Taxis in Barcelona – The best guide step by step

Taxis in Barcelona are available 24-hours a day thanks to the city’s ample cab network. Getting a taxi can be one of the quickest and simplest ways to get around the city. Prices can be cheaper than other cities throughout Europe and waiting times dramatically lower.

Whether you need to take a taxi from the Barcelona El Prat airport, if you miss the night bus mid-week after an evening of dinner and drinks, or when returning to your apartment after a day sight-seeing, getting a taxi in Barcelona is often an essential part of your stay in Barcelona.

We understand that jumping in a taxi abroad can be a daunting experience if you’re not prepared. That’s why we’ve put together this brief guide to taxis in Barcelona.

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Official taxis in Barcelona

You can’t miss the taxis in Barcelona thanks to their black and yellow colours. Keep an eye out for the lights on top of the car: green means available and orange means that the taxi is occupied.

If you’re staying in one of our well-located apartments, you’ll probably only have to wait a few minutes before spotting a taxi to hail down. Remember that some of the central streets in Barcelona are pedestrianised, so you may have a to walk to a main street to get a cab.

Taxi ranks in Barcelona

As in many cities, it is very common to hail a cab down by raising your hand from the side of the road when you see a taxi with a green light. However, there are of course many taxi ranks scattered throughout the city to make finding a taxi that little bit easier.

Bear in mind that the taxi driver can only stop if their car is free and it has not been reserved, and you are currently more than 200 metres away from a taxi rank. What’s more, taxi drivers can refuse to drive passengers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. They are also not obliged to accept animals (with the exception of guide dogs).

There are more than 300 taxi ranks around the city, all which can be consulted here. The city’s biggest ranks can be found at the three airport terminals, the four stations of the Barcelona Port (Moll Adossat) and Estació de Sants.

How much are taxis in Barcelona?

Taxis in Barcelona are more expensive than other forms of public transport in the city such and the bus and metro, however they are affordable and not as expensive as other European cities, as we have mentioned.

All taxis in Barcelona use a meter, so you don’t have to worry about being ripped off. Fares in Barcelona depend on the time of day and if you are travelling on a national holiday. The minimum price for taxis in Barcelona is €2.25 except on Saturdays and holidays between 8 pm and 8 am, when the minimum charge goes up to €3.20.

Remember that the following supplements are added to the final price shown on the meter at the end of the journey:

  • Airport (origin/destination): €4.30 (see below for more information about getting a taxi to/from the airport)
  • Port station (Moll Adossat) (origin): €4.30
  • Main city stations (Sants Station and Fira Exhibition Centre): €2.50
  • Vehicles for 4–8 passengers: €4.30
  • Special nights*: €3.10

*23/06 – 24/06, 24/12 – 25/12 and 31/12 – 01/1

Here you can find a breakdown table of the fares and tariffs for taxis in Barcelona. You can also calculate the estimated cost of your route in advance of your journey here or download the official app for your phone to use it on the go.

If you are unsure whether you should leave a tip or not, check our article here about tipping in Barcelona.

Taxi in Barcelona

Taxis in Barcelona to/from the airport

When you land at Barcelona El Prat airport, we understand that you want to get to your apartment as soon as possible and start enjoying the city straight away. Getting a taxi from the airport is simple – you’ll find several taxi ranks at both terminals. Simply follow the signs after passport control

The minimum cost of a taxi to and from Barcelona airport is always €20 and generally journeys tend to cost between €30–€35 to and from the city centre.

Getting a taxi in Barcelona during the COVID-19 pandemic – May 2020

It is still possible to take a taxi in Barcelona during the COVID-19 pandemic, however it is mandatory to observe the following rules:

  • As of 3 May 2020, it is mandatory to wear a mask when using public transport
  • A maximum of one passenger is allowed per journey, unless you are accompanying a disabled individual or a minor
  • Open the taxi door using your non-dominant hand
  • Sit in the back of the taxi and follow social distancing rules
  • Taxi drivers will issue receipts only on request

Getting a taxis in Barcelona can be a daunting task – but not any more! Remember you can consult the Barcelona official public transport page here to find further information on taxis in Barcelona in English.

13 Barcelona Apps to enjoy the city

These Barcelona Apps will give you all the guidance you need. There is no need to wander around the city with your nose buried in a guide book!

Barcelona Apps: Transport

  • Virtual Bus Touristic App

Plan where you want to hop off by taking a ride on the virtual-reality version of this iconic bus tour first.

