Are taxis metered in Spain?

Yes. Licensed taxis in Spanish cities use a meter, and there can be fixed fares or supplements for airports and stations. Ask “¿Puede poner el taxímetro?” if the meter is not on.

How do I agree a fare in Latin America?

It depends on the country and the city. In some places taxis use a meter, and in others you agree the price before you get in. Ask “¿Cuánto cuesta llegar a…?” before you start, and consider a ride-hailing app that shows the fare.

Is it better to use a ride-hailing app?

Apps such as Uber, Cabify and local services show the price and the driver in advance and keep a record of the trip, which many travellers find simpler. Availability and rules differ by city, so check locally.

How do I say the address?

Show the address on your phone map and say “A esta dirección, por favor”. Add the neighbourhood, because street names repeat in large cities.

Spanish Taxi and Ride-Share Phrases: Fares and Directions

Taxis are an easy way to get around Spanish-speaking cities, especially with luggage or late at night. The phrases you need most are “Quisiera un taxi” (I would like a taxi), “¿Puede poner el taxímetro?” (Can you use the meter?) and “Pare aquí, por favor” (Please stop here).

I would like a taxi
Quisiera un taxi
kee-see-EH-rah oon TAHK-see
Where is the taxi stand?
¿Dónde está la parada de taxis?
DOHN-deh ehs-TAH lah pah-RAH-thah theh TAHK-sees
Can you use the meter, please?
¿Puede poner el taxímetro, por favor?
PWEH-deh poh-NEHR ehl tahk-SEE-meh-troh pohr fah-BOHR
Please stop here
Pare aquí, por favor
PAH-reh ah-KEE por fah-VOR
Thank you for the ride
Gracias por el viaje.
GRAHTH-yahs pohr ehl BYAH-kheh

How taxis work

Spain. Taxis are licensed and metered. They wait at ranks (paradas), can be hailed on the street when a green light is on, or booked by phone or app.
Latin America. Practice varies a lot. Some cities have metered taxis, others use fixed zone fares, and in some places you agree the price first. Ask a hotel or a local what is normal.
Airports. Many airports have official taxi desks or fixed prices. Use the official queue.
Apps. Ride-hailing apps show a fare and the driver details beforehand, which is useful when you do not speak the language.
Safety. Use licensed taxis or trusted apps, check the car and driver details, and share your trip with someone if you can.

Getting the ride

How much will it cost to get there?
¿Cuánto costará llegar allí?
KWAHN-toh kohs-tah-RAH lyeh-GHAHR ah-LYEE
Can I book a private driver?
¿Puedo reservar un conductor privado?
PWEH-thoh reh-sehr-BAHR OON kohn-dook-TOHR pree-BAH-thoh
Can you help me with my bags?
¿Me puede ayudar con mis maletas?
meh PWEH-theh ah-yoo-THAHR kohn mees mah-LEH-tahs
Is there a fee for extra passengers?
¿Hay algún cargo adicional por pasajeros extra?
EYE ahl-GHOON KAHR-ghoh ah-theeth-yoh-NAHL pohr pah-sah-KHEH-rohs EHKST-rah
Can you confirm the destination?
¿Puede confirmar el destino?
PWEH-theh kohn-feer-MAHR ehl thehs-TEE-noh

During the ride

Can you take a different route?
¿Puede tomar una ruta diferente?
PWEH-theh toh-MAHR OO-nah ROO-tah thee-feh-REHN-teh
Please drive slower
Por favor, conduzca más despacio.
pohr fah-BOHR kohn-DOOTH-kah MAHS thehs-PAHTH-yoh
Please drive faster, I'm in a hurry
Por favor, conduzca más rápido, tengo prisa.
pohr fah-BOHR kohn-DOOTH-kah MAHS RAH-pee-thoh TEHNG-goh PREE-sah
Can you wait for me here?
¿Puede esperarme aquí?
PWEH-theh ehs-peh-RAHR-meh ah-KEE

Can I use a ride-share app here?
¿Puedo usar una aplicación de transporte compartido aquí?
PWEH-thoh oo-SAHR OO-nah ahp-lee-kahth-YOHN deh trahns-POHR-teh kohm-pahr-TEE-thoh ah-KEE
How do I request a ride?
¿Cómo solicito un viaje?
KOH-moh soh-lee-THEE-toh OOM BYAH-kheh
Where is my driver?
¿Dónde está mi conductor?
DOHN-deh ehs-TAH mee kohn-dook-TOHR

Directions and paying

To this address, please
A esta dirección, por favor
ah EHS-tah dee-rehk-SYOHN pohr fah-BOR
Show the address on your phone.
To the airport, please
Al aeropuerto, por favor
ahl ah-eh-roh-PWEHR-toh pohr fah-BOR
Can I pay by card?
¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
PWEH-doh pah-GAHR kohn tahr-HEH-tah
Keep the change
Quédese con el cambio
KEH-deh-seh kohn ehl KAHM-byoh
A small tip is appreciated but not expected in Spain.
A receipt, please
Un recibo, por favor
oon reh-SEE-boh pohr fah-BOR

A short scene: from the airport

YouBuenas tardes. Al centro, a esta dirección, por favor.BWEH-nahs TAHR-dehs ahl SEHN-troh ah EHS-tah dee-rehk-SYOHN pohr fah-BORGood afternoon. To the centre, to this address, please.
DriverMuy bien. Son unos veinte minutos.mwee byehn sohn OO-nohs BEYN-teh mee-NOO-tohsVery good. It is about twenty minutes.
You¿Puede poner el taxímetro, por favor?PWEH-deh poh-NEHR ehl tahk-SEE-meh-troh pohr fah-BORCan you use the meter, please?
DriverClaro, ya está puesto.KLAH-roh yah eh-STAH PWEH-stohOf course, it is already on.
YouPare aquí, por favor. Gracias por el viaje.PAH-reh ah-KEE pohr fah-BOR GRAH-syahs pohr ehl BYAH-hehStop here, please. Thank you for the ride.

Common mistakes

Not agreeing the fare where taxis are not metered. Ask before you get in.
Using an unlicensed car at an airport. Use the official queue.
Giving only a street name. Add the neighbourhood and show the map.
Not checking the app details. Match the plate and the driver before you get in.
Not carrying small change for the end of the ride.

For more, see our Spanish train phrases and Spanish phrases for travel.