How not to overpay for a ride and order a taxi without knowing the language? Here is a guide that will dispel all your doubts about taxis in France.
You will learn how classic taxis and apps like Uber or Bolt work, how much it costs to get from the airport to the city center, and what you should know to avoid unexpected surcharges. If you are planning a trip to France, you couldn't have come to a better place.
Everything you need to know about hailing a taxi in France
Are you going to France and wondering how taxis work? Or maybe you're planning to fly into Paris and want to know how much your ride from the airport will cost?
Great – we have prepared a practical guide for you that will dispel all doubts. Here you will find specific information about what the taxi system looks like in France , what the prices are, how to order rides and what to watch out for.
The French passenger transport market is changing a lot. In addition to the classic taxis in France , more and more people use applications such as Uber France or Bolt France reviews – often offering lower prices and greater availability, especially during rush hours.
Airport transfers are also gaining popularity, such as the CDG airport transfer , which you can book through Kiwitaxi France . It is a comfortable and predictable solution, especially when you land after a long flight.
In this article you will find, among other things:
information about taxi fares in Paris and ways to save money,
differences between traditional taxis and VTC carriers,
tips on how to order a taxi in France , even without knowing the language,
tips on tipping, child seats in taxis , card payments and behavior in problematic situations,
latest trends such as electric taxis France .
Whether you are going to Marseille, going on holiday to the French Riviera and checking taxi prices in Nice , or planning a business trip to Lyon – this guide will help you travel efficiently, without stress and without overpaying.
Well, let's go!
The Taxi System in France: Structure and Regulation
The French taxi system is a mix of tradition and modernity. In addition to the classic taxis in France , there are also VTC cars (i.e. carriers with a license to rent with a driver, such as Uber France or Bolt France opinions ) and specialist transfer services, such as Kiwitaxi France . Each of these options is subject to slightly different rules and offers different possibilities for passengers.
Classic taxis
To drive a classic taxi in France , the driver must have a license, pass appropriate exams and obtain a permit, which in large cities such as Paris is limited and difficult to obtain.
For example, there are around 15,000 licensed taxis in the capital, and the waiting time for a new license can be up to several years.
Taxis are easy to recognize: they have a distinctive "TAXI" sign on the roof and a taximeter.
The lights on the roof of French taxis provide information about the vehicle's status:
green - free,
red – busy,
blue – off duty.
VTC – Carriers on Demand
VTCs in France operate on mobile apps. Unlike taxis, they cannot pick up passengers off the street – each ride must be booked in advance. Although they do not use a taximeter, prices are clearly displayed on the app before the ride.
This is convenient, but during high demand (e.g. during rain, strikes or concerts) algorithms may increase rates even several times.
Transfer services
If you want a smooth ride from the airport or hotel, it's worth checking out companies like Kiwitaxi France or Unitaxi. Prices are known in advance and you can book your ride in advance - ideal for families or people who want to avoid stress right after landing.
In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at taxi fares in Paris , what you need to know about additional fees, and how to order a taxi in France quickly and safely.
Taxi fares and charges
If you’re wondering how much a taxi costs in France , the answer is: it depends. Prices are regulated, but they vary depending on the city, time of day, and additional fees. Paris taxi fares in particular can be surprising for tourists, so it’s worth knowing a few rules before getting in the car.
Regulated rates and how the taximeter works
In France, fares are set by local authorities, not the corporations themselves. This means that the taximeter in France is mandatory and shows the actual cost of the trip, based on the number of kilometers traveled and the time.
Standard price components are:
entry fee: from approx. €2.60 to €4.50,
price per kilometer: from €1.10 to €1.80,
Parking fee per hour: approx. €35-45.
Additional costs to watch out for
In Paris and other large cities there are surcharges for:
night taxi fares France (usually after 7pm or 10pm),
luggage (so-called taxi luggage fee , approx. 1-2 €),
travel with an additional person above 3 passengers,
animals, child seats ( child seats in taxis are available, but it is best to order them in advance).
Example prices for rides
Taxi in France from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city centre: €55–65 during the day, up to €85 in the evening.
From Orly Airport: €35–€45.
Journey within the city centre: from €10 to €20, depending on the route and traffic jams.
If you are travelling with a group of people, taking a classic taxi in France can be more cost-effective than public transport. It is also worth considering booking through an app, where prices are known in advance and misunderstandings can be avoided.
In the next part, we will look at what the most popular apps are and how to order a taxi in France step by step.
Popular transport services in France
In recent years, alternative forms of transport have been growing in popularity in France. In addition to traditional taxis in France , more and more passengers use mobile applications and services booked in advance. These are convenient, modern and often cheaper solutions.