Virtual Bus Turistic Barcelona Apps

  • TMB App

This easy-to-use Barcelona app allows you to plan your route using the city’s combined bus, metro, train and tram network. Simply put in your start and end points and it will give you a list of options, the time each will take and when your first connection is due.

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  • MyTaxi App

Simply enter your destination and how you want to pay you’ll soon be sent a picture of the driver who is on their way to you.

Barcelona Apps My Taxi App

Barcelona Apps: Sightseeing

  • The official guide to Barcelona App

A traditional city guide on your phone. Includes all the information you need as a tourist in Barcelona.

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  • Mapp4all App

This Barcelona app details the accessibility of famous sights and museums as well as the more day to day amenities such as banks, supermarkets and restaurants.

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  • iBarcelona – Smartour App

The ultimate Barcelona app for the smart phone generation. If you don’t know where to start, follow their recommended itinerary or see what local events are near your apartment.

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  • GaleriesArt App

Find everything you need to know about the galleries in the Association of Art Galleries of Catalonia (GGAC), from exhibition dates and opening hours to information about featured artists. The geolocation capability helps you find galleries near your apartment.

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  • Joan Miró App

Scan the code next to the famous works to find out the story behind it. For an artistic spin on sightseeing, you can also walk a mile (or more!) in Miró‘s shoes and take a look at his former residences around Barcelona.

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  • Barcelona Metro Walks App

This Barcelona app will guide you around Barcelona’s surrounding neighbourhoods by public transport and on foot. The audio guide will show you the real Barcelona by explaining its history and development.

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  • 22@Barcelona App

Jordi, a local architect and interior designer will give you a tour of a former industrial neighbourhood, now a urban hub of innovation.

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  • Medieval Barcelona App

Be transported back to Barcelona’s golden age with this Barcelona app, admire the Romanesque and Gothic architecture which dominates the old part of the city. If you are interested in this topic also check our guide to 5 Medieval Villages near Barcelona.

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  • Gaudí’s Barcelona App

This Barcelona app not only gives you practical information about these iconic sights, an architect and interior designer describes them in fascinating detail with music and sound effects.

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Barcelona Apps: Food

  • Barcelona Restaurants App 

Makes choosing a restaurant from the multitude of mouth-watering possibilities easy, listing a selection of the city’s most recommended restaurants near your apartment.

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So step into the 21st century and step out of your apartment with these helpful Barcelona apps.

See the best views in the Montjuic Cable Car

Take a Ride in the Montjuïc Cable Car to See the Best Views in Barcelona

Traveling is good for you; not only does it refresh the mind and the body, but also leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.  If you’re wondering where to take your next big trip, look no further than Barcelona; this exotic city has countless activities and attractions!  One of the highlights of your Barcelona vacation should be a trip to the magnificent Montjuïc Castle, a colossal landmark overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.  Once serving as a military fortress, it now contains exhibits describing its history to educate the public; its prime location at the top of this city’s most historic mountain also creates some of the finest, panoramic views of the city and its surrounding sea port.  However, the best part of this attraction might be taking the trip up there!  In order to ascend Mount Jupiter to reach the castle, you have to be transported by the Montjuïc cable car.  Step aboard the cabin of this cable car and gaze out the window as you rise above the treetops; you’ll be blown away by the miles and miles of breathtaking scenery that’s surrounding you. Learn all about how to get to Montjuïc and start planning your trip today!  

All About the Montjuïc Cable Car

There are three different stations for the Montjuïc cable car: Miramar, Parc de Montjuïc, and Castell de Montjuïc.  Your tickets for this transportation can easily be purchased online; the Montjuïc Cable Car price is about 10.80 Euros for adults (about $12.00) and 7.92 for children ages 4-12 ($8.00).  The Montjuïc cable car is open daily, with only a brief closure from late January to mid-February.

About the Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona

The Montjuïc Castle stands at about 185 yards above the port.  Although it played a role at a bleak time in the country’s history, it did serve as a solid defense during the War of Spanish Succession.  Today, you can visit this castle to view its temporary exhibits and attend fun events, like outdoor movies during the warmer months.  You won’t find better views of the area anywhere else than Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona.  You can participate in guided tours here or simply roam around its grounds.  Be sure to visit the neighboring Park Güell while you’re here as well, a famous icon of Barcelona.  This area was one of Gaudí’s finest masterpieces; you’ll love his unique use of different shapes and colors.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats Vacation Rentals!

