Ash
Written by Ash

Barcelona Taxi Guide – Costs, Apps, Airport Trips, Tips

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On holiday you’ll find cabs from the Barcelona taxi system everywhere – you likely won’t wait more than a minute and prices are cheaper than most major European cities.

With a few precautions taking a taxi in Barcelona can be a great way to get around.

Before getting started you may also want to take a look at Taxileader.

This fully licensed, highly regulated taxi company is a great service to get a free quote on your ride in just seconds. It’s my go-to option for getting a taxi from the airport.

TAXILEADER
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How to Get a Taxi in Barcelona

Honestly, if you’ve picked one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona you likely won’t have to wait more than a few minutes to hail an official black and yellow taxi in the street.

Look for fluorescent green lights in the windows – these ones are free.

To book a taxi in advance call +34 93 225 0000 (mandatory for more than 4 passengers).

You can also book Barcelona taxis using any of their company-supported apps.

There’s a useful taxi fare calculator available online.

Barcelona Taxi Prices 2023

There is a minimum charge of €2.55 depending on the time of day.

A typical taxi trip in the city costs €7.00 to €15.00.

T1* 2023  T2* 2023  T3* 2023  T4* 2023
Fixed minimum€2.55€2.55€0€39.00
Per km€1.23€1.51€0n/a
One hour waiting€24.60€24.68€0n/a
  • Tariff T1. Weekdays from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Tariff T2. Weekdays from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am + Saturdays and holidays from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Tariff T3. This is a fixed price tariff that can only be booked using an app. For more info consult the list of taxi companies that use apps in Barcelona. Basically, the fare will be ‘locked in’ from the moment of booking so no meter runs.
  • Tariff T4. This is the fixed price of a taxi journey from Barcelona El Prat Airport to the Port of Barcelona.

Supplements:

  • Airport: €4.50 (the minimum charge to Barcelona is €21.00).
  • Barcelona cruise terminal/port: €4.50.
  • Major stations (Sants and the Exhibition Centre): €2.50.
  • Special nights (23-24 June, 24-25-31 December, January 1st): €3.10.
  • Wheelchairs, strollers, guide dog: Free.
  • 4-8 passenger vehicles: €3.10

Taxis at Barcelona Airport

There are taxi stands in both terminals which are easily found following the signs outside departures. The minimum airport charge from El Prat airport is €21.00.

The typical cost of a taxi from Barcelona airport to the centre is between €30.00 to €35.00. From Terminal 1 (T1) expect to pay about €30.00 while Terminal 2 (T2) is about €35.00.

For groups larger than four ask one of the taxi stand attendants to call a van taxi (€4.30 supplement).

sagrada familia passion façade under construction sagrada familia passion façade under construction
Save up to €30 on your Barcelona holiday right from the couch.

Barcelona Taxi Safety and Complaints

This isn’t a trip to the ‘big square’ in Marrakesh –  we’re taking a taxi in Barcelona!

Drivers are required by law to run on the meter so you’re unlikely to get ripped off.

The ones I’ve dealt with are honest. Whether I’m speaking to them in Spanish or doing a ‘marketing test’ in English the results are the same: a logical route with no hassles.

I’ve heard very few bad Barcelona taxi stories, and most came from people who enjoyed Barcelona’s best nightlife a little too much. If you’re tipsy just get in that cab, pronounce the name of your hotel or Airbnb confidently, and pay attention!

Bad experience? Ask for a receipt (un recibo) and cite it using this taxi complaint form.

The form must be mailed to: Metropolitan Taxi Institute, Carrer Número 62 No. 18, Barcelona, Spain, 08040.

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in Barcelona

While typical Barcelona taxis are not outfitted for disabled visitors there is a separate company called Taxi Amic. These spacious tailor-made taxis come with a special ramp to accommodate wheelchairs.

Timetable: weekdays from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, weekends 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

You can book the taxi online (with 24 hour’s notice) at the Taxi Amic website.

To book a taxi via phone call Taxi Amic at +34 934 208 088.

Barcelona Taxi Hacks

  • Taxis with green lights can’t pick you up within 200 meters of any taxi stand.
  • Don’t tip the drivers (tipping is not expected anywhere in Spain).
  • For €2-3 extra you can call for an ‘ecological’ taxi at (0034) 932-783-000.
  • If your hotel is near the airport check first to see if your hotel includes free shuttle service.
  • Supplements are usually added at the end of the trip.
  • Many of the smaller tourist streets in the Gotico, Raval, and Born are pedestrian-only. Check your destination and try to find a logical drop-off point in advance to avoid the driver giving you the run-around.
  • Make sure you’re heading the right direction. Most Barcelona streets are one-way, so often a quick look on your smart phone GPS to position yourself on the right side of the street could save you money.
  • The lost property contacts are +34 90 210 1564 or [email protected].

When to Take a Taxi in Barcelona

It’s so easy to get around Barcelona by public transport that taking taxis can be impractical.

