Last time we were in Paris we had the hardest time just finding a cab. We took the Metro a lot and walked but sometimes we were so tired or it was dark and we were unsure on where the Metro was and just wanted a cab and we landed up walking blocks and blocks before we saw an available cab (usually had people in them). Is the a taxi APP similar to Uber that we can use? Or another solution?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Uber is available in Paris, if you want it. Rick's new edition of Paris 2017 recommends the taxi apps for either "G7" taxis or "Taxis Bleus." Taxis are easiest to catch at a taxi stand (marked on Rick's maps and some others), so you could always ask a local to point you toward a taxi stand, or you can call a taxi for an additional 4 euro fee.
Posted by
Chicago
8560 posts
Paris is a hard town to get taxis in since there are rarely taxis at most taxi stands although your odds of hailing one there are a bit higher than on the street randomly. You can call for taxis so I'd program the G7 number into your phone.
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
How long ago were you in Paris? Things have improved, taxi-wise, if it's been a few years. I take taxis several times a week, and normally just catch one on the street.
There are taxi stands available, and if you have a good map/app, you can search for them - if you need a taxi in the early morning/late evening or if it's raining, though, there might not be many there.
Uber cannot pick up at airports and train stations, and surge prices can eat a hole in your pocket.
If you're tired of wandering around, the best thing to do is walk to the nearest busy intersection and look for regular Parisian taxis with a green light on top (green = available, red = already taken). Stick out your arm and smile. Get in. If your French isn't too good, hand the driver the printed address where you want to go, including the Postal Code.
If you want to reserve a cab for a specific time, most residents use TaxisG7, which is a very reliable company. You can call, use an app or book online in English, and you'll be notified by SMS of the color and model of taxi which will pick you up. There is a 7 EU charge additional charge if booking ahead.
https://www.g7.fr/en/book-taxi
Flat rates to and from both airports have been in effect since May 2016.
From / To CDG:
Any address on the Right Bank costs 50 EU for 4 passengers and their luggage.
Any address on the Left Bank costs 55 EU for the same.
From / To ORY:
Right Bank costs 35 EU
Left Bank costs 30 EU
Posted by
OP
California
1625 posts
Laura-Thanks! Will download the app. I saw official Taxi Stands in many places, just not around when we actually needed one. We used the G7 website when we wanted to schedule a Taxi for a specific time....just needed suggestions for a more efficient way to get a taxi and the App sounds like a great solution.