Driver vs chauffeur: is there a difference?

A driver will get you from Point A to Point B. So, will a chauffeur. A driver can be somebody with a high-end vehicle. Just as a chauffeur. 

So, is there a difference between a chauffeur and a driver? The short answer is, yes. 

Every chauffeur is a driver but not every driver is a chauffeur. It is like the difference between getting a pint of ice cream, ie a driver and a banana split sundae, ie a chauffeur. Both are good, but most people will choose the sundae!

Here are some reasons why you should hire a chauffeur and use a car service over just getting a driver.

Customised service

Imagine you are going to a conference in Washington DC and have limited time there. Hiring a car service to Dulles can not only get you to the airport on time, but can help you and your group get other things done as well. 

A chauffeur knows the city well and can make recommendations on where to eat and may even help you with reservations if needed. If you want to get some things done on the way to the airport then the chauffeur will help do that for you. 

Things like getting coffee for you and other passengers in the limo, for instance. Or, arranging for a visit to some of the city’s sites by getting your entrance tickets.

Not only does a driver not do these things, but there are fly by night limo services that won’t even come close to that level of service. 

Think about a chauffeur being a concierge on wheels.

Not an Uber

Uber might be very convenient to use since the app works in almost every city in the US at this point. But, drivers have no training at all.

They are there merely to bring you to your destination. Some may provide snacks or some other small services, but they don’t compare to what you get from a professional chauffeur.

Rides can be cancelled when you book with Uber and leave you stranded. There are different prices for different times of day and holidays, for instance. And the driver doesn’t always know they city well since they are not usually doing Uber as a career.

The type of car can also vary considerably. You are not able to get a limousine, for instance. If you have a large group that you are traveling with then a limo is essential. 

If you have baggage get stolen or damaged while using an Uber you are not insured. That is not the case when you use a car service. 

Discretion is also something you get with a chauffeur over an Uber driver. Discussing sensitive business or political matters would not be advisable in an Uber as you don’t know what could be leaked by your driver. 

The bottom line is that when you expect luxury, discretion and professionalism, it pays to hire a chauffeur. You get what you pay for after all.