Models you might travel in

These are the sort of models operators run in this size. The exact vehicle is down to the operator that takes your booking.

Executive saloon (up to 3 passengers)

Mercedes E Class
3 passengers · 3 bags
BMW 5 Series
3 passengers · 3 bags
Mercedes E Class
3 passengers · 3 bags

First-class saloon (up to 3 passengers)

Mercedes S Class
3 passengers · 3 bags
BMW 7 Series
3 passengers · 3 bags
Mercedes S Class
3 passengers · 3 bags

Licensed as private hire

Book a car of up to eight passenger seats together with its driver, and the law treats it as private hire. Licences come from the local council (TfL in the capital), and the driver, the car and the operator all need theirs from one and the same council or TfL. Scotland has its own licensing law, with local authorities issuing the licences there.

It must be booked in advance; a private hire car can't be hailed in the street. That's why a car for the evening or the airport run is best arranged with the rest of your transport.

On board

A private hire vehicle can only be pre-booked; it cannot be hailed in the street
Private hire vehicles are not exempt from London's Congestion Charge
In Scotland, local licensing authorities license private hire cars under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
The driver, the vehicle and the private hire operator must all be licensed by the same authority
Vehicles with 8 or fewer passenger seats hired with a driver are private hire vehicles, licensed by the local council, or by TfL in London
Chauffeur-driven executive saloon, booked in advance

Driving in central London

A Sprinter or minibus escapes central London's Congestion Charge, but a private hire car doesn't. It's one more reason groups travelling together in London often choose a Sprinter for the main party and keep the car for those who need it.

Your questions

Can the car follow the wedding coach?

Yes. Give both vehicles the same timings and addresses, and the car can arrive just before or after the guests, whichever you prefer.

Is an executive car suitable for airport transfers?

It's a common choice for one to three passengers. Share the flight number and the number of cases so the right car is booked.

Can we book a car on its own?

Yes, though our focus is group travel. Most people book a car alongside a minibus or coach for the rest of the party.