You might have seen a limousine at some point. It may be outside a wedding venue, pulling up to a hotel or carrying guests to a special event. This vehicle is easy to recognize because of its long body and luxurious appearance. A limousine is not just about luxury it is a tool that solves many real transportation problems. How do eight people travel together in one vehicle without splitting up? How does a bride arrive at her wedding without wrinkling her dress? How does a CEO get from the airport to a meeting fresh and focused? A limousine answers all of these.
Most people do not know much about where limos actually came from, what they cost, how big they are or what it takes to book a limo. This article covers all of it. Every question you have ever had about limousines is answered in one place.
When Were Limos Invented?
The first limousine appeared in 1902 and was built in France. The driver was outside in a covered seat and passengers were seated inside a closed cabin. By the 1920s, they had become the preferred mode of transportation for wealthy families, politicians and celebrities across Europe and North America. The word “Limousine” comes from a region in France called “Limousin”. The early limousine was not a stretched car but just a luxury large sedan with a partition between driver and passengers.
The stretch limousine as we know it today came later. A car builder in Fort Smith, Arkansas named Armbruster was known for building the first stretched limousine in 1928. It was originally built for big band musicians who needed to carry their instruments. By the 1950s, stretch limos had become a symbol of celebrity and success.
Types of Limousine
All limousines do not look the same or have the same features. There are different types of limousine and each serves a specific group of people.
Traditional Stretch Sedan
This is the vehicle most of the people picture when they hear the word limo. It is the classic limousine with a standard sedan body typically a Lincoln, Chrysler or similar vehicle. A sedan is stretched by eight to ten feet with a custom passenger cabin. It has a capacity for 8 to 10 passengers to sit comfortably with large legroom and advanced features.
SUV Stretch Limousine
A full size SUV body like the Hummer H2 or Cadillac Escalade is stretched to create a larger and wider passenger cabin. It can seat 14 to 20 passengers easily. It has more headroom, more floor space and a bolder exterior presence than the traditional stretch limos.
Party Bus Limousine
It is a bus style vehicle with a full entertainment setup, LED lighting, sound system, bar area and open floor space. A party bus seats 20 to 40 passengers. Technically it functions as a limousine service in terms of booking and operation but it has a much larger format.
Vintage and Classic Limousines
Classic cars like Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Bentley S-Series, vintage Lincoln Continentals are restored and operated as limousines for weddings, photo shoots and special occasions. It costs more but offers a classy visual appeal that modern vehicles cannot replace.
Electric limousines
It is a newer and growing category of limousine. Tesla S Model and other luxury electric vehicles are operated as chauffeur cars. They offer the same premium travel experience as traditional luxury sedans but with modern technology features.
How Long Is a Limousine?
The length of a limousine depends on vehicle type. A standard luxury sedan is usually around 16 to 18 feet long. A stretch limousine is much longer because the body of the vehicle is extended. Here are the typical limo lengths by limo type.
| Vehicle Type | Approximate Length |
| Standard sedan (not stretched) | 16 to 18 feet |
| Entry stretch limo | 22 to 24 feet |
| Mid-size stretch limo | 24 to 28 feet |
| Full stretch limo | 28 to 32 feet |
| Stretched SUV limo | 30 to 36 feet |
| Party bus | 35 to 45 feet |
How Many People Fit in a Limousine?
The passenger capacity in a limousine depends on vehicle type and seating layout. Manufacturers usually state larger maximum numbers but comfortable capacity is usually lower.
| Vehicle Type | Stated Capacity | Comfortable Capacity |
| Executive Sedan | 3 | 2 to 3 |
| Entry Stretch Limo | 8 | 6 to 7 |
| Mid Stretch Limo | 10 | 8 to 9 |
| Full Stretch Limo | 12 | 10 |
| Stretched SUV Limo | 14 to 20 | 12 to 18 |
| Party Bus | 20 to 40 | 18 to 35 |
How Much Does a Limousine Cost to Rent?
Rental pricing depends on the vehicle type, the day of the week, season, the location and how many hours you need to book. Most limo services charge an hourly rate in DC. Here are average hourly rates in a major metro area like Washington DC for a standard rental.
| Vehicle Type | Hourly Rate | Minimum Hours | Typical 4-Hour Booking |
| Executive Sedan | $85 to $120 | 2 hours | $340 to $480 |
| Lincoln Stretch Limo | $130 to $180 | 3 to 4 hours | $520 to $720 |
| Stretched SUV Limo | $150 to $250 | 4 hours | $600 to $1,000 |
| Party Bus | $200 to $400 | 4 to 5 hours | $800 to $1,600 |
Beyond the hourly rate the final cost typically includes gratuity of about 15 to 20 per cent, fuel surcharges of around $20 to $75 for longer bookings, peak date premiums of about 10 to 20 per cent and overtime charges at the same hourly rate for any time beyond the contracted hours.