Make sure you stay in the best accommodations during your dream vacation to Barcelona!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals offers luxurious lofts, villas, cottages, and apartments located throughout the most picturesque parts of town to help you enjoy your exciting getaway to the fullest.  Whether you want to treat yourself to views of the beach or settle down in the heart of the city, we have the perfect spot for you!  We know you’ll love our comfortable furnishings and incredible amenities, so check our availability online right now to book your favorite vacation rental in Barcelona!  

Photo by Marianna Ceccarelli / Thinkstock

Travel from London to Barcelona by Train

Take a Train from London to Barcelona for One of the Best Trips Ever!

London is an incredible destination like no other; their iconic landmarks and countless things to do set the scene for an exciting vacation.  However, if you’re craving some time away from the busy city life, take a train from London to Barcelona!  Traveling by train is such a different experience than flying; you can trade rushing through crowded airports and stressing over delayed flights to sitting in a comfortable spacious seat as you watch the picturesque landscape passing by.  With all of the recent developments in transportation, you can take a train from London to Paris, then from Paris to Barcelona, all within a single day!  Discover some of the best trains to take from London to Barcelona to treat yourself to one of the most exciting trips of a lifetime!

5 Ways to Find the Best Train to Take from London to Barcelona

  1. Seat 61

This travel service will help you through every step of booking your travel from London to Spain!  Seat 61 guarantees that you can have breakfast in London, lunch in Paris, and dinner in Barcelona- all for a reasonable rate.  Their website is a great resource for any information you need regarding how to get around in these foreign areas.

  1. Loco2

Travel over 900 miles in just 10.5 hours!  Loco2 will help you find the best high-speed trains to take you to your preferred destination; they’ll also give you information to help you with the interchange process so you can travel efficiently and confidently.  

  1. Gopili

Find the lowest possible prices when you use Gopili to help you conquer the London to Barcelona distance!  This service compares a variety of different sources to help you find the cheapest train ticket to Spain.  They’ll also help you find other means of transportation if you need them, such as flights or ride sharing.  

  1. National Rail Enquiries

Save time and money by taking advantage of the many helpful tips and resources that National Rail Enquiries provides.  Find the route and time that accommodates your schedule best and get ready to see some new places and attractions!  

  1. Grounded Travel

Grounded Travel presents all kinds of options for your trip from London to Barcelona.  You can use specific services to get to Spain as quickly as possible, or you can choose to take a longer route by sleeper train to allow you some time to explore Paris during the day.  Make the most of your travel between these two incredible places by booking the trip that’s best for you!

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats Vacation Rentals!

Make the most of your dream getaway to Barcelona by staying in the best accommodations possible!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals offers luxurious lofts, villas, cottages, and apartments located throughout the most picturesque parts of town.  Whether you want to treat yourself to views of the beach or settle down in the heart of the city, we have the perfect spot for you!  We know you’ll love our comfortable furnishings and incredible amenities, so check our availability online right now to book your favorite vacation rental in Barcelona!  

Photo by David De Lossy / Thinkstock

Find the Best Cheap Flights to Barcelona, Spain

How to Find the Best Cheap Flights to Barcelona, Spain

Let’s face it, vacationing can become pretty expensive, especially if it involves air travel!  If you’re dreaming of exploring the exotic destination of Barcelona, Spain, but aren’t sure how you can afford those plane tickets, there are a few tips and tricks you can try to help you find the best deals so you can get there without draining your bank account.  Finding cheap flights to Barcelona, Spain, is actually not as far-fetched as it sounds; you just need to know how and where to look!  Browse through our methods of detecting the lowest prices for flights and start planning your vacation-on-a-budget today!

Tips and Tricks to Finding Cheap Flights to Barcelona, Spain

  1. Book Well in Advance

The first step of planning your low-cost vacation is to start planning as far ahead as possible.  This will give you plenty of time to find the cheapest days to fly out, you’ll have more flexibility, and you can avoid sticky circumstances, like long layovers.  Seats also become more expensive as the flight starts to fill, so booking sooner rather than later is always a good tactic.

  1. Use Smart Search Techniques

When you search for the same flight repeatedly, you might see the prices getting higher; that’s because your web browser recognizes that you really want a certain flight and so the site tries to trick you into booking quickly before the prices rise yet again.  Use an incognito or private search window when searching flights to avoid this situation.  There are also quality search engines you can use, like Skyscanner, AirFare Watchdog, and Jet Radar.

