Taking a Taxi in Paris – What You Need to Know

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In my opinion, taking a taxi when you’re traveling abroad – in a country different from your own – is one of the most stressful things you can do while traveling.  I have had one too many awful taxi experiences that generally end up in me getting ripped off, that make me skeptical and untrusting every time I get in a taxi.  However, sometimes it’s necessary and the most convenient to order a taxi which is why I continue to get them.

My boyfriend lives in Paris, so I’ve traveled to the city multiple times and have taken multiple means of transportation each time.  Taking a taxi isn’t the cheapest option and I only take a taxi when absolutely necessary (which usually it is at least once during my trip); for this reason, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about taking a taxi in Paris to reduce your stress and ensure you a smooth ride.

 

What You Need to Know About Taking a Taxi in Paris

 

 

Modes of Transportation in Paris

Before getting into the taxi portion of this post, I’m going to share with you all of the ways you can get around Paris!

Paris is an incredibly walkable/bike-able city so if you have the time this is a great way to get around.  Plus, walking through Paris is beautiful and it feels like you’re in a museum at all times.  However, if you don’t have the time or the weather isn’t great then of course there are other options to get around.  (If you do want to rent a bike, Vélib’ is the most popular on the streets.  Download the app ahead of time so you can easily scan and go when you see a Vélib’ bike station).

The cheapest option is always to take the metro, and luckily Paris has a great metro system.  This underground system has 16 lines that are all interconnected, 300+ different stations, and runs for 133-miles throughout the city.  The cost of a one-way ticket on the metro is €1.90, which you can purchase at each metro station with cash or card.  Please note:  once you use your ticket to enter through the gate, KEEP IT WITH YOU.  At times, there are people checking for tickets and will fine you €35 if you don’t have your ticket it on you.

Another way to get around Paris is by rideshare.  Both Uber and Bolt operate in Paris and are generally cheaper than taking a taxi (although still pricey).  Before arriving to Paris, make sure you have both apps downloaded so that you can compare prices and choose the most affordable ride choice.

 

When Would You Take a Taxi?

With all of the transportation options listed above, when exactly would you take a taxi in Paris?  Especially considering its the most expensive way to get around.

You may opt for a taxi if you’re walking around and its the most convenient option.  It never fails that this is always the reason I end up taking a taxi in Paris – for sheer convenience!  Especially when I’ve had a long travel day and arrive at the airport and just want to go instead of figuring out how to get a rideshare and where to be picked up.  Or if I’m out late and want to wave down a taxi instead of waiting for a rideshare to pick me up.

 

Taxi from Charles de Gaulle & Orly Airports to Paris

Taking a taxi from each airport in Paris is easy and convenient.  Once you go through passport control, follow the “taxi” signs out to the street where you’ll wait in a line for a taxi.  There are always a lot of taxis so chances are, you won’t be waiting for very long.

The best part about taking a taxi from CDG or Orly to Paris is that the prices are set, so you don’t have to worry about rising prices or getting screwed over as you make the drive into the city.

From CDG, if you’re going to Paris’s “right bank”, the price is €53.  If you’re going to the “left bank”, the price is €58.  From Orly, if you’re going to Paris’s “right bank”, the price is €37.  And if you’re going to the “left bank”, the price is €32.  If you’re going outside of Paris these prices don’t apply and instead you’ll be priced based on the distance traveled shown on the meter.

There is a surcharge between 5 pm-10 am on Sundays, public holidays, and a night fare every night from 7 pm-7 am.

Please note:  there will be men at each airport saying, “taxi?” as you exit.  Don’t respond to these men or get in a car with them as it’s a scam and you’ll be paying a much higher fare.  As long as you get in a marked “taxi” car, you’ll be fine.

If you want, book a taxi ahead of time!

 

Misc Information About Parisian Taxi’s

Below you’ll find random information you should know about taking taxi’s in Paris!

• All taxi’s should have a working meter and should be on at all times
• All taxi’s take credit/debit cards – even if the driver pressures you to pay cash or tells you that they will take you to an ATM… they are required to take credit/debit cards.  If you feel pressured and don’t want to pay cash/get cash out, just tell them you don’t have the option to do so.
• Tipping is not required or expected
• If you’re a single person that waves down a taxi, the flat rate starts at €2.60 and is priced upwards depending on how many people are in the car/if you’ve pre-booked a taxi
• The prices of the taxi change based on where you are in Paris – this is priced A (€1.13/km or €35.11/hr), B (€1.47/km or €45.95/hr), and C (€1.66/km or €37.50/hr).  The meter automatically switches to hourly rate if the car is in standstill or you’re traveling at a slow speed.  You’ll be able to see what fare you’re being charged on the taxi meter where you’ll see “A”, “B”, or “C”.
• You’ll be charged the “A” fare inside the city of Paris; “B” for the suburbs of Paris; and “C” for outside the suburbs of Paris, on Sundays, public holidays, and daily from 7 pm-7 am (unless you’re in Paris the fare will be priced at “B”)

 

If you’ve read this post, I hope that these simple tips will help guide you when riding in a taxi.

 

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If you’re planning on visiting Paris, don’t miss:  The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide

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