Everything you need to know about taking a taxi in Barcelona

Your ultimate Barcelona taxi guide

Taking a taxi in Barcelona is relatively affordable compared to many other cities, and finding one is quite easy. You can spot an available taxi by the green light on its roof, indicating that it’s ready to pick up passengers. Additionally, there are several convenient apps that allow you to book a taxi effortlessly.

What does a taxi cost in Barcelona?
Taking a taxi from and to the airport of Barcelona
Must-have taxi apps Barcelona
Taking a taxi in Barcelona with children

Taking a taxi in Barcelona for wheelchair users
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about taking a taxi in Barcelona.
Other transportation options.

Tip: Want to be picked up from the airport?
Easily reserve your taxi here and pay securely and quickly. Cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance!

What does a taxi cost in Barcelona?

Taxi and cab prices in Barcelona

The official taxis in Barcelona (the black-and-yellow cars) operate under four different fare types: T1, T2, T3, and T4.

T1 applies on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
T2 is used on weekends, public holidays, and weekdays from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
T3 doesn’t have fixed rates; it’s the code for fares via taxi apps (see below).
T4 is a flat rate between the airport and the cruise terminal.

For T1 and T2 fares, there’s always a starting fee, with the rest of the trip charged by distance.

Here are the prices for the different taxi and cab fares in 2024:

T1: Starting fare of €2.60 + €1.27 per kilometer.
T2: Starting fare of €2.60 + €1.56 per kilometer.
T3: Varies depending on distance, but fares through taxi apps are usually comparable to regular cab meter rates.
T4: The flat rate between the airport and the cruise terminal is €45 (2023).

For short trips, you’ll typically spend around €7-€10. Any hotel or restaurant can call a cab for you, or you can easily book one yourself using various taxi apps (see the overview below) or by calling +34 933 033 033 (Radio Taxi).

Taxi and Cab Supplements in Barcelona

Don’t be alarmed if your ride costs a bit more; some trips come with extra charges, such as for larger cabs or airport pick-ups. The extra supplement costs for 2024 are:

Airport pick-up/drop-off: €4.50
Cruise terminal pick-up/drop-off: €4.50
Departure from Fira Barcelona Gran l’Hospitalet: €2.50
Departure from Sants Station: €2.50
Cabs with 5 to 8 passengers: €4.50
Evening/Night surcharges: On June 23 (San Juan), December 24 (Christmas Eve), and December 31 (New Year’s Eve) from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM, an additional fee of €3.50 applies.

Baggage, wheelchairs, guide dogs, assistance dogs, and strollers are free of charge.

Negotiating with cab drivers in Barcelona is not allowed. The meter determines your fare, and drivers are not permitted to charge more than what the meter shows. If a driver tries to charge you more, you can report it to the police. However, it’s important to note that this rarely happens, as cabs in Barcelona are generally very reliable and safe.

Taking a taxi to and from Barcelona Airport

When you follow the signs to the exit at Barcelona Airport, you’ll find a taxi stand at both terminals. There may be a queue for taxis, but if you’d rather not wait, you can conveniently book your taxi in advance. Payment is quick secure and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance if needed.

Best taxi apps available in Barcelona

Taxis are usually available on nearly every corner in Barcelona, but during rush hours, finding one can be challenging. To make your taxi experience easier, several free apps allow you to book a cab in advance, ensuring you don’t have to wait long. The taxi closest to you will be dispatched to your location, making it quick and convenient. The fares are generally similar to those on the meter, so you won’t be paying much extra.

Moreover, the FreeNow and Cabify apps are integrated with Google Maps, so it’s convenient to enter your route there and book a taxi directly.

FreeNow: This app lets you book a taxi just minutes in advance, with the price displayed upfront—no surprises. The taxis that arrive are official black-and-yellow cabs, and you can also check the ratings of each driver. Payment is easy through the app by linking your account to a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Download FreeNow here for Android or iPhone.
Cabify: Similar to FreeNow, but with its own fleet of vehicles. Depending on the time, Cabify might be faster, or FreeNow could be. Prices also vary based on demand, so it’s worth comparing both. Like FreeNow, the fare is fixed before the ride, and payment is done easily via the app. Download Cabify here for Android or iPhone.
AMB Mobilitat (Picmi): This is the official app from the Barcelona city council, covering all public transport, including taxis. Enter your start and end points, and the app estimates the fare before you book the cab. You can track your ride’s arrival in real time. Payment is made directly to the driver with cash or card. Download AMB Mobilitat here for Android or iPhone.
Bolt: Similar to FreeNow and Cabify, Bolt operates with its own vehicles. Known for its low fares, Bolt has a smaller fleet, so availability might vary. Download Bolt here for Android or iPhone.
Uber: After a few years of absence, Uber is available again in Barcelona. However, its fleet is smaller compared to other options, so if you need a quick ride, consider one of the first three apps. Also, Uber is often not the cheapest option. Download Uber here for Android or iPhone.

Taking a Taxi in Barcelona with Children

Taxis are a convenient mode of transport in Barcelona if you’re traveling with young children. However, not all taxis come equipped with a child seat. You can wait for a taxi with a child seat to become available, or you can call ahead to reserve one. The FreeNow app also allows you to specify your needs when booking. Many families in Barcelona opt to use taxis without a child seat, often holding babies on their laps.

Wheelchair Accessibility

There are also taxis available for passengers with mobility challenges. We recommend booking a taxi van instead of a regular taxi, as it easily accommodates a wheelchair. You can reserve one by calling one of the numbers below or using the app, as taxi vans are not as readily available as regular taxis.

Taxi Amic: +34 934 208 088
Taxi Aeropuerto: +34 935 669 607

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about taking a cab or taxi in Barcelona

Are taxis in Barcelona safe?

Yes, taxis in Barcelona are one of the safest ways to travel. Most drivers are reliable, and you don’t need to worry about your belongings during the ride. You can pay securely at the end of the trip with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.

How many taxis operate in Barcelona?

Taxis are readily available on almost every street corner in Barcelona. Note that taxis cannot stop to pick up passengers outside designated taxi stands, which are marked by blue signs and parking spots. If there is a designated taxi stand close, you will need to go there to wait for a cab.

What payment methods are accepted in taxis?

You can pay for your taxi ride with cash, a credit card, or a debit card.

Should you tip the taxi driver?

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated if the driver has provided excellent service. It’s best to give cash for tips, as card payments do not go directly to the driver.

How many bags or suitcases can you take in a taxi?

A standard taxi can accommodate around 2 large suitcases in the trunk. If you have more luggage, it’s advisable to book a van.

What are the operating hours for taxis?

Taxis operate at all hours of the day. However, during peak times, such as weekends and evenings, they may be less available. Using a taxi app can help you secure a ride during these busy periods.

Where can I find a taxi stand?

There are numerous taxi stands throughout central Barcelona. To find the nearest one, search for “parada de taxis” (taxi stand) on Google Maps.

How many people can a taxi accommodate?

A standard taxi can carry up to 4 passengers, while a taxi van can accommodate up to 7 passengers.