31/10/2022
When exploring the charming city of Besançon or venturing out into the picturesque Doubs region of France, understanding local transport options is key to a stress-free trip. Taxis offer a convenient and comfortable way to navigate, whether you're heading from the train station to your hotel, exploring the city centre, or embarking on a longer journey to nearby towns. This comprehensive guide, tailored for UK travellers, will walk you through everything you need to know about booking a taxi in Besançon, understanding fare structures, and estimating costs for popular routes.
Besançon, with its historical citadel and winding Doubs River, is a delight to explore. While public transport is available, a taxi provides unparalleled convenience, especially if you're carrying luggage, travelling late at night, or simply prefer a direct route to your destination. Taxis in France are regulated, ensuring a professional service, though prices can vary based on factors like time of day, distance, and specific company policies. Knowing how to access these services efficiently will significantly enhance your travel experience.
How to Book a Taxi in Besançon
Booking a taxi in Besançon is straightforward, offering several options to suit your preference and urgency. Unlike some major metropolises where ride-hailing apps completely dominate, traditional methods still hold strong here, alongside modern digital solutions.
1. Phone Call: This remains one of the most reliable ways to secure a taxi. Local taxi companies operate 24/7. A quick search for 'Taxi Besançon' online will provide you with several numbers. When calling, be prepared to provide your current location (or desired pick-up point) and your destination. It's helpful to have a basic grasp of French or use a translation app if you're not confident in the language, though many operators may speak some English, especially if they are accustomed to tourist calls.
2. Taxi Ranks: You'll find designated taxi ranks at key locations around Besançon, particularly at transport hubs like the Besançon-Franche-Comté TGV station (Gare de Besançon Franche-Comté TGV) and the city centre station (Gare de Besançon Viotte). There might also be smaller ranks near popular hotels or major attractions. Look for signs with a 'Taxi' emblem. During peak hours, there might be a short queue, but generally, taxis are readily available.
3. Pre-Booking Online or Via App: Many independent taxi companies or regional groups now offer online booking portals or dedicated smartphone applications. This allows you to book in advance, specify your pick-up time, and sometimes even get a fare estimate before your journey begins. Pre-booking is highly recommended for early morning departures, late-night arrivals, or if you have a crucial appointment, ensuring a taxi is guaranteed. Some national or international ride-hailing apps might also operate in Besançon, offering another digital booking alternative, though traditional taxis are often more prevalent for longer inter-city journeys.
4. Hotel Concierge: If you're staying at a hotel, the concierge or reception staff can usually arrange a taxi for you. This is a convenient option, as they can communicate your needs clearly to the taxi company and often have preferred reliable providers.
Understanding Taxi Fares in France
Taxi fares in France are regulated by the government, ensuring transparency and fairness. The price you pay is typically calculated based on a combination of factors:
- Initial Charge (Flag Fall): A base fee applied as soon as you enter the taxi.
- Distance Travelled: The primary component of the fare, measured by the taxi's meter.
- Time Spent: If the taxi is stationary or moving slowly in traffic, a time-based rate may apply.
- Tariff Rates (A, B, C, D): These vary based on the time of day and day of the week. Generally, rates are lower during the day (Tariff A/B) and higher at night, on Sundays, and public holidays (Tariff C/D).
- Supplements: Additional charges may apply for luggage (beyond a certain size/number), extra passengers (beyond 3 or 4, depending on the vehicle), pick-ups from train stations or airports, or tolls.
It's always advisable to ensure the meter is running and to ask for a receipt (un reçu) at the end of your journey, especially if you need it for expenses.
Key Routes and Estimated Fares from Besançon
Many visitors to Besançon find themselves needing to travel to nearby towns such as Pontarlier, Dole, or Vesoul. These routes are quite common, and understanding the approximate costs can help you budget your trip effectively. Please remember that these are estimates and actual fares can vary due to traffic, specific pick-up/drop-off points, time of day, and additional supplements.
| Destination | Approx. Distance | Approx. Duration | Estimated Fare Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pontarlier | 58.1 km | 62 - 72 min | €131.5 - €172.2 |
| Dole | 55.3 km | 51 - 60 min | €125.3 - €164 |
| Vesoul | 48.8 km | 55 - 63 min | €110.8 - €145 |
Beyond the City: Journeys to Pontarlier, Dole, and Vesoul
These longer journeys from Besançon offer a chance to see more of the Franche-Comté region. While the prices listed are estimates, they give a clear indication of the investment for comfort and convenience.
Besançon to Pontarlier
The journey from Besançon to Pontarlier takes you southeast, often through scenic landscapes. Pontarlier is known for its historical connections and proximity to the Jura mountains, making it a popular destination for those heading to winter sports resorts or exploring the region's natural beauty. The drive of approximately 58.1 kilometres usually takes between 62 to 72 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The estimated fare range of €131.5 to €172.2 reflects the distance and potential for varying traffic or time-of-day tariffs. It's a comfortable way to reach this charming town, especially if you have luggage or are travelling with a group.
