08/03/2026
This came up in a local group the other day and it’s a fair question people often ask…
I recently saw a post from someone looking for an airport transfer and saying “everywhere seems extortionate prices.”
It’s a fair question and I completely understand why airport transfer prices can sometimes look high at first glance.
I thought it might be helpful to explain what actually sits behind the price of a professional, licensed airport transfer service so you can make an informed choice.
When you book a proper executive or private hire company, the headline price isn’t just ‘fuel and a driver’.
Before a company like mine even takes a small profit, the job has to cover things like:
🚘 Vehicle purchase or finance;
Just to give one example of rising costs – the average price of a new car in the UK has gone up by around 40% since 2020. The modern vehicle I use by even more.
🛠 Maintenance & tyres;
My vehicle covers huge mileage. Servicing every couple of months, tyres, brakes and pothole repairs are constant costs.
⛽ Fuel costs;
Ok, so I buy so much of the stuff I use a fuel card and probably get it a couple of pence a litre cheaper than the average punter but it's still a constant cost and going up again at the moment.
🛡 Commercial insurance;
Another huge liability is the cost of Hire & reward insurance and third party liability - an absolute must in my business .
📜 Licensing & compliance;
Before I can even take a booking I have to have an operators licence, driver licence, vehicle testing, council fees and regulatory compliance.
🪪 Professional accreditation;
Membership of the Guild of Professional Chauffeurs, the Institute of Advanced Motorists and First Aid trained - all addition qualifications of choice.
💳 Card & bank processing fees;
Whether it’s £1 or £100, paid by card or transferred into the bank, there are always processing fees involved..
🧾 Taxes;
The government has to get their share as well, 20% goes straight to HMRC before I even start covering tax and other costs.
📱 Running the business;
Booking software so you get professional confirmations and messaging, accountancy fees, Website, marketing, telephone, office and other costs - it all adds up.
👨✈️ A professional driver’s time;
Early morning 3am starts, waiting time for delayed flights and the return journey home. I love my job but let’s be honest - nobody works purely for the love of it and they deserve a fair wage.
Of course someone’s mate might say “I’ll take you for the petrol money”, but they probably won’t be quite so keen when the alarm goes off at 3:30am on a foggy morning in March.
Professional airport transfer companies aren’t trying to rip anyone off. We’re simply running a properly licensed, insured and reliable service that people can depend on when they have a flight to catch.
When you’re heading off on a long awaited holiday or an important business trip, reliability is usually the one thing you don’t want to gamble with.
When it comes to airport travel, would you rather save a few pounds or know a fully licensed professional driver in a clean and well maintained vehicle will definitely turn up at 3:30am?
✈️ Safe travels to everyone heading off this summer whoever you choose to get you to the airport, however remember who CB Executive is and what I stand for.
CB Executive are your local premier car service that ticks every single box ✅
Don’t risk it, contact Colin to discuss your future travel plans.
www.cbexec.co.uk
+44 (0)7864 361356
[email protected]
