How to choose your taxi: the complete guide

How to choose your taxi: the complete guide

Choosing a taxi might seem straightforward, but a poor choice can turn a simple trip into an unpleasant experience. Between booking apps, taxi ranks and street hailing, there are many options. This guide helps you make the best choice based on your situation, budget and comfort requirements.

The different ways to book a taxi

Hailing a taxi on the street

This is the oldest and most spontaneous method. You spot a free taxi — identifiable by its green roof light — and wave it down. This method works well in major cities like Paris, Lyon or Marseille, where taxi density is high.

Advantages:

• No planning required
• No smartphone or app needed
• Immediate availability if a taxi passes by

Disadvantages:

• Impossible to know waiting time in advance
• No guarantee on vehicle type
• No ride traceability
• Difficult in rural or suburban areas

Taxi ranks

Taxi ranks are dedicated spots, usually located near train stations, airports, hospitals and shopping centres. You queue up and get into the first available taxi.

Advantages:

• Identified and secure location
• Organised queue
• Verified and licensed taxis

Disadvantages:

• Variable waiting time, especially during peak hours
• No choice of vehicle or driver
• Sometimes located far from your starting point

Booking by phone

Calling a dispatch centre remains a classic option. You provide your address, destination and desired time.

Advantages:

• Confirmed advance booking
• Possibility to request a specific vehicle
• Human contact for special requests

Disadvantages:

• Phone waiting time
• No real-time tracking
• Frequent booking surcharge

Booking via an app

This is the most modern and convenient method. Platforms like TaxiNeo allow you to compare available taxis, read reviews, choose the vehicle type and book in just a few clicks.

Advantages:

• Compare drivers and vehicles
• Verified customer reviews
• Price estimate before the ride
• Real-time vehicle tracking
• Ride history and automatic invoicing

Disadvantages:

• Requires a smartphone and internet connection
• Some rural areas have limited coverage

Essential criteria for choosing your taxi

1. Reviews and driver rating

On TaxiNeo, each driver has an average rating based on customer reviews. This is the number one criterion to check. A driver rated 4.5/5 or higher generally provides an excellent experience. Read recent comments to spot any recurring issues (rough driving, dirty vehicle, unnecessary detours).

2. Vehicle type

Depending on your needs, the vehicle type makes all the difference:

• Standard saloon: perfect for 1 to 3 passengers with little luggage
• MPV or van: ideal for families or groups of 4 to 7 people
• Electric vehicle: for environmentally conscious passengers
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicle: essential for passengers with reduced mobility
• Premium vehicle: for special occasions or business travel

On TaxiNeo, you can filter by vehicle type before booking.

3. Fare and price transparency

A good taxi also means a taxi with clear pricing. Check that:

• The taximeter is clearly visible and running
• The driver is applying the correct tariff (A, B, C or D depending on time and zone)
• Any surcharges (luggage, 5th passenger, booking fee) are announced before departure

TaxiNeo displays a price estimate before booking, allowing you to compare and avoid unpleasant surprises.

4. Cleanliness and vehicle condition

A clean, well-maintained vehicle is the sign of a professional driver. Check:

• External and internal cleanliness
• Seat condition and air conditioning
• The regulatory roof light
• Fare display inside the vehicle

5. Languages spoken

If you are a tourist or travelling with people who do not speak French, a driver who speaks English (or another language) is a major asset. On TaxiNeo, driver profiles indicate languages spoken.

Taxi or private hire car: how to choose?

This question comes up often. Here are the key differences:

Our advice: for short urban rides and insured medical trips, taxis remain the most advantageous choice. For long distances at a fixed rate, private hire cars can be interesting.

Pitfalls to avoid

Unlicensed taxis

Beware of vehicles without a regulatory roof light or professional licence plate. A genuine French taxi always displays:

• A roof light with the word "TAXI"
• A professional registration plate
• A visible taximeter
• The driver's professional card

Unjustified detours

If you know the route, do not hesitate to mention it to the driver. Use your GPS to verify that the journey is consistent. On TaxiNeo, the estimated route is displayed before booking.

Abusive surcharges

The only authorised surcharges are:

• The pick-up fee (approximately EUR 4.18 in 2026)
• The 5th passenger surcharge
• The bulky luggage surcharge (according to local regulations)
• The booking surcharge (if applicable)

Any other surcharge is illegal. If in doubt, ask for a detailed receipt.

Checklist before getting into a taxi

Here is a quick list to check before every ride:

• [ ] The roof light is on and green (taxi available)
• [ ] The meter is visible and starts at departure
• [ ] The displayed tariff matches the time and zone
• [ ] The vehicle is clean and in good condition
• [ ] The driver's professional card is visible
• [ ] You have agreed on the route or estimated price

Why use TaxiNeo to choose your taxi

TaxiNeo simplifies your taxi choice by centralising all useful information:

• Instant comparison of available drivers in your area
• Verified reviews and detailed ratings
• Advanced filters: vehicle type, languages, wheelchair access, electric vehicle
• Price estimate before booking
• Real-time tracking of your driver
• Automatic invoicing and ride history

By using TaxiNeo, you move from a random choice to an informed choice. You know exactly which driver will pick you up, in which vehicle, and at what estimated price.

Choosing your taxi should never be a source of stress. With the right criteria and the right tools, every ride becomes a pleasant and controlled experience. TaxiNeo puts transparency and quality at the heart of your journey.