I see a thread from a couple years ago about transportation from CDG to Paris. Most recommended the fixed rate taxi. We had a very bad experience with this in 2017, there was a bad traffic jam and the driver insisted that our fee was more because it took so long. Also her driving was frightening. We are going back in June of 2026 and are wondering if anyone has any tips from a recent trip or a driver that you can recommend.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
17019 posts
I've always taken a cab and fortunately have never had the experience you had.
I did have a traffic jam one time that made the journey take so long the fixed rate flipped over to a meter but when I got to the hotel the taxi driver (who spoke minimal English) waved his hand at the meter and said NO to the amount shown and stated the fixed rate.
In your instance this is a good time to have cash to pay and just give the fixed rate amount. Also take pictures of the cab number and I would do the meter too, probably, then report to the taxi authorities. IF you are going to a hotel, I might go inside and get the reception person to come out and speak with the driver. This would be harder for me as I am a solo traveler but if you are with your wife you could send her inside for help while you continue to speak with the driver.
I do have the hotel's address written on an index card along with the amount of the fixed rate out beside it. I also ask before I get in the car if they will accept ApplePay.
I'm sorry you had one bad driver. TBH, based on my experience, this is the exception not the rule.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2181 posts
Excellent advice from Pam.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
4380 posts
Look, there are always a few (maybe more than a few) drivers who will try to scam you. Last fall, a driver tried to charge me a 16.50€ supplement on the meter. After a short discussion, he accepted the correct fare. My tip for you is to be confident that there is currently no extra charge for extra time, time of day, day of the week or anything like that and act accordingly. The only extra for the trip from the airport is an amount per passenger if you have more than four passengers. The current fixed rate is 56€ to the Right Bank and 65€ to the Left Bank. The fares are listed in the taxis and in the airport. Pam has given you excellent advise about what to do when you first get into the taxi.
These days the only time that I take a car service is when there is a transit strike on my arrival day like there was last May and I am worried that there might be a shortage of taxis. To me there is no real value in a car service because they charge more and I have to walk further to get to the car than I would to get to the taxi. That being said, Shuttle Inter is a car service that I often suggest that charges 80€ to transport two people from CDG to Paris.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies. I will follow this guidance and give the Taxi another chance!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6745 posts
And in the airport be sure to follow the signs to the official taxi stand, where a dispatcher will put you in a properly licensed taxi that charges the fixed rate. Ignore anyone in the terminal offering rides, they'll rip you off. I don't know if that's what happened to the OP, but it's good advice to anyone.
Posted by
northern CA
3361 posts
Another anecdotal data point -- the last time I arrived at CDG the standard taxi queue went very smoothly compared to years past. The issue of not having cash on arrival as a reason to book ahead online no longer seems to hold -- the driver can handle credit without trouble.
Posted by
40 posts
On my past two trips to Paris (the last in August 2025) I have used BT Transfer. Very easy to book online with a set price, although a bit more expensive than a taxi, Have been very happy with the service as the driver meets you once you get through immigration, so no trying to find taxi stands. Personally, the extra cost is worth it (in my opinion)
Posted by
Seattle
87 posts
We were in Paris September 2025. We used BOLT, CDG to our hotel, by Canal St Martin. Bolt is more reliable and less expensive than Uber. 36 € (2 passengers) After 18 hours travel we decided no to public transportation.
Use Bolt app. We also used Bolt to ride from Gare Vernon to Giverny. 9.2€. Excellent decision - we arrived ahead of the shuttle - garden to ourselves for 30 min.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
3238 posts
As soon as we driver starts telling you that the flat rate does not apply pull out your phone and start video
or photographing everything
You will be amazed what happens next.
I got a free ride because the driver told me if he got another complaint he would lose his license. I took a free ride and I filed the complaint , I hope he lost his license.
Posted by
California
3 posts
Have you looked at Welcome pickup? I’ve used them several times in Europe. I recently booked them for an April pick up at CDG , cost was just 5€ more than set fee for drop off in the left bank ( I believe I had a coupon and some” rewards”)
Posted by
OP
16 posts
I'm so grateful for this forum. All of these replies are so helpful. Thank you all!!