Written by the NYC Signature Prestige chauffeur team.
Quick answer: A New York car service price can include the base fare, bridge and tunnel tolls, a small Manhattan congestion charge, a state surcharge on some trips, airport fees, waiting time, gratuity and tax. Companies differ on which of these are in the quote, so compare the total, not the headline number. The MTA lists a $0.75 per-trip charge for black cars on trips that enter, leave or pass through Manhattan south of 60th Street. Ask every company what is included before you book.
Ready to plan your ride?
Send your pickup, drop-off, date and flight. We confirm the vehicle and your price before the trip.
The lines on a New York car service bill
| Line | What it is | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | The company’s price for the trip | Is this the total? |
| Tolls | Bridges and tunnels | Are tolls included? |
| Congestion charge | A small per-trip charge on trips in, out or through Manhattan south of 60th Street | Is it included? |
| State surcharge | A separate charge on some trips in the lower half of Manhattan | Is it included? |
| Airport fees | Access fees at the airport | Are they included? |
| Waiting time | Time the chauffeur waits at the airport | How long is free? |
| Gratuity and tax | Tip and taxes | Are they included? |
The congestion charge, in plain English
Manhattan charges vehicles that enter the zone south of 60th Street. A private passenger car pays a daily toll. Taxis, green cabs and black cars pay a smaller per-trip charge instead, according to the MTA. The amounts change, so we link to the source instead of repeating a number that may be out of date. The practical point is this: ask whether the price you are quoted already includes it.
Why two quotes can differ by $50
Two companies can quote the same trip at very different numbers. One may include tolls, the congestion charge, airport fees and gratuity. The other may add them later. Always ask for the total you will actually pay.
What to ask before you book
| Question | A good answer |
|---|---|
| What is the total price? | A single number |
| Are tolls and fees included? | A clear yes or no, with detail |
| How much waiting time is free? | A number of minutes |
| Is gratuity included? | A clear yes or no |
| Can the price change? | A clear policy |
What we tell you at booking
When you call or reserve, we quote your price before the trip and tell you what it includes. We include complimentary waiting time at the airport, and we will tell you the terms for your airport. If we do not know something, we will say so.
Hourly, airport and long distance
| Trip | How pricing works |
|---|---|
| Airport transfer | Quoted by route and vehicle. See airport transportation. |
| Hourly | By the hour, with a minimum. See hourly car service. |
| Long distance | Quoted by route. See our long-distance page. |
Which vehicle fits
| Vehicle | Seats | Bags | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Up to three | Up to three | One or two travelers |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Up to three | Up to three | A flagship ride |
| Cadillac Escalade | Up to six | Up to six | A family or a team |
| Cadillac Lyriq | Up to three | Up to three | An electric ride |
| Mercedes Sprinter | Tell us how many | Tell us your luggage | A group |
Corporate travelers and assistants
Companies often want the all-in total on one invoice. Ask about corporate accounts and what the invoice shows. See corporate transportation.
Ready to book?
A chauffeur waiting for you, your trip tracked and a price you know first.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Topic | What is in a New York car service price |
| Congestion charge for black cars | A per-trip charge listed by the MTA; check the current figure |
| Our policy | Price quoted before the trip; complimentary airport waiting time |
| Vehicles | Sedans, Escalade, electric sedan, Sprinter |
| Company | NYC Signature Prestige |
| Service area | New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut |
| Phone | +1 (646) 662-1937 |
| Book | Reserve online |
About NYC Signature Prestige
NYC Signature Prestige is a chauffeur company serving New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut with executive sedans, luxury SUVs and Sprinter vans. Every ride is pre-booked, the price is quoted before the trip and the chauffeur tracks your flight. See our fleet and our FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Manhattan congestion charge for a black car?
The MTA lists a per-trip charge of $0.75 for taxis, green cabs and black cars on trips that enter, leave or pass through the zone, instead of the $9 daily toll that private cars pay. Check the MTA site for the current figure.
2. Where is the congestion zone?
Manhattan south of and including 60th Street. Trips that stay outside the zone do not pay the zone charge.
3. Is there a separate state surcharge?
Some for-hire trips that begin, end or pass through Manhattan south of 96th Street pay a separate New York State congestion surcharge. Ask what your price includes.
4. Are bridge and tunnel tolls in the price?
That depends on the company. Ask. Tolls change, and the Port Authority and the MTA publish current rates.
5. What about airport fees?
Airports can charge commercial vehicles access fees. Ask whether they are in the price.
6. Is gratuity included?
Some companies include it and some leave it to you. Ask before you book.
7. Is waiting time included?
We include complimentary waiting time at the airport. Ask dispatch for the current terms for your airport and flight type.
8. How does NYC Signature Prestige quote a price?
We quote your price before the trip, based on your pickup, drop-off and vehicle. Ask what is included and we will tell you.
9. Why do prices vary so much between companies?
Some quotes include tolls, taxes and gratuity and some do not. Compare the all-in total, not just the headline number.
10. Are hourly rides priced differently?
Yes. Hourly service has a minimum number of hours. See hourly car service.
11. Does the price change in rush hour?
Ask whether the quoted price can change. We quote before the trip so you know what to expect.
12. How do I get a price?
Call +1 (646) 662-1937 or reserve online. Send your pickup, drop-off, date and group size.
