Madrid taxi safety tips: how to travel safely by taxi in Madrid

The taxi is one of the safest ways to get around Madrid, and a few safety tips are all you need to travel with peace of mind: only get into official taxis (white, with a diagonal red stripe on the front doors and the city’s coat of arms), take them at ranks, by hailing a free one in the street or by booking, fasten your seat belt, know the price or fare before setting off and ask for a receipt at the end. At the airport, ignore anyone offering you transport inside the terminal and go straight to the official taxi rank or your booked pickup point.

Madrid taxis share a common livery that is easy to identify:

• White with a diagonal red stripe on the front doors.
• The Madrid coat of arms on the doors.
• Licence number visible on the outside and inside of the vehicle.
• Roof light, green when the taxi is free.
• Meter in view inside the vehicle and fare information for the passenger.

If a vehicle does not have these features and someone offers you a “taxi”, be wary. We explain why in the risks of a fraudulent taxi, and what makes a good driver in how to spot a professional taxi driver.

• At an official rank: stations, the airport, hospitals and central areas have signposted ranks.
• By hailing a free taxi in the street, with its green light on.
• By booking by phone, online, through an app or on WhatsApp: you know who is picking you up, at what time and, with a fixed fare, how much you will pay. It is the most advisable option for the airport: with our airport taxi booking you see the price for your area before confirming.

What you should never do is accept transport from someone who comes up to offer it, especially at stations and terminals. At Barajas it is a well-known practice; we explain it in pirate taxi drivers at Barajas.

Always wear your seat belt

It is compulsory for passengers, front and back, and it is your main protection. If you are unsure how to wear it properly, read up on seat belt use in taxis.

A clear price and route

With the meter, check that it starts when the journey begins. With a fixed fare, the price is set before you leave: with us, for example, it is €33 from inside the M-30 to the airport, and the other areas are on the fares page. If you prefer a particular route, say so when you get in.

Share your journey

If you are travelling alone at night or in a city you do not know, share your live location with someone you trust and note down or photograph the taxi’s licence. It is a simple step that gives peace of mind.

Keep your belongings in sight

Keep your bag, phone and documents with you; everything else goes in the boot.

• Pay by card if you prefer: in Madrid taxis must accept it.
• Ask for a receipt: it identifies the journey and the vehicle if you need to complain or recover something.
• Get out on the pavement side and look before opening the door, for bicycles and e-scooters.
• Check the seat before closing the door.

In the early hours there are fewer taxis on the road and more risk of someone trying to take advantage. Booking in advance is the best option, especially for very early flights or night-time arrivals. For the return, an airport pickup with your flight number saves you looking for a taxi at the terminal: we confirm the meeting point and, if your flight changes, you just have to let us know.

When leaving the terminal

When you land, leave the baggage reclaim area following the “Taxi” signs to the official rank at your terminal, or go straight to the meeting point we have confirmed if you have booked. Do not hand your luggage to anyone who offers to carry it to a car and do not accept “short cuts” to the car park.

If you are travelling alone

Sit in the back, share your journey with someone you trust and avoid giving unnecessary personal details, such as whether or not someone is waiting for you at home. If you make a call, there is no need to mention where you are staying.

If you are travelling with children

Ask for a child seat when booking, giving each child’s age, and check the restraint before setting off. Children always in the back, except for the exceptions provided for in traffic regulations.

If it is your first time in Madrid

Have the exact address of your accommodation written down and, if you can, book your transfer from the airport before you fly. Arriving with everything sorted avoids hurried decisions at the terminal, which is exactly the moment exploited by those offering illegal transport.

• In an emergency or if a crime is committed, call 112.
• If the driver makes you feel uncomfortable, ask to stop in a busy place and get out.
• If you think you have been overcharged, pay, ask for a receipt and complain to Madrid City Council.