Calgary has dozens of limousine companies, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you need an airport transfer, wedding transportation, or a corporate account, the difference between a great limo company and a mediocre one comes down to a handful of key factors. This guide will show you exactly what to look for so you book with confidence every time.
What to Look for in a Limo Company
Before you compare prices, you need to verify fundamentals. A company that cuts corners on these basics will likely cut corners on your ride, too.
Licensing
Every limousine company in Calgary must hold a valid City of Calgary livery transport licence. This is non-negotiable. Operating without one means they are running illegally, and if something goes wrong during your ride, you may have zero recourse. Ask for the licence number before you book.
Insurance
Commercial vehicle insurance with a minimum $2 million liability is standard for reputable Calgary limo companies. Personal auto insurance does not cover commercial passenger service. If a company cannot produce proof of commercial insurance on request, that is a dealbreaker.
Fleet Condition
A company's fleet tells you everything about their standards. Vehicles should be less than five years old, meticulously cleaned inside and out, and maintained on a strict schedule. Ask about the average age of their fleet and whether they perform regular safety inspections beyond what the province requires.
Pricing Transparency
A trustworthy limo company will give you an all-inclusive quote before you book. That means gratuity, fuel surcharges, airport fees, wait time, and any other charges are disclosed upfront. If you have to ask "what else will I be charged?" after receiving a quote, consider it a warning sign.
10 Questions to Ask Before Booking
Print this list, save it on your phone, or just keep it handy. These ten questions will separate the professionals from the pretenders in under five minutes.
Are you licensed and insured?
Ask for the City of Calgary livery licence number and proof of commercial insurance. Any hesitation is a red flag.
How old are your vehicles?
Top companies maintain fleets under five years old. Older vehicles mean more breakdowns, outdated interiors, and a less comfortable ride.
Is gratuity included in the quoted price?
Some companies quote low and then add 18-20% gratuity on top. Know the full cost before you commit.
Do you track flights for airport pickups?
Professional services monitor your flight in real time and adjust pickup times automatically. No need for you to call if your flight is early or late.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
A good company waits at no extra charge for a reasonable window. Ask what their policy is and how long they wait before charging additional fees.
Can I see the actual vehicle I'll ride in?
Stock photos are not proof of fleet quality. Reputable companies are happy to show you the specific vehicle assigned to your booking, either in person or via recent photos.
What's your cancellation policy?
Life happens. Know whether you can cancel or modify your booking and how much notice is required. Most companies offer free cancellation with 24-48 hours notice.
Do you provide child car seats?
If you are travelling with children, this is essential. Alberta law requires car seats for children under a certain age and weight. Professional services offer them at no extra charge.
Are there any hidden fees?
Airport surcharges, fuel charges, wait-time fees, toll charges. Ask for a fully itemized quote so nothing surprises you when the invoice arrives.
Can I book online?
In 2026, every reputable limo company should offer online booking with instant confirmation. If the only way to book is a phone call during business hours, the company may lack the infrastructure to handle your needs reliably.
!Red Flags to Watch For
Not every company that looks professional online delivers a professional experience. Watch for these warning signs before you hand over your credit card.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing
If a company quotes half the rate of every competitor, something is off. They may be cutting corners on insurance, maintenance, or driver pay. Or the quote excludes fees that will appear later. A suspiciously low price usually means a suspiciously bad experience.
No Online Presence
A company without a website, Google Business profile, or any online reviews is nearly impossible to verify. In today's market, legitimate businesses invest in their online presence. No digital footprint means no accountability and no way for you to research their reputation.
Old or Stock Fleet Photos
If the website shows brand-new vehicles but the company has been around for fifteen years and never updated their gallery, those photos may not reflect reality. Ask for recent, actual photos of the vehicles in their fleet. Better yet, visit their garage.
Vague Answers to Direct Questions
When you ask about insurance, licensing, or pricing and get non-answers like "we'll figure it out" or "it depends," move on. A professional company has clear, immediate answers to every standard question because they deal with them daily.
Why Fleet Quality Matters
The vehicle you ride in is the product. Everything else - customer service, booking convenience, on-time arrival - supports the experience, but the vehicle is what you are actually paying for. Here is why fleet quality should be near the top of your checklist.
Vehicle age directly impacts comfort, safety, and reliability. Newer vehicles have updated safety systems, smoother rides, cleaner interiors, and modern amenities like USB charging, climate zones, and premium sound. A five-year-old vehicle can be perfectly maintained, but a ten-year-old vehicle will show its age no matter how well it is kept.
Cleanliness is the most visible indicator of how a company operates. If the vehicle arrives spotless, it signals that the company cares about details. If it arrives with crumbs on the seats and fingerprints on the windows, imagine how they treat the things you cannot see, like brake pads and transmission fluid.
Maintenance records separate the serious operators from everyone else. Companies that keep meticulous maintenance logs, perform regular oil changes on schedule, and replace tires before they are worn are the same companies that show up on time and keep you safe on Highway 1 in January.
The Importance of Reviews
Online reviews are the closest thing to a test drive that you will get before booking. But not all review platforms carry the same weight, and knowing where to look makes a difference.
| Platform | Best For | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Google Reviews | Overall reputation | Volume of reviews, average rating, recent reviews, owner responses |
| Yelp | Detailed experiences | Longer, narrative reviews with specific details about vehicles and drivers |
| Wedding Wire / The Knot | Wedding transportation | Specific wedding-day experiences, punctuality, coordination with photographers |
| TripAdvisor | Tourist transfers | Airport transfers and mountain trips from visitors who have no local bias |
Pay attention to how a company responds to negative reviews. A professional, empathetic response shows accountability. Defensive or dismissive responses tell you how they will treat you when something goes wrong.
Why Lux Limo Service
We built Lux Limo around the exact principles in this guide because we know what discerning clients expect. Here is how we measure up against every criterion above.
Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
Every quote we provide includes gratuity, fuel, airport fees, and wait time. The price you see is the price you pay. No surprises, no hidden line items. For a complete breakdown of what limo service costs in Calgary, read our complete pricing guide.
Modern Fleet Under 3 Years Old
Our fleet includes late-model sedans, Cadillac Escalade ESVs, and Sprinter vans. Every vehicle is maintained on a strict schedule and detailed between each trip. We do not run vehicles past three years of service age.
4.9-Star Average Across 200+ Reviews
Our clients rate us 4.9 stars on Google with over 200 verified reviews. We respond to every review, positive or negative, because accountability matters. Our reputation is earned one ride at a time.
Official Sunshine Village Partner
We are a verified transportation partner of Sunshine Village ski resort. This is not a badge we bought - it is a partnership earned through consistent, reliable service that meets the resort's exacting standards.
See the Lux Limo Difference
Licensed. Insured. Transparent pricing. Modern fleet. 4.9-star reviews. Book with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a limo company in Calgary is properly licensed?
What is the average cost of a limo in Calgary?
Should I choose a limo company based on price alone?
How far in advance should I book a limo in Calgary?
Choosing a limousine company is not just about finding a car. It is about trusting a company with your time, your safety, and often some of the most important events of your life. Use the checklist and questions in this guide to separate the professionals from the pretenders. The right limo company will welcome your scrutiny because they have nothing to hide.
Choose wisely. Choose Lux Limo Service.