Uber, Bolt and other VTC carriers
Uber France and Bolt France reviews are the two most popular apps in larger cities like Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Cars are ordered through the app, and the price is known in advance.
During times of high demand, rates may increase, but are often still competitive with traditional taxis in France .
VTC drivers are required to have professional insurance and register with the national system. However, they cannot pick up passengers off the street – each trip must be booked through the app.
Book in advance: Kiwitaxi and Unitaxi
If you want a stress-free ride from the airport or hotel, check out Kiwitaxi France and Unitaxi. These are services that allow you to plan your ride in advance, with a price guarantee.
Importantly, you can choose the type of vehicle (e.g. van for a larger group), order child seats in the taxi or mark additional luggage. For families and business travelers, this is often the most convenient form of airport transfer from CDG or other airports.
Polish taxi in Paris
For many tourists, language is a barrier. That is why taxis with a Polish driver in Paris are becoming popular, offered by smaller companies cooperating with hotels and tourist portals. Drivers know the topography of the city, speak Polish and help, for example, with buying tickets or logistics of sightseeing.
In the next section we will check out prices and options for airport transfers from CDG , Orly and Beauvais.
Airport Transfers in France
Planning to fly into France and wondering how to best get from the airport to the city centre? The airport transfer is the first journey you will make after landing, so it is worth ensuring convenience and certainty about the price.
Here's everything you need to know about the three main airports around Paris and their transportation options.
Taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The CDG airport transfer to central Paris is the most popular choice among travelers. The standard price is €55-65 during the day and €70-85 in the evening. The journey usually takes between 35 and 50 minutes, depending on the route and traffic.
Alternatives:
Roissybus : €13 to the city centre, journey time approx. 1 hour,
RER B train : €11.45, runs every 10 minutes,
Kiwitaxi France : book in advance, without stress and with a price guarantee.
Taxi from Orly Airport (ORY)
Orly Airport is closer to the city centre, so prices are a bit lower: around €35-45 to the city centre. It is worth remembering that each taxi will charge an additional €4 to enter the airport.
What is important:
no night surcharges,
optimal route via the A106 motorway (journey time approx. 20 minutes),
Bolt France reviews indicate that the app often offers lower prices than a classic taxi in France .
Taxi from Beauvais Airport (BVA)
It is the furthest airport serving budget airlines, including Ryanair. It is located about 85 km from the centre of Paris, which means a taxi ride in France can cost as much as €190-220.
Alternative variants:
Shuttle bus to Porte Maillot: €17, journey time approx. 1 h 15 min,
BlaBlaCar : shared rides from €25,
car rental: from €40 per day.
For families and people travelling with luggage, it is worth considering Kiwitaxi France or Unitaxi – with a price guarantee and the option to order child seats in the taxi .
In the next part, we will check what taxi services are like in the largest cities in France, such as Paris, Nice and Lyon.
How much do taxis cost in major French cities?
Every French city has its own unique taxi experience. The differences in availability, prices and customs can be huge – from the crowded city of Paris to the luxurious French Riviera to more secluded cities like Bordeaux. Check out what to expect in the most popular destinations.
Taxi in Paris
There are around 15,000 licensed taxis in the French capital. They can be found at taxi ranks near train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon), near the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées.
Taking a taxi in Paris is a convenient solution, but not always the cheapest.
The Paris taxi tariffs apply here with a minimum fare of €7.30 (even for short trips). The price per kilometre is around €1.20-1.60, with surcharges at night and at weekends.
It is worth remembering that popular apps such as Bolt France reviews or Uber France often offer lower rates, but you have to take into account price increases during rush hours.
Taxi on the French Riviera – Nice, Cannes, Monaco
In the French Riviera region , taxi prices in Nice can be higher than in other cities – mainly due to the luxurious nature of the area and the large number of tourists.
A ride from Nice airport to the city centre will cost around €35–40, while a ride to Cannes or Monaco can cost €70–90.
In many cases, the hotel can organize a transfer at a discount, for example in cooperation with Kiwitaxi France . VIP services are also available, with luxury vehicles, Wi-Fi or additional amenities.
Taxi in Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux
In cities like Lyon and Marseille, prices are lower than in Paris. A ride within the city centre usually costs €8–15, and VTC apps like Uber France are widely used.
In Bordeaux, you can find more unusual forms of transport, such as the so-called "Wine Taxi" - drivers offering rides to vineyards and explaining the secrets of local wines. This is a great option for tourists interested in enotourism.
It is also worth knowing where the taxi ranks in Lyon or Marseille are located – they are often located near the main squares, shopping centres and train stations.
In the next chapter, we'll look at how to order a taxi in France , what the best apps are, and what to look out for to avoid problems.
How to order a taxi in France?
