How to get a taxi in Barcelona?
Raising a hand
If you are in the centre of the city, it won’t be challenging to find a taxi. The best you can do is go to a place where a taxi can stop safely - most of the time at crossings. Then whenever you see a taxi that is available, you can hold up one hand with your arm outstretched and look at the taxi driver.
You can see if a taxi is available by the green light at the windows; if they are not available, you will see a sign saying that it’s occupied.
At one of the 300 taxi ranks
In Barcelona, you can also find over 300 taxi stops. Most of these are located around busy locations in the city like train stations, bus stations, shopping centres, hotels, and major tourist attractions, but you’ll also be able to find them at other places - even outside of the city centre.
You can recognise taxi ranks by a square blue sign with the word ‘Taxi’ on it. Usually there is a queue there, with other people waiting to take a taxi. At these stops you also have to follow some rules:
Once it’s your turn to enter a taxi, you have to take the taxi that’s first in line.
You have the right to not choose a certain taxi, but you need to be able to justify it. These have to be objective circumstances like the lack of air conditioning, the state of the conservation or if the taxi is not cleaned well.
Taxi drivers are not allowed to decline transporting guide dogs accompanying blind people, or to transport people in a wheelchair.
You’re not allowed to stop a taxi within a 50-metre radius of a taxi rank.
Ordering via an app
There is also plenty of apps available that you can use to get a taxi to wherever you are. Some apps that are available are FREE NOW, Uber and Zolty. You can find a complete list here.
Barcelona taxi prices 2023
All taxis in Barcelona are metered, and the drivers are required to use this meter when carrying a passenger. The only exceptions to this rule are if the taxi is pre-booked using an app or website, or when it’s a trip from Barcelona airport to Moll Adossat, since that’s also a fixed price.
Fare 1 - Daytime fare on weekdays
During the weekdays from 08:00 to 20:00, fare one will be applicable. The price during this time is calculated by adding up the following prices:
Minimum fare (€2,55)
Price per kilometre (€1,23)
Waiting time in hours (€24,68)
Asides from these prices, in some cases there are also extra surcharges in certain cases
From and to the airport (€4,50)
From Moll Adossat cruise ship dock (€4,50)
From Barcelona Gran Via L'Hospitalet Trade Fair (€2,50)
From Sants Station (€2,50)
Vehicles occupied by 5-8 passengers (€4,50)
Fare 2 - Weekday evenings, Saturdays and public holidays
During the evening in the weekdays from 20:00 to 08:00, saturdays and during public holidays, fare two will be applicable. This fare is as you can expect a bit higher, and can be calculated by adding up the following prices:
Minimum fare (€2,55)
Price per kilometre (€1,51)
Waiting time in hours (€24,68)
Asides from these prices, in some cases there are also extra surcharges in certain cases
From and to the airport (€4,50)
From Moll Adossat cruise ship dock (€4,50)
From Barcelona Gran Via L'Hospitalet Trade Fair (€2,50)
From Sants Station (€2,50)
Vehicles occupied by 5-8 passengers (€4,50)
On certain days from 20:00 to 08:00 - June 23 and June 24, December 24 and December 25, December 31 and January 1st (3,50)
Do you have to tip taxi drivers in Barcelona?
Tipping taxi drivers in Barcelona is not required, as the fare usually includes a service charge. However, rounding up the fare as a gesture of appreciation is common. Adding around 5-10% of the total fare is a reasonable tip if you're satisfied with the service.
What taxi app is used in Barcelona?
For ordering a taxi in Barcelona, there are several options. The most used are "Free Now," "Uber," and "Cabify", they offer different choices for convenient transportation around the city. Remember that availability might vary, so it's a good idea to install a couple of these apps for flexibility in getting around.