Understanding taxi fares in France: the complete guide
Taking a taxi in France can seem confusing when it comes to pricing. Between the running meter, surcharges announced upon arrival, and differences between day and night rates, many passengers feel lost. Yet taxi fares are strictly regulated by the government: every cent is governed by a prefectural decree. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know to understand, anticipate, and optimize the price of your taxi ride.
The official taxi fare schedule: A, B, C and D
French taxis use a time-distance meter that applies four distinct rates, identified by the letters A, B, C, and D. The applicable rate depends on three factors: the time of the ride, the day of the week, and the geographic zone (central Paris vs suburbs/provinces).
Rate A — Day, urban zone
Rate A is the base rate. It applies Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm, for rides within central Paris. It is the cheapest rate.
- Price per kilometer: approximately 1.14 euros/km
- When: during the day, on weekdays, in Paris
- Best for: short to medium rides in Paris during business hours
Rate B — Night in urban zone / Day in suburbs
Rate B is an intermediate rate. It applies in two distinct situations:
- 1.At night in Paris (7pm to 7am, Monday to Saturday)
- 2.During the day in the suburbs (7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday)
- Price per kilometer: approximately 1.46 euros/km
- Surcharge compared to Rate A: approximately +28%
Rate C — Night in suburbs
Rate C applies for night rides (7pm to 7am) in the Parisian suburbs or outside the urban zone.
- Price per kilometer: approximately 1.61 euros/km
- Surcharge compared to Rate A: approximately +41%
Rate D — Sundays and public holidays
Rate D is the highest rate. It applies all day on Sundays and public holidays, regardless of geographic zone.
- Price per kilometer: approximately 1.61 euros/km (similar to Rate C)
- When: Sundays and public holidays, 24 hours a day
Summary table of taxi fares in France
| Rate | Period | Zone | Price/km (approx.) | Surcharge vs A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Mon-Sat, 7am-7pm | Central Paris | 1.14 euros/km | — |
| B | Mon-Sat, 7pm-7am / Mon-Sat, 7am-7pm | Paris / Suburbs | 1.46 euros/km | +28% |
| C | Mon-Sat, 7pm-7am | Suburbs | 1.61 euros/km | +41% |
| D | Sundays and public holidays | All zones | 1.61 euros/km | +41% |
Important: these rates are revised annually by prefectural decree. The amounts shown are the rates in effect for 2026 in Ile-de-France. Rates in the provinces may vary slightly but remain governed by the same national regulations.
The initial charge and surcharges
Beyond the price per kilometer, several elements are added to the total amount of the ride.
The initial charge
Every ride begins with an initial charge that appears as soon as the meter starts. In 2026, this amount is approximately 4.18 euros in Ile-de-France. This amount is identical regardless of the rate (A, B, C, or D).
The minimum fare
Even for a very short trip, the driver cannot charge less than a minimum amount of approximately 8.00 euros. If your metered ride shows 5.50 euros, you will still pay 8.00 euros.
Authorized surcharges
Taxi drivers can apply certain regulated surcharges:
- 5th passenger: approximately 4.00 euros surcharge if the vehicle can accommodate a 5th passenger
- Bulky luggage: a surcharge may apply for oversized luggage placed in the trunk (approximately 2.00 euros per bag beyond the 2nd)
- Pets: the driver can accept or refuse animals. If accepted, no regulatory surcharge is prescribed, though some drivers charge a small cleaning fee
- Phone booking: when you order a taxi by phone or via an app, the meter starts running as soon as the driver heads toward you (this is called the approach)
What is prohibited
Certain practices are strictly forbidden:
- Surcharge for card payment (the card terminal is mandatory)
- Luggage surcharge for standard suitcases
- Refusal of a ride without legitimate reason
- Price negotiated upward (the meter is authoritative)
How the time-distance meter works
The taxi meter is a government-certified and sealed device. It combines two measurements to calculate the price in real time.
The distance + time calculation
The meter works on a simple but effective principle:
- 1.When the taxi is moving: the price increases based on distance traveled (euros/km)
- 2.When the taxi is stopped or moving very slowly (traffic jams, red lights): the price increases based on elapsed time (approximately 38.96 euros/hour of waiting)
The meter automatically switches between distance mode and time mode, always choosing whichever generates the higher fare. In practice, this means traffic jams increase the bill, as the meter charges for waiting time.
The meter display
The meter permanently displays:
- The current rate (A, B, C, or D), visible via an indicator light
- The total amount of the ride in euros
- The driver cannot manually change the rate: the meter automatically switches based on the time and GPS zone
The Paris airport flat rate: CDG and Orly
For trips between Paris and the two major Parisian airports, a flat rate replaces the meter. This flat rate was established in 2016 to protect travelers from variable pricing.
