Saint-Tropez is a popular coastal town situated on the French Riviera that is well known for its enticing beaches and vibrant nightlife and is frequented by celebrities and wealthy jet-setters. This popular holiday spot has plenty of attractions for tourists to explore, so it’s not unreasonable to wonder whether Uber is a viable option for getting around this alluring destination.
You can get an Uber in Saint-Tropez, though there are other transport options available too such as taxis, local buses, and rental cars. Depending on where and how far they want to go, visitors may also decide to explore at a more leisurely pace by walking between attractions.
For those seeking convenient on-demand transportation, there is certainly a range of benefits to be had using Uber. Additionally, there are likely cost savings to be had when compared to using taxis.
The benefits of Uber
Uber offers a variety of benefits that may make it a more appealing option than using taxis. You can get an estimate of what your journey will cost before ordering the ride, and additionally, you don’t need to worry about paying the driver directly since Uber will deduct the charge from the card linked to your Uber account.
Another benefit is that since you order an Uber ride through an app on your phone, you don’t have to worry about any potential language barriers when ordering your ride, which is handy if you don’t speak French or your French is limited.
Of course, that’s not to say there are never problems with Uber rides. For instance, a driver may miss passengers or take a while to find them if the pick-up destination is vague, so it’s best to pick a specific spot (such as a cafe or a specific address) to help make the pick-up as straightforward as possible.
French taxi drivers aren’t a fan
Uber is popular among its many users but the same can’t be said for taxi drivers’ views of Uber. Many French taxi drivers are against Uber, arguing the company unfairly undercuts prices and ruins the livelihoods of taxi drivers.
However, for the most part, Uber is an attractive option for customers who want the convenience of a taxi ride but without spending as much money.
Comparing Uber fares to taxi fares
When considering an Uber there are various fare factors to be aware of. The Uber ride will have a base fare, as well as a fare charged per mile, a fare charged per minute, and a booking fee.
If you get an Uber in Saint-Tropez you will be charged per mile when the vehicle is moving and you will be charged per minute when the vehicle is idling. While this sounds pricey, Uber fares often still end up being a cheaper option compared to getting a taxi in Saint-Tropez.
Another factor to consider in comparing Uber and taxi fares is tipping. A lot of people do tip taxi drivers in Saint-Tropez but it’s not customary to tip for an Uber ride.
The exclusion of a tip makes an Uber in Saint-Tropez even more likely to be less expensive than a taxi fare.
Alternative transport options
For certain attractions in Saint-Tropez, you may find they are within walking distance of your accommodation or close enough together to plan a day out walking between various attractions. While walking obviously has the benefit of being free, it also offers exercise benefits as well as an opportunity to take in the town from a different point of view and potentially see or explore things you might miss during an Uber ride.
Another transport option is to hire a rental car but be aware that car park pricing is expensive in Saint-Tropez. While a rental car may make sense if you are traveling a fair distance to get to Saint-Tropez or want the flexibility to travel to other areas during your stay, it’s not a particularly cost-effective option for many travelers.
For those who are looking for budget-friendly transport around Saint-Tropez, the best option may be to use the local bus service. While they aren’t as convenient as Uber and you may need to wait a while as the buses aren’t particularly frequent, they are a good budget-friendly option that will save you a lot of money compared to Uber, taxi, or rental car prices.