Price guide
The real Paris airport taxi price: How to avoid getting ripped off at CDG and Orly
Paris airports have strict, legal flat-rate taxi fares to the city center, ranging from 36 to 65 EUR depending on the airport and which side of the river you are heading to. Never accept a ride from anyone lounging in the terminal; always walk to the official outside taxi rank. For budget travelers, the RER B train offers a reliable 11.80 EUR alternative.
Stepping off a long flight at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) can leave you feeling disoriented. The last thing you want to do is negotiate with a driver or realize you have been charged double the actual rate. I built TruePrice to help travelers avoid exactly this kind of stress. Paris is beautiful, but its airport taxi ecosystem can be a minefield if you do not know the rules.
The good news is that the French government regulates taxi fares from the main airports to the city center. There are strict, official flat rates. Here is exactly what you should expect to pay, how to avoid the scammers, and when you should opt for the train instead.
What is the official Paris airport taxi price?
Parisian taxi fares to and from the airports are fixed by law. The price does not depend on the meter, the traffic, or how many bags you have. It only depends on which airport you use and which side of the Seine River your destination is on.
The River Seine splits Paris into two halves: the Right Bank (Rive Droite, north of the river) and the Left Bank (Rive Gauche, south of the river).
Here are the official flat rates for direct trips between the airports and Paris:
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG):
- To the Right Bank (north of the Seine): 56 EUR
- To the Left Bank (south of the Seine): 65 EUR
From Orly Airport (ORY):
- To the Right Bank (north of the Seine): 44 EUR
- To the Left Bank (south of the Seine): 36 EUR
These rates apply in both directions. If you take a licensed taxi from your hotel in the Latin Quarter (Left Bank) to CDG, the price is exactly 65 EUR.
What is included in the flat rate?
The flat rate is comprehensive. It covers your entire party and your luggage. Some dishonest drivers might try to add a “bagage” surcharge or charge extra for a third passenger. Do not fall for this.
The flat rate specifically includes:
- Up to four passengers.
- All of your suitcases and bags.
- Any traffic delays. If you get stuck in a two-hour gridlock on the A1 highway, the price remains exactly 56 or 65 EUR.
The only legal extra fee is if you book a taxi in advance. If you call a taxi or use an app like G7 to reserve a cab for a specific time, the driver can charge a booking fee:
- Immediate booking: 4 EUR extra.
- Advance booking (for a later time): 7 EUR extra.
If you simply walk up to the official taxi queue at the airport, there is absolutely zero booking fee. You pay the flat rate and nothing more.
How to spot and avoid illegal taxi touts
This is the most common trap in Paris. As soon as you exit the baggage claim area, you will likely be approached by clean-cut individuals asking, “Taxi? Taxi to Paris?”
Ignore them completely. Do not even engage.
These are unlicensed drivers (often called “touts”). If you get into their cars, they will use a fake meter app or simply demand 100 to 150 EUR once you arrive at your hotel. They might threaten to keep your bags in the trunk until you pay.
To stay safe and pay the fair price, follow these simple rules:
- Follow the physical overhead signs in the terminal that say “Taxi” with a pictogram of a car.
- Walk all the way outside to the designated taxi rank. There will be an official queue coordinator wearing a high-visibility vest.
- Look for the light on top of the car. Official Paris taxis have a “Taxi Parisien” sign on the roof. If the sign is green, the taxi is free. If it is red, it is occupied.
- Check the meter. Even though it is a flat-rate trip, official taxis must have a working taximeter visible inside the vehicle, which the driver will set to the flat rate code.
Paris airport transport comparison
To help you decide the best way to get into the city, here is a quick breakdown of your options from Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
| Transport Option | Typical Cost (EUR) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Taxi (Right Bank) | 56.00 EUR | 45-75 mins | Families, heavy luggage, convenience |
| Official Taxi (Left Bank) | 65.00 EUR | 50-80 mins | Families, heavy luggage, convenience |
| RER B Train | 11.80 EUR | 35-45 mins | Solo travelers, budget, avoiding traffic |
| Roissybus | 16.60 EUR | 60-75 mins | Staying near the Opera, solo travelers |
| Uber / Bolt | 50.00 - 85.00 EUR | 45-75 mins | Those who prefer app booking (variable pricing) |
Is Uber cheaper than a normal taxi in Paris?
Many travelers assume that ridesharing apps like Uber or Bolt are always cheaper than traditional taxis. In Paris, this is often not the case.
Rideshare apps use dynamic pricing (surge pricing). If you land at CDG during morning rush hour, during a rainy day, or during a major convention, an Uber to the city center can easily spike to 80 EUR or more.
Furthermore, Uber drivers do not have access to the dedicated bus and taxi lanes on the Parisian highways. An official taxi can bypass heavy traffic in these priority lanes, saving you precious time, while an Uber will be stuck in the regular lanes with everyone else.
If you check your app and the price is under 45 EUR, it might be worth it. Otherwise, walking to the official taxi rank is almost always the faster and more cost-effective choice.
The cheaper alternative: Taking the RER B train
If you are traveling solo or on a tight budget, the RER B suburban train is the most efficient way to travel from CDG to central Paris.
The ticket costs 11.80 EUR for a one-way trip. You can buy these tickets at the blue “Billets Île-de-France” kiosks inside the airport train station. Do not buy them from anyone hanging around the machines; only use the official touchscreens or the staffed ticket booths.
The RER B stops at major transit hubs in Paris, including Gare du Nord, Châtelet-les-Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. From there, you can easily transfer to the Metro using the same ticket.
The train takes about 35 to 45 minutes, completely bypassing the notorious Parisian highway traffic. However, keep in mind that the RER B can be crowded, and many Metro stations have stairs instead of escalators. If you have multiple heavy suitcases, a taxi is well worth the extra money.
Knowing the local rate before you land is the easiest way to travel with confidence. I built TruePrice to make sure you always have this kind of local knowledge right in your pocket, wherever you go. Download TruePrice free on the App Store to check fair prices for transport, meals, and local goods on your next trip: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762357469
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay for a Paris airport taxi with a credit card?
Yes, all licensed Paris taxis are legally required to accept credit card payments. If a driver claims their card terminal is broken, they must inform you before you start the trip so you can choose another vehicle.
Are there extra fees for luggage or additional passengers in a Paris taxi?
No, the flat-rate airport fare covers up to four passengers and all of your luggage at no extra cost. A small fee may only apply if you have a fifth passenger in a larger van.
How do I know if I am going to the Right Bank or Left Bank?
The River Seine divides Paris. The Right Bank (Rive Droite) is the northern half, containing sights like the Louvre and Montmartre, while the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) is the southern half, containing the Eiffel Tower and the Latin Quarter.
Is there a night surcharge for Paris airport taxis?
No, the official flat rates apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no night, weekend, or holiday surcharges for airport trips.
Do I need to tip taxi drivers in Paris?
Tipping is not mandatory in France, as service is included in the fare. However, if the driver is helpful with your bags or exceptionally polite, rounding up to the nearest 5 EUR or leaving a 2 to 3 EUR tip is a nice gesture.