Else Beekman
In Madrid, ‘tuk tuk’ vehicles are becoming an ever more common sight on the streets. Originally intended as a charming tourist attraction, tuk tuks have, for many locals, become a major nuisance and a symbol of tourism’s excesses. The growing presence of the tuk tuk Madrid is leading to traffic problems, safety concerns, and a steadily disappearing residential character in the historic city centre.
Originally popular in Asia as an affordable means of transport, tuk tuks are now also seen in major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. In some areas, they are even replacing traditional horse-drawn carriages, which are increasingly criticised for animal welfare concerns. Tourists eagerly book rides past landmarks such as the Palacio Real and the Mercado de San Miguel.
Prices for a tuk tuk ride vary depending on location, duration —which can range from 60 to 240 minutes—, route type and number of passengers. Rates range between €79 and €360. Companies advertise the experience as “sustainable and charming,” but many residents see mainly disadvantages.
Estimates suggest that several hundred tuk tuks are currently operating in Madrid, divided among at least six different companies.
Locals feel pushed out
Virginia, a member of the Plaza Mayor Residents’ Association, told El Confidencial that the centre has become “a theme park” where original residents have less and less space. “There are times when you come across three tuk tuks in a single street,” she complains. In her view, the balance has been lost: tourism dominates and quality of life is deteriorating. Teresa, from the Ópera-Austrias Residents’ Association, confirms this: “Where once there was one tuk tuk, there are now eight or nine, even blocking the pavements.”
Supervision and enforcement remain insufficient
The Madrid City Council launched an intensive enforcement campaign in early April targeting the city centre and the area around Retiro Park. Streets such as Calle Vergara, Calle Bailén and the surroundings of the Puerta de Alcalá were closely monitored. In 2024, 901 violations involving tuk tuk vehicles were recorded, with fines ranging from €90 to €200. However, the nuisance returned almost immediately after the campaign ended.
According to Councillor Borja Carabante, supervision will continue, but residents are calling for more structural measures. “We just want the law to be enforced, especially because we live in residential areas,” Teresa emphasises.
Similar problems in other cities
Madrid is not alone. Other cities like Barcelona and Palma are also taking action against the tuk tuk. In Barcelona, it is forbidden for tuk tuk drivers to solicit customers directly on the street. Furthermore, Palma’s city government refuses to issue licences for these activities. In Lisbon, tuk tuks have been banned from over 300 streets.