Is it Better to Use Uber or Taxis in Marseille?

Would you rather take a taxi or an Uber? Which is cheaper? Which is safer? What about the most user-friendly? Here is my analysis to help you make the right choice for you.

In a Nutshell

• Speed: Marseille taxis can benefit from privileged access to reserved lanes in the city, enabling faster journeys. Uber, on the other hand, offers fast booking and often reduced waiting times.
• Cost: In comparison, Uber tends to offer lower fares than traditional taxis in Marseille for similar journeys. Uber fares can fluctuate according to demand, whereas taxi fares are regulated and fixed.
• Safety: Taxis in Marseille are driven by professional drivers, guaranteeing an extra level of safety. Uber also offers safety measures such as driver ratings and various accessibility options.

Taxis in Marseille

Pricing

In Marseille, taxi prices are set by a prefectural decree (website in French).

The different criteria that determine the price of a ride are:

• The time slot and whether or not the customer gets off at a taxi station, represented by A, B, C, and D (defined later)
• The pick-up price
• The distance
• The extra fees (if there are 5+ people, 3+ suitcases, and whether it was an immediate reservation (€2) or one made in advance (€4))
• The duration of the trip, including any time the taxi has to wait (traffic jams, etc.). You will be charged €0.49 per minute.
• A €8 minimum price, regardless of what other conditions have or haven’t been fulfilled

Time Slots

Pricing

How Taxis Work in Marseille

There are 1,560 taxi drivers in Marseille. To accommodate this number of drivers, there are also a large number of taxi stands. Their locations are shown on the map below:

Check out the taxi station locations

There are two main taxi companies in Marseille: Les Taxis Marseillais and Taxi Radio Marseille. (websites in French)

The latter was founded in 1965, making it the oldest taxi company in the oldest town in France.

Uber in Marseille – The Car Sharing Reference

UberX (cheapest)

Uber Black (high class)

The Uber app is simple and user-friendly. With over ten years of experience and multiple options to suit any need, Uber clearly shows its experience in the field.

The options are:

• UberX: basic service with no frills
• UberVan: for groups with lots of luggage
• UberSelect: high-end vehicles
• UberBlack and UberBlack SUV: nice, comfortable cars
• UberLux: top-quality drivers and luxurious cars

Uber also offers three additional services at no extra charge:

• UberShare: You will be grouped in a car with other people going to the same place as you (the airport, for example). The cost will be shared by all passengers, saving you money.
• UberAccess: Accessible to people with reduced mobility. The drivers have undergone specialized training to be able to help with different types of disabilities.
• UberGreen: Hybrid or electric cars. Surprisingly, they cost the same as UberX.

We like:

• The drivers’ quick responses to ride requests
• The simple and very cheap UberShare option
• The large selection of cars

😐 We don’t quite like:

• Drivers can’t use taxi lanes

Taxis vs Uber: Price Comparison

We can easily see that Uber is much cheaper, especially when the trips start to get long (over 10 km or so), in which case the price of a taxi is almost double that of an Uber.

Be careful, though; because of Uber’s dynamic pricing, prices can change enormously during the day.

The trick is to refresh the app about 10 minutes later to get a better price if the price seems to be significantly higher than indicated on this list, which, you must not forget, is theoretical for Uber. Taxi prices, on the other hand, don’t vary all that much.

Taxis vs Uber: Service Comparison

First of all, it usually takes less time to order an Uber. As for the ride itself, many people prefer the professionalism of taxi drivers. But Uber drivers can be more friendly, and sometimes an Uber driver might even provide a phone charger or other small service.

If you are trying to get somewhere quickly, it is important to remember that taxis can use special lanes. This can considerably speed up a trip, especially if there is a traffic jam or it is rush hour.

One of the great things about Uber is that they have a driver rating system on the application. You can immediately see what other people have thought of your driver before deciding whether you want to ride in their car or not. As a result, drivers tend to be on their best behavior.

Here’s a comparison table for the stable, unvarying services offered by each:

Comparative table of the services offered by Uber and the Marseille taxi companies:

Renting a Car: A Solid Alternative

If driving in a big city doesn’t bother you, renting a car will give you much more independence.

You will be able to visit not only Marseille but its surroundings as well.

For example, you can drive to the Calanques, the Vieux Port, or Toulon.

If you plan to stay for several days, it is definitely a cost-effective alternative. It is possible to find rentals starting at approximately €30 per day.

Conclusion

Here are my tips:

• If you prefer a much cheaper ride and don’t mind traveling alongside strangers, the practical and inexpensive appeal of Uber Share will win you over.
• If you prefer a faster journey, consider opting for a taxi instead, as they have access to bus/taxi lanes.

Mona

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!

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