Is there Uber in Madrid? Yes! However, it’s not necessarily the best means of getting around.
That sentiment extends to using Uber in Spain in general. Traditional taxi drivers haven’t warmed to Uber and it can be a little hit-and-miss and subject to regulation changes.
Madrid is actually one of the cities where Uber coexists fairly comfortably alongside licensed cabs and other app-based taxis. While you can absolutely use the OG taxi app, you’ll want to have a couple of alternatives to Uber in Madrid up your sleeve.
Does Uber work in Madrid?
Uber does exist in Madrid. It’s legal and it works just as it does in any other city globally.
It’s the same app that you’ll be used to using at home, there’s no need to reinstall it or change your profile.
The first thing to note is that Uber isn’t as popular among residents who tend to favor other apps and hailing cabs. As such, the availability isn’t as copious as you may be used to back home.
On the other side of the coin, it’s way more popular than Uber in Barcelona.
The types of Uber classes in Madrid include:
- Uber X: the default four-door sedan for one to four passengers.
- Uber Metropolitano: fixed price for trips from and to the station.
- Uber Green: 100 percent electric vehicles the same price as Uber X.
- Uber Pet: for those lucky enough to be traveling with a four-legged friend.
- Uber Black: fancy Ubers with top-rated drivers.
- Uber Comfort: larger cars with extra leg room.
- Uber Van: sleek people carriers with top-rated drivers.
The types of vehicles depend on demand and availability at the time of booking.
Grab an Uber from one side of town to the other easily in Madrid, especially to save your legs for all of the walking you’ll be doing at Retiro Park!
Using Uber in Madrid
If you’re new to the OG ride-hailing app, you’ll need to install it first.
The free app is available on Android and Apple devices. It takes a few minutes to get set up but it’s wise to download it in your home country before traveling.
You will need a phone number and email address to open an account. A verification code is supplied by SMS and you’ll be prompted to create a password.
You’ll then add a credit or debit card to the payment section. This same card may be used when using Uber in Madrid. It’s also possible to link to your PayPal account or upload Uber Cash to your balance.
Best alternatives to Uber in Madrid
In addition to using Uber in Madrid, you can use traditional licenced taxis, app-based Uber alternatives, and public transport.
Remember that one of the best things to do in Madrid is simply roam the streets and find hidden corners!
The metro system in Madrid is clean and efficient. It’s a great affordable way to get around the city.
Public transportation in Madrid
Madrid is just like any other European capital or major city – the public transport is exemplary.
The Madrid Metro is the most efficient means of getting around Madrid. Twelve metro lines, three Metro ligero tram lines, and the Ramal line (connecting Ópera and Principe Pío) serve the city center and suburbs. Line 8 connects Nuevos Ministerios and Madrid Airport.
For payment, the first option is to pick up a rechargeable multi card at any metro or ligero station and add as much credit as you deem necessary. This might be best if you’re spending at least four days in Madrid.
The card costs €2.50 ($2.70 /£2.10), lasts forever, and works on buses too . You can use the same card if you’re traveling as part of a couple or small group. Children under four ride for free while adults get the lowest fares with a multi card.
Alternatively, you can buy a tourist card. These are valid for up to seven consecutive days once activated. A one-day card for Zone A costs €10 ($10.90/£8.40) while the seven-day equivalent costs €42 ($45.70/£35.30).
Tourist passes are sold at Metro ticket machines, tobacconist’s and other authorized points of sale where you spot the icon.
Otherwise, you can buy the Metrobús ticket. This covers you for 10 trips on the metro and bus system and costs €12.20 ($13.30/£10.30). Details about these passes are available here.
Madrid is also served by around 200 bus routes. You can use your multi card or pay with your contactless debit card or cash. A single fare costs €1.50 ($1.60/£1.30) while the airport express costs €5 ($5.45/£4.20).
Madrid’s metro runs from 6:00 AM until around 1:30 AM. Buses generally run from 6:00 AM until around 11:30 PM. There are 28 “Búhos” lines – night buses.
Use the Madrid Metro app or Citymapper app to plan journeys by metro or bus.
Atocha Station isn’t just a station to get you elsewhere in the city, it’s also a destination worth visiting in its own right thanks to this beautiful indoor garden.
