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I still remember my first bad taxi ride from Charles de Gaulle Airport. I was returning home from a visit with family in California, lugging around suitcases so heavy I thought I might give a Paris airport taxi a try. In the past, I’d simply taken the RER B commuter-line train from the airport to Gare du Nord– an hourlong ride that was sometimes a bit tedious, but perfectly fine.
I somehow managed to miss the official taxi queue outside the arrivals gate at my terminal (full disclosure: this was somewhere around 2004, when the airport signs were not quite as clearly marked).
Blame it on jetlag, naiveté– or both. I ended up climbing into a taxi after two guys vigorously waved in my direction, ushering me inside their cab.
At only 23 or 24, I had little experience with this sort of thing– and assumed the taxi would be equipped with a meter to accurately and fairly calculate my fare.
And from my recollection, there was no illuminated “taxi” sign on the car’s rooftop. Hmm….can you imagine how this all turned out?
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My Cautionary Tale
My trust was, as it turned out, entirely unwarranted. About 15 minutes into the trip, I asked how much it would likely be so I could prepare my cash. I presumed it would be something in the range of 35 or 40 Euros (remember, this was the early 2000s.)
The driver tersely responded. “Tout dépend du trafic!” (It all depends on the traffic!) “Oui, bien sur”, I answered, still calm, “but can you at least give me an estimate?”
“Oh, probablement 50, 60 Euros. On verra!” (Oh, probably 50 or 60 Euros. We’ll see!”
Guess what? I only had a 50 Euro bill in my wallet. I started to panic a bit. After asking why there was no meter, the driver told me (again, in clipped and annoyed tones) that they weren’t “that sort of company.”
In other words? They weren’t a legitimate taxi company— and I’d been scammed.
A legitimate, non-metered taxi or shuttle would have given me a fixed-price fare before the ride, and asked me to agree to it or pay it in advance. And even then, that quoted fare should correspond to going rates– not exceed them.
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Luckily, I managed to scrape together a few coins at the bottom of my bag, and paid the vastly inflated fare. I told the driver that I was unhappy, and obviously gave him no tip.
Of course, he didn’t care: other unsuspecting tourists at the airport would likely climb in the cab as naively as I had.
He and his colleagues would reap the rewards of ripping off people who had no idea they might be taken advantage of in a place like Paris.
How to Recognize Legit Airport Taxis in Paris (& Avoid Repeating my Mistakes)
I offer this cautionary tale to help you avoid repeating my mistakes when taking airport taxis in Paris (and around France more generally).
You probably already understand that to avoid getting overcharged and taken advantage of by unscrupulous “taxi” drivers, you should do exactly the opposite of what I did.
Still, let’s spell out some basic principles and tips so you make sure to get in the right cab. Of course, these apply to taking shorter rides around the city, too.
Read related: Yes, It’s Still Safe to Travel to Paris– Read These Tips
1. Get in an official taxi queue.
This is the first, and probably most essential, step when choosing a taxi for a ride to or from the airport.
If you haven’t pre-booked a cab, make sure you only accept rides from taxis in the official queues outside your terminal (or around the city, if you’re headed to the airport).
At Charles de GaulleAirport, official and licensed “Taxis Parisiens” (Parisian taxis) park in queues outside the baggage claim areas of each terminal.
Follow the signs inside, and look for taxi queue signs outside your terminal, at streetside. At Orly Airport, follow signs in the arrivals area to the taxi queues.
2. Only get in a taxi with an illuminated rooftop sign and a meter.
Unless you pre-order a ride from a reputable taxi or shuttle service, make sure you only accept rides from taxis that both have illuminated rooftop signs reading “TAXI Parisien” and are equipped inside with a meter.
If you get in and notice there isn’t one, you can tell the driver you don’t wish to continue with the ride. He or she may protest. No matter. Passengers have rights.
