Sedan, SUV, Van, Stretch Limo or Party Bus? Choosing the Right Vehicle

"Limousine service" covers a range of vehicles. Picking the right one is mostly about group size, luggage, and the occasion. Here's how the common options compare.

Sedan

Best for: 1–3 passengers with modest luggage; airport transfers and corporate travel.
Luggage: 2–3 standard bags.
Cost: the baseline all other vehicles are priced against.

Luxury Sedan (e.g. Mercedes S-Class)

Best for: executive travel and client pickups where the vehicle is part of the impression.
Luggage: similar to a standard sedan.
Cost: roughly 15–35% above a standard sedan.

SUV (e.g. Suburban, Escalade)

Best for: 4–6 passengers, or 3–4 with a lot of luggage; families and small groups.
Luggage: 4–6 bags.
Cost: roughly 25–50% above a sedan.

Sprinter / Executive Van

Best for: 7–14 passengers with luggage; group airport transfers and corporate shuttles.
Luggage: generous, depending on configuration.
Cost: roughly 1.5–2.5× a sedan.

Stretch Limousine

Best for: 8–12 passengers; weddings, proms, and milestone celebrations where the ride is the event.
Luggage: limited — not ideal for airport runs with checked bags.
Cost: booked hourly with a multi-hour minimum.

Party Bus

Best for: 12–40 passengers; group nights out, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and event transportation with everyone together.
Luggage: minimal.
Cost: the highest hourly rate, with a 4–5 hour minimum typical.

Rule of Thumb

For airport transfers, size up for luggage: a "3-passenger" trip with three large suitcases is an SUV, not a sedan. For events, size to keep the group together. When in doubt, describe your group and occasion to the company and let them recommend.

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