In your home country, Uber is probably pretty easy. You take out your phone and minutes later a driver pulls up ready to cart you to your destination. You should know that European cities have different rules in place, which means Uber is not always so easy. So, is Uber in Paris? Read on to find out how Uber works in Paris and its alternatives.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources, our top Paris tours for a memorable trip, and how to see Paris in a day.
A Guide to Uber in Paris
In short, yes. Uber is in Paris. However, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Read on to find out how Uber works in Paris, what your options are for getting around, and when to get a taxi.
An easy way to get around the city when seeing Paris’ top sights is to join a tour. All the logistics are taken care of, so the only thing you have to do is enjoy your day.
Not ready to book a tour? See if Paris tours are worth it.
Taxi Drivers vs Uber Drivers
France has a slightly different market economy than the USA, Australia, Canada, and the UK. It is more of a mix of a free market economy and government regulations to control job security. What does that have to do with you hailing a ride?
It simply means that taxi drivers don’t like the existence of Uber in Paris and for good reason. Taxi drivers paid good money for their licenses to cart around tourists and suddenly anyone can do it?
Legally yes, Uber drivers have just as much right to drive tourists around. Innovation can’t be halted in our modern society and Uber simply works better. It often has better rates, it tells you the route, and you don’t have to get in an argument over your place in line and contactless payments.
Are Taxis Cheaper Than Uber in Paris?
Short answer: no.
Uber is definitely not cheaper than a taxi but you’re probably talking a euro or so for a 10-minute ride. It’s up to you if that euro is worth it to go looking for a taxi. If there’s a stand outside my hotel, I’ll probably take a taxi. If I’m at an Airbnb on a side street I am going to open my app.
Having said that, Uber is not definitely not more expensive either. There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding your rate. Uber also has a minimum, which apparently fluctuates with demand.
Popular Paris Tours
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Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms & Privileged Access
The Paris Catacombs are unlike most attractions you can visit since it’s an underground burial ground with 6 million skeletons adorning the walls. Learn the deep history here with our English-speaking guide for an experience of a lifetime. Skip-the-line admissions and access to exclusive areas that the public can’t access make this the best tour of the Paris Catacombs.
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Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa
The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crown jewel of Paris. You could spend days here, but instead, join a passionate, English-speaking guide for a tour of the most famous artworks. View the Mona Lisa, the Coronation of Napoleon, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and so much more.
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Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Paris tours to take and why.
Do I Need To Download a New App?
No. Your Uber app that you use at home is universal. It’ll work everywhere you go. You also can use your home-currency and payment method. According to Uber.com, “Toll payments are given in local currency and calculated in accordance with the bank’s current exchange rate. While your bank may sometimes charge additional fees, the Uber app will never charge any extra fees for traveling overseas.”
Should You Take an Uber From the Airport
I would get a taxi at both the CDG and ORY airports. Both Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly have taxi stands outside, which move fast. If you reserve a taxi in advance, there’s a €7 additional fee, which could make a taxi more expensive.
I can’t imagine a scenario where calling an Uber and waiting is faster than the taxi stand. If you get a taxi from the stand, it’s most likely going to be cheaper than an Uber.
According to the official Paris Airports website, taking a taxi from CDG to the right bank of Paris is €53 and to the left bank is €58. ORY’s official airport website states that left bank voyages will cost €32 and to the right bank €37.
Do You Tip Your Paris Uber Driver?
The short answer is no, but c’mon. France and most of Europe don’t really have the same tipping culture that you’ll find in many other countries. That said, if you’re used to tipping and have the resources to do so, please do. When you tip, it always helps the person in a service job—they’ll beat the hourly earning curve.
Also, it makes your home country look good and pays it forward for the next national from your country. If an Australian couple tips their driver, it will positively affect that driver’s opinion of Australians in general.
Our Best Guided Tours of Paris
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Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Our Eiffel Tower tour takes you on a cruise down the Seine River for incredible views of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Champagne included, of course. Then you’ll be guided to the Eiffel Tower, skip the long lines, and head up the elevator to the second floor for a night to remember.
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Ultimate Taste of Paris Food Tour in Le Marais
Embark on a culinary journey in Le Marais—one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. Most food tours in Paris offer cheese and wine, but we include a full, sit-down meal! Enjoy a feast of French cheeses, oysters, street food, boeuf bourguignon, crème brûlée, and more. This 3-hour food tour combines the best of Paris’ culinary heritage and you won’t find a better deal out there!
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Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Paris tours to take and why.
Do Uber Drivers in France Speak English
There are no requirements from Uber that your driver needs to speak English. There may not even be a requirement that they speak French. These are the only requirements:
- At least 21 years old
- Valid driver’s license from France
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle insurance (Commercial)
Uber drivers also have to go through a criminal background check and are checked for a clean driver’s record. So, it’s not definite that your Uber driver will speak English but luckily you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to. Everything takes place on the app!
Uber and Taxi Alternatives in Paris
I love Paris for many reasons but one of them is all the scooters lying around! You can obviously walk or take the Paris metro (see our guide to metropolitan) but scooters are a cool way to move around too.
Bird Scooters is my favorite company only because it’s the first scooter I came upon and I’ve been using it ever since. You can download the app, pick up a scooter, and start going.
It’s super cheap and they’re electric, so it’s clean energy. Bonus: they’re really really fun to use if you’re adventurous and coordinated. There’s an easy way to get around and explore the city: join us on our top-rated Paris tours and day trips!
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Paris tours are worth it.
Where To Stay in Paris
With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.
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