Is There Uber In Madrid?
What You Need To Know In 2024

Ah, Madrid! The capital of Spain and its beating heart. If you haven’t been to this amazing city yet, you are missing out!

If you have taken the plunge and already booked those flights, you may be looking at your transport options when in the city and wondering if Uber is available here. Madrid’s transportation system is fantastic, and Uber is a big part of that.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the world of Uber in Madrid, weighing up the positives and negatives. I’ll also give you other transport alternatives and my top tips for getting around Madrid like a local.

Let’s dive into the details and find out whether Uber in Madrid is a great option for your trip in 2024.

Is There Uber In Madrid?

The short answer is an emphatic yes. Whereas Uber has faced numerous challenges in Spain’s second city Barcelona, Uber operates in Madrid in the same manner as other cities.

With the Uber app, you can easily book a ride and travel around Madrid with ease, bypassing the language barrier and giving you a comfortable and efficient journey to your destination.

With many Uber drivers in Madrid, you can even use the app to travel outside of Madrid’s centre. If you are staying in an area that isn’t well-connected, Uber could provide you with the perfect option to get back to your accommodation.

Positives Of Uber In Madrid

Safety

As in any other city, Uber is a safe method of transport in Madrid. Whilst Madrid is generally a safe city, the safety features of Uber provide that extra level of security.

With the app, you can share your journey with a friend who can track where you are going. This may prove especially useful if you are a solo traveller.

For those who like the certainty of knowing a taxi is coming, using the Uber app takes away the unpredictability of waiting for a free taxi to pass, especially at busy times.

Finally, if you are not a confident Spanish speaker, you may find that using your phone to put in your destination may take away the anxiety of having to communicate in a different language.

Transparent pricing

One of my favourite things about Uber is its transparent pricing. As a tourist in any country, you are vulnerable to overpricing by taxi drivers. Whilst taxis are heavily regulated in Madrid and generally safe, you just never know!

By using Uber, you can see the price upfront. Making a decision on price beforehand means you can budget better, and you have a better idea of price before jumping in the taxi.

Whilst many taxis these days will take cards, with Uber you know 100% that you can pay by card and not have to withdraw euros.

Group travel

If travelling as a group and wanting to get a taxi, Uber could be a lifesaver. The app offers a range of different travel options including larger taxis. If you are travelling in a group and need a taxi, your chances of finding one big enough are greater on the app.

Accessibility

Uber has a great feature that provides passengers with extra assistance should they need it. Uber also requires drivers to provide service to riders with service animals.

With all transactions taking place on the app, the lack of exchanging cash also makes the payment process more accessible. Travelling with Uber in Madrid will eliminate a lot of those issues that travelling by traditional taxi may cause.

Negatives Of Uber In Madrid

More expensive

With an abundance of taxis in Madrid, you may find taking an Uber can be more expensive. Uber prices go up during rush hour and in adverse weather conditions which means you may be best hailing a regular taxi in Madrid.

Reliance on technology

If you’re travelling from outside Europe, chances are you will be reliant on Wi-Fi. Without a Spanish SIM card, using Uber may be difficult. Being reliant on a data connection means you might not always have access to the app and will end up needing to use a regular taxi anyway.

Pro Tip – Spain has ride-sharing apps of its own. Check out Free Now and Cabify if you are struggling to find an Uber.

Taxis In Madrid

If you want a more authentic experience or want to put those Spanish skills to the test, you might want to know about regular taxis in Madrid.

Hailing a taxi in Madrid can be a great way of finding out about the city and with over 15,000 taxis in the city, finding one will be very easy.

How To Spot A Taxi

Madrid’s taxis are easily recognisable by their appearance. Taxis are white in colour with a red stripe on the front door, the emblem of the city. Free taxis have a green light.

Taxi Ranks

Taxi ranks are available around the city. They have a blue sign with a white ‘T’. Taxi ranks are common near transport hubs: the airport, railway stations and bus terminals. Here you will need to use the taxis at the ranks rather than hailing a cab.

Fares

Similar to Barcelona, Madrid’s fares are regulated meaning you don’t need to worry about being ripped off.

Prices are pretty reasonable but there are surges in prices. Watch out for higher prices during nighttime hours (9 PM to 7 AM), at weekends and on one of Spain’s many national holidays.

Current Fares In 2024

Base Fare	€2.55
Price/km (weekdays/day)	€1.23
Weekends and nights (p/km)	€1.51
El Prat Airport	€4.50
Extra – Sants station/Fira Centre	€2.50

Tipping

There is no expectation to tip a taxi driver in Madrid. You can round up or leave a tip for good service but there is no set amount to tip.

Safety

Madrid’s taxis have a good reputation for being safe. That being said, always check the vehicle before entering to ensure it is a registered taxi. Head to the official taxi rank at Barajas airport when you arrive to ensure a positive start to your trip to Madrid.

Alternative Ways To Get Around Madrid

Whilst Ubers will provide you with one of the quickest ways to get around the city, Madrid offers plenty of useful and cheap options for getting around.