Paris to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) flat rates
| Trip | 2026 flat rate |
|---|---|
| Paris Right Bank to CDG | 56 euros |
| Paris Left Bank to CDG | 65 euros |
Paris to Orly flat rates
| Trip | 2026 flat rate |
|---|---|
| Paris Right Bank to Orly | 37 euros |
| Paris Left Bank to Orly | 32 euros |
Important points about the airport flat rate
- The flat rate is identical day and night, weekdays and Sundays
- No luggage surcharge (even with 3 suitcases)
- The flat rate applies only for trips between central Paris and the airport
- If your pickup or drop-off is in the suburbs, the standard meter applies
- The flat rate is per ride, not per passenger: with 4 people, it is 56 euros total, or 14 euros each
Rates by region: Ile-de-France vs provinces
Ile-de-France
Rates in Ile-de-France are set by a decree from the Paris Police Prefecture. They are generally the highest in France, reflecting the cost of living and traffic density.
Provinces
In the provinces, rates are set by prefectural decree in each department. They are often 10 to 20% cheaper than in Ile-de-France. For example:
| City | Day price/km (approx.) | Initial charge |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 1.14 euros | 4.18 euros |
| Lyon | 1.05 euros | 3.83 euros |
| Marseille | 1.02 euros | 3.50 euros |
| Bordeaux | 1.00 euros | 3.70 euros |
| Lille | 1.04 euros | 3.60 euros |
Note: these amounts are indicative and may vary. The exact rates are displayed on a sticker on the rear right window of each taxi.
How to estimate your fare before getting in
Estimating a taxi fare before getting in is entirely possible. Here are several methods.
Method 1: quick calculation
Use this approximate formula:
Estimated price = Initial charge + (Distance in km x Applicable rate/km)
For example, for a 10 km ride at Rate A in Paris:
4.18 euros + (10 x 1.14 euros) = 15.58 euros
Add 20 to 30% for potential traffic: approximately 19 to 20 euros.
Method 2: online simulators
Several websites and apps offer taxi price simulators. TaxiNeo displays a guaranteed fixed price directly on the platform, giving you a reliable estimate and a price that will not change.
Method 3: ask the driver
Before getting in, you can ask the driver for a price estimate. An experienced driver knows their routes and can give you a reliable ballpark figure. Note that this estimate is not contractual: the meter is authoritative.
5 tips to pay less for your taxi
1. Travel at the right times
Rate A (day, Paris) is 28% cheaper than Rate B (night). If your trip is not urgent, plan it between 7am and 7pm on weekdays to get the best rate.
2. Share the ride
The fare is per ride, not per passenger. With 3 or 4 people, a taxi often becomes cheaper than the metro or bus per person, especially with luggage.
3. Avoid rush hours
Traffic jams switch the meter to time mode (approximately 39 euros/hour). A 30-minute ride in normal conditions can cost 50% more during rush hours (8am-9:30am and 5:30pm-7:30pm).
4. Choose a fixed price
With a platform like TaxiNeo, you know the price before getting in. No unpleasant surprises from traffic, detours, or night rates. The fixed price is often more advantageous than the meter, especially during rush hours.
5. Take a taxi from a stand
Taking a taxi from a stand (train station, airport, official taxi rank) avoids approach charges. When you order a taxi by phone, the meter starts running as soon as the driver heads toward you. At a stand, the meter only starts when you depart.
TaxiNeo fixed pricing: the transparent solution
At TaxiNeo, we wanted to solve the main problem with taxi fares: uncertainty. Our platform offers you a guaranteed fixed price, calculated in advance, that does not change regardless of traffic conditions.
How it works
- 1.You enter your pickup and drop-off addresses
- 2.TaxiNeo calculates a fixed price based on the distance, estimated time, and applicable regulatory rate
- 3.You confirm the booking at the displayed price
- 4.A licensed taxi driver comes to pick you up
- 5.You pay the agreed price, not a cent more
The advantages of fixed pricing
- Total transparency: you know exactly what you will pay
- Protection against traffic: the price does not change even if the trip takes longer than expected
- No stress: enjoy the ride without watching the meter
- Controlled budget: ideal for business travel and trips
In summary, taxi fares in France are regulated and predictable if you understand the system. But for total peace of mind, TaxiNeo fixed pricing remains the simplest and most transparent solution. Enter your trip on TaxiNeo and discover your price in seconds.