Hailing a Taxi

The city of Madrid has over 15,600 taxis, which makes hailing a taxi fairly easy, especially if you are on one of the city’s main streets. To hail a taxi, you raise your arm and stand near the side of the road facing the oncoming traffic, as you would in most cities when hailing a taxi. If you are uncomfortable with hailing a taxi there are also several taxi stands around the city. These taxi stands are designated by a blue sign with a white letter “T”. These stands are mainly outside railway and bus stations and in the center of Madrid.

Taxis in Madrid are white and have a diagonal red stripe on their front door bearing the emblem of the city. When a taxi is free there is a ‘Libre’ (free) sign behind the windshield, and a green light on the roof. The fare number (either 1 or 2) will be shown next to this light.

Rates

There is an initial fare of 2.50€ before the taxi begins the designated route. After the initial fare the meter will charge you per km depending on whether or not you are traveling during peak or off-peak times.  To see the rate you will be charged depending on your day of week and time see below:

• Each kilometre covered in Tariff 1 (A area -City of Madrid- Monday to Friday between 6 am and 9 pm and Saturdays from 6 am to 3 pm except public holidays): 1.05 € 
• Each kilometre covered in Tariff 2 (A area Monday to Friday between 9 pm and 6 am, Saturdays between 3 pm and 6 am and on public holidays; and B area -surrounding cities- Monday to Friday between 6 am and 9 pm and Saturdays from 6 am to 3 pm except public holidays): 1.17 €
• Each kilometre covered in Tariff 3 (B area Monday to Friday from 9 pm to 6 am, Saturdays from 3 pm to 6 am and public holidays): 1.20 €
• Each hour of service at a speed below cruise speed or meter speed (less than 19.50 Km/h for Tariff 1, less than 16.66 Km/h for Tariff 2 by day, less than 16.25 Km/h for Tariff 3 by day; less than 18.80 Km/h for Tariff 2 by night, less than 18.33 Km/h for Tariff 3 by night): 19.50 € during the day (6 am to 9 pm) and 22 € at night (9 pm to 6am).

To easily calculate the total cost for your Madrid Taxi, visit our Madrid Taxi Calculator here.

Surcharges

• Add a 6.70€ surcharge for traveling on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am.
• Add 3.00€ for taxis taken from a train or bus station or another taxi stand with the sign “Supplemento Autorizado”
• Add 5.50€ for fares to and from the Madrid Barajas Airport
• Add 3.00€ for fares to or from the Juan Carlos Trade Fair Ground

FAQs

Is there a fee for reserving a taxi?

• When reserving a taxi in Madrid, many taxi drivers will start the meter from the point where the taxi driver is when he receives your call. If you choose to reserve a taxi, be prepared to see more than the minimum fare on the meter when the taxi arrives.

Can I pay for my Taxi by Credit Card?

• A few taxis in Madrid accept credit cards but it is fairly rare. It is always strongly advisable to make sure you have plenty of cash on you for the fare before you enter the cab.

Do you tip the taxi driver in Madrid?

• Tipping in not the custom in Madrid and a tip is not expected from you; however, if you are inclined to tip it generally is appreciated.

How many people can fit in a Madrid Taxi?

• A Madrid taxi can comfortably fit 4 passengers. Taxis in Madrid also have roof racks and trunks for luggage. Generally, a taxi can fit 4 passengers with 4 pieces of luggage if they use both the roof rack and the boot!

Airport to Madrid

Taxi fares from the Madrid-Barajas International Airport to central Madrid should be around €20-€25 (depending on the traffic), remember that there is also a €5.50 airport surcharge. When you arrive at the airport make sure to only get in a taxi that is in line at the taxi stand. There will be lots of unofficial taxi drivers who will try to approach you inside the airport to gain your business.

In Case of a Dispute

If you have a complaint with your driver or taxi experience, make sure to get a receipt from the driver. The driver is legally obligated to give you a receipt if you ask for one. Once you have the receipt make sure you write down the taxi drivers ID number or NIF number (tax identification number) and the taxi number which should be shown on the dashboard of the car. It is also always advisable to get the license plate info and the date of the journey. Once you have all the correct information you will need to fill out an official form (they are available at police stations and tourist information offices). Finally, you will need to submit this complaint to the Oficina Municipal del Taxi.

Department of Madrid City Council Taxis: Tel: +34 91 588 9631