Chauffeured Van Prices in Bordeaux, clearly explained
How much does a van with a driver cost in Bordeaux? A journey starts at 70 €, Saint-Émilion costs 114 € and Arcachon 158 €: fixed prices guaranteed in writing, including fuel and tolls, with no meter. This guide details the complete van rate card, what it includes and how it compares with a taxi.
Van Prices at a Glance
- A van ride in Bordeaux starts at 70 €, the starting price for the van lineup: a fixed price guaranteed in writing, including fuel and tolls.
- Two categories: the Mercedes van (7 passengers) is our flagship vehicle; the Eco Van (up to 8 passengers) is less widely available and must be requested, with a possible surcharge. The “starting at” prices apply to the Eco Van.
- Fixed-price journeys from Bordeaux: Saint-Émilion 114 €, Arcachon Bay 158 €, Cap Ferret 178 €, for the entire vehicle.
- Longer trips, fixed prices as well: Agen 309 €, Biarritz 434 €, Sarlat 456 €, Bilbao 718 €.
- Hourly service: €70/hour for an Eco Van, €80/hour for a Mercedes van, minimum 4 hours.
- The price includes fuel, tolls, VAT, and insurance; the terms and conditions regarding the eighth seat are outlined in the written quote.
- Price confirmed in writing in advance, with no meter: the amount in the quote is exactly what you pay on arrival.
- A single van allows the group and their luggage to travel together in the same vehicle.
How much does a van with a driver cost in Bordeaux?
“How much does a van with a driver cost?” That is often the first question asked by phone, even before the date or route is mentioned. There are seven of you with luggage, and you want a precise price, not a vague range or a meter that keeps running. The answer fits in one sentence: with our Bordeaux chauffeur service, a van journey starts at €70, and each trip is charged at a fixed rate calculated when booking and guaranteed in writing. Saint-Émilion costs 114 €; Mérignac Airport starts at 70 €; Arcachon costs 158 €. You know the price before stepping aboard; it includes fuel and tolls and does not change if traffic becomes heavier. This guide breaks down every fare, what it includes, what affects it and how it compares fairly with a taxi.
The price of a van with a driver in Bordeaux depends on three simple factors: the distance of the trip, the category of van chosen, and the service option—a one-way trip or hourly rental. The Mercedes van accommodates up to 7 passengers as standard. For 8 passengers, a special Eco Van is available upon request, subject to availability; any applicable surcharge will be included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices listed on this page therefore do not guarantee the eighth seat. All rates in this article are actual prices, departing from Bordeaux, listed as “starting at” for the Eco Van; the Mercedes van is priced one tier higher. Each rate is confirmed in writing before departure, with no meter charges.
"7-seater van": What's the price, and how many passengers does it hold?
The Mercedes van seats up to 7 passengers as standard. For 8 passengers, a specific Eco Van is available on request and subject to availability; any additional charge is included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices shown on the page therefore do not guarantee the eighth seat. By law, a chauffeured transport vehicle is limited to 9 seats in total, including the driver, for a maximum of 8 passengers; beyond that, a minibus and a Class D driving licence are required, with different pricing.
Prices in this guide: actual, fixed, and guaranteed in writing
All the amounts listed here are fixed prices, not meter-based estimates or rough ranges. When we list Saint-Émilion at 114 € or Biarritz at 434 €, this is the all-inclusive Eco Van rate from Bordeaux: vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, VAT and insurance. The amount is calculated when booking from the actual route, then confirmed in writing in your quote. It does not change if the road is congested, loading the luggage takes ten extra minutes or the journey lasts longer within the agreed limits. This is the fundamental difference from a taxi, whose final price is only known on arrival. The following sections break down the full rate card item by item, so you know exactly what you are paying for and why.
Flat Rate or Metered Fare: How Is the Price Calculated?
