Is There Uber in Paris? A Transportation Guide
If you’re headed to Paris, you might be wondering if Uber is available. The good news is yes, there is Uber in Paris!
In fact, France was one of the first countries in Europe to have Uber, and it has been operating in Paris since 2012.
I’ve used Uber several times while in Paris and in this post you will find everything you need to know about using Uber – including typical prices for Uber in Paris, how to use Uber, safety tips, and alternative transportation options in Paris.
Get Lost in Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive a very small compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust.
Is There Uber in Paris?
Yes, there is Uber in Paris and its both easy and convenient to use. Uber offers a variety of ride types, including the popular UberX which fits 1-4 people.
Other Uber ride types included an UberX priority with shorter wait times, Uber Berline with high end cars, Uber Green with electric or hybrid vehicles, Uber comfort for more leg room, and Uber vans that seat up to 6 people.
If you are coming from the US, the Uber in France is quite similar. You simply request a ride on the app, hop in the car, and arrive at your destination.
Uber in Paris during the Olympics 2024
If you’re wondering if Uber is available during the Paris Olympics, the answer is yes! In fact, Uber is evening running discounts on transportation between the CDG airport and central Paris from July 22nd until September 8th of 2024.
For more information about Uber in Paris during the Olympics, see Uber’s website here.
Cost of Uber in Paris
The good news is that taking an Uber is pretty affordable and is around the same price as a taxi.
In my experience, most rides in the city cost between €15-€30. So, Uber isn’t super expensive, but taking the Metro is much more affordable (and typically much faster due to traffic).
Below are some common Uber ride destinations in Paris with an estimate of pricing (subject to change as Uber pricing varies and Uber does surge pricing during popular times).
Estimated Uber Pricing:
Paris CDG Airport to Central Paris: €45-€60
Eiffel Tower to the Louvre: €15-€30
Eiffel Tower to Palace of Versailles: €30-€40
Notre Dame to Montmartre: €20-€30
You can also see more estimates for the cost of Uber via the Ride Estimate Tool on the Uber Website.
Is Uber Safe in Paris?
Uber is safe to use in Paris. I’ve used Uber several times in Paris, even as a solo female traveler in the city.
However, as with anywhere in the world it is important to always be aware of your surroundings, and if something doesn’t feel right – trust your gut!
Here are some safety tips for using Uber in Paris (or really anywhere in the world):
- Always confirm that you are getting in the correct car by taking a quick look at the license plate
- Ask the driver to confirm your name upon pick up
- Have your phone open to Google Maps (or the Uber map) and keep an eye on the direction you are going
- If riding alone, tap the “share trip status” to share info about your ride with a friend
- Wear a seatbelt!
- Leave honest feedback: if you felt the driver didn’t drive safely or there was another issue report it to Uber
My Honest Review of Using Uber in Paris
I’ve used Uber several times in Paris and have had mostly good experiences.
In my opinion, the biggest con was that at busy times it can be a wait to get a ride (especially if you aren’t going far). However, I still like that Uber is so easy to use and allows me to get around Paris safely, especially at night.
Below are some pros and cons to using Uber in Paris that I have found based on my personal experience:
Pros of Using Uber in Paris
- Easier to order an Uber than a taxi when out and about since you can request a ride in the app.
- Payment is taken care of through the app
- Address is put in through the app
- Its a safe way to get around the city, especially at night
- Uber customer service is responsive and helpful for any issues
Cons of Using Uber in Paris
- In my experience, many Uber drivers do not speak English in Paris (and sometimes not French), which can make communication tricky if there is an issue
- If the ride is a short one or its very busy I’ve noticed that some Uber drivers will sometimes cancel before picking you up.
- Uber also has surge pricing and can be more expensive at certain times
Airport Transportation in Paris
While it is possible to take Uber to and from the airports in Paris, I don’t recommend it because it can be more difficult and more expensive than taking a private transfer service or an official taxi.
Taxis going to and from CDG airport charge a flat rate to the city center – either €53 to go the right bank or €58 to go to the left bank. To get a taxi, simply join the official taxi line at the airport.