Licensed taxis in Madrid
Traditional taxis are the most expensive way of getting around Madrid. However, they’re quite economical compared to other cities.
Madrid’s 15,000 official taxis are white cars with a diagonal red band on both front doors, the city emblem, and a taxi roof light.
A green light indicates the cab is available, so you can hail it from the curb. Taxi ranks are dotted around the city center with a blue “T” signpost.
Taxis in Madrid are safe and reasonably reliable for the most part. It might be tricky if you don’t speak Spanish, so do keep your Google Translate app open in case you need it.
As with all cities, just keep an eye on the meter and speak up if you suspect your driver is taking you on the scenic route.
Paying for taxis in Madrid
Taxi prices in Madrid are regulated by the government. They apply a base tariff of €2.50 Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM-9.00 PM. This rises to €3.15 on Sundays and after 9:00 PM.
The price per kilometer is €1.30 or €1.50 on weekends, bank holidays, and during the night.
If you are using Uber in Madrid, your payment can be processed using the app and your saved card. Easy!
Traditional taxis always accept cash (only euros, no dollars or pounds) and most have the equipment for taking credit card, debit card, and Wise/Revolut card payments. Some even accept NFC (Near Field Communication) cards and Apple/Google Pay.
However, you should double check before leaping in. If needs be, your driver might stop at a cashpoint. You’ll need to pay for the waiting time and be comfortable explaining your needs in Spanish.
Taxi drivers are only required to make change for €20 notes and smaller.
Tipping in Spain isn’t expected, but you could always leave the change or a gratuity if you were impressed with your driver or if they assisted with heavy luggage.
Uber and its alternatives are a good option for getting home safely after a night of tapas bar-hopping.
Are taxis in Madrid safe?
Uber and licenced taxis are very safe in Madrid. The main risk is having a driver try and scam you by taking a longer route but this is rare.
Make sure the meter is running after you set off and keep an eye on the price so there’s no nasty surprises at the end.
Always exercise the same precautions you would at home, by sticking to the licensed cabs described above or being vigilant with Uber and equivalents.
Double-check the license plate before jumping into an Uber and consider setting up the safety functions provided in the apps, especially when traveling solo or at night.
Free Now in Madrid
Available on Apple and Android devices, Free Now is one of the best alternatives to Uber in Madrid.
Formerly MyTaxi and Hailo, this app is similar to Uber but it gives you the option to book a traditional cab as well. It basically aggregates all the available options and lets you choose.
When you input a destination, you’ll see what’s currently available and the prices. Taxi Metered connects with traditional licensed cabs whereas Taxi Fixed Price works like Uber in Madrid.
Free Now in Madrid also has options for larger groups, wheelchair users, and those with hearing impairments. Taxi Green refers to eclectic and hybrid vehicles.
As with Uber, you can save your payment details on the app and have payment collected that way. Free Now accepts payment through Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal as well as regular credit/debit cards.
It’s possible to pay cash when booking a Taxi Metered but not for the Uber-style Taxi Fixed Price.
If you download one other taxi app in Madrid, make it Free Now.
Taking a taxi around the fountain in front of Palacio de Cibeles is a fun way to explore and sightsee in the city.
Cabify in Madrid
Cabify is another of the most popular alternatives to Uber in Madrid and other Spanish cities. This sustainable brand offsets the CO₂ of every trip and is rated for its commitment to safety.
This Spain-originated app has a similar interface and pick-up system as Uber and means you get to see the cost before confirming a ride.
Standard bookings get you a Cabify Classic (like UberX). Other options include Cabify Eco, Cabify Promo (for cheaper rides), the luxurious Cabify Extra Comfort, Cabify Group, and Cabify Kids.
Cabify also has a Cabify Airport option for going to and from Madrid–Barajas Airport. For the most adventurous, you can book a Cabify Moto and see Madrid by motorcycle.
Cabify is compatible with Apple and Android devices.
Bolt in Madrid
Estonian-founded Bolt is another ride-hail service operating in Madrid. It works exactly the same as Uber, Cabify, and Free Now Fixed Price with different pricing tiers relating to the service required.