3. Know the going rates.
According to the Parisian Airports Authority (ADP), going rates for taxi fares to and from Charles de Gaulle to the city center currently range from around 50 to 55 Euros each way.
From Orly airport, which is much closer to the city, your fare should cost between 30 to 35 Euros, depending on whether you’re going to the left bank or the right bank, respectively.
These standard fares are accurate as of early 2019. You can see updated information on using taxis from Parisian airports at this page from ADP.
If you arrive at your destination and the fares are much outside these ranges, even on a meter, contest it and refer to the going rates quoted above. This is unlikely to happen– but be prepared to cite your rights just in case.
4. Don’t accept rides from anyone urging you to use their service.
Remember the mistake I made all those years ago? Reputable taxi and shuttle companies don’t hang out in baggage claim or arrivals areas and urge travelers to use their service.
Nor do they lurk outside on the sidewalks. Ignore their entreaties or promises of special rates, and find the official queue.Alternatively, call a trusted taxi company (see my next tip.)
5. Reduce stress by pre-booking a ride with a reputable company.
If you’d prefer to pre-order a taxi to or from Charles de Gaulle, Orly or other airports around Paris, make sure you choose a trustworthy and highly-rated company.
G7 has a fleet of over 7,500 taxis in the Paris region, and the Paris Airport Authority recommends them. You can easily book online and lock into fixed-price fares.
Welcome Pickups is an airport transfer company with a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating, English-speaking drivers, and rave customer reviews. You can book a ride with them here.
I also recommend reserving a ride with TaxiLeader, a company that offers private transfers to and from all major Parisian airports. Book a ride online here, or enter you details into the widget below.
What About Uber?
Some may prefer to use Uber, but I personally wouldn’t recommend it for a ride as long as the one from Charles de Gaulle. If you do choose to book a ride with Uber, pay attention to user reviews and don’t get in a car with a poorly-rated driver.
Always share your ride with someone close for added security. I also advise women and unaccompanied minors to avoid Uber. There have been scattered reports of harassment and even assault. Even if these are rare, why take the risk?
How long does it take to get between Paris and the airport?
This will depend largely on traffic conditions and your final destination, but on average, the ride should take 35 to 60 minutes from Charles de Gaulle to the city center, and 15 to 40 minutes from Orly.
Do I even need to take a taxi from the airport?
In two words– absolutely not. There are many options that are far less expensive. Most people will be just fine taking public transportation such as the REB B commuter train, which gets you to central Paris at Gare du Nord (you may also get off close to the Latin Quarter, at Luxembourg).
Others may prefer the Roissybus, a regular and inexpensive city bus service that drops off and picks up passengers nearby the Opera Garnier.
There are also fancier coach services from the airport, for those who prefer perks like free wifi, increased luggage storage, strong air conditioning and more comfortable seats.
{Read related: Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Trip to France}
Visitors with limited mobility, young children, or many heavy bags may end up deciding that taking a taxi is the best and most convenient option. Even having a monstrous case of jetlag or needing to get to the city more quickly are perfectly good reasons to opt for a taxi.
My bottom line? It’s a personal choice. But if you do decide to hop in a cab, make sure you don’t fall victim to the scammers lurking at the arrivals gate and outside the terminal.
For more information on avoiding taxi scams in Paris (around the airport and elsewhere in the capital), see this excellent piece.
FAQs
Is it safe to take a taxi from Paris airport? ›
To guarantee you a safe trip at a fair price, we recommend that you always take an official taxi outside our terminals. Only taxis located in stations located at the gates of the arrivals levels are authorized to pick up customers. These official taxis are recognizable by the light sign on the roof of the vehicle.
How do you use a taxi in Paris? ›In Paris, you can simply hail a cab. This is the most convenient way. Just find a taxi with a green roof sign and hail it ! Once in the car, ask the driver to put the meter on (be firm about it).
