In London, tipping a private driver or chauffeur in 2026 is considered discretionary but customary for high-quality service. Unlike black cabs, where many simply round up to the nearest pound, private hire benchmarks are more structured. For a standard professional transfer (like an airport run to Heathrow), a 10% to 15% tip is the norm. If the driver provides exceptional service—such as managing heavy luggage, waiting through significant flight delays, or providing on-board amenities—moving toward 20% or a flat £20 top-up is appropriate. For full-day bookings, a tip of £20–£40+ is standard to recognize the driver’s on-call status. Always check your invoice first, as many 2026 corporate or luxury bookings include a "Service Charge" (STC), in which case an additional cash tip is strictly optional but remains a kind gesture for stellar professionalism.