A private transfer service is also an affordable, yet very easy way to get to central Paris. I personally have used Welcome Pickups, which guarantees an English speaking driver that will meet you at the luggage claim in the airport. This is definitely the least stressful way to get to your hotel in Paris.
Last but not least, you can take the RER train or RATP city bus to/from the Paris airport.
Alternative Options for Getting Around Paris
There are actually several alternatives to taking Uber in Paris, whether you are trying to go from CDG airport to central Paris, head to Versailles, or simply get around the city.
Paris Metro
The Paris Metro is easily the most popular and one of the best ways to get around central Paris.
The Metro connects most places in central Paris, and you can also venture further out (to places like Versailles, Disneyland Paris, and the CDG airport) by hopping on one of the RER trains.
To use the Metro, you simply purchase a ticket from one of the kiosks located in each Metro station. I recommend purchasing a pack of 10 tickets if you plan to use it a few times. Then, you’ll validate your ticket upon entry to the Metro.
While using the Metro can seem overwhelming at first, it is actually quite easy to use. In fact, I think it is one of the most user friendly public transportation systems in the European cities I have visited.
For more information, schedules, and maps on the Paris Metro you can visit the public transportation website here.
Travel Tip: The Paris Metro is NOT open 24hrs. It typically closes around 1am on weekdays and around 2am on weekends, and reopens at 5:30am. So, if you are coming back late then taking an Uber or taxi may be the best option.
Bolt
Bolt is another ride share service available in Paris. It is fairly similar to Uber and rides can be requested via the Bolt app.
I haven’t used this service personally, but I have heard really good things from other travelers. So, it may be a good alternative if you are having difficulty getting an Uber. For more information, you can visit the Bolt website.
Taxis
Paris does have taxis available throughout the city. There is also the G7 app which allows you to order a G7 taxi right from your phone and is similar to Uber. Similarly, there is the Freenow taxi app available.
You can also visit a taxi stand or ask your hotel to order you a taxi. If you are coming from CDG airport to central Paris, you can grab a taxi by going to the official taxi line at the airport.
Private Transfer Service
There are plenty of Private Transfer Services available in Paris, especially to go to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport to central Paris.
I personally recommend using Welcome Pickups as they have always been on time and reliable, and have given me a stress-free way to get to/from the airport.
Win Transfer is another highly rated private transfer service that can take you to the airport or places like Disneyland Paris.
🚕 Book a Private Transfer in Paris
Walking
One of the best ways to get around the center of Paris is to walk! Paris is a very walkable city, especially within the central neighborhoods of the city.
Walking is my favorite way to get around Paris, especially in the springtime. The city has beautiful architecture and its fun to walk around and just enjoy the atmosphere.
FAQ: Is There Uber in Paris?
Yes, you can use the Uber app in Paris, France. In fact, Uber is a great way to get around the city as it is easy to use, affordable, and convenient.
Uber is allowed at the CDG airport. There is a specific ride share pickup area at the CDG airport, and you can find it by following the signs in the airport or by looking at the Uber app when you request the ride. Make sure not to request your ride until you are close to the pickup area.
No, Ubers are not expensive in Paris. Taking an Uber tends to be about the same or slightly cheaper than taking a taxi and is pretty affordable. On most cases, I’ve paid between €10-€20 for an Uber ride within the city. However, prices do vary based on time, location, and current demand.
Uber is available in Paris, but another ride share option is Bolt which is very similar to Uber. There is also the Freenow and G7 apps available, which allow you to order official taxis via a phone app just like Uber.
You aren’t required to leave a tip for Uber drivers in Paris, but the app will allow you to leave a tip once the ride is complete. While it isn’t required, it is polite to leave a small tip if you enjoyed the Uber ride.
No, Lyft does not operate in Paris, France. Instead you can use Uber, Bolt, G7, or Freenow in Paris.
So, Should You Use Uber in Paris?
You definitely can use Uber in Paris. While public transportation is the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city of lights, Uber is still a great option when it comes to having a convenient, safe, and easy way to get around Paris. So if you are looking for Paris transportation options, Uber is an option for you.