G7 Taxi vs Uber in Paris? Pick the Right Ride

The first time you land in Paris, you might grab a taxi from the airport line or open Uber out of habit. Both will get you across the city, but the difference in speed, cost, and reliability can be bigger than you expect. Knowing how each works (and when they fail) can make your trip a lot smoother.

G7 Taxis: What to Expect

G7 is the biggest taxi company in France, operating across Paris and its suburbs. You can hail one on the street, walk up to a rank, or order through the app or website.

Cars are generally clean and match the category you booked. Drivers with the roof sign can use bus lanes, which is a real advantage in heavy traffic, often cutting 5–10 minutes off a ride.

Fares run on the meter for most trips, with fixed rates for Charles de Gaulle airport: €56 to the right bank, €65 to the left bank.

Advance booking is possible, but there’s no guaranteed driver until shortly before pickup. If no one accepts the ride, it will cancel.

Most trips go smoothly, but there are accounts of last-minute cancellations, even for airport runs, and some (rare) disputes over cancellation fees when the driver is late or parked far from the pickup point.

Payment through the app requires a 3D Secure-enabled card. Travelers without this, or with foreign numbers, sometimes can’t even finish account setup because the SMS verification code never arrives.

G7 taxis generally stick to the meter price, but as with any taxi service, if a driver takes a long route, the fare will rise.

GPS navigation helps limit this, and locals say most Paris drivers don’t try to overcharge. There are exceptions: near the Eiffel Tower, some drivers demand a €20 minimum for short rides.

Note that you can request an English-speaking driver in the app.

Uber: Where It Shines and Where it Doesn’t

Uber operates widely in Paris and is often cheaper than G7, especially during off-peak hours. Many travelers pay €15–20 less for airport trips than the taxi flat rate, even when booking larger cars or vans.

A family of four might pay close to what metro tickets would cost for the same journey.

For most, pickup times are quick, usually a few minutes. Seeing the fare in advance is a plus, and for those who have had “broken” card machines in taxis, the in-app payment is more reliable.

Uber often comes out ahead on price in cities like Lyon, where taxi fares can be 1.5 times higher.

But it’s not without problems. Pricing is dynamic, so during high demand Uber can be more expensive than G7. Drivers can’t use bus lanes, so in peak traffic, a taxi can be faster.

There are cases where the car or driver doesn’t match the app listing, drivers push for cash payment, or there’s no change available.

Some riders say the app’s estimated wait time jumps once you book – three minutes becoming eight, or the driver detours before pickup.

With groups of four, some drivers refuse to take a passenger in the front seat, leading to cancellations or uncomfortable seating in the back.

Bolt, Heetch, and Others

Bolt is often cheaper than both Uber and G7, sometimes around a third of the taxi price, with promotions like half-price trips to Parc Astérix.

Experiences are mixed: some get quick pickups and friendly drivers, others face cancellations, poor vehicle condition, or no air conditioning in summer heat.

Heetch has fans among locals, but it’s less common for airport transfers or tourist use.

Note than in France, services like Uber, Bolt, and other app-based ride-hailing companies are referred to as “VTC” – for “Voiture de Transport avec Chauffeur” (chauffeured transport vehicle or private hire vehicle).

This legal category is different from traditional taxis, which have specific licensing and the right to pick up passengers without prior booking.

Public Transport

For most city journeys, the metro, RER trains, trams, and buses are faster and cheaper than any car service.

Locals and regular visitors often use taxis or ride-hailing only for early flights, late-night returns, or when carrying heavy luggage.

Outside Paris

In Bordeaux, trams and buses work well, though a taxi or ride-hailing app can help with luggage.

In Saint-Émilion, renting a car for the day is the easiest way to explore vineyards and nearby towns. Nice’s tram is convenient but covers only part of the city. Taxis are fine if the meter is used, though scams like flat overcharging still happen.

Once you’re outside Paris, driving is generally easier, with lighter traffic and more parking. The Basque Country is generally pleasant to explore by car.

Pricing and Availability Patterns

• G7 prices are fixed for airports but metered otherwise.
• Uber prices fluctuate with demand and can be cheaper in quiet periods, especially in suburban or rural areas.
• At times of high demand, like rain or rush hour, Uber availability may be better than G7, though prices may spike.
• In August, driver availability for both drops as many take holidays.

Valuable Practical Tips from Traveler

Check both Uber and G7 before each trip. Download and set up both apps in advance to avoid last-minute registration issues.

If using G7, ensure your card is 3D Secure and you can receive SMS verification. If using Uber, confirm the car and license plate before getting in.

Avoid taking taxis directly outside major tourist spots, where some drivers demand inflated rates. At airports, know the official fixed fares and challenge any attempt to run the meter instead.

If you need to get picked up from a crowded location like a train station, walking a few minutes to a quieter spot or hotel entrance can make the pickup smoother.

Public transport remains the fastest and cheapest option for many trips, but keeping both G7 and Uber at your fingertips means you can adapt quickly when you hit traffic, the metro is closed, or you just want door-to-door convenience.