Fixed-rate or metered plans: two pricing models
A van with a driver is paid at a fixed rate, which is known and agreed upon in writing before departure; a taxi is paid by the meter, with the fare determined upon arrival. This distinction shapes everything else. A private chauffeur service does not have a meter: the price is set at the time of booking based on the route or duration, then guaranteed in writing, and it does not change. You agree to an amount, and that is what you pay. A taxi, on the other hand, calculates a base fare, a per-kilometer rate, and a waiting charge that update in real time: the total depends on traffic, red lights, and the route taken, and you don’t know it until the meter stops. For group travel, where the budget must be set in advance, this predictability makes all the difference: the written flat rate eliminates unpleasant surprises, whereas the meter almost inevitably leads to them.
What the Van's Price Actually Includes
The van package includes everything you need for the trip, with no hidden fees. Included are the vehicle, a professional driver, fuel, tolls, VAT, and passenger insurance. There are no baggage surcharges—the separate trunk is included in the service—nor are there any additional charges based on the number of passengers, as long as the number does not exceed the van’s seating capacity. The expected waiting time—for example, at the airport while you collect your luggage—is included in the agreed-upon package; only unexpected additional waiting time may be added, and you’ll be notified of this in advance—it’s never charged retroactively. In other words, the price shown in the quote is all-inclusive: you don’t need to set aside “extra” money for highway tolls or luggage for seven people. The included insurance is the driver’s professional liability coverage, which is mandatory for any legitimate private chauffeur service, so every passenger travels covered without having to take any action or pay any additional fees.
| Item | Included in the van package? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Yes | included in the price, regardless of the route |
| Tolls | Yes | motorway tolls included in the fixed price |
| VAT | Yes | price listed, all taxes included |
| Passenger Insurance | Yes | Driver's Professional Liability Insurance |
| Luggage | Yes | separate trunk, no extra charge |
| Eighth Passenger | Upon request | Eco Van, subject to availability; any applicable surcharge will be listed on the quote |
| Scheduled wait (e.g., airport) | Yes | agreed-upon time included in the estimate |
| Unplanned, Prolonged Delay | Based on a quote | announced in advance, never imposed |
The price of the van, trip by trip
Here is the Bordeaux chauffeur service rate card, with no asterisks or fine print. It summarises van fares from the shortest journeys to the longest distances. Each price is a fixed rate from Bordeaux in an Eco Van, guaranteed in writing; the Mercedes van is one tier higher. A city journey or transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport starts at €70, the lowest price in the range. For vineyard and coastal destinations, fixed rates reflect the actual distance: Saint-Émilion at 114 €, Arcachon Bay at 158 € and Cap Ferret at 178 €. For longer journeys to south-west France or Spain, such as Agen, Biarritz, Sarlat or Bilbao, the rate naturally rises with distance while remaining fixed and known in advance. Each price covers the entire vehicle and includes fuel, tolls and VAT.
Van Prices from Bordeaux: Our Fixed Rates
The packages below cover the most popular routes departing from Bordeaux, ranging from nearby vineyards to longer trips to the Basque Coast and Spain. These rates apply to the Eco Van and are listed as “starting at”; the Mercedes van, which is a higher-end model, is priced slightly higher, following the same fixed-rate principle. Each rate covers the vehicle, the driver, and luggage. A transfer package is not simply mileage multiplied by a rate: it includes the vehicle’s positioning and the driver’s return trip with an empty vehicle for a one-way trip. For the exact price of your trip, on your date, and for your number of passengers, request a free, immediate written quote.
| Route from Bordeaux | Approx. distance (one way) | Van price (starting at) |
|---|---|---|
| City Ride / Mérignac Airport | ~15 km | 70 € |
| Saint-Émilion | ~40 km | 114 € |
| Arcachon Bay | ~60 km | 158 € |
| Cap Ferret | ~65 km | 178 € |
| Agen | ~140 km | 309 € |
| Biarritz | ~185 km | 434 € |
| Sarlat (Périgord) | ~200 km | 456 € |
| Bilbao (Spain) | ~285 km | 718 € |
Rates generated by the website's pricing engine, verified on July 21, 2026; only a written quote constitutes a firm price.
