How FIXED PRICE airport taxi fares in Paris offer a different level of competitiveness that could be adopted in the the UK
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
A Paris taxi driver has highlighted how fixed airport fares are proving to be an effective strategy to improve transparency for customers, while also boosting the competitiveness of the licensed taxi industry against private hire operators.
Fixed fares to and from Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Le Bourget airports were introduced in March 2016. The pricing structure is reviewed and adjusted every three to four years. While the change in fare levels are said to have minimal financial impact on drivers, it offers significant clarity for passengers, particularly tourists and younger travellers unfamiliar with local pricing.
According to one Parisian cabbie called Willy, the benefit extends beyond individual journeys. Hotels now have the confidence to share exact fare details with guests, helping to strengthen the long-standing business relationship between hotels and taxis. This transparency is said to help licensed taxis regain market share previously lost to private hire companies.
Drivers in Paris also enjoy full and unrestricted airport access from the first day of their licence. The process to register for this access takes less than an hour and is completed in person by the driver. There are no additional barriers or waiting periods.
As of the latest update, fixed fares stand at €56 from Charles de Gaulle to the ‘Right Bank’ and €65 to the ‘Left Bank’. From Orly Airport, the fare is €36 to the Left Bank and €44 to the Right Bank. The original 2016 rates were slightly lower, but remain in line with the 10 km by 10 km size of central Paris.
The driver, known as @FrenchTaxi on social media platform X, said: “Fixed airports fares here in Paris since 03/2016. Carefully calculated and updated every 3 or 4 years. Little difference for driver, but makes all the difference for customer, especially younger ones and tourists - delighted. A tremendous tool and a powerful weapon against PHVs.
“All Drivers have full and unrestricted access to CDG, ORY and Le Bourget airports from day one of being a Paris taxi driver. Driver needs to do the registration paperwork him/herself - that takes less than 1 hour and access is granted on the spot afterwards.
“Fixed airport fares are also reassuring for hotels Concierges, who can tell their customers exactly how much the ride to the airport will cost. It's a powerful tool to win back OUR work with hotels customers. It strengthens the business link between hotels and taxis.”
HOW COULD IT WORK IN UK CITIES?
Introducing a similar system in cities across the UK could improve fare confidence among customers and support the licensed taxi trade in their ongoing competition with app-based private hire firms. Clear pricing could also help rebuild a fractured working relationship with hotels and corporate travel services scattered across UK cities.
Just like in Paris, taxi passengers in the UK often face uncertainty over the final cost of airport transfers. Metered tariffs can vary widely from one UK city to another depending on the costs required to run a taxi in the region. For visitors unfamiliar with local pricing, this creates a barrier to choosing licensed taxis over fixed-fare private hire options.
Fixed pricing could simplify the decision-making process and help to market the industry better. If passengers knew the exact cost in advance, they might be more inclined to opt for a taxi over an app-based service. It could also help licensed taxis secure more hotel and business work, where fixed prices are easier to quote and approve.
The model seen in Paris shows that fixed fares do not need to undercut metered rates to be effective. Their value lies in clarity and predictability. This approach could particularly benefit cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham, where airports serve as major entry points for international tourists and business travellers.
