Is it cheap to travel by taxi or ride-hailing service in Madrid?

Getting around Madrid by taxi or ride-hailing service is a comfortable, safe and flexible option for visitors. Both services offer predefined fares, so you can choose the most convenient option at any given moment or based on your travel needs.

The final price of a taxi or ride-hailing service generally depends on the number of kilometres and the time of day. Taxis charge official fares regulated by Madrid City Council, which are publicly available.

Madrid's taxis can be easily spotted by their white colour, diagonal red stripe and the Madrid coat of arms. If the green light on the roof is on, the taxi is available.

They can be hailed directly on the street, at stops marked with a blue 'T' or at the airport and stations. There are more than 15,000 taxis in the city, so it's usually easy to find a free taxi on the main roads or in tourist areas.

All vehicles accept card or cash payments, and drivers are required to carry change of up to €20. Some taxis offer free Wi-Fi and can be booked at a fixed price online or by phone.

There's also a fixed fare of €33 for journeys between the airport and any point within the M-30 ring road, valid 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The fleet includes taxis fitted with approved child seats and accessible vehicles for people with reduced mobility. There are also dog-friendly companies that allow passengers to travel with pets with prior confirmation from the driver.

The official fares are based on several factors: a starting fee, distance travelled, the per-kilometre rate, the hourly rate and the time of day. The taximeter always displays the current fare.

Ride-hailing services, such as Uber, Cabify and Bolt, can only be booked through their respective mobile apps, as they can't pick up passengers on the street. They show you the price of the journey in advance and let you pay digitally and cancel free of charge with one hour's notice.

Their fleets tend to be modern and comfortable, with options ranging from budget vehicles to electric or high-end cars.