When looking at the table, one question often comes up: Why doesn’t the price correspond exactly to the distance? Because a flat-rate transfer fee covers more than just the one-way trip. For a trip from point A to point B, the driver must travel to the pickup location and then return empty after dropping off the passengers: this travel time is included in the flat rate. The standard Mercedes van seats up to 7 passengers. For 8 passengers, a special Eco Van is available upon request, subject to availability; any additional charge will be included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices listed on the page therefore do not guarantee the eighth seat.
City Rides and Airport Transfers: Starting at €70
The minimum van fare is €70 and covers either a journey within Bordeaux or a transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport. This amount applies to the Eco Van for a short trip and includes fuel, any tolls and the planned waiting time on arrival. The Mercedes van accommodates up to 7 passengers as standard. For 8 passengers, a specific Eco Van is available on request and subject to availability; any additional charge is listed in the written quote. The “starting at” prices shown on the page therefore do not guarantee the eighth seat. The same principle applies to travel to Saint-Jean Station: one vehicle drops the group and its luggage as close to the concourse as possible.
Factors That Affect the Price of a Van
With a fixed price, the cost of a van isn't arbitrary: it's based on a few clear factors that you can anticipate even before requesting a quote. Four factors influence the price: the distance and duration of the trip, the type of van you choose, the time slot—day or night—and any waiting time between stops. None of these factors is a last-minute surprise: they’re all factored into the flat rate at the time of booking and then set in writing. Understanding how they work helps you choose the best option for your trip and know which factors to adjust if you want to optimize your budget. Let’s review them one by one, from the most decisive factor—distance—to the most situational one—waiting time. Knowing which one carries the most weight also helps you decide between a simple transfer package and an hourly rental, the two options that form the basis of the entire van pricing structure.
Distance and travel time
Distance is, unsurprisingly, the main factor affecting price: the farther the destination, the higher the fare. The difference is clear between a short city journey and longer trips south: Agen at 309 €, Sarlat and the Périgord at 456 €, or Bilbao at 718 € across the border. Distance is not the only factor, however; time matters just as much, especially on a day with several stops. A direct transfer is not billed like a full day in the vineyards with waiting time at each château, even when the mileage is similar. For a simple one-way journey, the distance-based fixed rate applies; for a multi-stop itinerary, the hourly rate is more appropriate because it covers the time the van waits for you.
Eco Van or Mercedes Van: The Difference Between the Classes
The van category is the second price factor, and it’s the one you have control over. The Mercedes van, our flagship model, offers a premium finish for 7 passengers—leather seats, more space, and a high-end atmosphere—and is priced a notch higher, both by the hour and as a flat rate. For 8 passengers, a specific Eco Van is available upon request, subject to availability; any additional charge will be included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices listed on the page therefore do not guarantee the eighth seat.
| Category | Passengers | Journey price (starting at) | Hourly service | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Van (Peugeot Traveller, Ford Transit, etc.) | 8 upon request, subject to availability; terms and conditions as stated in the quote | 70 € | 70 €/h | transfers, families, budget control |
| Mercedes Van | 7 | a cut above | 80 €/h | business events, weddings, premium wine tours |
Day, Night, and Waiting Time: Surcharges
The fare for the requested time slot is calculated based on the current rate schedule and included in the fixed quote provided before the ride; no additional charges are added after confirmation. Waiting time is divided into planned and unplanned categories: an agreed-upon delay—such as picking up luggage or waiting for a short visit—is included in the flat rate, whereas a long, unplanned wait is calculated in advance, never retroactively.
Van, Taxi, or Sedan: A Real Price Comparison
Comparing the price of a private chauffeur-driven van service to that of a taxi requires distinguishing between two pricing methods: a fixed quote provided before the ride and a variable meter. For immediate pickup at a taxi stand, without a reservation, a taxi may meet your needs. For a group that knows its route and wants a price set in advance, a private chauffeur-driven van service offers the predictability of a written quote. And for a single person on a short trip, a sedan may be sufficient where a van would be too large.
Metered taxis: a variable fare, known upon arrival
Taxis charge by the meter; the final fare varies depending on the route, time of day, traffic, and any surcharges. Any fare comparison is only an estimate and should be requested before the ride. The private chauffeur service stands out here because it provides a written, fixed quote.
