Taxi in Paris is a safe and reliable solution that is independent of the occasional mishaps of the RATP (metro) or the SNCF (RER, suburban trains)…
But, how do you take a taxi in Paris? How much does it cost? Where can you find them? Can you trust them?
That’s what I’m going to explain in this article.
Table of Contents
In Summary
- Choose wisely: Taxis in Paris are safe and reliable, with regulated fares, but ensure you take an official taxi.
- Transparent pricing: The pick-up and per kilometer prices are fixed and vary by tariff zone.
- Use apps: For a smoother experience, use apps like G7 or Alpha Taxis, which provide easy access to professional and reliable taxis. In-app payments too.
- Practical tips: Book in advance or select taxis in designated areas like train stations and airports to avoid surprises.
- Compare options: Consider alternatives like Uber for specific needs or to compare costs.
Taxi Rates in Paris Are Regulated
First of all, the pick-up, for any ride, will be charged at a maximum of €4.40. This price can be lower, and G7, the main taxi company in Paris, charges €3.
There are then 3 different kilometric rates for the cost of the ride itself:
| Minimum cost of a ride: €8 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rate A | Rate B | Rate C |
| €1.22/km | €1.61/km | €1.75/km |
| Urban Zone (red) | Suburban Zone (blue) | Beyond the Suburban Zone (white) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm: Rate A 5pm - 10am: Rate B | Monday to Saturday 7am - 7pm: Rate B 7pm - 7am: Rate C | Rate C Any day and any time |
| Sundays (including holidays) 7am - 12pm: Rate B 12pm-7am: Rate C | Sundays and holidays Day and night: Rate C | |
| Holidays Day and night: Rate B |
Surcharges:
People:
- €5.50/additional person beyond the 5th one (2 children under 10 = 1 adult)
Luggage:
- €1 from the second piece of luggage over 5kg
Booking:
- €4, instant booking (ASAP, no appointment time)
- €7, pre-booking (appointment with a precise time)
Examples of fare:
- Ride Châtelet – La Défense (9.5km), Monday, 10am (Suburban Zone, rate B): €20-30
- Ride Gare du Nord – Gare de Lyon (5.8km), Thursday, 4pm, (Urban Zone, rate A): €15-20
- Ride Gare de Lyon – La Défense (12.1km), Sunday, 10pm (Suburban Zone, rate C): €30-40
- Ride La Défense – Roissy CDG Airport (26.1km), Saturday, 5.30am (Suburban Zone, rate C): €70-80
The prices for trips to and from the airports to and from Paris are fixed
Rides between Paris proper and Paris airports (Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly) are subject to flat fees.
Prices are different if the destination is located on the left bank or on the right bank in Paris:
| Left Bank | Right Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Roissy CDG Airport | €65 | €56 |
| Orly Airport | €36 | €44 |
If you happen to change your destination or ask for a detour during a Paris-airport ride, you will be charged for the price of the flat fee and the price of the ride according to the meter, calculated according to the regular rates (cf. rate charts 1 and 2).
A taxi driver cannot refuse to drive you to one of Paris airports (Orly, Roissy CDG, Le Bourget), whatever your initial position is. Leaving from Roissy, the driver is compelled to accept any destination.
How To Take a Taxi in Paris?
There are several ways to find and take a taxi in Paris:
- Hailing a taxi on the street
- Booking a taxi online or by phone
- Taking a taxi from a station (available at train stations, airports, etc.)
- Using a dedicated mobile app (see the section below titled “Mobile Apps”)
As a customer, you obviously have certain rights when a taxi picks you up:
- the driver must take care of your luggage and make it easier for you to get in and out of the vehicle.
- you can choose your seating: you may sit in the front or in the back of the vehicle.
- your driver must take the shortest route to your destination unless you ask for a detour or a particular route.
However, a driver can refuse to pick you up for one of these reasons:
- if your luggage cannot be carried by hand (except foldable wheelchairs)
- if you are noticeably drunk
- if you have a pet with you (except guide dogs)
- if your luggage or clothing might spoil the inside of the vehicle
- if you are less than 50 meters away from a taxi station with taxis awaiting
- if you wish to go somewhere beyond the three peripheral departments (Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne)
Mobile Apps for Taxis in Paris
Taxi G7
You can download the app here: Apple App Store / Google Play Store
Pros:
- The drivers are often praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and punctuality.
- The cars are clean, well-maintained, and comfortable.
- Taxis arrive quickly, which is ideal for urgent departures, especially to the airport.
- When the app works well, it is smooth and efficient, making bookings hassle-free.
Cons:
- The app sometimes suffers from bugs, including geolocation problems and unexpected crashes.
- The interface is not always intuitive. Entering addresses or modifying reservations can be frustrating.
- The customer service is often unresponsive, if not unreachable.
Alpha Taxis
You can download the app here: Apple App Store / Google Play Store
Pros:
- Professionalism, courtesy, and punctuality of the drivers.
- Reliable service, especially for pre-booked rides.
- Customer service is responsive and helpful when contacted.
- Vehicles are clean and well-maintained.
- Drivers are willing to accommodate special requests, such as booking convention taxis, though this may sometimes require going through a call center.
Cons:
- Bugs can make the app difficult to use, particularly for entering addresses and validating accounts.
- The app interface is not always intuitive and is minimalist, with basic features that could be improved.
- Last-minute cancellations and errors in reservations.
FREENOW
You can download the application here: Apple App Store / Google Play Store (in French, but you can set the language in the app)
Pros:
- Rides are often quick and the rates competitive.
- Clear display of rates at the time of booking.
- Drivers are generally very professional, punctual, and pleasant.
- The app is easy to use, with a clear interface for most features.
- Customer service is responsive through in-app interactions.
Cons:
- Frequent cancellations by drivers, often at the last minute.
- The app tends to have bugs.
- Differences between the estimated fare and the final fare are confusing and sometimes exorbitant.
- It is often difficult to resolve issues through customer service.
Mob1Taxi
You can download the app here: Apple App Store / Google Play Store
Pros:
- Application approved by ‘Le Taxi’, the government register of taxis.
- Details of vehicles and drivers
Cons:
- Little-known application
- Limited to drivers on the register only
Precautions to Take
When you arrive in Paris and are unfamiliar with its transportation network, it is important not to get into the first taxi available. Some unauthorized drivers may offer attractive fares, but their meters are often tampered with, causing the fare to rise rapidly.
To recognize a genuine taxi, ensure the vehicle has a ‘Taxi Parisien’ lamp with LEDs corresponding to the fare system, a sign on the rear window detailing Parisian taxi regulations and fare standards, a parking permit plate with the number in red on a black background, and the word ‘PARIS’ on the front right-hand fender, as well as a meter inside the vehicle.
For women
Despite these precautions, some individuals, particularly women traveling alone or late at night, may feel unsafe. To address this need, VTC Femmes Paris offers a fleet of vehicles driven exclusively for female customers. They provide services similar to those of traditional taxis or VTCs, including the ability to book in advance, 24-hour availability, long-distance journeys, online payment, and return trips.
My Advice & Recommendations
If you need to take a taxi in Paris, I strongly advise you to be cautious and always vigilant.
If you have any doubts about a driver offering their services, do not get into their vehicle.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, I recommend booking and paying for your taxis through the G7 app.
If you’re not using an app, opt for drivers located in designated taxi zones at airports and train stations, or book by phone through various agency platforms.
You can also check out my article In Paris, is it Better to Travel by Taxi or Uber? where I compare regular taxi services with Uber.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
