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Fixed price vs meter: which taxi pricing to choose?

Fixed price vs meter: the comparison

When you take a taxi, two pricing modes exist: the traditional kilometric meter and the fixed price offered by platforms like TaxiNeo. Which one to choose?

The meter: how it works

The meter calculates the price by combining:

  • Distance traveled (€/km)
  • Waiting time (traffic jams, red lights)
  • Applicable rate (A, B, C, or D depending on time and zone)

Advantages:

  • Official and regulated system
  • Fair for very short trips

Disadvantages:

  • Impossible to know the price in advance
  • Price increases with traffic
  • Stress during the ride (watching the meter run)
  • Possible surprises (detours, waiting time)

Fixed price: how it works

The fixed price is calculated before booking based on:

  • Pickup and drop-off addresses
  • Estimated distance and travel time
  • Applicable regulated rate

Advantages:

  • You know exactly how much you'll pay
  • No stress during the ride
  • Traffic jams don't change anything
  • Easy to compare and budget

Disadvantages:

  • May be slightly more expensive than a meter in ideal conditions (no traffic)

When to choose fixed price?

Fixed pricing is almost always advantageous:

  • Rush hour: traffic inflates the meter
  • Long trips: airport, suburbs, intercity
  • Tight budget: you know the exact cost
  • Peace of mind: no unpleasant surprises

When is the meter still interesting?

  • Very short trip (less than 2 km) in Paris without traffic
  • Spontaneous pickup on the street (no booking)

The TaxiNeo approach

TaxiNeo combines the best of both: regulated taxis with a guaranteed fixed price. You get the quality and safety of an official taxi, with the transparency and predictability of a fixed price.


Try TaxiNeo fixed pricing: enter your trip and see the price in seconds. No meter, no stress.