Luggage in taxis: what you can bring and what the rules are

As a general rule, luggage in taxis is part of the service: the driver must carry the passenger's suitcases and bags as long as they fit in the boot (or on the luggage rack, if the vehicle has one) and do not pose a risk of damage to the vehicle or to safety. Anything that does not fit, makes a mess or could damage the car is a reasonable ground for refusal. That is why, when you are going to the airport or a station laden with bags, the most practical thing is to say how many suitcases you have when booking, so you are assigned a vehicle with enough space.

The exact conditions for taxis in Madrid are set out in the municipal by-law, which may be updated; here we explain the general criteria and what to do in each case.

Yes, within logical limits. A taxi is a service for transporting people with their luggage, so the suitcases, rucksacks and bags that go with a trip are included. The limits come down to three things:

• Space: the luggage must fit in the boot or on the luggage rack. It cannot be carried in the passenger area in a way that interferes with driving or stops people using their seat belts.
• Damage: items that could scratch, stain or break the vehicle can be refused.
• Safety: dangerous goods or prohibited substances, of course, are out.

If you are carrying something delicate or unusual, let the driver know beforehand or mention it when booking: it is the best way to avoid arguments at the kerb.

A standard taxi is a saloon car, so its boot has the capacity of a medium-sized car. For a normal trip for one or two people with their suitcases and hand luggage there is usually no problem. Doubts arise when several large suitcases come together, when four adults are travelling with luggage for a long stay or when there are bulky items that cannot be stacked.

As a guide, the more large suitcases and the more passengers, the more sense it makes to move up to a bigger vehicle. If you are unsure which to choose, in how to choose the right taxi for large suitcases we help you decide, and the 7-seater taxi is the solution when a saloon's boot falls short.

Taxi regulations allow the driver to refuse to carry luggage, or even to refuse the journey, in specific situations. The most common are:

• The luggage does not fit in the boot or on the luggage rack.
• It could clearly damage or dirty the vehicle.
• Carrying it would break a rule or pose a safety risk.

Outside these cases, there is no reason to refuse ordinary travel suitcases. In why a taxi driver can refuse to take you we go through the other reasons considered justified and what to do if you think a refusal is not.

Usually the driver helps put the luggage in the boot and take it out on arrival, especially with heavy suitcases or when the passenger is elderly or has reduced mobility. It is part of a good service. Even so, it is worth keeping an eye on what goes in and what comes out: when you get out, check nothing has been left inside. In our article on the things most often left behind in taxis you will see that the boot and the back seat are the main culprits.

• Count your suitcases before booking, including large hand luggage and special items.
• Include it in the booking: the booking form asks for the number of passengers and suitcases; use the comments for anything that is not a standard suitcase.
• Keep the essentials with you: documents, phone, charger and medication should not go in the boot.
• Label your suitcases with a name and contact phone number: it helps if they get lost at the airport or in the taxi itself.
• Pack your suitcase properly for the flight; these tips for flying with your luggage will save you problems at check-in.

With us, the fare is fixed by area and you know it before you confirm your airport taxi booking; from inside the M-30, for example, it is €33. Check the other areas on our fares page.