Uber in Barcelona: Everything you need to know

Whether you need a transfer to and from the airport or an in-city ride – you can find all the information you need about using Uber in Barcelona right here. This Uber Barcelona guide covers the cost of taking an Uber, alternative transport options, and which is the best choice for you throughout your stay.

Is there Uber in Barcelona?

Yes, Uber is available in Barcelona, although it still seems to be gaining popularity in the region since there are limited drivers available, which often results in lengthier wait times. With this in mind, passengers can choose to use standard Uber services such as UberX and Comfort, or they can use the app to connect with a regular Barcelona taxi. 

There are several Uber Barcelona vehicles available, including UberX, Comfort, Uber Pet, Van, and Black. UberX is the standard and generally most affordable service, whereas Comfort and Black vehicles are more spacious and newer. There is also Uber Pet for those travelling with a furry friend and Van, which is similar to UberX but can accommodate six, rather than four, passengers. 

Lastly, you can also choose to book a regular metered taxi where you will pay the same rates as a taxi off the street, or a Taxi Precio Cerrado which is the equivalent to the local fixed price Tariff 3 taxis.

How much is Uber in Barcelona?

Your Uber in Barcelona price will be determined by the distance and duration of the ride, as well as how in-demand drivers are at the time of booking. Due to expensive licensing requirements, there are fewer Uber drivers in Barcelona compared to other cities, which can drive up prices and result in higher fares than regular taxis. 

The exception to this is when travelling from Barcelona Airport to the city centre, which on average costs €25 for a regular Uber, whereas you’ll pay a fixed rate fee of €39 for a regular taxi. The app also offers additional advantages, such as real-time price estimates and the ability to make card payments through the app, rather than having to carry cash. 

When you book a regular taxi through the app, your fare will be based on the current rates set by the local government and will either be calculated using a taximeter or a set rate fare. If you choose a metered taxi, this means the final price of your Uber will depend on how far you’re travelling and the time of day. For a short ride in downtown Barcelona, you can expect to pay around €10.

*Tolls and surcharges may be added to your final fare for Uber and taxi rates.

Alternatives to taking an Uber in Barcelona

From the airport

There is a dedicated ride-sharing pickup area at Barcelona Airport which makes finding your Barcelona Uber easy, however, there can still be lengthy wait times and driver availability is unpredictable. Instead, you can secure a reliable and convenient transfer to or from the airport by pre-booking an airport taxi with a highly-rated company like Welcome Pickups. You’ll be treated to a modern air-conditioned vehicle that will be waiting for you on arrival with your English-speaking driver.

If you prefer to use a regular taxi, it’s easy enough to grab one from the ranks as you exit the terminal, although there’s a chance your driver will only speak Catalan or Spanish. In any case, when travelling from the airport you’ll be offered a fixed rate fare, much like you would with a private airport taxi.

Getting around Barcelona

There are significantly more regular taxis on the street than Uber drivers so you never need to worry about finding a ride when in Barcelona. Taxis can be hailed from the street or picked up from one of the hundreds of permanent taxi ranks dotted around the city; Plaza Catalunya, Sants Railway Station and Nord Bus Station are all popular spots. 

Several other ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Barcelona, the most popular one being FreeNow, followed by Cabify and Bolt which offer similar services to Uber. If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, Welcome Pickups doesn’t just offer airport taxi services, you can lock in fixed fares and guaranteed on-time pickups for your in-city rides too!

Is Uber safe in Barcelona?

Uber in Barcelona is very safe to use, although there are a few inconveniences that come with using the app. Since Uber connects passengers to regular taxi drivers, drivers may sometimes cancel a ride after accepting it in order to pick up a passenger from the street. You can avoid this by booking online with a private transfer company like Welcome Pickups.

Booking an Uber through the app means you’ll know your price ahead of time allows you to track your rides and keeps a record of the driver’s details, unlike a standard taxi. Regardless of the company you use, all official and government-regulated vehicles who are allowed to offer transport services will have blue number plates, so you know when you are taking a legitimate ride.

Uber, Taxi, or Private Transfer?

When it comes to choosing the best option, you should think about the specific needs of you or your group. We’ve gathered some of the most important factors to consider below, so that you can make an informed choice.

FAQs

Is Uber safe in Barcelona?

Yes, all drivers are regulated through the app and undergo regular checks, as well as being subject to passenger ratings. Passengers can also share their ride status with friends and family and follow their journey in real-time in the app.

Is Uber or taxi cheaper in Barcelona?

There are limited Uber drivers available in Barcelona due to licensing regulations which means prices often surge. While Uber prices can be cheaper than a regular taxi, this often isn’t the case in Barcelona so it’s always best to check the price estimate in the app before booking.

What is the Uber alternative in Barcelona?

You can use Welcome Pickups for your airport taxi and personalised in-city rides. There are also a few ride-hailing alternatives available in Barcelona including Cabify and Bolt. For regular taxis, FreeNow is the most popular and trusted app since it provides similar features to Uber including price estimates.

Does Uber pick up at Barcelona Airport?

While you can take an Uber from Barcelona Airport, you won’t know the pick-up point until your day of travel and may end up having a long wait for your driver. Another affordable option to or from Barcelona Airport is to pre-book an airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.