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Taking a taxi in Barcelona can be a bit confusing, especially for newcomers to the city. Navigating the different schedules, stops and apps can be tricky, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. While the metro and buses are usually a good option, you may need to use a taxi when arriving from the airport with your luggage (Barcelona Airport Transportation Guide), returning home late at night, or when you want to get to the far corners of the city. In this article, I will try to give you all the practical information, current prices and tricks you need to know when using a taxi in Barcelona.
Taxi in Barcelona
Although it is quite easy to find a taxi in the city center, it is important to know the right methods. Barcelona’s taxi system combines modern and traditional methods. The most important sign to distinguish taxis is the green light on the windshield. If this light is on, the taxi is available.
There are three basic methods to call a taxi:
1. Raising your hand on the street
2. Taxi stops
3. Through mobile applications
Taxi Stops and Locations
There are more than 300 official taxi ranks in Barcelona. They are usually marked with a blue “Taxi” sign and located at strategic points. You can easily find them, especially near train stations, hotels and tourist areas.
Barcelona Taxi Fares and Tariffs
Taxi fares for 2025 are divided into daytime and night tariffs. Taximeters are compulsory in all taxis and prices are set by the municipality.
Day Tariff (Tariff 1)
Tariff applied between 08:00-20:00 on weekdays:
– Taximeter opening fee: 2,55€
– Fee per kilometer: 1,23€
– Waiting fee (per hour): 24,68€
Night and Special Days Tariff (Tariff 2)
20:00-08:00, weekends and public holidays:
– Taximeter opening fee: 2,55€
– Fee per kilometer: 1,51€
– Waiting fee (per hour): 24,68€
Barcelona Taxi Apps
Hailing a taxi in Barcelona just got a lot easier because there are many useful mobile apps available. These apps allow you to plan your journey in advance, get an approximate fare and often offer better prices than traditional methods. Especially in touristic areas such as around Sagrada Familia or in the evening, instead of looking for a taxi on the street, you can call one with a few clicks on your phone.
The most preferred apps in the city:
Free Now: Formerly known as MyTaxi, Free Now is one of the most popular apps using Barcelona’s licensed taxis. Since you call the official taxis, the prices are calculated on the meter. It is a reliable option especially for airport transfers and you can almost always find a free taxi in the city center. The app also has a Turkish language option.
Free Now iOS and Android apps.
Uber Uber, which has been operating in Barcelona since 2021, is ideal for those who like to pay by credit card. You can see the prices before the trip and they are usually a little more affordable than regular taxis. However, prices can increase during peak hours.
Cabify: This Spain-based app is mostly preferred by business travelers. The vehicles are usually more luxurious and the drivers wear suits. Prices are similar to Uber but fixed. In other words, the price does not change even during peak hours. There is a booking feature, especially useful for airport transfers.
Barcelona Taxi Rules
Here are some important things to consider when using a taxi in Barcelona:
– It is forbidden to hail a taxi within 50 meters of taxi ranks
– All taxis must have air conditioning and POS devices
– Special arrangements are available for guide dogs and wheelchair passengers
– Taxis can carry a maximum of 4 passengers (6-8 passengers in some larger vehicles)
Tipping Culture
Tipping taxi drivers is not compulsory in Barcelona, but you can round up the payment to between 5-10% if you received good service. This is an accepted practice in the local culture.
If you are a metro person and not a taxi person, I recommend you to check the article Metro In Barcelona.