How do you know if a Paris taxi is real? ›A real taxi always has an illuminated sign. Follow the markings on the ground to find where real taxis stop. Fake taxis pose real risks. Don't follow anyone who offers you their services.
Can you flag down a taxi in Paris? ›You can simply hail one in the street, walk to one of the many taxi ranks dotted around the city or call one of the different taxi companies. If you choose to flag down a Paris taxi in the street, all you have to do is make sure it's empty by looking for the green 'TAXI' light on top and stick out your hand.
Do you tip Paris cab drivers? ›Taxi Drivers
For normal rides in Paris, a €1¬-2 tip is appropriate. If it was a long ride (like from the airport), or you had heavy bags. If you weren't satisfied with the trip or had your suspicions that you were taken a long way round, feel free not to tip at all.
In Taxis. Rounding up the fare to the next euro usually suffices for a tip amount, but if that seems paltry, go ahead and leave 5–10% on top of the fare.
Can you pay with card in Paris taxi? ›Most Paris taxis still don't accept credit cards, so be sure to have about some euro cash with you.
Is it cheaper to use Uber or taxi in Paris? ›Short answer, no. Uber is definitely not cheaper than a taxi but you are probably talking a euro or so for a 10-minute ride. It is up to you if that euro is worth it to go looking for a taxi.
Can you pay by card in French taxi? ›In small towns or away from tourist areas, it is always useful to have some cash with you. Good to know: Taxis in France should accept card payments.
How can I avoid being scammed in Paris? ›Ignore them, walk right past them, avoid eye contact, pretend like you can't hear them or don't understand English. etc. You can spot a lot of these scams from a mile away, so you can just cross the street to get away from them, or walk in the opposite direction.
How do you know if a taxi is scamming you? ›
- Broken machines. Before closing the door, double check the meter and credit card machine (if you plan to pay that way) are working. ...
- Scenic route. ...
- No change. ...
- Sleight of hand. ...
- Missing bags. ...
- Baggage claim solicitations. ...
- Driver recommendations.
– The bulletin de course (receipt) is required if the client requests it or of the fare is over €15. It has to mention the taxi driver's number on it.
How do you ask for a taxi in Paris? ›You can call a taxi anytime (24 hour service) and anywhere on: 01 45 30 30 30. You can also book a taxi for a specific time: Alpha Taxis: 01 45 85 85 85. Taxis bleus: “Green” taxis (to lower CO2 emissions).
Can 4 people ride in a taxi in Paris? ›In Paris, regular saloon taxis are generally limited to three or four passengers (three in the back and sometimes a fourth person in the front). There are several solutions for large families : You can easily find large estate car or minivan type taxis in the streets or you can order one from Parisian companies.
How much is a taxi from CDG airport to Paris? ›The cost of the taxi trip between CDG and Paris is between 50 Euros and 60 Euros, depending on the route taken and the destination in Paris.
Why do you tip only 6% in France? ›So to recap: France does not have a tip-centric culture to the same extent that we do in the US. You'll find French people tipping less often and a much lesser amount. The French are paid a livable wage, so leaving a hefty tip in most cases is not necessary at all. It's completely at your discretion.
Is it rude to tip waiters in France? ›Tipping in French restaurants and cafés is not expected
This is indicated on the menu or the bill with the phrase “service compris.” Nevertheless, if you have a friendly or efficient waiter, you can leave a small gratuity (un pourboire), but this is by no means required.
Tipping is not required in France (although there are a few exceptions). You don't need to tip French waitstaff because they get a living wage and benefits. It is NOT considered rude to tip in France. There is no standard percentage for tips in France.
Do you tip in French taxi? ›Usually in France, tipping when you take the taxi is as important as in Northern-American countries. Even if the price of the ride has a minimum (usually around €4-6), you should tip at the end of the ride depending on the quality of the service. Tips usually may vary from €5 to €10 if it is a long ride.
