Our honest guide to the difference between standard and executive airport transfers — and when the upgrade is actually worth paying for.
We get asked this all the time: is the executive option actually better, or is it just a fancier car?
What You Get
A standard saloon gets you a clean, comfortable car driven by a professional. An executive upgrade typically means a Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series or similar — more legroom, better sound insulation, complimentary water, and occasionally Wi-Fi.
When It's Worth It
Business travel where appearance matters. Client pickups. Special occasions. Long journeys over 2 hours. If you're flying business or first class, stepping into a minicab feels like a downgrade.
When It's Not Worth It
Short airport runs under 45 minutes. Solo budget trips. When you just need to get from A to B without fanfare.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
A standard transfer uses a clean, comfortable saloon car with a professional driver. An executive transfer upgrades the vehicle to something like a Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series, with more legroom, better sound insulation, complimentary water and sometimes Wi-Fi.
Usually not — for a journey under 45 minutes, most travellers don't notice enough difference to justify the extra cost. It's better value on longer journeys or when the arrival experience matters more, like a client pickup.
Executive is worth considering for business travel where appearance matters, client pickups, special occasions, or journeys over 2 hours. If you're flying business or first class, an executive car keeps the experience consistent rather than stepping down into a basic minicab.
It costs more than standard, but the price difference is usually modest relative to the flight or hotel cost of the trip it's attached to — it's a fixed, known upgrade agreed at booking, not a variable surcharge.
Executive vehicles are typically saloon cars suited to 1-3 passengers with luggage — for larger groups needing the executive feel, ask us about our larger premium vehicles when booking.
The same standard of professional, licensed driver is used for both service levels — the difference is the vehicle and in-car amenities, not the driver's qualifications or the reliability of the pickup.