Ridesharing apps are the main alternative to taxis these days. Not all ridesharing apps are created equal, however. After some extensive research, here are the very best apps to use when you are in Paris.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary of my recommendations:
- The most reliable app: Uber, with an insane number of drivers and a grading system, has been around for a long time and will probably be here for the foreseeable future.
- The most eco-friendly app: Unlike the images of an elderly Parisian person with a mustache that its name brings to mind, one of Marcel’s main selling points is that it only offers hybrid and electric cars.
- The app with the most cars: As is often the case, the first to arrive is the one with the most items. In other words: Uber.
- The app with the most services: Initially, Passenger Cars with Chauffeurs was a luxurious service. In an attempt to become more accessible, they also lost some of their standing, so this designation now goes to LeCab, which truly goes the extra mile to help you out.
UBER
Our grade: 9.2/10
Presentation
Everything started with Uber, so we will also. Did you know that this California brand has its roots in Paris? After being frustrated by not being able to find a taxi, its founders decided to make the driver system more accessible to everyone.
The Uber app is very simple and user-friendly. It also uses a double sided grading system, reminding us that while being a good driver is important, so is being a good customer. According to this system, if the customer was problematic (arrived late, was impolite, changed the destination halfway through, etc.), the driver can give the customer a bad grade. This warns other drivers to be cautious about accepting said passenger.
In 2021, Uber celebrated its tenth birthday. Its multiple options (van, eco-friendly, classy, cheap, etc.) are a testament to its experience in the industry.
You generally only have to wait five to ten minutes for a ride during the day and about twenty minutes during the night.
With over 20,000 drivers, Uber also has the most cars in Paris.
Pricing
UberX
| Pick up | €2 |
| Per kilometer | €1.05 |
| Per minute | €0.37 |
Examples:
- From the Arc de Triomphe to the Panthéon (6.2 km and 25 min): €16.22
- From Notre Dame to the Père Lachaise cemetery (5.67 km and 25 min): €15.66
- From City Hall to the Sacré Coeur basilica (5.99 km and 33 min): €18.48
Uber Black
| Pick up | €5.00 |
| Per kilometer | €1.60 |
| Per minute | €0.50 |
Examples:
- From the Arc de Triomphe to the Panthéon (6.2 km and 25 min): €27.42
- From Notre Dame to the Père Lachaise cemetery (5.67 km and 25 min): €26.57
- From City Hall to the Sacré Coeur basilica (5.99 km and 33 min): €31.08
(data obtained here – French website)
Prices may vary according to the time of day, however, and are given as an indication only.
We like:
- The wide selection of cars
- The user-friendly app
- The dual-sided grading system
Check out their website for more information
FREENOW
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Presentation
FreeNow is currently the second most popular app in France (just behind Uber) and is the most popular one in Europe.Founded in 2013, Chauffeur Privé was originally a French company. In 2017 it changed its name to Kapten to sound less posh before being bought by the European multinational company FreeNow.
Since it has fewer cars than Uber, waiting times fluctuate more. You might have to wait more than 10 minutes for your car to arrive during the day and as long as a half hour during the night.
Pricing
Basic
| Pick up | €1.50 |
| Per kilometer | €1.10 |
| Per minute | €0.28 |
Examples:
- From the Arc de Triomphe to the Panthéon (6.2 km and 25 min): €16.56
- From Notre Dame to the Père Lachaise cemetery (5.67 km and 25 min): €13.94
- From City Hall to the Sacré Coeur basilica (5.99 km and 33 min): €19.05
Vans/Sedans
| Pick up | €5.00 |
| Per kilometer | €1.55 |
| Per minute | €0.50 |
Examples:
- From the Arc de Triomphe to the Panthéon (6.2 km and 25 min): €31.66
- From Notre Dame to the Père Lachaise cemetery (5.67 km and 25 min): €29.31
- From City Hall to the Sacré Coeur basilica (5.99 km and 33 min): €34.42
We like:
- It’s affordable
- You can pay in cash
- It has good driver availability
We don’t like:
- Drivers aren’t always as professional as they should be
Check out their website for more information (in French)
HEETCH
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Presentation
Founded in 2013 as a carsharing company (the name “Heetch” comes from “hitch-hike”), Heetch became a normal ridesharing company in 2017.
The grading system was replaced with a comment system that they consider to be “healthier and more personal.”
Despite being much less popular than Uber and FreeNow, Heetch has plenty of drivers since it offers better rates for drivers than other companies.
The waiting time is about the same as Uber’s and FreeNow’s.
Pricing
| Pick up | €3.50 |
| Per kilometer | €0.90 |
| Per minute | €0.35 |
Examples:
- From the Arc de Triomphe to the Panthéon (6.2 km and 25 min): €17.83
- From Notre Dame to the Père Lachaise cemetery (5.67 km and 25 min): €17.27
- From City Hall to the Sacré Coeur basilica (5.99 km and 33 min): €20.44
We like:
- It has plenty of cars
- The company seems to care about its drivers
We don’t like:
- Its high prices for basic services
- No options (sedan, eco, van, etc.)