Ordering a taxi in France can be easy and convenient – provided you know which options to use. You can use mobile apps, classic taxi ranks and the option to book in advance. Regardless of the method you choose, it's worth knowing a few rules that will make your trip easier.
Mobile Apps and Online Bookings
The most convenient solution is to use the app.
The most popular are:
Uber France – operates in many large cities, with a transparent pricing system,
Bolt France reviews – praised for its competitive prices and quick turnaround time,
G7 Paris app – especially useful in the capital, offers support in several languages.
Apps show the estimated cost of the trip, waiting time and the option to pay by card. You can also order a child seat in a taxi or indicate the need for additional luggage space.
Where to find a taxi rank?
If you prefer the traditional approach, use a taxi rank. In large cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, you will find them at train stations, hotels, and major tourist spots. A taxi rank in France is marked with a blue sign that says " TAXI ."
It is worth knowing that not every taxi can take a passenger off the street – only vehicles with a license and a green light on the roof can.
Tips for tourists – how to avoid problems?
Always check that the taximeter is on in France – it is mandatory.
Make sure your driver accepts card payments in taxis in France (most do, but not all).
Tipping in a taxi in France is not mandatory but is appreciated – it is usual to round up the amount or leave 1-2 euros.
If you forget your luggage, contact the company directly – lost luggage in a taxi is one of the most common tourist situations.
Want an invoice? Ask the driver for a receipt from a taxi in France – he should be able to provide one without a problem.
In the last part of our guide, you will find a short FAQ and tips summarizing everything you need to know about taxi travel in France.
The most common questions tourists have about taxis in France – FAQ
Have questions before your first taxi ride in France? Or maybe you’re wondering what the taxi fares are in France , how much the price per kilometer is, and whether it’s safe to use an app? Here’s an extended FAQ to help you navigate the taxi system in France without stress.
Do you have to tip in a taxi in France?
It is not an obligation, but a welcome gesture. Most often, the amount is rounded to the nearest euro or 5-10% of the exchange rate is left. For longer journeys, such as an airport transfer in France , it is worth leaving a few euros more.
Can you pay by card in a taxi in France?
Yes, but not all drivers accept it. If you are new to apps like the Uber app or the Bolt app , ask before starting your ride.
Are child seats available in taxis?
Yes, but not in every taxi. It is worth booking a ride in advance through Kiwitaxi or a similar platform and indicating such a need.
What to do in case of lost luggage?
Report the incident as soon as possible, either via the app or by phone. It’s helpful to have a receipt from a French taxi or the vehicle’s registration number. If you used Uber , you can report the loss directly in your ride history.
How to order a taxi without knowing the language?
The best way is through an app – order a ride in Uber, Bolt or G7, choose Polish or English, and the system will take care of the rest. In Paris, you can also look for taxis with a Polish driver .
How is the price of an UberX ride different from a traditional taxi?
The average price of an UberX ride in Paris can be 10-20% cheaper than a regular Paris taxi fare, but during peak times, algorithms can significantly increase rates.
What are the most popular routes and their costs?
Aéroport Paris Beauvais - Paris city center: €190-220 (taxi), €17 (bus), €25 (BlaBlaCar),
Aéroport d'Orly – center: approx. €35–45,
Disneyland – Paris: €65–85,
Louvre – Versailles : €30–50 (depending on the time of day).
What are typical additional fees?
Initial fee : from €2.60 to €4.50,
Parking fee : €35–45/h,
Baggage fees and additional passenger fees (for more than 3 people),
Reservation fees , e.g. by the hotel,
Night charges (after 10pm)
Fees for driving on icy or snowy roads (rare but possible),
Animal transport fees (often €1-2),
Return fees without a customer – sometimes added in less frequented locations.
Where can I find taxis outside Paris?
In cities such as Lyon , Marseille , Cannes , Bordeaux or the city of Lyon , taxis outside of Paris are mainly found at train stations and shopping malls. Taxi ranks in France are marked with a blue sign "TAXI".
Can I order VIP taxis or a minibus?
Yes! VIP taxis are available in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, often in the form of vans with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, water and premium services. Minibuses offer rides for 5-7 people and are available to book via Kiwitaxi or hotel receptions.
Is it worth using public transport instead of a taxi?
It depends on the route and the number of people. For 2-3 people, a taxi ride can be comparable in price to public transport tickets, especially when you add transfers. For longer routes, e.g. from the airport, it is better to consider a transfer in France in advance.
Are there taxis in Toulouse-Blagnac and taxis in Nice?
Yes. Both Toulouse-Blagnac and Nice taxis run regularly. In Nice it is worth checking the prices in the app – Nice taxi prices can change depending on the season.
That's it! Now you're ready to move confidently throughout France - from Marseille to Bordeaux , from Paris to Versailles . Choose consciously and without stress!
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