I took Uber from Opera House to Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain, around 9 AM today 5/29 and had to pay 25.97 euro. On way back from Prado to Opera around 1:39 pm, I took a taxi and paid only 9.95 euro. Does this difference result simply from a wide fluctuation of Uber rate depending on the time of the day and/or traffic condition? Or this particular Uber driver did cheat me somehow? I will appreciate any guess or advice from more experienced travelers.
Posted by
Chicago
2169 posts
Uber charges more at peak hours/rush hours and busy times.
I take Uber in the States and in Mexico, but I've found Spanish taxis are usually cheaper and IMO nicer than Uber. I have yet to be cheated by a Spanish taxi driver.
Posted by
170 posts
Uber isn't really used by Spaniards so it has a built in tourist tax.
Either find a taxi stand, use Cabify, or use FreeNow.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8747 posts
In addition to to spot pricing, I seem to recall that Uber Black came up as the main option in Madrid (could be mistaken). I know I looked a couple times for a similar trip (Near Sol to Atocha station) and the pricing varied quite a bit, but I never did use them in Madrid.
I did see cabs in Spain indicating they used Freenow or other taxi hailing apps.
Posted by
Bilbao
924 posts
Uber is not available in many places in Spain, as it´s somehow restricted by local taxi regulations (that depend on the town council, it´s not private companies). Most of the time a public service taxi is a cheaper option.
Posted by
new york
649 posts
I don't understand why people bother with Uber in Madrid when the taxis are so excellent.
Maybe there are benefits with Uber that I am unaware of, but Ive always had excellent experiences with regular taxis, both within the city and to and from the airport.
Either I go to a taxi rank, or (more common) hail one on the street. Sometimes if I am leaving from my hotel, they phone one for me but I believe that, doing that, you pay the fare beginning when the taxi departs wherever it is, to come and collect you. Maybe someone can confirm this for me....