For this reason I suggest taking a taxi in Barcelona if:

  • You’re in a big hurry.
  • The company is paying.
  • It’s raining (rare).
  • You’ve had a few drinks (not rare).
  • You’re made of money (very rare).

If you’re going anywhere in groups of three or four the price difference between a taxi and the metro is negligible. You’ll get nearly anywhere central for 2-3 euros each.

Especially at night when buses run less frequently, getting an extra 45 minutes of sleep and not dragging your luggage around town at 4:00 am might be worth the extra money.

TAXILEADER – Barcelona Airport Taxi Transfer

Taxis are surely the quickest way to get to your hotel from the airport.

A ton of people have been asking me if there are any booking services and for this reason I’ve decided to go ahead and partner with Taxileader and their super efficient airport transfer to and from El Prat.

By clicking the blue button below you’ll get a free trip estimate in just seconds.

TAXILEADER
Book my ride now

After using this service personally I can say the the prices are honest and many of my readers have said the same.

What’s cool is that you’ll have a little James Bond moment by arriving to your driver holding a sign with your name on it.

To book you’ll simply have to leave a valid credit card and a 20% deposit as a guarantee. You’ll only end up being charged at the end of the journey. If you want you can also pay in cash.

If you’re visiting Barcelona with kids you’ll also be entitled to a car seat or booster seat for free!

Booking Taxis via the Free Now App

At the end of the day this service combines the convenience and preciseness of Uber with the legitimacy and safety of using the city’s black and yellow cabs.

Prices

Since this app utilizes the city’s black and yellow cabs the price is the same as quoted above.

The good thing about booking using the app however that the address and directions will be more precise and there’s no way the cab driver can rip you off taking the long way. It also beats standing on the corner waiting.

Another advantage? With your first trip using the buttons below you’ll get a €5.00 discount on your first ride using the code ‘ashley.pil’.

FREE NOW IPHONE
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FREE NOW ANDROID
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How to Book a Taxi in Barcelona

To book a taxi in Barcelona via Free Now just follow the instructions below:

  • Download the app using the buttons above.
  • Indicate your personal details and payment methods: this way you won’t have to fool around with giving cash to the driver and there’s no chance they won’t know where it is since it’s connected to the GPS.
  • Under the “promo code” portion of the app insert the discount code “ashley.pil” to have a €5.00 discount on your first trip.
  • You’ll then need to insert your pickup and drop off points (just like Uber) and you’ll be quoted an estimate on the price.
  • Get in and enjoy the ride! You’ll be able to follow the journey progress on your phone.
  • You’ll be debited the price at the ride’s conclusion.

As of 2023 you can also order your Free Now taxi adapted for disabled visitors.

The fee for these special taxis is €14.00.

Related: How Many Days Should I Stay in Barcelona?

the barcelona hop on hop off bus at the bottom of la rambla the barcelona hop on hop off bus at the bottom of la rambla
See the entire city in two hours for the price of a paella.

Barcelona Taxi FAQ

Do Barcelona taxis take credit cards?

Yes, even if the taxi drivers say no – all of the official black and yellow city taxis do take cards. You can pay by debit or credit. Don’t fall for it if they ask for cash, even though this is rare.

How to get a taxi in Barcelona?

Barcelona is one of the most taxi-filled cities in the world so it’s very possible to flag one on pretty much every corner in the city centre. It’s even more convenient ordering the official black and yellow cabs from the app Free Now.

Are there taxis at Barcelona airport?

Yes, both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Barcelona airport have designated taxi stands. You simply need to walk out of the terminal and you’ll find them. Expect to wait 10-15 minutes at peak times.

Are Barcelona taxis safe?

Yes, all Barcelona city taxis are heavily regulated and the taxi drivers are forced to run on the meter – so getting ripped off is incredibly rare. To make the experience even more secure you can book your taxi using the app Free Now.

Are taxis cheap in Barcelona?

Barcelona taxis are cheaper than other major European cities. The fixed minimum of €2.55 is about average, though the €1.23 fee per kilometre is much cheaper than a place like London (£1.71).

Are taxis expensive in Barcelona?

Compared to other major European cities the prices for Barcelona taxis are quite moderate. The per kilometre price is about 15% cheaper than capitals like Paris and London, and being a smaller city the typical trip is much shorter. Expect to pay between €10.00 and €20.00 for a typical city centre ride.

Still Wondering How to Take a Taxi in Barcelona?

You’re ready for your Barcelona taxi experience but if you’re not sure make to drop me a line in the comments below with your destination and I’ll let you know the best way to get around.

Also don’t be afraid to join the taxi discussion by first giving me a like on Facebook and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.

Anything goes!