Is tipping normal in France? ›You are not required to tip waiters/waitresses. A 15% service fee is automatically included in ALL cafés, restaurants, bars, etc. as part of the price of each item (not on top of the total). Servers in France get salaries, paid vacations, health care, and living wages.
Is tipping big in France? ›
Tipping in France
Establishments will usually add around 15% to the bill, and while it most often applies to restaurants, it can also be added in other instances. Because of this law extra tipping is generally not required.
Best way to pay in France: Cash or card? You can get by using your card a lot of the time in France, nearly all restaurants, bars and shops take card and there are numerous ATMs around the country however it is always useful to carry a small amount of cash if ever a need arises.
How much is a taxi from Paris airport? ›A taxi to the city will cost around 50 to 55 Euro from Charles de Gaulle, with an additional 15% supplement automatically added between 5pm and 10am daily, as well as all day Sunday and all holidays. It can cost up to 70 Euro depending on which part of the city you are headed to distance wise.
What is the best way to pay in Paris? ›By far the easiest way to pay for things in France is simply to use an international credit card or debit card. Visa and Mastercard can be used all over France, and American Express cards and other international cards in a number of places.
Can you trust Uber in Paris? ›Yes. Uber is a safe transportation option in Paris. Paris is a safe city in general, but crime does exist, and you should take some precautions when using Uber. First, check the rating of your Uber driver.
What is the cheapest way to get around Paris? ›- The Métro is the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to get around Paris. ...
- Metros start running every day – including public holidays – at around 6am and stop at around 12.45am (from Sunday to Thursday) or at 1.45am (on Friday and Saturday).
Taxi-cab rates in 2022
Support (starting amount of the taximeter when it is started): € 4.10. Mileage rate: € 1.10. Hourly rate: € 36.73, for one hour of waiting or slow running. Supplement from the 5th person transported: 4 € per additional person.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards are the most widely accepted in France, so these card networks should be your first choice. While some places do accept American Express, this is less common.
How late do taxis run in Paris? ›| Urban Zone (red) | Suburban Zone (blue) |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm: Rate A 5pm - 10am: Rate B | Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm: Rate B 5pm - 10am: Rate C |
| Sundays (including holidays) 7am - 12pm: Rate B 12pm-7am: Rate C | Sundays and holidays Day and night: Rate C |
Berline is Uber's French version of UberBLACK. It offers high-end rides with professional drivers in a luxury vehicle.
How do you protect yourself from pickpockets in Paris? ›
To avoid being a victim, try to find a seat away from the doors. If you can't sit, back yourself up against one of the sides. Try to minimize access to your pockets and purses. On the street: The most frequently used tactic here is the distraction technique.
How do I not get scammed with a taxi? ›In order to ensure that you don't get scammed by a taxi while traveling you should always plan ahead, only take well-marked and licensed taxis, pay using small bills, and make sure the meter is working before entering the vehicle.
How do you know if a taxi is real? ›- The driver takes you somewhere else. ...
- Driver has no change. ...
- Driver takes the long route. ...
- Fake taxis. ...
- Gives you counterfeit bills. ...
- Price is (suddenly) per person. ...
- Broken meter. ...
- The note switch.
Never eat any food. Have cash ready for the driver so they don't have to stop at a cashpoint. Don't try and open the doors until the taxi has stopped. Don't jump into a taxi that stops if there was already someone there waiting for one. Let the driver know well in advance if you want to make more than one stop.
Do taxi drivers in Paris speak English? ›Many taxi drivers in Paris speak a little English, but it's always a good idea to have a pen and paper to write down the address. There are many similar sounding streets and you could wind up across town. (Especially if you have dubious French accents, like we do.)
Do taxis keep records? ›Operators must keep records for a minimum of 12 months. This includes records for bookings, complaints and lost property, as well as driver and vehicle records.