Besançon to Dole
Travelling west from Besançon, you'll reach Dole, a town rich in art and history, often referred to as the 'Venice of the Jura' due to its canals. The approximately 55.3-kilometre journey is generally quicker than to Pontarlier, taking around 51 to 60 minutes. This route is often chosen by those connecting to other regional transport links or exploring Dole's birthplace of Louis Pasteur. The estimated taxi fare for this trip falls between €125.3 and €164, offering a direct and efficient transfer between these two significant Franche-Comté towns.
Besançon to Vesoul
Heading north, Vesoul is another important regional centre, located approximately 48.8 kilometres from Besançon. This journey typically takes between 55 to 63 minutes. Vesoul is known for its historic centre and its role as the capital of the Haute-Saône department. A taxi journey here provides a direct link, avoiding multiple train changes or bus connections that might be necessary with public transport. The estimated fare range of €110.8 to €145 makes it the most economical of the three longer routes mentioned, offering good value for a comfortable and private transfer.
Calculating Your Own Fare: Getting an Accurate Estimate
While the table above provides excellent estimates for common long-distance routes, you might need a fare calculation for a specific journey, such as from Besançon train station to a particular address in the city centre or its periphery, or even to a nearby airport. Many local taxi companies offer online fare estimators on their websites. You input your pick-up and drop-off locations, and sometimes the desired date and time, to receive an approximate cost. This is invaluable for planning your budget and avoiding surprises.
When using an online calculator or requesting a quote, be as specific as possible with your addresses, including postal codes if known. Remember that these online tools provide an estimate, and the final metered fare might differ slightly due to real-time traffic conditions, unforeseen detours, or the exact application of supplements. For critical journeys, such as transfers to the nearest airport (often Dole-Jura Airport or even further afield to Lyon-Saint Exupéry), it's always best to get a confirmed quote directly from a taxi company when pre-booking.
Tips for a Smooth Taxi Journey in Besançon
To ensure your taxi experience in Besançon is as pleasant as possible, consider these practical tips:
- Language: While many in the tourism industry speak English, it's always helpful to have your destination written down or ready on a translation app to show the driver. Basic French phrases like "Bonjour" (hello), "Merci" (thank you), and "Au revoir" (goodbye) are always appreciated.
- Payment: Most taxis in Besançon accept cash (Euros). Many also accept credit and debit cards, but it's wise to confirm this with the driver at the start of the journey, especially for longer routes, or if you plan to pay with a card.
- Tipping: Tipping taxi drivers in France is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service. A common practice is to round up the fare to the nearest Euro or add a few Euros for longer journeys or exceptional service.
- Safety: Always use licensed taxis. Licensed taxis will have a visible meter, a roof light, and often a licence plate number displayed inside the vehicle.
- Luggage: If you have excessive or unusually large luggage, it's a good idea to mention this when booking to ensure the taxi can accommodate it, and to be aware of potential luggage supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about using taxis in Besançon:
Q: Are taxis available 24/7 in Besançon?
A: Yes, most taxi companies in Besançon operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though availability might be lower in the very early hours of the morning, especially if not pre-booked.
Q: Can I pay with a credit card in a Besançon taxi?
A: Many taxis accept credit and debit cards, but it's always best to confirm with the driver before starting your journey, particularly if you are relying on card payment.
Q: Do Besançon taxis have child seats?
A: It is generally not standard for taxis to carry child seats. If you require one, it's essential to request it specifically when pre-booking, and there might be an additional charge or limited availability.
Q: Is it cheaper to pre-book a taxi or hail one?
A: The metered fare should be the same whether you hail or pre-book. However, pre-booking guarantees availability and allows you to confirm the price range in advance, which can be reassuring for longer journeys or at specific times.
Q: How far in advance should I book a taxi for an early morning airport transfer?
A: For crucial journeys like airport transfers, it's highly recommended to book at least 24 hours in advance, or even earlier during peak travel seasons, to ensure punctuality and availability.
Q: What if my train is delayed and I've pre-booked a taxi?
A: If you've pre-booked, it's best to inform the taxi company as soon as you know about a delay. They may be able to adjust your booking, though additional waiting charges might apply.
Q: Are there any surcharges for luggage?
A: Yes, there can be a small supplement for luggage beyond one standard piece per passenger, or for oversized items. It's usually a nominal fee.
Q: Can I share a taxi to reduce costs on long journeys?
A: While not officially a 'shared taxi' service like some regions, if you are travelling with friends or family, sharing a taxi will naturally divide the cost per person, making it more economical than individual public transport tickets for some routes.
Conclusion
Navigating Besançon and its surrounding areas by taxi offers a blend of convenience, comfort, and efficiency. Whether you're making a short hop across the city or embarking on a longer excursion to picturesque towns like Pontarlier, Dole, or Vesoul, understanding the booking process and fare structure is paramount. With the information provided in this guide, UK travellers can confidently plan their journeys, estimate costs, and enjoy the beautiful Franche-Comté region with the ease that only a reliable taxi service can provide. Remember to utilise pre-booking for peace of mind, especially for critical timings, and always confirm details with your chosen taxi provider.
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