Colorado Transportation Tipping Guide | Shuttle, Limo & Rideshare Etiquette

Quick Reference

Standard tipping amounts for transportation

Service	Standard Tip	Great Service
Shared shuttle driver	$5-10 per person	$10-15 per person
Private car/SUV driver	15-20% of fare	20-25%
Limo chauffeur	18-20% of fare	20-25%
Uber/Lyft driver	15-20% or $3-5 min	20%+
Taxi driver	15-20% of fare	20%+
Ski valet	$2-5 per pair of skis	$5+
Hotel shuttle (free)	$2-5 per person	$5+
Bellhop (luggage)	$2-3 per bag	$5 per bag

Shuttle Driver Tipping

Shared and private shuttles

Shared Shuttle Drivers

These drivers handle multiple passengers, heavy luggage, ski equipment, and mountain road conditions. Tips are expected and appreciated.

Standard: $5-10 per person for DIA to ski resort routes
With ski equipment: Add $2-5 for handling skis/boards
Bad weather driving: Consider tipping higher for challenging conditions
When to tip: At drop-off, cash is best

Private Car/SUV Drivers

Percentage-based tipping is standard for private service since fares are higher.

Standard: 15-20% of total fare
Example: $500 fare = $75-100 tip
For groups: Each person doesn't tip separately—one tip for the whole fare
Already included? Check invoice—some companies include gratuity

When Gratuity is Included

Some luxury services include gratuity in the quoted price. Always ask when booking:

"Is gratuity included in this price?"
Check the invoice or confirmation email
If included, additional tip is optional for exceptional service

Rideshare Tipping

Uber, Lyft, and app-based services

Standard Rideshare Tips

In-app tipping has normalized rideshare gratuity. Tips go directly to drivers.

Short trips (under $15): $3-5 or 20%
Medium trips ($15-40): 15-20%
Long trips ($40+): 15-20%
Airport pickups: Consider an extra $2-3 for wait time and airport navigation

When to Tip More

Driver helped with luggage (not required of them)
Long wait at airport pickup area
Provided phone charger, water, or snacks
Pleasant conversation or helpful local tips
Challenging traffic or weather conditions

Cash vs In-App

In-app: Convenient, drivers receive it, shows in your history
Cash: Immediate, sometimes preferred by drivers, no processing fees
Either is appropriate—use what's convenient

When Tips Might Be Lower

Still tip something, but you may adjust for:

Wrong route that extended the trip
Unsafe driving
Dirty or poorly maintained vehicle
Rude or unprofessional behavior

Limo & Luxury Service

Premium transportation tipping

Limo Chauffeurs

Higher service level justifies standard percentage tips.

Standard: 18-20% of total fare
All-day service: 20% is standard
Wedding limo: 20%+ (often prepared in cash beforehand)
VIP ski transfer: 18-20%

What Great Limo Service Looks Like

Professional appearance and demeanor
Vehicle is spotless
Driver knows the route and local area
Smooth, safe driving
Handles luggage carefully
Accommodates schedule changes gracefully

Cash or Charged?

Cash is traditional and always appreciated
Many services allow tipping on the final invoice
Confirm how gratuity works when you book

Ski Resort Tipping

Valets, shuttles, and resort services

Ski Valets

At hotels and lodges, ski valets store and retrieve your equipment.

Each retrieval: $2-5 per pair of skis
End of trip: Consider a larger tip ($10-20) for good service all week
If they carry to your car: Add $2-5

Resort Shuttles

Free resort bus: No tip expected (public transit style)
Hotel courtesy shuttle: $2-5 per person
Private hotel van: $5-10 per person
Dial-a-ride services: $3-5 per person

Bellhops and Porters

Standard: $2-3 per bag
Ski equipment: $3-5 per pair (bulky and awkward)
If they set up in room: $5 total extra

Tipping Etiquette

Best practices and considerations

When to Tip in Cash

Shared shuttles (often no card option)
Ski valets
Bellhops
When you want to ensure driver receives it immediately

Prepare in Advance

Have small bills ready ($1, $5, $10)
Mountain towns have limited ATMs
Don't expect to break large bills
For wedding or corporate events, prepare envelopes in advance

Altitude and Weather Factor

Colorado drivers deal with challenging conditions:

Winter mountain driving requires skill and focus
Bad weather trips deserve extra recognition
A driver who kept you safe in a snowstorm earned it

International Visitors

Tipping culture in the US is strong, especially in service industries:

Service workers often rely on tips for significant income
Tipping is expected, not optional, for good service
When in doubt, 15-20% is standard for most services

Frequently Asked Questions

Tipping questions

Should I tip the shuttle driver if I'm already paying $75 for the ride?

Yes. The fare goes to the company; the tip goes to the driver. Shuttle drivers work long hours in challenging conditions. $5-10 per person is standard and appreciated.

Is gratuity usually included in limo service?

Sometimes, especially for wedding packages or corporate accounts. Always ask when booking. If included, you'll see it on the invoice. If not, plan for 18-20% on top of the quoted price.

Do I tip each person who handles my bags?

Yes. Tip the bellhop who takes bags at the door, the porter who brings them to your room, and the ski valet who handles your equipment. Each person providing service receives their own tip.

Is it okay to tip after the ride on Uber/Lyft?

Yes, the apps allow tipping after the ride completes. Many people wait until they're out of the car to add a tip. Drivers still receive it and it affects their rating/standing with the platform.

What if service was bad? Do I still tip?

A reduced tip (10%) is acceptable for subpar service. Zero tip should be reserved for truly problematic situations (unsafe driving, rudeness). Consider addressing issues with the company rather than punishing the driver financially.

Transportation Tipping Guide