The best way to catch one is to line up at a station de taxis (“taxi station”), generally indicated by a green callbox with a white light on top marked “Taxis”, and a blue “Taxis” sign nearby. Stations de taxis are found at many major intersections.

If you’re trying to catch a taxi elsewhere, if the white light on its roof is lit, it’s available. If the orange lights on either side of the white one are lit, it isn’t available.

Some taxi companies allow you to call for a cab, which usually arrives within 15 minutes or less. You can also order a taxi in advance through these companies, by phone or online. There is a small surcharge for call-in taxis.

Paris’ most popular phone-in taxi companies include: Les Taxis Bleus (0 891 70 10 10 - taxis-bleus.com), Alpha Taxi (01.45.85.85.85), et Taxis G7 (01 47 39 47 39 - taxis-g7.com).