Taxi or private driver in Lyon: the differences, to help you choose.
You need to get to the airport, the station or a meeting, and you are hesitating between a taxi and a private driver (VTC)? Both will get you there, but they do not work the same way. Here is what sets them apart, point by point, so you can make an informed choice.
Taxi or private driver: the comparison
The main differences at a glance.
| Criterion | Taxi | Transfert-Lyon private driver |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | In the street, at a rank or by phone | Always in advance |
| Price | Usually on the meter | Fixed when you book |
| Traffic | The price goes up in traffic jams | The price does not change |
| Waiting on arrival | Queue at the taxi rank | Driver waiting for you with a name sign |
| Flight or train tracking | Rarely | Included |
| Groups | Several vehicles to find | Van for up to 8 passengers, coordinated vehicles |
Price: meter or fixed fare?
A taxi usually charges a metered fare: the final price depends on the distance, but also on time spent in traffic, the time of day and the day of the week. On an airport run at rush hour, the bill can vary considerably.
A private driver works with a price fixed at the time of booking. With Transfert-Lyon, the trip between Lyon and Saint-Exupéry airport costs €66 in a sedan and €88 in a van, tolls, parking and waiting included, whether the journey takes 30 minutes or an hour. See all our fares on our prices.
Booking: in the street or in advance?
A taxi can be hailed in the street or taken from a rank. That is its great advantage when you need a ride right away, but also its limit: at rush hour, at Part-Dieu station or at the airport, the queue can be long.
A private driver, on the other hand, must always be booked in advance: regulations forbid VTCs from picking up passengers in the street. For you, it is a guarantee: your vehicle is reserved, your driver knows your journey and is waiting for you at the agreed time.
When to choose a taxi, when to choose a private driver?
To be honest, each has its uses:
- A taxi is still handy for an immediate, unplanned trip, when you have not had time to book
- A private driver is the better choice for any planned journey: a flight, a train, an important meeting, a group or a long trip
- A private driver is also better value for groups, thanks to its fixed price per vehicle
Why choose Transfert-Lyon?
Transfert-Lyon is a private driver (VTC) service, the alternative to taxis in Lyon. Our professional drivers are on time, track your flight or train, and take you to your destination at the price quoted. We provide transfers to the airport and stations, chauffeur hire by the hour, group shuttles, school transport and transport for passengers with reduced mobility, 24/7.
FAQ: taxi or private driver?
Is a private driver more expensive than a taxi in Lyon?
Not necessarily. A taxi fare depends on the meter, and therefore on traffic, whereas a private driver price is fixed in advance. With Transfert-Lyon, a ride between Lyon and Saint-Exupéry airport costs €66 in a sedan, however long the journey takes, and the price is per vehicle: for a group, it becomes very good value.
Can I hail a private driver in the street?
No. French regulations require a private driver (VTC) to be booked in advance: they cannot pick up passengers in the street or wait at a rank. This is what allows us to prepare your journey and guarantee you a fixed price.
Taxi or private driver to Lyon airport: which should I choose?
For an airport transfer, a private driver booked in advance is usually the most stress-free option: fixed price, flight tracking, 1 h 10 of waiting time included and a meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall. A taxi remains handy if you leave without having planned anything.
Is a VTC driver a professional?
Yes. A VTC driver must hold a professional card, issued after an exam. At Transfert-Lyon, our drivers also receive in-house training in our procedures and service standards.
How much is a taxi from Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand?
With Transfert-Lyon, the private driver alternative, the trip from Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand costs €370 in a sedan and €492.50 in a van, at a fixed price, tolls included. All about the Lyon–Clermont-Ferrand trip.
I need a taxi for 11 people: taxi or private driver?
For 11 people, you would need to find at least three taxis available at the same time. With us, we coordinate a van and a sedan travelling together: €90 for a ride within Lyon, €154 between Lyon and the airport. All our prices for 11 people.
Are you a transfer company in Lyon?
Yes. Transfert-Lyon is a transfer company based in Lyon: we organise transfers between Saint-Exupéry airport, the train stations, hotels, Geneva and the ski resorts, for private customers as well as agencies, hotels and event organisers, with flight and train tracking, fixed prices and monthly invoicing for businesses. Find out more about our transfer service.
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