Lisbon Taxis

A Lisbon taxi.

19 May 2007

Compiled by John Laidlar

Identification

Lisbon taxis are generally cheap and certainly plentiful. All new vehicles are caramel coloured, as shown in the picture above, taken at the Cais do Sodré in May 2007. It shows a Cascais Line train and a Lisbon-bound tram as well as the taxi, which is using the reserved tram/bus lane. The vehicles carry a white lozenge-shape on the door bearing the word 'TÁXI', beneath which is the word 'LISBOA'. Older taxis also bear this identifier, but are painted black with a turquoise/green roof and a number of taxis in this livery are still operating.

Fares

Taxi fares are calculated on the basis of an initial flat charge (called the "bandeirada" or "flag-fall"), which applies for the first 260 metres of the journey. Fares thereafter are calculated per distance covered. In addition, if the taxi has been called out, rather than hailed in the street there is a small surcharge. If luggage is carried, a further modest sum is charged. Fares from the airport to most locations in central Lisbon have gone up quite steeply in the last two years and you can now expect to pay around 13 to 15 Euros, including luggage. Meters are displayed in all licensed taxis, along with the driver's identity card, so the fare should not come as too much of a shock.
Tariffs for journeys within the city limits vary depending whether the journey is on a working day or at another time. Tips are voluntary; 10% is the norm.

L to R: An old-style black and green taxi in the Praça do Comércio and an even older taxi, pictured at Calvário, July, 2000..

Taxi Ranks

Taxi ranks abound in Lisbon; amongst the most busy are those at Rossio (west side) and at the Sul e Sueste ferry terminal. They also abound at the airport.
Radio taxi centres are to be found on the following telephone numbers: (01) 815 50 61 or 812 50 60 or 793 27 56. Complaints should be addressed to the Associação dos Transportadores Rodoviários em Automóveis Ligeiros- ANTRAL - Rua Dr António Cândido 8, 1050 Lisboa (tel: (01) 356 38 35); ANTRAL also has a website.

Compiled by John Laidlar