Barcelona is a sprawling city, and while much of it can be explored on foot or by metro, sometimes it’s just easier to travel quickly, comfortably, and hassle-free from point A to B. A taxi—or a modern rideshare service like Uber, Cabify, or Bolt—is then an excellent choice. In this guide, I’ll explain how taxis in Barcelona work, what they cost, when it’s best to book one in advance, and how to easily use the apps available in the city.
How Do Taxis Work in Barcelona?
Official taxis in Barcelona are easy to recognize: they’re black with yellow doors and have a green light on the roof. That light, along with the sign that says lliure or libre (meaning “free”), indicates that the taxi is available. You can simply hail one on the street by raising your hand when you see a taxi approaching. In most neighborhoods—especially in the city center and near tourist attractions—there are usually plenty of taxis around.
If you’d rather be sure you’ll get a taxi, head to one of the many taxi ranks located throughout the city. You’ll find them at places like Plaça de Catalunya, Sants Station, the port, and shopping areas like Passeig de Gràcia. There are also designated taxi ranks at train stations, the airport, bus terminals, and cruise ship terminals. Just take the next taxi in line.
How to Book a Taxi in Barcelona
Besides hailing a taxi on the street, you can also book one in advance by phone or online. This is especially convenient if you need transport during busy times, have luggage, or have special requirements such as a child seat, extra space for a wheelchair, or transport for a larger group.
The best-known taxi companies you can call to book a taxi are:
- Radio Taxi Barcelona: +34 933 033 033
- TaxiMés: +34 936 936 936
- ServiTaxi: +34 933 300 300
- Taxi Amic (wheelchair accessible vehicles): +34 934 208 088
When booking by phone, you usually pay a small extra fee for the taxi to come to your location (“dispatch fee”), and from that moment the meter starts running. The taxi will pick you up at the agreed time and place. Prefer to order online or via an app? That’s of course possible nowadays as well.
Tip: For areas like the Gothic Quarter or El Born, where cars cannot always drive, it’s smart to ask the driver to drop you off at a central spot such as Plaça de Catalunya, Via Laietana, or Plaça Urquinaona. From there you can walk the last few meters.
Taxi Apps and Rideshares
Nowadays, there are several apps in Barcelona that allow you to easily order a taxi or private driver, similar to how Uber works in other cities. The advantage is that you often see the fare upfront, pay online (no hassle with cash or cards in the taxi), and your exact location is automatically sent to the driver. This is especially useful for tourists who don’t speak Spanish.
The AMB Taxi Barcelona app is the official app from the city’s taxi sector. You can book a ride with a licensed taxi driver, get an estimated price and waiting time. Payment is usually done in the car, but you can also choose to pay upfront via the app.
In addition, international platforms like Free Now, Cabify, Bolt, and Uber operate here. These services work similarly: create an account, choose your destination and vehicle type, and see the price instantly. Once booked, the driver comes to pick you up.
In Barcelona, these apps work with both official taxis and licensed private drivers. The cars are often modern, well-maintained, and equipped with air conditioning. Payment is automatic through the app. You don’t need to speak Spanish, carry cash, and you receive a detailed receipt right after your trip.
Taxis from Barcelona Airport (El Prat)
If you arrive at Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), a taxi is one of the most comfortable and fastest ways to get to the city center or your hotel. Official taxi ranks are clearly marked with signs at both terminals (T1 and T2). Just follow the signs to “Taxis” after collecting your luggage.
Generally, you don’t need to book a taxi in advance at the airport, unless you are traveling with a large group or have specific requirements (like a wheelchair-accessible taxi or child seat).
👉 Check out my tips for traveling to and from the airport.
Tip: Book your transfer to and from the airport now
How Much Does a Taxi Cost in Barcelona?
Taxis in Barcelona are relatively affordable compared to other European cities. The fare consists of a base fee plus a price per kilometer and per minute (in case of traffic).
A typical ride on a weekday during the day starts at about €2.50 and costs on average between €1.20 and €1.50 per kilometer, depending on the time of day. Rates are slightly higher on weekends, evenings, and at night.
There are also surcharges that may apply, such as:
- To or from the airport: +€4.50
- From the cruise terminal: +€4.50
- For large suitcases: +€1 each (larger than carry-on size)
- On holidays like New Year’s Eve or during Sant Joan: +€4.50
A typical ride from the airport to central Barcelona (e.g., Plaça Catalunya or the Gothic Quarter) costs between €30 and €35, including the airport surcharge. The minimum fare for rides from the airport is legally set at €20, regardless of distance.
Taxi Rates in Barcelona
| Time Period | Rate Type | Base Fare | Per km | Per minute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 08:00–20:00 | Normal rate | €2.50 | €1.21 | €0.32 |
| Evenings & Weekends | Evening/weekend | €2.50 | €1.45 | €0.35 |
| Nights & Holidays | Night/holiday | €2.70 | €1.50 | €0.35 |
| Fixed Price Airport → Cruise Terminal | Fixed fare | €39.00 |
Tip: For a complete overview of taxi rates in Barcelona, click here.
When is it smart to take a taxi?
Barcelona has an excellent and affordable public transport network: metro, buses, and trams take you almost everywhere. However, there are situations where a taxi or rideshare is simply more comfortable or practical.
You might consider taking a taxi or rideshare if:
- You’re short on time or need to get somewhere quickly.
- You’re traveling at night when public transport runs less frequently.
- It’s raining (which doesn’t happen often, but then taxis are very welcome).
- You’re carrying heavy luggage, for example to or from the airport.
- You’re in a group of 3 or 4 — sharing the cost per person is often comparable to metro tickets.
- You’ve been out for the evening and want to get back to your accommodation safely and quickly.
- Comfort is more important than price — for example after a long journey or when traveling with children.
Especially late at night or early in the morning, when you’ve just arrived by flight or need to catch an early train, it’s worth taking that extra half hour of sleep and not dragging your suitcases through the city. A taxi saves you time and stress.
Tips for Taking a Taxi in Barcelona
- Always get into an official taxi: black with yellow doors and a green roof light. Avoid unmarked cars.
- Clearly state your destination or show it on your phone to avoid misunderstandings.
- Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in taxis.
- Tipping is not required but a small tip of 5 to 10% is appreciated for good service.
- Payment is usually accepted in cash or by card, but with taxi apps, everything is handled digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxis in Barcelona
Official taxis are black with yellow doors and have a green light on the roof indicating availability. They have a taximeter and proper licensing.
You can hail a taxi on the street by raising your hand when the green light is on. There are also hundreds of taxi stands across the city where you can easily get a taxi.
Fares vary depending on the time of day. During the day, the base fare is about €2.50 plus around €1.21 per kilometer. At night and on weekends, rates are slightly higher with a base fare of €2.50 and about €1.45 per kilometer.
Yes, surcharges apply such as €4.50 for rides to or from the airport and €1 per large piece of luggage. Extra fees may apply on holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Wheelchairs, strollers, and guide dogs are transported free of charge.
Yes, all official taxis are required to accept credit card payments.
Yes, official taxis are generally safe. Make sure the taximeter is running and ask for a receipt if you want one.
Yes, you can book by phone or via apps like Free Now and Cabify.
Yes, wheelchair-accessible taxis are available and are best reserved in advance.
A ride from El Prat Airport to the city center costs on average between €30 and €40, including the airport surcharge.
Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip of 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
