Shuttle service: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What shuttle service is

A shuttle company moves people between set points such as airports, hotels or venues, on shared or private rides at scheduled times. You need it when several people need to travel the same route and a fixed schedule is cheaper or simpler than taxis.

Signs you need it

  • You need to get people from an airport to a hotel on a set schedule
  • A conference, wedding or event needs a shuttle between the venue and the hotel
  • Your group needs a ride between a parking lot and a venue
  • You want a fixed schedule rather than booking several separate rides
  • You need a shared ride with a driver and a clear pickup point

What the pro does

  • Confirms the pickup points, drop off points and the schedule
  • Assigns a vehicle that fits the group size and luggage
  • Checks the vehicle and the route before the first pickup
  • Drives the scheduled route and stops at each set point
  • Confirms the last drop off and closes the schedule

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the shuttle is shared or private
  • The route length and the number of stops
  • The number of riders and the size of the vehicle
  • The hours of service and the frequency of the runs
  • Whether luggage handling or wait time is included
  • Whether the service runs during peak times or holidays

What a written quote should spell out

  • The route, pickup points and schedule
  • The vehicle type and seating capacity
  • Any luggage, wait time or after hours fees
  • The booking terms, including cancellation and no show policy
  • Whether the service is shared or private

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the shuttle registered and insured for passenger transport?
  • What is the pickup schedule, and how often does it run?
  • How do you handle late flights or delayed guests?
  • Is luggage included, and is there a limit?
  • Can I see the vehicle before the event?
  • What is the cancellation and no show policy?

Red flags

  • Cannot show registration or insurance for the vehicles
  • Lets the shuttle run over the seat capacity
  • Changes the schedule without telling you
  • Asks for payment in cash with no written booking

What you can do yourself

You can list the riders, the pickup points and the times in one message to the company. Share flight times or event schedules in advance, and ask for the no show and delay rules in writing. Book the schedule early for large events.

Licenses and permits

Commercial passenger transport commonly needs state or federal registration and insurance. Check with the state or federal authority that oversees passenger carriers before you book, and ask the company to show its registration and insurance.

Shuttle service questions

Do I need to book for each rider?

Ask the company. Some shuttles sell seats per rider, and others sell the whole vehicle, which changes the price.

What if a flight is delayed?

Share the new time with the company as soon as you know, and ask how it handles delays before you book.

Can the shuttle carry large luggage?

Ask about the luggage limit and the space in the vehicle. Large items may need a larger vehicle or a separate booking.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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