How many are allowed in a taxi?
 

My husband and I are traveling to Madrid with our 3 kids (20, 15, & 8) and want to take a taxi from the airport to our hotel in Madrid. What is the maximum allowed in a taxi? What other alternatives do we have?

You'll manage to fit in, if you want maximum comfort some "people carrier" style taxis are sometimes available, however, you could just take two.

Great question for anywhere I've been to in Europe.....We've actually had trouble fitting in with just 3 of us because of our luggage. We each had 1 large pull behind type and a carry on and a few guys turned us down in Madrid.

Some of the taxis have roof straps which helped.

It obviously depends on the SIZE of the taxi. I just got back from Switerland where we routinely had five people and luggage in van-sized taxis...don;t be foolish enough to think that taxis in Madrid, or anywhere else are all ONE size.

The Taxi regulations in Madrid do not allow to take more than 4 passangers.
In the city for a short ride they might take 5. At the airport count on two taxis for five people.
Another alternatives are bus , metro or small vans.

Your hotel might be kind enough to send a van for you. More than likely They will expect you to pay.

We fit 4 in a taxi but I can't imagine any more than that. Our large suitecase was tied to the roof, and smaller ones wer in the trunk. I'd look into a car service that offers minivans. The airport is rather close to the city so it's a short trip.

We were just in Madrid (with our 2 kids) and loved it. Enjoy!

arce, car is right.

besides, the madrid cabbies that work the airport are notorious for making bigger groups (more than 4 or even more than 3 with a lot of bags) split into 2 cabs.

i live here and have a taxi smarts page at http://www.multimadrid.com/practical...axi-smarts.htm , everyone should read it if they are coming to madrid and will take a cab.

you can take www.aerocity.com airport shuttle, for 5 of you it should cost no more than 6€/person if you do not have excess baggage.

saludos,
jer...

Thanks for that advice. Do I need a reservation for aerocity and is 6Eur per person the current prices? Thanks

hi arce, don't quote me on the 6€ price.

aerocity has a formula thhey use (# or passengers and # of bags come into play) to calculate the cost per person.

please see their website (www.aerocity.com), there is a reservation form there and they will get back to you with the price/person.

i know that it will be cheaper than taking 2 cabs, for sure.

also, with aerocity, you have a price quote beforehand and know what you will pay, no risking getting ripped off by taxi drivers.

a reservation is not absolutely necessary as they have a booth at madrid barajas airport (says "airport shuttle" on it) but if you are 5, it is a VERY good idea to reserve.

saludos,
jer...