A private driver Paris service is the calmest way in, around and out of the city. Paris is a city best enjoyed on foot, but getting there, getting around between distant appointments and getting out again is another story. Airports are far from the centre, traffic can be dense, and taxis are not always where you need them. That is why many international visitors, whether they come for business, a family holiday or a special occasion, choose to book a private driver in Paris for part or all of their stay.

This guide answers the questions we hear most often from first-time visitors. It is written to help you decide, not to sell you a service you do not need.

What exactly does a private driver Paris service offer?

A private driver, or chauffeur, is a professional driver who takes you from one place to another in a pre-booked vehicle. Unlike a taxi, the ride must be booked in advance: in France, passenger transport by car with a driver on reservation is regulated by the Transport Code. The difference with a ride-hailing app is mainly the level of service: you know in advance which type of car you will get, the price is agreed before confirmation, and the chauffeur is dedicated to your trip.

Transfers or hourly service

There are two main ways to book. A transfer is a single journey from A to B, for example from the airport to your hotel. Hourly service, or « mise à disposition », means the chauffeur and the car stay with you for a set number of hours, waiting while you visit, shop or attend meetings.

Airport pickup: how it works

Most visitors start their stay at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly; some private flights land at Le Bourget, and some low-cost flights at Beauvais. When you book, give us your flight number. The pickup time is adjusted to your actual landing time, so a delay is not your problem. Your chauffeur waits in the arrivals hall of your terminal with a sign bearing your name, helps you with your luggage and takes you straight to your destination.

What you should prepare

• Your flight number and terminal, if known.
• A mobile number reachable on arrival, with the country code.
• The exact address of your hotel or apartment.
• The number of passengers and suitcases.
• The age of any children, so that the right child seat can be planned.

Which car should you choose?

Sidi Paris operates three categories of vehicles.

• Business Sedan (Mercedes E-Class or similar): up to 3 passengers and 2 suitcases.
• Prestige Sedan (Mercedes S-Class or similar): up to 3 passengers and 3 suitcases, for the highest level of comfort.
• Business Van (Mercedes V-Class): up to 7 passengers and 7 suitcases, ideal for families and small groups.

If in doubt, choose the larger vehicle. Holiday luggage tends to take more space than expected, especially on the way home.

Pricing, payment and tipping

The price of a transfer or an hourly booking is given to you before you confirm, based on the route, the vehicle and the duration. There is no meter running during the ride. Payment methods are confirmed at booking.

Should I tip my chauffeur?

Tipping is not mandatory in France, and service is not expected to be paid twice. If you were particularly pleased with your chauffeur, a tip is a personal gesture that is always appreciated, but never required.

Travelling with children

French law requires children to travel in a restraint system adapted to their height and weight. Tell us the age of each child when booking. If you prefer to bring your own seat, let us know so the chauffeur can allow a few minutes to install it.

Using a driver during your stay

Business days

If you have several meetings across Paris, La Défense or the suburbs, hourly service is often simpler than a series of separate rides. You keep your belongings in the car, take calls in a quiet space and arrive on time.

Shopping and sightseeing

Avenue Montaigne, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the department stores on Boulevard Haussmann: a chauffeur waiting nearby means you do not have to carry your bags all afternoon. Our city tour combines the main landmarks with photo stops.

Evenings out

After a dinner, a show or a concert, finding a taxi at closing time can take a while. A chauffeur booked for the evening is waiting when you come out.

Day trips from Paris

Many visitors use a private driver to leave the city for a day: the Palace of Versailles, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, the Champagne region around Reims, the castles of the Loire Valley or the Normandy coast. A chauffeur lets you set your own pace and avoid train connections. See our long-distance services.

Safety and peace of mind

How do I recognise my chauffeur?

At airports and stations, your chauffeur holds a sign with your name. Elsewhere, you receive the details you need to identify the vehicle before pickup. Never get into a car that approaches you unsolicited in an arrivals hall: in Paris, as in many cities, unlicensed drivers sometimes try their luck with tourists.

What if my plans change?

Just tell us as early as possible. Changes are accommodated according to availability, and the applicable conditions are set out in our terms of sale.

Frequently asked questions

Do chauffeurs speak English?

Let us know your preferred language when booking and we will do our best to match it.

Can I book for my parents or colleagues?

Yes. Give us the passenger’s name for the sign and their phone number.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible, especially during trade fairs, Fashion Week and the holiday season. Last-minute requests are handled according to availability.

Further reading

Arriving from outside the European Union? Read our explainer on the Entry/Exit System at Paris airports, which explains what to expect at the border and why your chauffeur times the pickup to your actual landing. And if you plan to leave the city for a day, our Versailles itinerary is a good place to start.

In short

A private driver in Paris gives you a fixed price agreed in advance, a car chosen for your needs, a dedicated chauffeur and a personal welcome at the airport. It is the simplest way to start and end your stay without stress.

Discover our private chauffeur service and book your driver online.