Seville Taxis: an Overview
Seville taxis are certainly more expensive than the city’s public transit options. What’s more, Seville’s public transit network is considered modern and effective. Still, taxis in Seville justify their cost, as they are one of the most comfortable and relaxed ways to travel around the city (and outside its limits). Moreover, during off-peak hours -when the traffic levels are low- taxis are one of the fastest solutions as well. Overall, despite the single scamming incidents, their services are top-rated and reliable and their vehicles are well-maintained.
How to Distinguish a Taxi in Seville
Seville taxis are uniformly colored. Thus, they are all white with a yellow diagonal stripe and the city shield on their back door. Moreover, they have a distinctive taxi light on their roof, indicating their availability. Thus, when it is on, the taxi is empty, whereas a lit sign means that the cab is occupied. On the other hand, licensed taxis in Seville must display their license number on their doors (on the other side than the yellow stripe and the city shield), while being equipped with a taximeter. Last but not least, they must have their rates clearly marked.
Seville Taxi Fares
Seville taxis are metered. Therefore, the cost of each ride is calculated by their installed taximeter, on the basis of the traversed distance and the traveling time. The taxi fares are regulated by the authorities. As a matter of fact, they get frequently updated. Thus, for the time being, the Seville taxi tariffs are:
| Charge | Rate 1 | Rate 2 | Rate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flag fare | 1.50€/1.65$ | 1.82€/2$ | 2.27€/2.48$ |
| Price per km | 1.03€/1.13$ | 1.28€/1.40$ | 1.60€/1.75$ |
| Waiting time (per hour) | 22.67€/24.76 | 28.36€/31 | 35.44€/38.70$ |
| Minimum charge | 4.09€/4.47$ | 5.09€/5.56$ | 6.37€/6.96$ |
Rate 1 applies from Monday to Friday, from 07:00 am to 09:00 pm.
Rate 2 is applicable from Monday to Thursday, from 09:00 pm to 07:00 am, and on Fridays or on the eve of public holidays, from 00:00 am to 07:00 am and from 09:00 pm to 10:00 pm. During weekends and holidays, Rate 2 applies from 06:00 am to 10:00 pm, as well as during the Holy Week (from 07:00 am to 09:00 pm) and the April Fair (from 07:00 am to 08:00 pm). Moreover, the taxi drivers charge according to Rate 2 on December 24 and 31, from 00:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Rate 3 is for journeys on Fridays and eves of public holidays, from 10:00 pm to 00:00 am, and during weekends and holidays, from 00:00 am to 06:00 am and from 10:00 pm to 00:00 am. Moreover, it applies during the Holy Week (from 09:00 pm to 07:00 am) and during the April Fair (08:00 pm to 07:00 am).
Intercity and airport rides are charged differently.
Extra charges
Apart from the official rates based on the time of the day (peak Vs off-peak hours), Seville taxi drivers add extra fees in the following cases:
- For each suitcase weighing more than 10kg/22 lbs or measuring more than 55X40X20cm (21x15x7.8 inches), an extra 0.53€/0.58$ fee is added.
- Picking ups at the train station (Estación de Santa Justa) bring an extra 1.59€/1.74$ charge.
- Special services to airport flight control as well as to Casa San Pablo are charged an additional 5.40€/5.90$ fare.
- Special service to Puerto del Batan, Sevilla, Palmas Altas, Shipyard, and Locks are priced an extra 2.45€/2.68$ cost.
Pets, wheelchairs, and strollers aren’t charged extra.
As far as payment methods are concerned, cash and bank cards are also accepted. Still, Seville taxi drivers prefer payments in cash. Hence, they often claim to have a broken POS to get paid in cash. Thus, it is advisable to check with your driver before beginning your ride.
How to Hire a Taxi in Seville
Locals usually just hail their cab from the street. Verily, numerous Seville taxis circulate the city. Thus, it is easy to find one simply by standing at the edge of the road and raising your hand. Alternatively, taxis can be found lining up at the taxi ranks scattered around Seville. Indeed, you’ll find an official taxi stand in all major transit hubs (airports, stations, etc.) along with the city’s most central areas or popular attractions. Taxi stands are marked by a blue sign with a white “T” displayed.
Please note that you can’t hail a cab from the street at Seville Airport or the train station.
The last option to catch your cab is to book it. Hence, you can use various apps, enter a taxi company’s website, or call for it. The charging rates, in that case, are the same. However, a taxi from the taxi stand or the street starts its taximeter when the passenger names the destination’s location, whereas the pre-booked cab starts charging when receiving and accepting the call. Moreover, when you call for your cab, you are free to use your bank cards to pay for your ride.
Seville Taxis to Seville Airport
Tips and Hints about Seville Taxis
- Seville taxi drivers must reset the taximeter once the passenger enters the vehicle. What’s more, the taximeter must be on during the ride, set on the right tariff.
- Rides from Seville Airport to the city center come with flat fares.
- Taxi drivers must drive you to your destination using the shortest route. Furthermore, they can’t deny rides.
- You should be given a receipt at the end of your journey. The receipt contains all the vehicle and driver’s useful info and is extremely handy in case of filing a complaint at the local Tourist Police.
- Many taxi drivers in Seville don’t speak English fluently. Thus, having the address of your destination written down is always a good idea.
- Traffic jams are most common in Seville during peak hours, that is, from 07:30 am to 09:00 am, from 02:00 pm to 03:00 pm, and from 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm (on working days).
- Tipping is optional. Still, locals round up the fare for pleasant rides.
- Seville taxi drivers prefer getting paid in cash. Nevertheless, you should carry small notes with you, as they may not have enough change. Moreover, although taxis in Seville are trustworthy, some scamming incidents have occurred when giving back the changes from big bills.
FAQs
How to find a taxi in Seville?
You can easily catch a Seville taxi from the street or head to the nearest taxi stand and take the first one in line. Alternatively, you can use a taxi app or enter the relevant website to book your cab or even call for it.
Do cabs in Seville take card?
Generally speaking, Seville taxi drivers accept payments in cash or via credit/bank cards. Still, even though this is the case, some taxis aren’t equipped with POS, while some taxi drivers claim that their POS is out of order to get paid in cash. Hence, you should let the driver know that you are planning on using a bank card.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Seville?
Tipping the driver is optional in Seville. Still, if you feel pleased with the provided service, you’ll be more than welcome to leave a tip. Locals usually just round up the final fare.