How Much Is It to Buy a Limousine?
Buying a limousine is much more expensive than most people expect plus buying a limousine is a very different kind of purchase.
New stretch limousines
New stretch limousines are not directly purchased from a car manufacturer. They are built by speciality conversion companies that buy a standard vehicle and custom build the stretched passenger section. A new stretch limo costs:
| Vehicle Type | New Purchase Price |
| Lincoln Stretch Limo (new) | $70,000 to $100,000 |
| Chrysler 300 Stretch (new) | $65,000 to $95,000 |
| Stretched SUV Limo (new) | $90,000 to $150,000 |
| Executive Sedan (new) | $55,000 to $120,000 |
| Party Bus (new conversion) | $100,000 to $200,000 |
Used limousines
Used limousines are available at lower prices but require careful inspection. A used stretch limousine with 80,000 miles that was used for commercial carries has very different conditions than the same vehicle used occasionally for personal events. Used stretch limos in decent condition typically sell for $15,000 to $40,000.
Anyone who is considering buying a limousine for a business the purchase price is just the beginning. Insurance, maintenance, commercial licensing and driver costs all are added to the ongoing operational expense.
How Much Is Limousine Insurance?
Limousine insurance is one of the highest costs for limousine companies because commercial limousine insurance is much more expensive than standard personal vehicle insurance.
The reason is simple. A limo transports paying passengers, so the risk is higher than with a personal vehicle. If an accident happens and several passengers are injured the insurance costs and claims can be very high.
Typical annual limousine insurance costs:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Insurance Cost |
| Executive Sedan | $3,000 to $7,000 |
| Stretch Limousine | $5,000 to $12,000 |
| Stretched SUV Limo | $6,000 to $15,000 |
| Party Bus | $8,000 to $20,000 |
How Much Does a Limousine Driver Make?
What a limo driver earns varies based on the market they operate in, experience, company and the volume of bookings they handle.
Base salary range:
| Employment Type | Annual Earnings |
| Full-time employed chauffeur | $35,000 to $60,000 |
| Part-time employed chauffeur | $18,000 to $30,000 |
| Independent contractor | Variable, $40,000 to $80,000+ |
Gratuity is a significant portion of a chauffeur’s income. A chauffeur who is doing four to five bookings per week at 15 to 20 percent gratuity earns more than the base salary. A good chauffeur builds a client’s confidence in them and repeats customers when booking a limousine request by their name which directly increases their earnings.
In high cost markets like Washington DC, New York and Los Angeles, experienced chauffeurs earn much more than these base ranges. Professional chauffeurs with established corporate accounts, clean driving records and strong client relationships are valuable to limo companies and are compensated. The job is not just driving but it involves professional presentation, customer service, flight tracking and managing luggage.
Book Your Limousine with AA Limousine and Sedan
If you are looking for professional limo service in Washington DC and Virginia, AA Limousine and Sedan has been the trusted name in the area for over 25 years. Whether you need an executive sedan for an airport transfer, a Lincoln Stretch for a wedding, a Stretched Hummer for a bachelorette party or a full fleet for a corporate event we have the right vehicle for your occasion.
Our rates are fixed, our chauffeurs are skilled, licensed and background checked. All our vehicles are licensed, cleaned and maintained properly. We never use surge pricing, last minute cancellations, or hidden prices. We always stand by our words and charge what is quoted.
Call us today or visit our website to check availability and get a custom quote for your next event or transfer. Let AA Limousine and Sedan handle every mile so you can focus entirely on the occasion.
FAQs About Limousines
What is the difference between a limousine and a stretch limousine?
A limousine refers to a luxury vehicle category. A stretch limousine is a specific limousine that has been lengthened to create extra passenger space.
Are limousines only used for weddings?
No. Limousines are commonly used for VIP airport travel, business travel, proms, corporate events and private celebrations.
How far in advance should I book a limousine?
For weddings and prom limo bookings during peak season, book four to twelve months before. For corporate transfers and airport runs, before 24 to 48 hours booking is sufficient.
Can a limousine carry luggage?
Yes. Most limousines have storage space for luggage but capacity varies by vehicle type.
Do limousine rentals include a chauffeur?
Yes. Professional chauffeur services normally include a chauffeur with limousine rentals.
What is the most popular limousine today?
The traditional stretch limousines are still the most popular ones. The executive SUVs and luxury Sprinter vehicles are also becoming popular choices for both business and leisure travel.