Walking

The cheapest and best way to actually see a city is to walk. Walking around Madrid will allow you to soak up the vibe and atmosphere of the city. You will notice things that you wouldn’t usually see from a vehicle or by taking the metro.

Embarking on a leisurely stroll through Madrid unveils a treasure trove of captivating sights. Many of the city’s top sights are clustered together and within walking distance from each other.  

Start at Puerta del Sol, where the pulse of the city beats, and then step into the regal world of the Royal Palace and the stunning Almudena Cathedral.

Continue your journey through the eclectic neighbourhoods of Malasaña and Chueca, pulsating with contemporary energy, making every step in Madrid an exploration of its rich history and vibrant present.

Walking is a sure-fire way to really see what Madrid has to offer and it is the perfect way to burn off all those extra calories!

Looking for how to spend two days in Madrid that involves plenty of walking? Check out my 2 days in Madrid post.

Metro

Madrid’s metro is second to none. Convenient, efficient and well-resourced, there is a high chance you will be using it during your stay. Stations are plentiful throughout the city and the system is clear to use. If you plan on staying for only a few days, the metro will be essential!

Why do I love the metro so much? The prices are good and is super reliable. As with any capital city, Madrid’s roads can get very hectic. The metro lets you bypass that completely, zipping around the city underground.

Sure you won’t see all of Madrid’s gorgeous streets but when in a rush, the metro cannot be beaten.

Tickets

All passengers require a Multi card to travel on the metro. This reloadable, contactless card is valid for ten years and can be used on all of Madrid’s public transportation. They cost €2.50 and can be bought alongside your ticket at any Metro de Madrid machine.

Madrid’s metro is split into different zones with each zone having a different price cost. A single ticket in Zone A, which covers central Madrid costs between €1.50 and €2. The price increases with how many stations you pass through with 5 or less costing €1.50 and 10 or more stations costing €2.

You can also purchase a combined ticket for 10 trips. You can use this for any subway stop except the airport. The cost of this is €18.30 so may work out cheaper depending on how far you are going.

Additionally, there are travel cards available for tourists. These offer unlimited travel on the metro and bus system and some trains. You can purchase them for Zone A, which is the centre of Madrid or Zone T if you plan on visiting the surrounding areas.

Prices for both zones can be found below. Travel passes can be bought from all metro stations, at licenced tobacco shops or at the entrance to the Cercanías Aeropuerto T4 station.

Pro Tip – Plan a rough itinerary beforehand and group your tourist sites by location. You can then use this information to save money on metro tickets by limiting the number of journeys you make.

Bus

Similar to the metro system, Madrid’s bus system is another great option for exploring the system. Whilst slower than the metro due to traffic, you will have the advantage of travelling overground and being able to see more of the city.

Buses are frequent and the bus stops are well marked with the network being easy to navigate. Tickets for the bus network are the same as the metro so you can combine your journeys on one ticket. Similar to other major cities, this gives you much more freedom.

You can use your Tarjeta Multi card (bought at Metro stations) and on the bus. Alternatively, you can pay by card or with cash on the bus. A single trip costs €1.50. Tickets for the airport are a standard €5.

How To Get From Madrid Airport To The City Centre?

Madrid-Barajas Airport is the busiest airport in Spain and the 15^th busiest airport in the world. Over 50 million people passed through it in 2022 and it is likely to be your entry point to Spain if coming from across the Atlantic.

The major hub for Iberia, the airport is located a mere 8 miles/13 km northeast of the Plaza Mayor within Madrid’s city limits. This means it is quick to get into the city centre. But which is the best way to get from this huge airport to your accommodation and start exploring?

Taxi

If getting off a long flight, you may prefer to hop straight in a taxi. The most relaxing and stress-free way to transfer, taxi is also a good option if you are in a group.

You can only get official taxis from the airport so look out for the taxi sign and head for the rank. There is flat fare of €30 to travel to the centre of Madrid so you know what to expect before you get in the taxi.

The journey time is around 25 minutes from the terminal to the centre of the city.

Bus

Madrid-Barajas Airport is serviced by a 24-hour bus route that runs 365 days a year. The Exprés Aeropuerto bus route has only 3 stops: O’Donnell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha. Buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night.

The bus stops at T1, T2 and T4 so the airport is serviced well. The journey time is around 40 minutes and costs €5. Look out for signs in the airport for the stop at each terminal.

Metro

Madrid-Barajas Airport is also serviced by the city’s metro network. The airport has two metro stations located at T2 and T4. Trains depart from the airport every 5 minutes between 6:00 AM and 2:00 AM providing a reliable connection to the city centre.

The journey time is a mere 12 minutes with the Line 8 stopping at Nuevos Ministerios metro station in the heart of Madrid. The price for an airport ticket is €5 or if you have a valid metro ticket it costs €3, which is the supplementary airport charge.

Is Uber Safe In Madrid?

Uber is one of the safest ways to travel around Madrid. With GPS-tracking and the safety features of the app, there are more security features than taking a regular taxi.

