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.
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.