Taxis
Taxis are likely to be your main mode of transport on the island
and whilst Gran Canaria has a great, reliable taxi service, it helps to understand
a few basics before you go.
Finding a taxi
- Hailing a taxi in the street is the main way of getting a car. If you order by phone, expect to pay more.
- Taxis have ‘Taxi’ or ‘SP’ (Servicio Público)
on the roof, which will be lit green if it is for hire. - Official vehicles are usually white with a coloured
stripe across the door (red in the south and red/blue in Las Palmas). - Etiquette: drivers may not take your fare if you
are bare-chested.
Charges
- Taxis’ are metered for local journeys (Tarifa Urbana Zone).
- Insist on a fixed rate in advance for longer journeys crossing boundary lines.
- Official
taxi rates per kilometer are: €0.9858 6am-10pm
Monday to Saturday. €1.2142 10pm-6am
Monday to Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays - As a rule of thumb, one-way fares within resorts are around €3-5.
- If you want to tip, 10% of the fare is usual.
Safety
All taxis are licensed by the council, use official meters and tend
to be high quality vehicles, such as Mercedes, so are very safe. For extra security,
note the taxi license number on the back of the car.
Airport rates
Las Palmas airport (north east of the island) will have a host of
taxis waiting when you arrive.
The official company, Socomtaxi (www.socomtaxi.com; (+34) 928 154 777), uses
Government approved rates and can be booked in advance.
Their approximate taxi fares to the popular resorts are:
Las Palmas: €26
San Agustin: €29
Playa del Inglés/ Maspalomas/ Meloneras: €33-€37
Puerto Rico: €55
(Checked: November 2011)
Rates are higher at night, on Sundays and Public Holidays. Other
reputable taxi companies offer competitive rate so check online before you go.
