Barcelona taxis

Taking a taxi cab in Barcelona

Because of the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona’s public transportation system has been fully updated, so you probably won’t need one of the yellow-and-black taxis —except for perhaps travel to and from the airport if you've overpacked (although trains and buses run there frequently).

In addition to the 200+ taxi stands located throughout the city (at major sqaures, avenues, and monuments), cabs cruise the streets looking for fares. (Though official rules keep any cab from legally picking you up if you are within 50m of a designated taxi stand.)

Available cars advertise with “Libre” or “Lliure” signs or with an illuminated green sign.

You can pay in cash or by credit card.

For general taxi information in Barcelona: tel. +34-932-235-151, www.taxibarcelona.cat.

Barcelona taxi fares and fees

You taxi's meter should read T-2 if is it a weekday between 8am and 8pm.

Higher, T-1 fares apply weekday nights (8pm–8am) and all day on weekends and holidays.

Initial charge (flag fall): €2.05
Per-kilometer: €0.93 (8pm–8am or Sat–Sun: €1.18)
Suitcase: €1

Surcharges

Midnight–6am on Fri–Sun: €2
Airport: €3.10 (minumum charge: €20; in practice, it's €27–€30)
Train station: €2.10
Cruise terminal: €2.10
Fiera Barcelona (convention center): €2.10

How to call a taxi

If you want a "Radio taxi"—calling one to come get you, say at a restaurant or hotel—there is a flat €3.40 fee (€4.20 weekdays 8am–8am or weekends).

Here are some companies to call:

tel. +34-932 783 000 (hybrid eco-taxis with WiFi; cool)
tel. +34-933 577 755
tel. +34-933 002 314
tel. +34-932 250 000

Tips & Links

How long should I spend in Barcelona?

If you're just passing through, I'd give Barcelona at least two full days.

It is a lovely place to relax, however, so you might be happier spending 3-4 days.

» Barcelona itineraries

Useful links & resources

SIGHTS

Barcelona tourist info: Barcelonaturisme.com (info office), Guiadelocio.com (events mag); Catalunya.com (regional info), Spain.info

Sightseeing passes: Barcelona Card (20+ sights; transport; discounts), Museum Pass (6 sights)

Tours & activities: Viator.com, ContextTravel.com, UrbanAdventures.com, City-Discovery.com, Intrepidtravel.com, Gadventures.com

LODGING

Hotels: Booking.com, Venere.com, Priceline.com, Hotels.com

B&Bs: Booking.com, Bedandbreakfast.com, Airbnb.com, Venere.com

Apartments: Rentalo.com, Vrbo.com, Booking.com, Airbnb.com, Interhomeusa.com, Homeaway.com

Hostels & campgrounds: Hostelbookers.com, Hostelworld.com, Hostelz.com, Booking.com

TRANSPORT

Airfares:

Airports: Aena.es

Trains: Raileurope.com (throughout Europe), Renfe.com (within Spain), Bahn.de (throughout Europe), Seat61.com

Public transport: Barcelona Card (free transport; sightseeing); Search all public transit: mou-te.gencat.cat; Metro/Bus: Tmb.cat; Tram: Trambcn.com; Light rail: Fgc.cat; Taxi: Taxibarcelona.cat

Car rentals: Autoeurope.com, RentalCars.com, Momondo.com, Orbitz.com, Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, Kayak.com

Get a sightseeing / transport pass

Barcelona has two types of sightseeing/transport passes:

Barcelona Card:
- Free entry to 20 sights
- Free, unlimited rides on all public transport
- Discounts (usually 20%) at numerous other sights, activites, shops, and shows
- A guidebook
- Comes in 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-day versions
- » $45–$80
Barcelona Museum Pass:
- Free entry to seven museums (one entry each)
- » $40

There's a full description of both passes here, but in brief: The only museum covered fully by the Museum Pass that is not also covered by the Barcelona Card is the Museu Picasso (where you get only a 20% discount with the Barcelona Card).

You can also get discounts (usually 10% to 20%) on a wide range of sights, activites, and shows if you have a hop-on/hop-off bus ticket.

Barcelona tours