Van, taxi, or sedan: when each option is the right price
None of the three options is “the cheapest” in absolute terms: it all depends on your needs. A sedan may be suitable for a small group, while a van can accommodate more passengers and their luggage in a single vehicle. Taxis charge by the meter; the final fare varies depending on the route, time of day, traffic, and surcharges. Any price comparison is only an estimate and should be requested before the ride. A private chauffeur service stands out here because it provides a written, fixed quote.
| Criterion | Chauffeured Van | Taxi | Executive Car Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | fare confirmed before the journey | variable meter | fare confirmed before the journey |
| Base Price | written fixed-price quote | Varies depending on the route, schedule, traffic, and surcharges | fixed-rate plan |
| Price Known in Advance | yes | no, known at the end | yes |
| Capacity | 7 as standard; 8 upon request, subject to availability | up to 8 passengers | 4 passengers |
| Capacity Requirements | Eighth seat listed on the quote | to be confirmed before the journey | depending on the vehicle |
| The right choice when | group, luggage, set budget | immediate pickup | 1 to 4 people |
Hourly service rate: 70 to 80 €/h
Hourly rate: €70 to €80 per hour, minimum 4 hours
With the "on-call" option, the driver stays with you by the hour or by the day, vehicle included, and waits between stops. The rate is straightforward: €70/hour for an Eco Van and €80/hour for a Mercedes van, with a minimum of four hours. This price includes the driver, vehicle, fuel and waiting time. Whether you visit three châteaux in succession or take your time over lunch, only the reserved period counts. This option suits wine tours, such as a day in Sauternes or the Graves region, as well as weddings, seminars and multi-stop itineraries that a simple transfer would not cover.
| Formula | Hourly rate | Minimum | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Van Hourly Service | 70 €/h | 4 hours | wine tours, families, vineyard days |
| Mercedes Van Hourly Service | 80 €/h | 4 hours | weddings, business events, premium services |
When Hourly Service Is Cheaper
Hourly service is not always more expensive than booking several separate journeys: after two or three trips in one day, it often becomes the most economical option. Consider a full-day wine tour in the Médoc with three châteaux and a lunch stop. Adding separate fares, each including the driver’s empty return journey, would cost more than booking the van by the hour for a half-day or full day. The on-call service removes these repositioning journeys because the vehicle stays nearby and follows your itinerary. The rule of thumb is simple: choose a fixed-price transfer for a direct one-way or return trip; when your itinerary includes several stops, waiting periods or a time frame spanning several hours, the hourly option at 70 or 80 €/h offers better value. If in doubt, request both quotes and we will tell you frankly which is more economical.
Get Your Quote: How Van Quotes Work
A written quote in less than 30 minutes
- Request a quote for a van: specify the route or itinerary, the exact number of seated passengers and items of luggage, and the date and time. Passenger numbers determine whether we use the 7-seat Mercedes van, our standard option, or a specific Eco Van for an eighth passenger, subject to availability; any surcharge is included in the written quote.
- Get a written quote within 30 minutes: we provide a free, no-obligation fixed-price quote specifying the selected vehicle, the total all-inclusive price (including fuel, tolls and VAT) and the terms. No meter and no vague price range: the amount is fixed before departure.
- Confirm the booking: once the fare is approved, the journey is confirmed with the pickup location and the driver's contact details. If your day includes several stops, specify that you require hourly service so that you receive the most accurate fare.
- Pay the agreed price: the amount shown in the quote is exactly what you pay on arrival, with no adjustments or surprise surcharges, regardless of traffic or the actual journey time within the stated limits.
Pay, Confirm, and What Remains the Same
Once the quote is approved, the ride is confirmed with the pickup location and the driver’s contact information, and the price is locked in. What remains unchanged is the price itself: regardless of traffic, airport crowds, or the actual duration of the trip within the agreed-upon limits, you pay the quoted price—not a penny more. Payment is made according to the terms specified at the time of booking, and the cancellation policy is provided to you in advance, with no fine print. Book early for busy dates—high season from March to October, wedding weekends, major trade shows—when van availability is limited. And if your group has more than eight passengers, let us know: we’ll recommend a suitable minibus rather than promise you a vehicle that wouldn’t be appropriate.
