Taxis in Madrid are white cars with a diagonal red stripe on the driver and passenger doors and bear the traditional “TAXI” sign on the roof. A green light on the roof and/or a sign in the front window reading “Libre” in green signify that the taxi is free for hire. A lit up number on the roof and a red sign in the front window reading “ocupado” mean that the taxi is not free for hire.
Taxi counters always start with an initial rate, which increases based on the kilometers traveled. Supplemental fees (added at the end to the amount displayed on the meter) for certain destinations may also apply, including:
- 5.50 euros for rides to and from the airport
- 2.95 euros for rides initiated at bus or train stations
- 2.95 euros for rides to and from IFEMA (Madrid Fairgrounds)
- 6.70 euros for rides on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
Tips are not obligatory and most people don’t tip the driver. Taxis are required to allow caged animals and luggage (as long as its trunk capacity permits) and to provide receipts free of charge. Passengers also have the right to choose their taxi, receive change for bills up to €20 and interrupt the taximeter if necessary.
Fares (Days Hours Initial rate €/km)
- Monday-Sunday 6am-10pm €2.05 €0.98
- Monday-Friday 10pm-6am (following day) €2.50 €1.15
- Saturday-Sunday 10pm-6am (following day) €3.10 €1.15
- Holidays €3.10 €1.15
Taxis in Madrid are extremely safe and are regulated by the city. Authorized taxis display their official City License. Taxis can be easily flagged down on most main roads throughout the city, and there are several taxi stands sprinkled around the city, especially in the center.
Most taxis have radios and belong to an association called RadioTaxi, which means that they can receive calls for pickups. Should you ever need to reserve a taxi or request a pickup, visit the RadioTaxi Web site http://www.radiotaxigremial.com/ or call 91 447 32 32. Even though the Web site is in both English and Spanish, there is no guarantee that the operator who takes your call will speak English. Cabs generally take between 5 and 10 minutes to arrive once called.
