Taking a taxi or a chauffeur-driven car (VTC) in Paris
To get around during your stay in Paris, you are considering taking a taxi or chauffeur-driven car (VTC). How can you identify them? How much does a taxi or VTC journey cost? Find out all you need to know in this article.
Taxi
How can I identify a taxi in France?
Taxi drivers in France hold a parking permit that is displayed on the vehicle. To clarify, this authorisation is linked to a geographical area in which the taxi is entitled to work.
Taxis can be identified by a luminous sign on their roofs that reads “taxi” and the name of the commune in which they are based.
Beware of fake taxis! During the tourist season, some drivers without a licence might offer to pick you up at the airport or the train station. Of course, any solicitation from the taxi is prohibited. To avoid any problems, only choose vehicles with taxi green light on.
What equipment does a taxi have?
Taxis must be fitted with:
- an illuminated sign on the roof indicating “taxi” and the name of the commune in which they are based,
- a taximeter, a counter that calculates and indicates the amount to pay. The dial on the taximeter must be legible to passengers.
- a printer, connected to the taximeter, to print out the fare for the passenger, specifying the price to be paid;
- a payment terminal, in working order and visible to the passenger, enabling the passenger to pay the fare by bank card.
How do I get a taxi?
To take a taxi, you can:
- Hail a taxi on the street.
- Wait for the taxi in a taxi queue, often found in stations and airports.
- Book a taxi by phone or via an app.
In addition, to find an available taxi nearby, you can use the free government service.
However, beware of operators who use generic taxi keywords on search engines (“taxi”, “taxi à Paris”, “taxis airport” etc.) and who operate without authorisation.
To point out, a taxi can’t request a minimal distance to accept the fare.
Can a taxi refuse to take me?
A driver may refuse to take you in the following cases:
- If you are clearly drunk.
- If you are accompanied by an animal (except guide dogs, which must be accepted).
- If your luggage cannot be carried by hand (except wheelchairs).
- If your clothing or luggage is likely to soil or damage the interior of the vehicle.
- If you are going to a location outside the pick-up zone (for example, for Paris taxis outside the Hauts de Seine (92), Seine Saint Denis (93) or Val de Marne (94) departments).
How much does a taxi fare cost in France?
Calculating a fare is regulated in France. The taxi can only calculate it using the taximeter. This meter calculates the fare based on the distance travelled and the duration of the journey. It displays the fare at the end of the journey. However, the regulated fare is not compulsory, and taxis can always offer a discount on the fare.
In addition, the minimum of the fare is always 8 euros. The final price may be rounded up to the nearest euro cent.
Flat-rate fares have been introduced for departures from and arrivals at certain airports. With this in mind, this means that you know the price in advance (excluding baggage, passenger or booking supplements):
- Between Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle airport and Paris right bank: 56 euros.
- Between Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle airport and Paris left bank: 65 euros.
- Between Paris-Orly airport and Paris right bank: 45 euros.
- Between Paris-Orly airport and Paris left bank: 36 euros.
Moreover, taxis can’t charge you extra costs for the wheelchair of a passenger with disability. Parisian taxis are not allowed to charge extra for luggage either, including airport fares. However, they can apply an extra fee of 5,50 euros from the 5th passenger on board.
Finally, if you booked a taxi from a distance, the taxi may start calculating the fare before picking you up, so that the fare considers the distance covered to reach your meeting point.
How do I pay the taxi fare?
You can pay with cash or with credit card.
Additionally, taxis must accept payment by credit card regardless of the amount of the fare. When the fare is 25 euros or more, the consumer must receive a summary bill before payment. However, below 25 euros, the consumer must explicitly request a bill to receive one.
Are Parisian taxis adapted to disabled passengers?
Yes, you can find around 1000 taxis in Paris that are adapted to persons of reduced mobility. Find more information on taxis’ accessibility in Paris here.
Also, guide and assistance dogs are allowed in all taxis.
Who can help me in case of a problem?
Firstly, contact the taxi company in writing. Thne, retain proof of your correspondence.
Chauffeur-driven car (VTC)
How to identify a VTC or “voiture de transport avec chauffeur“?
A red sticker must be affixed to the corner of the front and rear windscreens. VTC are prohibited from displaying an external light or a taximeter to avoid confusion with taxis.
How to book a VTC?
To book a VTC, you can phone the VTC company or use its app.
VTCs must always be booked in advance. They cannot be hailed in the street or parked in a taxi rank. In the vicinity of a station or airport, they may only wait for a customer who has made a reservation up to a maximum of one hour before pick up (if the plane or train is delayed, this time limit is extended accordingly).
Please note: all forms of soliciting are prohibited! In stations and airports in particular, never accept to be picked up by an individual who illegally offers you a transport service claiming to be a VTC.
How much does a VTC journey cost?
The price of a ride in a VTC generally ranges from 2 to 3.50 euros per kilometre.
The total cost depends on several factors:
- Fixed pricing: Unlike taxis, the price of a chauffeur-driven car is known in advance and does not change in the event of traffic jams.
- Vehicle category: Economy models are cheaper than business saloons or minivans.
- The platform or agency: Private services or some apps apply different commissions and dynamic pricing (surge charges) during periods of high demand (rush hour, events, nights).
- Fixed-price fares: Certain specific journeys (such as airport transfers) have fixed prices. For example, prices for Parisian airports start at 30 euros.
Are there VTCs specialised in transporting disabled people?
Yes. You can find a list of specialised transport companies in Paris here: Paris Tourist Office – official website • Paris je t’aime – Tourist office (parisjetaime.com)
Who can help me in case of a problem?
First, contact the VTC company or the driver in writing. Retain proof of your correspondence.
Advice if you take a VTC
- Look at the ratings and reviews of the driver you’re thinking of booking.
- Request your ride from a safe location.
- Wait in a busy, well-lit area, or indoors if you can, until you receive notification that the driver has arrived.
- Check that you’re getting into the right vehicle: Check the car’s model, license plate and driver’s photo against the information given in the application.
- Ask the driver who he’s picking up, without giving your name.
- Tell a friend or family member where you’re going, or go in a group.
- Choose the back seat on the passenger side.
- Most apps offer dematerialised payment, so don’t pay in cash.
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