Again, you’ll need to download the Apple/Android app and create an account. Bolt covers airport pick-ups/drop-offs and serves the same areas as the other apps.
Uber, Cabify, and Bolt are very similar in how they operate so the best option is to download Free Now and either Uber, Cabify, or Bolt.
TXMAD in Madrid
TXMAD is another of the popular alternatives to Uber in Madrid. This app was created by the city council and is an official taxi app and reflects the government tariffs.
It’s quite clunky in comparison with the others and feels pitched towards madrileños and Spanish-speaking residents rather than tourists.
However, it’s worth knowing about it in case you’re planning on calling Madrid home in the future. The lost and found function is quite nifty if you’re prone to leaving items on the back seat!
So much of downtown Madrid, where many of the monuments and attractions are, is easily walkable. You can get here via Uber or metro and then spend the day on foot. Just be sure to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Getting to and from the airport by Madrid Uber or taxi
Madrid’s regular city taxis also have a fleet at Madrid–Barajas Airport. There is a flat fee of €30 (around $33/£25.30) for all trips between the airport and city center.
And does Uber work in Madrid for airport rides? Surprisingly, yes. There are signs at each terminal directing you to the official pick-up location.
The price varies. It can sometimes be a little less than the licensed city taxis but ultimately it’s comparable. It’s also possible to reserve a pick-up/drop-off at Madrid–Barajas Airport up to 90 days in advance.
You can also use Free Now, Cabify, Bolt, or TXMAD for your airport taxi.
Useful Spanish phrases for using taxis in Madrid
If you do use traditional taxis in Madrid, it’s the perfect opportunity to practice your español.
The following phrases will help you navigate using taxis in Madrid and other vacation destinations in Spain.
- Necesito un taxi, por favor – I need a taxi, please
- Ahora – Now
- Hoy – Today
- Mañana – Tomorrow
- Esta noche – Tonight
- A las X horas – At X o’clock
- La dirección es… – The address is…
- ¿Cuánto costará? – How much will it cost?
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta/efectivo? – Can I pay with card/cash?
- ¿A qué hora llegaremos? – What time will we arrive?
- Somos unas, dos, tres… personas – We are one, two, three… people
- Viajo con un perro/gato/bebé – I am traveling with a dog/cat/baby
- Habla despacio, por favor – Speak slowly, please
- Quédese con el cambio – Keep the change
- Gracias – Thank you
If you have basic Spanish, you may not understand the reply. You’ll want to have Google Translate to hand to help with any lost in translation moments.
Otherwise, this is one of the perks of using Uber in Madrid (or its alternatives).
Madrid has so many amazing little bars and restaurants which you’ll miss if you are taking taxis and Ubers everywhere. Head out on foot to discover the hidden gems.
Quick comparison of Madrid Uber or taxi
- Cost: Prices are much the same. Uber is sometimes a little cheaper or a little more expensive, it very much depends on the current demand, conditions, and time of day.
- Transparency: A major perk to Uber and apps is that you know the price before getting in.
- Availability: Fairly equal although it’s wise to have at least one alternative to Uber in Madrid downloaded. Between apps and the old-fashioned hail, you can always get a cab quickly in Madrid.
- Safety: Licensed taxis, Uber Madrid, and Uber alternatives are safe to use provided you follow all the usual norms.
- Payments: Apps like Uber speed up the payment process. Licensed taxis should have credit/debit card facilities.
- Language barrier: Using Uber and alternatives to Uber in Madrid is easier if you don’t speak Spanish.
- Airport transfers: It’s fine to use Uber at Madrid Airport and the ride may be a couple of euros cheaper. However, the set fee for traditional taxis means you can do either.
Renting a car in Madrid
Madrid’s walkable neighborhoods and excellent public transport means that it doesn’t make sense to rent a car.
However, it might be worth hiring a vehicle if you’re planning lots of day trips from Madrid or are exploring Spain on a road trip.
In reality, a car isn’t even needed for day trips as the trains in Spain are so good.
On the other hand, you might want to rent a car as part of a longer road trip itinerary in Spain. Our comprehensive guide to hiring a car in Spain and tips for driving in Spain will help you with this.