Is there Uber in Paris? ›Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Paris
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Paris. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
| Taxi rate | Initial Charge | Price per kilometer |
|---|---|---|
| Day tariff | 2.60 € | 1.05 € |
| Night tariff | 2.60 € | 1.29 € |
| Saturday Day tariff | 2.60 € | 1.29 € |
| Sunday Day tariff | 2.60 € | 1.29 € |
...
4.9.
| Taxi ride price | Minimum price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Roissy-en-France (Aéroport) to Paris 75001 | 33€ | 66€ |
| Versailles to Paris 75001 | 35€ | 74€ |
| Paris 75001 to Paris 75015 | 17€ | 41€ |
| Paris 75001 to Paris 75010 | 13€ | 43€ |
While you don't have to worry about paying and tipping in a Paris cab. These private hire services also allow you to pre-book a large taxi van when traveling as a group or family.
Is 2 hours enough to transit CDG? ›
Minimum connecting time recommended by EASY CDG*
60 minutes for connections within the same terminal. 90 minutes for connections that require travel between terminals.
| Number of Passengers | Price |
|---|---|
| 1-3 Passengers | 55€ |
| 4 Passengers | 60€ |
| 5 Passengers | 70€ |
| 6 Passengers | 75€ |
Taxis are readily available outside of all three terminals, and will take you only 45 minutes to reach the city centre. Paris airport taxi rides at CDG are charged at a flat rate, and cost 55€ if your destination is on the right bank, and 60€ if it's on the Left bank of Paris.
Is it easy to get a taxi from CDG to Paris? ›The most common form of transport from CDG the center is a taxi. It's the easiest way to get from the airport if you haven't arranged a private car or shuttle — and requires no advanced booking.
How safe are taxis in Paris? ›Taxis are perfectly safe if, as others have said, you go to the actual taxi stand. There will be very likely people standing in line and the real taxi people don't come and try to get you to move out of line to go somewhere else. It's pretty obvious where it is, as there's a large sign that says TAXI right above it.
How much does it cost to take taxi from Paris airport? ›A taxi to the city will cost around 50 to 55 Euro from Charles de Gaulle, with an additional 15% supplement automatically added between 5pm and 10am daily, as well as all day Sunday and all holidays. It can cost up to 70 Euro depending on which part of the city you are headed to distance wise.
How much is a taxi from Charles de Gaulle to Paris? ›The cost of the taxi trip between CDG and Paris is between 50 Euros and 60 Euros, depending on the route taken and the destination in Paris.
Are Ubers allowed at CDG? ›Uber is available at Charles de Gaulle Airport, so you can enjoy a comfortable and convenient trip to wherever you need to go.
Is Uber reliable in Paris? ›I used Uber about 5 or 6 times last week in Paris and it was perfectly fine - safe and rather quick. I stayed at a boutique hotel so there weren't a ton of cabs waiting at any given whim, so Uber was the most convenient as there were plenty of cars around. Also used taxis based on availability and it was fine.
What is the safest transportation in Paris? ›Most visitors to Paris will make use of the city's life-line public transport network, the RATP Metro and the RER regional express trains. The Parisian Metro is considered safe by most visitors, but passengers should be aware of safety points when using the public transport.
How Safe Is Paris for female Travellers? ›
Women traveling solo will generally feel safe nearly anyplace they go. As long as you're an independent person at home, you won't have any trouble getting around France by train, bus or rental car. That said, there are general precautions to heed that apply to women traveling everywhere.
Do Taxis in Paris take cash? ›Be prepared to pay in cash, since drivers aren't required to accept credit or debit cards. (If the driver does take cards, the cab will have a sign in the back side window.) It's illegal for taxis to pick up passengers in the street within 50 meters of a taxi stand.
Do Paris taxis charge per person? ›Taxi-cab rates in 2022
Support (starting amount of the taximeter when it is started): € 4.10. Mileage rate: € 1.10. Hourly rate: € 36.73, for one hour of waiting or slow running. Supplement from the 5th person transported: 4 € per additional person.