  1. Find the Best Budget Airlines

There’s an abundance of quality budget airlines to Barcelona, Spain; you just have to look hard enough!  Catching a flight with Easyjet or Ryanair to Spain will definitely save you some cash.  Jet2 and Flymonarch are also good alternatives to the bigger, more expensive airlines.

  1. Search for Last-Minute Deals

If a certain flight doesn’t fill up completely, their employees will be desperately searching for customers to fill up their seats as quickly as possible.  Travel consolidators are a great resource for last-minute tickets as well; they buy a mass amount of tickets, which usually results in them selling any leftover ones for a discounted price.

  1. Look for Discounts

Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled for any travel discounts that may apply to you!  There are travel discounts for teachers, students, seniors, federal employees, and many more.  

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats Vacation Rentals!

Make sure you stay in the best accommodations during your dream vacation to Barcelona!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals offers luxurious lofts, villas, cottages, and apartments located throughout the most picturesque parts of town to help you enjoy your exciting getaway to the fullest.  Whether you want to treat yourself to views of the beach or settle down in the heart of the city, we have the perfect spot for you!  We know you’ll love our comfortable furnishings and incredible amenities, so check our availability online right now to book your favorite vacation rental in Barcelona!  

Photo by vision4ry-l4nguage / Thinkstock

Catching a Bus with a Barcelona Travel Card

4 Reasons Why You Need to Get a Barcelona Travel Card

If you’ve ever been on an overseas excursion, you know that travelling around once you get there can be tricky!  In Barcelona, however, you’ll be able to do all the sightseeing you desire without having to worry once about transportation.  The Barcelona travel card is a wonderful way to use public transportation for getting anywhere in the city smoothly and efficiently.  Learn all about the Barcelona travel card to help you with planning your getaway to this incredible destination.

Top 4 Benefits of the Barcelona Travel Card

  1. Saves You Money

Vacations can become expensive, and you don’t want the cost of transportation to stop you from being able to visit certain parts of Barcelona.  The Barcelona travel card price is affordable; not only that, but you’ll won’t have to pay for a rental car to get around, or the gas it needs to take it through the city.  These cards can provide you with the key to city transportation for two, three, four, or five days, depending how long you choose to stay.  Also, keep in mind that it’s much cheaper to buy one of these cards rather than individual passes for buses and trains.

  1. Convenient Transportation

Your Hola BCN! card will allow you access onto every single one of Barcelona’s public transportation systems: the bus, metro, tram, Ferrocarril Generalitat de Catalunya, and the Renfe local trains.  All of these methods of travel can get you to Barcelona’s most popular metropolitan area for no additional charges, including the airport!  The only thing it can’t do is get you on the Barcelona night buses; you’ll have to purchase a single ticket to ride on one of those.  With stations and stops located all throughout the city, you should be able to get from one landmark to the other quickly and easily!  The best part is, you receive unlimited trips per day when you buy your Barcelona travel card, so you have the perfect opportunity to see multiple sights each day of your vacation.  

  1. No Parking Stress

City streets can be overly crowded and parking spaces are sometimes few and far between.  By taking a bus or the metro, you don’t have to worry about finding a parking space or remembering where you left your car.  Your Barcelona travel card will omit that unnecessary anxiety so you don’t have to fret about a thing during your fantastic getaway!

  1. Easy to Purchase

The Barcelona travel card can be bought online or in stations located frequently throughout the city.  The price of the Barcelona travel card is the same whether you buy them in the physical location or through their website.  

An alternate solution to the Barcelona travel card is the Barcelona T10 Ticket, which buys you 10 trips on most forms of public transportation in Zone 1 (the main part of the city).  These tickets can be purchased at all metro stations.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats!

Complete your dream getaway to Barcelona by staying in the most fantastic lodging possible!  bizFlats offers luxurious vacation rentals throughout the city, including apartments, penthouses, lofts, and villas.  Each one is beautifully furnished and contains all of the finest amenities.  Don’t wait another minute- check our availability and book your stay today!

Photo by Kranevsky / Thinkstock

barcelona limo service

Barcelona Limo Service

When visiting a big city like Barcelona, be it for business, pleasure or a big special event, it’s a good idea to have a list of car services handy before you arrive to be sure that, no matter the occasion, you know who to call for a ride. Even if all you need is a ride from the airport after a long flight overseas, there is a Barcelona limo service that can serve your needs. There really is no better way to travel through a foreign land than in your own private car with few distractions and a chauffeur who is there to serve you and you alone.

Here are some Barcelona limo services to check out while planning your trip to the city.