Check out their website for more information
BOLT
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🎖️ Our rating: 8.5
Presentation
Founded in 2013 as ‘Taxify’ before becoming ‘Bolt’ in 2019, this VTC app has quickly gained popularity for its quality services and competitive pricing. Initially launched in Estonia, Bolt quickly expanded to over 200 cities in more than 40 countries around the world.
Bolt stands out for its commitment to a more transparent and equal relationship between drivers and passengers. Unlike other applications, Bolt has adopted a rating system for passengers, encouraging respectful and pleasant behaviour on both sides.
With attractive fares for passengers and lower commissions for drivers, Bolt has built up a sizeable fleet in many regions, offering a reliable alternative to the industry giants.
In addition to its commitment to a seamless user experience, Bolt also stands out for its focus on environmental sustainability, with initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.
In short, Bolt offers a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly transport solution, making it an option of choice for travellers around the world.
Pricing
Bolt Standard / Green
| Type of fare | Price |
| Pick up | 2 € |
| Per kilometer | 1,37 € |
| Per minute | 0,31 € |
Examples:
- From the Arc de Triomphe to the Panthéon (6.2 km and 25 min): €16.30
- From Notre Dame to the Père Lachaise cemetery (5.67 km and 25 min): €13.20
- From City Hall to the Sacré Coeur basilica (5.99 km and 33 min): €15.60
We like:
- Affordable fares
- Good waiting time
Check out their website for more information
LECAB
Presentation
LeCab was founded in 2012 and tries to maintain the high class standards that chauffeurs used to have with its small fleet of about 200 cars. If you select the “standard” option, you will only have access to a telephone charger, an iPad, and a bottle of water during your ride.
If you choose the “infinity” option, you will be picked up in a deluxe sedan and will have access to an app with several virtual newspapers (Le Monde, Le Parisien, etc.). At the time this article is being written, LeCab has also promised to add many other goodies to its offerings in the next few months.
Since you have to reserve your ride in advance, this app is more like a taxi service than apps like Uber and Freenow.
As for the price, their rates are not posted, but you will be told what your cost will be before you reserve a ride.
We like:
- The high-quality service
- Receiving an invoice
We don’t like:
- It costs the same as a taxi
- You have to reserve in advance
Check out their website for more information (in French)
MARCEL
Presentation
Marcel is a tiny company with just about a hundred drivers (at the time this article is being written).
This company prides itself in offering a “personalized service”, meaning you can reserve your car in advance. It works kind of like… a plane. Marcel also uses yield management, so the earlier you reserve your car, the less expensive it is. So why not go ahead and reserve a car for next year’s vacation?
Since the cost will vary, you can use this form to determine the cost of your trip.
Examples:
- From the Arc de Triomphe to the Panthéon (6.2 km and 25 min): €18.60 (basic) or €29 (business/van)
- From Notre Dame to the Père Lachaise cemetery (5.67 km and 25 min): €17.96 (basic) or €28.18 (business/van)
- From City Hall to the Sacré Coeur basilica (5.99 km and 33 min): €19 (basic) or €29 (business/van)
We like:
- The eco-friendly cars
- The discounts for booking early
- The reasonable prices
We don’t like:
- The cancellation fees
- The need to reserve in advance
Check out their website for more information (in French)
Comparison Table
Since things are often clearer with a comparison table than with text, here is a table:
| Pricing | Cars | Wait time | Our grade | ||||
| Pick up | Per km | Per min | Day | Night | |||
| Uber | €2 | €1.05 | €0.37 | ~2,000 | 5-10 min | 20 min | 9.2/10 |
| FreeNow | €2.00 | €1.15 | €0.33 | N/A | 10-15 min | 30 min | 8.8/10 |
| Heetch | €3.50 | €0.90 | €0.35 | N/A | 10-15 min | 30 min | 9.3/10 |
| LeCab | To be determined when you reserve | ~200 | waiting on the driver | 8.2/10 | |||
| Marcel | To be determined when you reserve | ~100 | waiting on the driver | 8.5/10 | |||
FAQs
What’s the difference between a rideshare driver and a taxi?
- A taxi can pick up hitch-hikers.
- A taxi can drive in a bus lane.
- Taxi drivers do not own the cars they drive.
- The cost of a taxi is established by the state.
- Rideshare companies can set their own prices.
- Rideshare drivers own their cars.
Can I hire a driver to take me to Orly or Charles de Gaulle?
Of course! You just need to pay the appropriate fare.
How much does it cost to take an Uber to the Charles de Gaulle airport?
The Charles de Gaulle airport is 25 km* from the center of Paris, and the drive takes about 45 min*. Therefore, according to the prices given above, the cost would be (2+[25×1.05]+[45×0.37]) = €44.9.
The standard price to take a taxi to the Rive Droite is €56 and €65 to go to the Rive Gauche.
(*this information was obtained using Google Maps)
What’s the best ridesharing App in Paris?
With its many, many drivers and over ten years of experience, Uber is the best app overall. FreeNow is the cheapest, however.
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