Luggage in taxis: rules, limits and surcharges
Going on holiday, heading to the airport or moving a few belongings: luggage is an integral part of many taxi rides. But what are the rules? How many suitcases can you take? Can the driver charge a surcharge? This guide answers all your questions about luggage in taxis.
General rules on taxi luggage
What the regulations say
French regulations concerning taxi luggage are governed by prefectural decrees in each department. Rules may therefore vary slightly from one city to another, but the main principles are common.
Basic rule: the taxi driver is required to transport their passengers' reasonable luggage without surcharge. What is considered "reasonable" includes:
- One or two standard-sized bags per passenger (cabin bag or medium suitcase)
- A handbag or light travel bag
- Common personal belongings
The boot principle
The main criterion is simple: what fits in the boot is transported free of charge. Most taxis (saloons such as the Peugeot 508, Mercedes E-Class or Toyota Camry) have a boot of approximately 450 to 550 litres, which corresponds to:
- 2 to 3 medium suitcases (65-70 cm)
- Or 1 large suitcase + 2 cabin bags
- Plus a few soft bags
Luggage surcharges: what is allowed
The surcharge for bulky luggage
A surcharge may be applied for bulky or cumbersome luggage that requires special handling or the use of additional space. This surcharge is regulated by prefectural decree.
In Ile-de-France (2026):
- Bulky luggage surcharge: varies by prefecture, generally EUR 1-2 per additional piece beyond what is reasonable
- This surcharge must be announced before departure
- It is displayed inside the vehicle (fare sticker)
What is considered bulky
The following luggage may incur a surcharge:
- XL suitcases (over 80 cm) or trunks
- Sports equipment: skis, bicycles (disassembled), surfboards
- Bulky pushchairs (folding pushchairs are generally free)
- Bulky musical instruments (cello, double bass)
- Bulky medical equipment (non-folding wheelchair — note that wheelchair-user equipment must not be charged)
- Moving boxes or bulky packages
What must NOT be charged
- Cabin bags (55 x 35 x 25 cm): always free
- Handbags and light backpacks
- Folding pushchairs: they fit in the boot
- Guide dogs: no surcharge allowed
- Crutches, canes and walkers: basic medical equipment
Special luggage: case by case
Sports equipment
- Skis and snowboards: most taxis accept skis in the boot (some models have a hatch). Inform the driver when booking.
- Bicycles: a disassembled bicycle (wheels removed) can fit in a large boot or MPV. A fully assembled bicycle requires a specific vehicle.
- Golf clubs: a standard golf bag usually fits in the boot. Inform the driver nonetheless.
- Surfboards: require an MPV or van type vehicle. Booking required.
Musical instruments
- Guitar, violin: in the boot or on the back seat, no surcharge
- Cello: takes up a passenger seat. Some drivers charge for an additional seat.
- Double bass, harp: requires a van. Book in advance.
Professional equipment
- Laptop and wheeled suitcase: no surcharge
- Photography or video equipment: in the boot, no surcharge
- Exhibition materials (roll-ups, boxes): may require a van if bulky
Shopping
- Grocery bags: no surcharge for a reasonable volume
- Bulky purchases (flat-pack furniture, boxes): surcharge possible if cumbersome
- Animals bought from pet shops: see our article on pets in taxis
Airport transfers: best practices
The airport transfer is the most common situation where luggage is plentiful. Here are the best practices:
Before booking
- Count your luggage: list the exact number of suitcases, bags and special items
- Choose the right vehicle: on TaxiNeo, select a suitable vehicle (saloon, MPV, van) based on your luggage
- Specify in the booking: indicate the number and size of your luggage in the comments
On the day of departure
- Prepare your luggage in advance: do not keep the driver waiting
- Group your luggage at your door or in the hallway
- Help the driver if possible: it is courteous and speeds up loading
- Check the boot on arrival: make sure you leave nothing behind
Airport flat rates
For airport transfers, flat rates are often more advantageous. In Ile-de-France:
- Paris to Roissy CDG: EUR 56 (right bank) or EUR 65 (left bank)
- Paris to Orly: EUR 36 (left bank) or EUR 45 (right bank)
These flat rates include standard luggage. No luggage surcharge may be added to airport flat rates.
The driver's right to refuse
When can the driver refuse?
The driver may refuse your luggage in limited cases:
- Safety: luggage prevents the boot from closing or obstructs visibility
- Excessive weight: the total weight (passengers + luggage) exceeds the vehicle's maximum load
- Dangerous objects: flammable, explosive or toxic materials
- Soiling: wet, muddy or foul-smelling luggage that risks damaging the vehicle
When the driver may NOT refuse
The driver cannot refuse your luggage for these reasons:
- Too many suitcases (if they fit in the boot)
- Folding pushchair
- Wheelchair or medical equipment
- Guide dog
Tips for travelling with lots of luggage
Optimise space
- Use soft suitcases: they adapt better to the boot space
- Stack intelligently: large suitcases at the bottom, small ones on top
- Use dead space: between suitcases, in the corners of the boot
- The back seat: if you are alone, a suitcase can go on the seat
Book the right vehicle
On TaxiNeo, choose the adapted vehicle:
| Vehicle type | Boot capacity | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Saloon | 450-550 L | 2-3 medium suitcases |
| Estate | 550-650 L | 3-4 medium suitcases |
| MPV | 600-800 L | Families with luggage |
| Van | 800-1200 L | Groups or bulky luggage |
Communicate in advance
The key to a stress-free journey is communication. By specifying your luggage when booking on TaxiNeo, you avoid any surprises when the driver arrives.
Luggage should never be a source of stress in a taxi. With the right information and an adapted vehicle, every journey goes smoothly. On TaxiNeo, filter vehicles by boot capacity, specify your luggage and travel with peace of mind.