Taxis on Holiday: How to Avoid Overpaying (and When to Book a Transfer)

Arriving tired at an airport or cruise port, with luggage and no local currency, is exactly when travellers are most likely to pay too much for a taxi. A few simple habits can save you money – and a lot of stress.

Before you travel

1. Look up the normal fare

Most airports publish official taxi fares or fixed tariffs to the city centre, and tourist boards often list them too. Knowing the typical price before you land is your best protection.

2. Decide whether a transfer makes more sense

For families, groups, late-night flights or hotels far from the airport, a pre-booked transfer is often the better deal: the price is fixed, the driver meets you with your name, waits if your flight is delayed and there's room for luggage and child seats.

3. Download the local apps

In many cities, ride-hailing or official taxi apps show the price up front. Check which apps actually work at your destination – not all are available everywhere.

On arrival

4. Use the official rank

Ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal. Walk to the official taxi rank, where cars are licensed and prices are regulated.

5. Agree the fare – or insist on the meter

Before you get in, either confirm the meter will be used or agree a total price, including luggage and any night or airport surcharges. Write it down or show it on your phone.

6. Carry small notes

Drivers sometimes claim not to have change. Having small notes in the local currency avoids the problem.

7. Follow the route

Open a map app on your phone. If the driver takes a long detour, politely mention it.

Country notes

8. Egypt

At Hurghada and Marsa Alam airports, taxis are available but fares are usually negotiated, so agree the price before setting off. Most holidaymakers find a pre-booked transfer simpler, especially to resort areas such as Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or El Gouna.

9. Turkey

Taxis in Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum use meters, and airport shuttle buses serve the main towns. For resorts an hour or more away, such as Side, Alanya or Fethiye, a shared or private transfer is often better value.

10. Spain and Greece

City taxis are metered and regulated, with fixed airport fares in some cities. On islands such as Corfu, Mallorca or the Canaries, taxis can be scarce at busy times, so pre-booking helps at peak arrival times.

If something goes wrong

Note the taxi's licence number, ask for a receipt and report problems to the airport, the taxi authority or the tourist police. Paying by card, where accepted, also leaves a record.