Where do I go to get a taxi at the Madrid Airport to go to the Hotel Villa Real and what would the Euro cost be? Also, can one get a cab on the street during our stay. We would like to use cabs for our in town transportation. Looking forward to your help.

You can check Maribel's Guide to Madrid (http://maribelsguides.com) regarding taxi information.

Basically, the taxis are waiting at the taxi stand just in front of the airport. All you have to do is to walk outside and take the first one in line. There are regular taxi stands located throughout Madrid. Your hotel should be able to point out the nearest one, or they can call a taxi for you when you're ready to head out. You'll pay a little more for this service, but sometimes it's the easiest way to go. Remember; don't tip more than 1 to 2 euros for any taxi ride regardless of the distance.

Another option is Aerocitiy shuttle. It has been rcommended on this BB and others. We used it in March from MAD to city. One other couple--cost about $20 US for the two of us. I'd do it again. Think a taxi might be higher. mhm

I want to say it was €20 euro...I think most taxi's are never less than 20 from an airport with the charges etc. I went fro the airport to Sol and I am almost positive it was close to 20.00. They were right outside and it was easy to get one.

I would try the shuttle sounds like a better deal!

The best deal is the metro - E2-3? - and the cars from the airport are set up with large luggage racks for travellers. You may have to switch lines once or twice but there are stations near almost all major destinations. There is a good info office at the terminal.

I think the cost would be more like €30, based on cab fare to the Westin just a block or so away. FYI, the Villa Real is very conveniently located for walking to the major museums (e.g. the Thyssen-Bornemisza and Prado) and some of the other points of interest in and better restaurants in Madrid, so you may not need as many taxis as you think.

If you are traveling solo, definitely just get into taxi line to go to your hotel. My family of four (with 4 bags) had a lot of trouble getting a cab to pick us up, no-one wanted to put luggage up on their luggage racks. After many smaller groups pushed passed us, we were finally picked up by a very nice cabbie who basically charged us 5 euros over the meter cost of 18 euros. We definitely felt extorted, but would have had to take two cabs otherwise. On our return to the airport, we went with the aero-shuttle, cost 20 euros total, however they did pick up another passenger on the way. When taking taxis, try to store up plenty of small bills or change, because often cabbies somehow seemed to not have any change!

So you ended up paying a measly 3€ over the shuttle fare for a cab and you felt he extorted you????