Taxi or private chauffeur in Strasbourg: which to choose? 2026 comparison
In Strasbourg, taxis remain useful for instant pickup without prior booking. For any planned ride (Entzheim airport, TGV station, business meeting, evening out, event), a private car offers a private chauffeur offers a fixed fare quoted upfront, a recent sedan or van and a professional driver. FJ13 is a chauffeur service, not a taxi: 24/7 booking on FJ13.fr.
Taxi and chauffeur service: two distinct legal regimes
In Strasbourg as everywhere in France, taxis and chauffeur services are two passenger transport activities governed by different rules (French Transport Code, articles L. 3120-1 et seq.; Thévenoud Law of 1 October 2014).
The taxi holds a parking authorisation (ADS) issued by the municipality. This licence allows it to park on public streets while waiting for customers, use lanes reserved for taxis and buses, and be hailed directly in the street. Fares are regulated by prefectural decree and calculated by an approved meter.
The chauffeur service (VTC, France's licensed private-hire category) must be pre-booked. It is not allowed to park while waiting for fares, cannot be hailed in the street and sets its own fares in advance. Its chauffeurs hold a professional card issued by the prefecture after an exam, and the company is registered in the EVTC registry of the French Ministry of Transport.
FJ13 is a chauffeur service registered in the EVTC registry under number EVTC067190060. FJ13 is not a taxi company and cannot become one: the quality of service offered (sedan, business sedan or van, English-speaking chauffeurs on request, fixed prices quoted upfront) flows directly from the private-hire model.
Fares: taxi meter versus fixed chauffeur price
In Strasbourg, taxi fares are set by the Bas-Rhin prefectural decree. In 2026 the grid includes a fixed pickup charge (around €4), a per-kilometre rate (€1.12 to €1.68/km depending on time slot and trip type) and an hourly rate for waiting. The fare is metered: the final total is known only on arrival.
FJ13 works on a fixed price quoted upfront, with an instant online estimate. No surprises on arrival: the price does not change in heavy traffic. A 20% surcharge applies between 9 pm and 6 am.
On short rides during off-peak hours, taxis can be cheaper than a chauffeur service. For airport transfers, night rides (significant taxi surcharges at rates B, C and D) and long distances, the FJ13 fixed price is known in advance. See the detailed 2026 taxi fare grid.
Booking: instant (taxi) or planned (chauffeur service)
A taxi in Strasbourg can be taken three ways: phone call to a dispatch centre, taxi rank (station, Place Kléber, hospital), or direct hailing in the street. The dispatcher sends the nearest taxi, usually available within 5 to 15 minutes during off-peak hours, with waits sometimes exceeding 30 to 45 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights, during Christmas markets or European Parliament sessions.
A chauffeur must be booked in advance. FJ13 offers multiple channels: 24/7 online booking on FJ13.fr, phone +33 3 74 47 26 67, email contact@FJ13.fr, WhatsApp. For email requests, we reply within 2 business hours, with the agreed meeting point.
For spontaneous city-centre rides (after dinner, returning from an unplanned night out), a taxi is available without delay. For any airport or station transfer, business meeting, post-show ride from the Zénith, wedding or seminar, a pre-booked chauffeur is more reliable because it is planned in advance with a confirmed slot.
Vehicles and comfort: taxi fleet versus chauffeur fleet
The Strasbourg taxi fleet is diverse: Toyota Prius, Skoda Octavia, sometimes Mercedes E-Class, Volkswagen Passat. Average age and equipment level vary by driver and company. The client does not choose the vehicle and takes whichever arrives.
FJ13 offers three vehicle categories: sedan for urban rides, business sedan for executive missions, van for delegations, seminars and families. Up to 7 passengers per vehicle; larger groups travel in several vehicles. The vehicle is assigned subject to availability within the chosen category. Child seat on request (€15).
For an important business trip, an airport pickup after a long flight or a reception where the vehicle matters (wedding, gala, welcoming guests of honour), a chauffeur service offers a level of service that a standard taxi does not reach, unless a higher-category taxi is specifically requested.
Driver: independent taxi driver versus dedicated chauffeur
Strasbourg taxi drivers know the city and the Bas-Rhin perfectly. Their training focuses on local roads, taxi legislation and road safety. The client does not choose their driver and does not necessarily have a reference driver.
FJ13 chauffeurs hold the professional private-hire chauffeur card (theory and practical training, prefectural exam). English-speaking chauffeurs on request, subject to availability.
For recurring missions, we aim to keep the same chauffeur where possible. This continuity is not possible with a taxi taken at random.
When to choose a taxi, when to book a chauffeur?
Choose a taxi in these situations: instant need without booking (after dinner, end of an evening, unplanned emergency), very short metered ride (station exit to hotel 800 metres away), no requirement on vehicle or driver, pickup at the foot of a taxi rank (station, hospital, Place Kléber).
Choose FJ13 in these situations: transfer to Entzheim or Basel-Mulhouse airport (fixed fare quoted upfront, flight schedule monitoring), pickup at TGV station with platform welcome sign, business trip with strict punctuality and vehicle quality requirements, wedding, seminar, gala, event, long-distance transfer (Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Geneva, Zurich), corporate rides with centralised billing and VAT recovery, welcome of international English-speaking clients.
FJ13 offers a complete alternative to taxis in Strasbourg on every ride that can be planned. Instant online estimate, fixed price quoted upfront, prepayment through a secure payment link; for professionals, payment on board or by invoice is possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is FJ13 a taxi or a chauffeur service?
FJ13 is a private chauffeur service, listed in the EVTC registry of private-hire operators under number EVTC067190060. FJ13 is not a taxi company and cannot be hailed in the street. All rides must be booked in advance via FJ13.fr, phone, email or WhatsApp.
Is a chauffeur service always more expensive than a taxi in Strasbourg?
No. On airport transfers, night rides and long distances, the FJ13 fixed fare can be comparable to a metered taxi ride (which adds night surcharges, rates B, C and D, and possible luggage fees). On short rides during off-peak hours, a taxi can be cheaper.
Can I hail FJ13 in the street in Strasbourg?
No. French law forbids private-hire cars from waiting on public streets or being hailed. This rule is enforced by prefectural inspections. Advance booking is mandatory, even for a last-minute ride.
How far in advance should I book a chauffeur?
Book as early as possible: a late request may be accepted, subject to availability. For a specific category during peak hours (Friday evening, European Parliament sessions, Christmas market), allow several hours' notice. For recurring missions, weekly planning helps availability.
Is VAT recoverable on chauffeur rides but not on taxi rides?
Both chauffeur-service and taxi rides are subject to the reduced 10% VAT in France, recoverable by VAT-registered companies. The difference is elsewhere: a chauffeur service issues a compliant invoice with full legal details (EVTC registration number, intra-community VAT number, company address). A taxi issues a meter receipt where corporate billing details are less frequent or must be requested.
Can I request a business sedan taxi in Strasbourg?
Very difficult. Strasbourg taxi dispatch centres do not systematically operate business sedans, and availability is random. With FJ13, the business sedan category is chosen at booking, with a vehicle assigned subject to availability within the category. Several hours' notice is recommended.
What our clients say
Book a private chauffeur in Strasbourg
Instant fixed-fare estimate, recent vehicle, professional chauffeur, English-speaking on request. Booking 24/7.