Ready to find out the price of your chauffeured van? Request a quote online: enter your route, group size and schedule, and receive a fixed price guaranteed in writing within 30 minutes, with no obligation. Whether you need an airport transfer starting at €70, a day in the vineyards or a wedding shuttle, a comfortable van and professional driver are at your disposal. Still deciding between a van, taxi or sedan? Review the comparison above or see our alternative to taxis in Bordeaux for a comparison of fixed and metered fares. Before booking, our complete guide to chauffeured vans explains capacity, regulations and use cases. A good price is one you know before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a van with a driver cost in Bordeaux?
With our Bordeaux chauffeur service, a van journey starts at €70, a fixed price guaranteed in writing. For a specific destination, the rate is based on distance: Saint-Émilion 114 €, Arcachon 158 €, Biarritz 434 €. The hourly rate is 70 €/h for an Eco Van and 80 €/h for a Mercedes van, with a minimum of four hours. The Mercedes van seats up to 7 passengers as standard. For 8 passengers, a specific Eco Van is available on request and subject to availability; any surcharge is included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices shown on this page do not guarantee the eighth seat. Only a written quote specifies the exact price of your journey.
How much does it cost to take a van to Saint-Émilion?
A van transfer from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion costs 114 € for an Eco Van, with a fixed price guaranteed in writing for the vehicle. This package includes the vehicle, the driver, fuel, tolls, and VAT, with no additional charge for luggage. The Mercedes van, a higher-end model, is priced a notch higher. For a full day with visits to several châteaux and wine tastings, it’s better to opt for the €70/hour rate for the Eco Van, which is more suitable than a simple round trip. Request a quote, specifying your itinerary, to get the right price.
How much does it cost to rent a van from Bordeaux to Arcachon or Cap Ferret?
Allow 158 € for Arcachon and 178 € for Cap Ferret in an Eco Van from Bordeaux, with a fixed price guaranteed in writing. The standard Mercedes van seats up to 7 passengers. For 8 passengers, a specific Eco Van is available on request and subject to availability; any additional charge is included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices shown on the page do not guarantee the eighth seat. Fixed rates include fuel and tolls, while the premium Mercedes van is priced one tier higher. For a day around the Bay with several stops, hourly service may cost less than separate return journeys. The written quote specifies the exact amount.
Is a van with a driver more expensive than a taxi?
Taxis charge by the meter; the final fare varies depending on the route, time of day, traffic, and any surcharges. Any fare comparison is only an estimate and should be requested before the ride. The private chauffeur service stands out here because it provides a written, fixed quote.
Is the price of a van fixed or based on the meter?
Fixed. A private chauffeur service does not use a meter: the price is calculated at the time of booking based on the route or duration, and then guaranteed in writing. It does not change if traffic is heavy, if loading luggage takes longer than expected, or if the trip is extended within the agreed-upon limits. This is the fundamental difference from a taxi, where the fare is not known until arrival, once the meter stops. You approve the quote before departure, and that amount is exactly what you pay. There are no baggage surcharges or additional fees based on the number of passengers.
Is there an extra charge for luggage or passengers?
The van package includes a separate trunk: suitcases, strollers, golf bags, or boxes of wine can be stored in the back without an additional baggage fee. The Mercedes van seats up to 7 passengers as standard. For 8 passengers, a special Eco Van is available upon request, subject to availability; any applicable surcharge will be included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices listed on the page therefore do not guarantee the eighth seat.
Eco Van or Mercedes van: What's the price difference?
Both options provide transportation for your group with a professional driver at a fixed, written price; the difference lies in the level of comfort and the fare. The Mercedes van seats up to 7 passengers as standard. For 8 passengers, a special Eco Van is available upon request, subject to availability; any additional charge will be included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices listed on the page therefore do not guarantee the eighth seat.
How much does a van with a driver cost per day?
