Why the holiday season is different
During December and early January, taxi demand in Neuchâtel surges for several reasons simultaneously:
- Family gatherings requiring transport across the canton
- Corporate end-of-year dinners and events
- Restaurant evenings and festive concerts (Théâtre du Passage, Temple du Bas...)
- Airport transfers for the winter holiday season
- New Year's Eve parties — the single busiest night of the year
At the same time, some drivers are on holiday themselves, reducing overall fleet availability. The result: last-minute bookings are often impossible, and waiting times for immediate pick-ups can extend significantly.
Key holiday dates to plan for
| Date | Event | Recommended advance booking |
|---|---|---|
| 24 December | Christmas Eve | 3–4 days minimum |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | 3–4 days minimum |
| 26 December | St. Stephen's Day | 2–3 days |
| 31 December | New Year's Eve | 5–7 days minimum |
| 1 January | New Year's Day | 3–4 days minimum |
Fares during public holidays
Taxi fares in Neuchâtel are regulated by the canton. On public holidays, the T2 rate applies:
- Base fare: CHF 6.50
- Rate per km: CHF 4.50/km (T2 — night, Sundays and public holidays)
- Minimum fare: CHF 10.–
There is no additional "holiday surcharge" beyond the standard T2 rate. Airport flat rates (e.g. Geneva Airport from CHF 435) remain fixed regardless of the date of travel.
New Year's Eve: our specific recommendations
New Year's Eve is by far the most demanding night of the year. Here is how to navigate it successfully:
- Book your return trip before you go out — not when the evening ends. By 11 p.m., almost all available taxis are already allocated.
- Give a realistic pick-up time — if you think you'll be done at midnight, book for 00:30 or 01:00 to account for how evenings unfold.
- Confirm your booking the day before — a quick call to 032 724 12 12 ensures everything is in order.
- Agree on a precise pick-up address — not "near the restaurant" but the full street address. This avoids confusion at a busy moment.
- Have the driver's number saved — AàZ Taxicab will provide contact details for your assigned driver when possible.
Airport transfers during the holidays
Christmas and New Year are also peak travel periods for Geneva Airport (GVA). If you are catching a flight on 23–27 December or 29–31 December, book your taxi to the airport at least 5 days in advance. Early morning flights (before 7 a.m.) are particularly in demand.
For return journeys, flight tracking is included in our flat rate. If your flight arrives late due to holiday traffic at GVA, the driver adjusts at no extra cost.
What to do if you haven't booked in advance
If the festive evening has arrived and you have not booked, call 032 724 12 12 directly. We will do our best to accommodate you. Be prepared for a longer wait or alternative timing. In some cases, sharing a taxi with another passenger travelling in the same direction may be possible.
As a last resort during New Year's Eve in Neuchâtel, the city's Night Bus (Bus de Nuit) operates on key routes — check the TransN schedule for the current year.
Don't leave it to chance this festive season.
Book your holiday taxi now — 24/7 availability, regulated fares, stress-free evening.