Taking a Taxi or Rideshare
Essential phrases for communicating with a taxi or rideshare driver, from giving your destination to paying the fare.
Key Phrases
A esta dirección, por favor.
casualTo this address, please.
Use this while showing your phone or a piece of paper to the driver.
Voy a la estación de tren, por favor.
neutralI'm going to the train station, please.
Use 'Voy a' (I'm going to) followed by your destination.
¿Cuánto cuesta más o menos hasta el centro?
neutralHow much is it more or less to the center?
A good question to ask before getting in to avoid surprises.
¿Va a usar el taxímetro?
neutralAre you going to use the meter?
In some cities, you should ask this to ensure you pay the official rate.
Tengo que hacer una parada rápida aquí.
neutralI have to make a quick stop here.
Use 'Tengo que' (I have to) when you need a brief stop mid-trip.
¿Puede ir un poco más despacio, por favor?
politeCan you go a little slower, please?
Using 'poder' (can) is the standard way to make a polite request.
Aquí está bien, gracias.
casualHere is fine, thanks.
The most natural way to tell the driver exactly where to stop.
¿Puede parar en la esquina, por favor?
politeCan you stop at the corner, please?
Use this if you need them to pull over slightly further ahead.
¿Acepta tarjeta?
casualDo you accept cards?
Short and common; ask this before the trip starts if you have no cash.
¿Puedo pagar en efectivo?
neutralCan I pay in cash?
Necesito un recibo, por favor.
neutralI need a receipt, please.
Essential for business travel or if you accidentally leave an item in the car.