The daily rate is as follows: €70/hour for an Eco Van and €80/hour for a Mercedes van, with a minimum of four hours. This rate includes the driver, the vehicle, fuel, and waiting time between stops; only the reserved time period is charged. This package is ideal for a wine tour, a wedding, or a seminar with multiple stops—situations where a standard transfer package would not cover the entire day.
Does the price include fuel, tolls, and VAT?
Yes, everything is included. The van package includes the vehicle, the driver, fuel, tolls, VAT, and passenger insurance. The price listed in the quote is therefore a total price, including all taxes: you don’t need to set aside extra money for tolls or fuel. Scheduled waiting time—for example, at the airport while you collect your luggage—is also included. The only additional cost that might apply is for a long, unplanned wait—and you’ll be notified of this in advance; it’s never charged retroactively. That’s what makes the van package truly predictable, from the first euro to the last.
How much does an airport transfer by van cost in Bordeaux?
A transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport starts at €70 in an Eco Van—the entry-level model in our van lineup—with a fixed price guaranteed in writing. The Mercedes van accommodates up to 7 passengers as standard. For 8 passengers, a special Eco Van is available upon request, subject to availability; any additional charge will be listed in the written quote. The “starting at” prices listed on this page do not guarantee the eighth seat. The exact flat rate depends on the pickup location within the metropolitan area.
How do I pay for a van with a driver, and when?
Payment is made according to the terms specified at the time of booking, once the quote has been approved and the ride confirmed. The amount listed in the quote is what you pay—there are no adjustments upon arrival or surprise surcharges. The cancellation policy is provided to you in advance. For any special requests—such as an invoice, receipt, or payment method—please specify them at the time of booking, and we will include them in the quote.
Does the price change at night or during peak season?
The fare for the requested time slot is calculated based on the current rate schedule and included in the fixed quote provided before the ride; no additional charges are added after confirmation.
How much does a van cost for a group of 8 people?
The Mercedes van seats up to 7 passengers as standard. For 8 passengers, a special Eco Van is available upon request, subject to availability; any additional charge will be included in the written quote. The “starting at” prices listed on this page therefore do not guarantee the eighth seat.
Further Reading
- Get your quote in 30 minutes: request a quote for a van with a driver; a fixed price guaranteed in writing, with no obligation
- Understand vans from A to Z: read our complete guide to chauffeured vans; capacity, regulations and use cases
- Fixed price vs. metered fare: our alternative to taxis in Bordeaux, fixed-price service compared with a metered fare
- Where can we take you?: view all our destinations from Bordeaux
- All our services: discover our chauffeur services in Bordeaux and the Gironde region
Sources and References
- Private Chauffeur Service in Bordeaux — Van Rate Schedule (Fixed Prices Guaranteed in Writing) — Van service starting at 70 €, Eco Van 70 €/hour, Mercedes van 80 €/hour, transfer packages based on a quote
- Public Services — Taxi Fares in 2026 (A15396) — Taxi Meter Requirements and Components
- Public Service — Becoming a Private Chauffeur (Form F31027) — Private chauffeur service for 4 to 9 passengers, including the driver (max. 8 passengers); vehicle ≤ 7 years old, ≥ 4.50 m, ≥ 84 kW
- Légifrance — Highway Code, Article R221-4 (Driver's License Categories) — Class B license for vehicles with up to 8 seats in addition to the driver; Class D license for vehicles with more than 8 passengers
- Légifrance — Transportation Code, Article R3122-1 (private chauffeur-driven vehicle) — Private chauffeur service vehicle: 4 to 9 seats, including the driver
- Légifrance — Order of March 26, 2015 (Specifications for Private Chauffeur Service Vehicles) — 4 doors, ≥ 4.50 m, ≥ 1.70 m, ≥ 84 kW; age limit reduced to less than 7 years
Article updated on July 21, 2026.
Your van with a driver in Bordeaux
Van rides starting at 70 €, transfer to Saint-Émilion at 114 €, daily hourly service rate of 70 €/h: fixed prices guaranteed in writing, including fuel and tolls. The Mercedes van seats up to 7 passengers as standard; for 8 passengers, a special Eco Van is available upon request, subject to availability, and the terms are specified in the quote.