102 comments
  • March 12, 2023 at 5:57 pm
    Elie
    What is the best choice to get from the cruise port to la ramble near Catalunya Square?
    • March 17, 2023 at 1:32 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Elie, The cruise bus only takes you to the bottom of La Rambla, about 1000 meters away from Catalunya. What you'll want to do, assuming you've got luggage and don't want to walk, is just grab a cab right at the cruise port. Cheers,
  • March 10, 2023 at 11:03 pm
    Denise
    Hi we a group of 8 that will be staying at the Barcelona house hotel and the ronda hotel what is the transportation from the airport
    • March 17, 2023 at 1:36 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Denise, For the Ronda hotel taxis are honestly the easiest option, otherwise you'll have to walk a bit with the suitcases. It's gonna be the same price as 8 individual tickets for the Aerobus and it'll be much faster. Honestly, the same goes for the Barcelona House hotel. It's nowhere near an Aerobus or metro stop and the price will be very similar with 8 people. Take the guess work out of it and just grab a taxi at the airport. Cheers,
  • January 2, 2023 at 5:51 pm
    Kristina
    Hi! I wanted to booked a taxi for this Sunday by Free now app, but I can't put Sunday as option. Are they driving during the weekend?
    • January 5, 2023 at 7:45 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Kristina, The Free Now app utilizes local taxis so no doubt they will be running! Just keep in mind that it's only possible to book four days in advance, thus you don't have the option yet. Cheers,
  • December 18, 2022 at 8:59 pm
    Michael
    hello good evening I have been reading your response to the questions so generous of you, so please I would like to know about adapted taxi for wheelchair patient and the cost from Barcelona city to badalona
  • October 21, 2022 at 3:04 pm
    Layla
    Do taxis in Barcelona accept credit card or cash? what is the preferred payment method?
    • October 22, 2022 at 9:27 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Layla... card or cash are fine :) If they say they don't take cards they're probably lying! I always book the taxis using Free Now though so I can pay using card automatically... and you get 5 euro free on your first ride for signing up.
  • September 29, 2022 at 9:56 pm
    James
    Taxi bloke charged 44 euros because we were using a card, he wanted cash. I
  • September 1, 2022 at 12:48 am
    DEANNE
    We are flying into Barcelona a couple of days before our cruise. A friend of mine told me that they got a taxi around Barcelona who just showed them the sights and they had written up a little paper of where they wanted to go and the guy just took them around everywhere. Is that something most of them will help you with?
    • September 1, 2022 at 12:07 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Deanne, Would this be with the black and yellow city taxis? In my experience taxi drivers have very basic English so this doesn't seem possible unless you get very lucky. Also, it is not a country like Thailand where you can give them 10 euro and have your own personal chauffeur for the day... they are extremely busy shuttling around locals in a city of millions. What you said just sounds very strange to me... I would guess your friend just got extremely lucky. Or they paid him a ton of money. You would probably be better off using the hop on hop off bus or hiring a tour guide for this. Our guide Alvaro is happy to take people around, I could ask if you were so inclined! Cheers,
  • August 23, 2022 at 11:11 am
    Michelle
    Hi my friend had a really bad experience, when the ride finished it was more expensive than she expected ( 44,60 euro) she had 44 so it was missing 60 cents, the driver kicked her and punched her in the face! Unbelievable! With all this situation she forgot her phone inside the cab , we tried to contact the taxi company but they only have the lost and found section which doesn’t seems like nobody cares about the aggression, we called the police but we had nothing back and we really don’t know what to do now , can you give us any advice on how to proceed ?
    • August 23, 2022 at 10:22 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Michelle, Wow... I'm so sorry to hear this :( That's insane. This is definitely a case for the police and I would head to the Mossos d'Esquadra station in Placa Espanya. There you can file a police report. There should be support in English. They will be able to tell you how to proceed. Again, so sorry to hear this... please let me know how you get on. Cheers,
  • August 10, 2022 at 4:00 pm
    Elizabeth
    Hi. I will be traveling with my elderly parents next month and there will be 5 of us total. What is the best way to go around Barcelona? We will be staying 5 mins away from Plaza Espanya. I understand that we may need a bigger taxi. Any advice? Thank you!
    • August 12, 2022 at 5:24 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Elizabeth, I responded to your email but will leave this here should somebody else have a similar question... 99% of the taxis going around Barcelona are 4 seaters so you're going to need to call a specific taxi for 5+. Easiest way to do this is using the FreeNow app link above. With each booking to specify the type of car, just like Uber. Cheers,
      • August 17, 2022 at 6:27 pm
        Elizabeth
        Noted! I appreciate all your help. Thank you!!
        • August 18, 2022 at 1:38 pm
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          No problem at all Elizabeth :)
  • June 13, 2022 at 6:58 am
    Marla
    Hi! I will be Staying in the Gothic quarter which is a pedestrian only zone. Will a taxi driver be able to find the best drop off location based upon the address I have? Or will I need to find a taxi accessible address ahead of time?
    • June 13, 2022 at 2:40 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Marla, The taxi drivers are very familiar with the best drop off points, especially in the Gothic Quarter. Just give them the address of where you're staying and let them do the rest :) Cheers,
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