  1. HummerBCN – If you will be visiting for a special occasion and want a fancy ride around town in a stretch hummer or party bus, HummerBCN is your best shot. These vehicles are all completely stocked with party lights, comfy seats, plenty of bar space for your festivities, and great windows through which to see the sights while you cruise through town, either to your destination, or just to see the city lights.
  2. Barcelona Airport Transfer – Offering the standard Barcelona limo service to and from the airport, Barcelona Airport Transfer has easy online booking that will make your trip go all the more smoothly. Taking special care to always be safe, punctual and providing the utmost comfort in their line of Mercedes limos ranging from sedans to ten passenger vans, you’ll love how easy these guys make it.
  3. Diagonal Mar Limousines – While they are happy to provide the typical airport transportation, Diagonal Mar is especially well known for their private tours of the city. You can either take a comprehensive sightseeing trip consisting of about four hours of visiting some of the city’s most famous sites, or you can choose to take more detailed tours of certain destinations like Montserrat or Penedés. Can you imagine a more relaxing way to see the sites than to be chauffeured through the city’s busy streets in a luxury vehicle by a friendly, English-speaking local? We can’t! This is an outstanding Barcelona limo service that also does private shuttling to and from big sporting events.
  4. Chofer-Car – This is a global company known for excellence, and is therefore a great option as a Barcelona limo service. While they are pleased to provide basic transportation needs, they too specialize in private tours, special events, and customized transportation needs. Whether you’re in need of a chauffeur for an extended business trip, or to rent a coach bus for a tour or special occasion in the city, Chofer-Car is the place to call.

Barcelona is a great place to explore on foot, bicycle, or public transportation, but sometimes your trips to the city won’t allow for these leisurely luxuries. When in town on business or for a busy special occasion, be sure to use a Barcelona limo service for the most convenient, comfortable, and dependable mode of transportation around town. Let someone else do the driving, so you can focus on the task ahead!

 

Barcelona Bike Tours are a Great Way to See the City

Barcelona Bike Tours are a Great Way to See the City

Barcelona is known for being one of the most bike friendly cities in the world. With designating bike lanes, lights and rentals throughout town, it’s not only one of the most beautiful places to see atop a bicycle, but also one of the safest. Because of the great convenience of cycling these streets, many visitors opt for one of the many Barcelona bike tours as a way to explore this place. There’s no better way to mingle exercise and sight seeing than on a Barcelona bike tour, on which you’ll get to see things you can’t from a bus.

Here are some great options for Barcelona Bike Tours:

  1. Barcelona City Tour
    This is the classic Barcelona bike tour, taking you to all the biggest tourist sites, including the Barri Gotic, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, the Parc de la Ciutadella as well as Olympic Village. This four hour tour offers a break at a beach bar where riders can do some more mingling and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
  2. Private Group Tours
    If you’re traveling with a larger group consider booking one of these private Barcelona bike tours at your convenience. Both day and night tours are offered, combining the riding with stops for drinks, tapas or whatever else your group desires. The tours are completely catered to meet your group’s expectations.

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    Photo Credit: Metropolis Magazine via Flickr
  3. The Less Touristy Tour
    Are you the kind of traveler who loves to see the local’s side of a new place? If so then this is the tour for you. This is more of a Barcelona bike ride. Forget the itineraries and factual recitations, and gear up for a back street adventure, exploring Barcelona’s hidden gems like hillside cafes, farmhouse cheese tastings, vintage shops, organic eateries and other little known treasures of city life.
  4. Barcelona Barrios and Beaches Bike Tour
    This tour is similarly geared around skipping the main tourist attractions in favor of seeing what life in the city is really like. Bikers will pass by some main sights on the way out to the beaches, passing through many residential neighborhoods and their daily amenities. If you like to see a city’s real street life, this is the ride for you.
  5. Barcelona Tapas Bike Tour
    This tour is the perfect way to mingle culture and cuisine in an experience you can’t miss while visiting Barcelona – eating famous Catalan tapas. Along the way you’ll see some of the city’s most famous sights, with frequent stops to get a taste of the nation. This is a leisurely ride through the city that is perfect for groups of any size.

If you’re looking for more than a typical sight seeing tour try one of the above Barcelona bike tours for fresh eyes on an old city. Exploring atop a comfortable city bike is a completely different experience than sitting on a bus or driving a car around. At a slower pace you’ll see more, and feel closer to the people and places you’re observing. This is also a great way to meet other travelers in town, and ones that are like-minded in their idea of adventure and fun.