Coordinate transportation for the surviving family and guests
On the day of the funeral service, the deceased's remains and the surviving family will likely need to be driven to and from a few different locations.
A special vehicle known as a hearse is used to carry the deceased's remains, and the family typically follows behind in a limousine or SUV. If no transportation will be hired, then a personal vehicle can be used.
This series of vehicles is known as a funeral procession. The deceased will likely be moved from the funeral home, or other type of service provider, and brought to their final resting place, like a cemetery or grounds for the scattering of ashes.
The funeral home may provide a lead car to lead the funeral procession. This is usually optional.
Close surviving family may need to be driven from their home to the funeral home, then to the deceased's final resting place, and home again.
Friends and family typically follow behind the immediate family, and in some circumstances, an escort vehicle from the funeral home, or a police car, may lead everyone to each location.
To indicate that the vehicles are driving in a group, each car will turn on its lights, or even its hazard lights. Sometimes, guests will even also place flags on their cars, or use some other type of marker to indicate the procession.
Good to Know
Drivers should drive slowly, usually below the speed limit, and all at the same speed. Driving slowly helps to catch the attention of others, and decreases the possibility of accidents.
Providers
Most often these transportation services are provided by the funeral home, but a third-party limousine service can also be hired. Review local providers near you at the links below.
Helpful Tips
Tips for providing transportation to and from additional services
The most important factor in organizing transportation between the final disposition and the memorial service will be the distance between the two.
If there will be guests with impaired mobility, without cars or who come from out of town, it may be useful to provide transportation options.
You can rent a shuttle bus, prepay for ride share or taxi service, or coordinate carpooling among attendees.
Organize transportation for guests between the memorial and final disposition.
Personal Considerations
Will the funeral be attended by individuals requiring assistance moving?
Try and choose a burial site in close proximity to the funeral home, and one that has easy accessibility, such as wheelchair-friendly paths.
Even if they are in close proximity, it may help to provide transportation for those who need additional assistance.
Share these concerns with the funeral director so that additional precautions can be taken.
Assess the need for transportation regardless. Depending upon the distance between the funeral home and final disposition, additional support may be required.
Try and choose a burial site in close proximity to the funeral home, and one that has easy accessibility, such as wheelchair-friendly paths.
Even if they are in close proximity, it may help to provide transportation for those who need additional assistance.
Share these concerns with the funeral director so that additional precautions can be taken.
Assess the need for transportation regardless. Depending upon the distance between the funeral home and final disposition, additional support may be required.
Will you need to provide transportation between the memorial and cemetery?
The funeral home will be able to assist you with the transportation of the remains. Note that transportation services provided by the funeral home come at additional costs.
Common funeral transportation costs include:
- Hearse: $150-$400
- Lead Car: $50-$200
- Limousine or Sedan: $50-$300
Alternative arrangements can be made without the assistance of the funeral home by hiring private transportation in the form of taxis, livery cars, or a shuttle bus.
You can also prepay for ride share services and provide an event code to attendees.
Move on to the other tasks in this section.
The funeral home will be able to assist you with the transportation of the remains. Note that transportation services provided by the funeral home come at additional costs.
Common funeral transportation costs include:
- Hearse: $150-$400
- Lead Car: $50-$200
- Limousine or Sedan: $50-$300
Alternative arrangements can be made without the assistance of the funeral home by hiring private transportation in the form of taxis, livery cars, or a shuttle bus.
You can also prepay for ride share services and provide an event code to attendees.
Move on to the other tasks in this section.
Will the funeral service and final disposition happen at the same location?
The number of attendees and distance between the location of the memorial service and burial will dictate transportation needs.
If many elderly or any disabled attendees are expected, confirm the accessibility and walking distance from parking to the cemetery.
Choose a location and select transportation with these factors in mind.
You may still need to provide some transportation assistance on-site for attendees with limited mobility.
Talk to the funeral director about: distance between the memorial and final disposition, accessibility and ability to transport guests by car, availability of alternative means of transportation (golf cart, bus, etc.)
The number of attendees and distance between the location of the memorial service and burial will dictate transportation needs.
If many elderly or any disabled attendees are expected, confirm the accessibility and walking distance from parking to the cemetery.
Choose a location and select transportation with these factors in mind.
You may still need to provide some transportation assistance on-site for attendees with limited mobility.
Talk to the funeral director about: distance between the memorial and final disposition, accessibility and ability to transport guests by car, availability of alternative means of transportation (golf cart, bus, etc.)