However no method of transport is 100% secure so it is important to still be aware of your surroundings, especially if alone.

When using Uber in Madrid it is important to ensure that you are safe as you would in any other city. Don’t let a bad taxi experience ruin your holiday.

Here are my top 10 recommendations to keep yourself safe when using Uber in Madrid.

Top 10 Tips

1. Driver Identification: Before getting in your Uber, always check the registration plate, car model and the driver’s photo are identical to the app. Do not get in an unmarked vehicle. At best, they are uninsured. At worst, there could be a scam.
2. Share Your Ride: If travelling solo, this is highly recommended. Uber’s “Share Your Trip” function allows you to share your ride with a family member or friend, giving them the peace of mind that you are safe.
3. Wait In A Safe Location: It is best practice to ensure you are in a busy area that is well-lit. Use popular landmarks as pick-up points as there will always be people around. Whilst Madrid is generally safe, avoid isolated and dark areas at night if alone.
4. Use the Official App: It might sound like an obvious one but only use Uber’s official app. Check that you have downloaded the correct app from the online store. Unauthorised apps may be seeking to scam you.
5. Check for the Uber Decal: All registered Uber drivers will have a distinctive Uber sign. If it is not displayed, feel free to ask the Uber driver. You can also ask to see identification if you are unsure.
6. Sit in the Back Seat: Always sit in the back seat if travelling in an Uber. This provides a safe distance between you and the driver in case of an unfortunate situation.
7. Wear Seatbelts: Please always wear a seatbelt when riding in any vehicle. Just because you are in a foreign country does not mean safety rules go out of the window. Madrid’s streets can be hectic, and you’ll be safer with a belt on.
8. Be Cautious with Personal Information: Spanish people are generally very warm, and you are likely to find more English-speaking taxi drivers in Madrid than elsewhere. It’s great to chat but be careful about sharing too much personal information.
9. Avoid Cash Payments: All of the transactions on Uber are completed on the app so there is no need for a cash payment. This avoids disputes and enhances safety.
10. Trust Your Instincts: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, ask the driver to stop at a safe location. It is highly unlikely that you will have a negative experience in an Uber in Madrid, but it is important that you feel safe.

Is There Uber In Madrid: FAQs

Can I Take An Uber From Madrid Barajas Airport To The City Centre?

Yes, you can get an Uber from Madrid Barajas Airport to the city centre. After a long flight, you might want to start your trip by heading directly to your accommodation. Whilst Barajas airport is well-connected to the city centre, an Uber takes you straight to your destination.

The airport is located around 17km or 10 miles from the city centre. Prices for Ubers can change depending on the time of day and the weather, but you can expect your journey to cost around €30.

If travelling in a group, getting an Uber from the airport may end up being your best option!

How Do I Get A Ride In Madrid?

If you are not wanting to get an Uber, there is the more traditional route to getting a taxi. Madrid has plenty of taxis and you can spot a free one with the green light on top of the car.

To hail a taxi in Madrid, simply look for the green light and put your hand out.

There are certain areas where you will need to go to a taxi rank, marked with a blue sign and a white ‘T’ sign. These include at the airport, at train stations and at bus terminals. You may also want to head to a taxi rank if you are struggling to get a taxi.

Where Can I Get A Taxi In Madrid?

You can get a taxi just about anywhere. Madrid is full of taxis, and they are easy to spot. Just look for the white cars with the red stripe.

At transport hubs, there will always be taxis waiting outside. At Barajas Airport, there are clear signs indicating where to get a taxi from. Follow them to the airport’s taxi rank.

Are Taxis In Madrid Expensive?

Taxis in Madrid are comparable with other Spanish cities and compare favourably with other world cities.

As explained previously, Madrid has a pricing structure which although not the easiest to follow, sets out what you are charged. Licensed taxi drivers are required by law to follow this and providing you get in a licensed taxi, you should have a good experience.

Keep in mind that factors such as traffic conditions and the time of day can affect the overall cost of a taxi ride. You may also be charged extra for the airport and for how much luggage you have.

Both Uber and traditional taxis have their benefits and drawbacks so I would recommend checking the Uber app first before getting a taxi. In the event of a public holiday, you will probably be better off getting the metro. It is often quicker and better value!

Final Thoughts: Is There Uber In Madrid?

Madrid is a city full of different transportation options. Whilst Uber exists in the city and is a great option on occasion, Madrid has so many other options that you may not even need to open the app.

Madrid’s public transportation system is fantastic! The metro is competitively priced, efficient, and there are plenty of stops servicing Madrid’s major attractions. The bus network is also great and with tickets working on both, you’ll find yourself zooming around Madrid like a local in no time.

If travelling in a group, you might decide to use Uber when traveling from the airport or if traveling late at night. But you might want the authentic Madrid experience and prefer to hail a taxicab yourself.

In my trips to Madrid, I have always used the metro and recommend this as the number one method of transport in the city. It’s quick, easy to use and better for the environment. Whichever way you choose to travel, you’re sure to have a fantastic time in Madrid.