Barcelona is a big beast – the second largest in Spain, spanning 101.9 square kilometres (just under 40 square miles). But it’s also compact, logically laid out according to a mid-19th-century grid plan, and exceptionally easy to get around.
Because Barcelona packs plenty of attractions into its historic centre, you don’t need to rely heavily on taxis. But if you’ve just landed at El Prat Airport and want a no-hassle transfer, are tight for time between Barcelona tours, or you’re heading home after a night out with friends, downloading a reliable Barcelona taxi app is a must.
This guide breaks down the best taxi apps in Barcelona, simplifying their offer with less stress and no surprises. It also shares insider tips on getting around Barcelona using the city’s excellent public transportation system and how to get around quickly, safely, and without hassle.
FreeNow: Barcelona’s Go-To Taxi App
We rate FreeNow as the best taxi app in Barcelona (or in Europe, for that matter). It’s fast, easy, and connects you directly with licensed taxis and private drivers across the city. Best of all, FreeNow is exceptionally easy to use, integrating seamlessly with Apple Pay and major credit cards and often offering promo codes for first-time users.
Drivers are usually quick to accept requests, even during busy times, and the app provides the fare upfront, meaning no need to worry about surge pricing. You should, however, be aware that getting a taxi from any taxi app in Barcelona can be tricky during peak season, when demand outweighs supply and taxi drivers are incentivised to pick the routes that pay the most.
🔗 Download FreeNow for Android
Cabify: Stylish and Comfortable
Cabify offers a slightly more premium option than FreeNow. Like Uber, it focuses more on private cars, allowing users to choose their car category (depending on availability). Like FreeNow, however, Cabify works only with licensed taxis, so it’s 100% legal and safe.
Cabify also allows you to share your route in real-time with trusted contacts (a perk for those concerned about safety), making Cabify a great taxi option after a night out. Some users report slower driver acceptance times compared to FreeNow or Uber, but this is sometimes offset by cheaper fares (of a few euros) for airport runs or longer routes.
How much is a taxi from Barcelona airport to the city centre?
As of May 2025, a taxi from Barcelona Airport to the city centre costs between €35 and €45 on average. All rides from the airport have a minimum charge of €20 and a surcharge of €4.50. So if your destination is closer to the airport than the centre, you might end up paying more than necessary.
Uber: Limited but Reliable
Uber does operate in Barcelona, but not in quite the same way as in other cities. Instead of connecting you to individual rideshare drivers, Uber partners with licensed taxi drivers, making it more akin to Cabify or FreeNow. You can also choose between the economy UberX, premium Uber Black, or a Van or Van MWT Waiting Room if you’re travelling as part of a group.
Many travellers prefer Uber because of its familiar interface and transparent pricing, but be aware that it’s generally harder to find drivers in Barcelona than through FreeNow or Cabify, especially during peak hours. If you’re loyal to Uber and already have the app, it can be a solid backup option—but for the fastest service, FreeNow usually wins.
Don’t Neglect Barcelona’s Top-Notch Public Transport
While these taxi apps in Barcelona are incredibly convenient, consider using the city’s world-class public transportation system for shorter journeys around Barcelona. The metro and bus lines cover all major tourist zones, are clean, safe, and run pretty much around the clock.
Barcelona’s metro runs from 5 am until midnight from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday. On Fridays, it runs until 2 am and on Saturdays and special holidays, it runs around the clock. Night owls can also rely on the NitBus, which runs 10 lines from 11 pm to 5 am.
Budget-conscious travellers visiting for a few days should consider investing in a 30-day travel pass (Zone 1), which costs just €20 and will get you pretty much everywhere.
We recommend Citymapper as the best app for navigating public transport in Barcelona. Used by locals and visitors alike, it shows real-time schedules, best route suggestions, and is super easy to use.
Our Verdict on the Best Taxi App in Barcelona?
We think that FreeNow is the most reliable and widely recommended taxi app in Barcelona, and have also recommended it as our taxi app of choice in Rome. Uber is another reliable option, but it’s not as fast or popular in Spain as in the US or UK, while Cabify is an excellent backup in case you can’t get a taxi through FreeNow.
Do also bear in mind that you can hail taxis on the street if they are displaying a green light. But only ever get into a licensed Barcelona taxi. And if you’re travelling late at night—especially after some drinks—it’s much safer to take a cab than to wander the streets or figure out the metro in the dark.
Get Tipsy, Take a Taxi
Barcelona has a legendary nightlife scene, with brilliant bars and world-class nightclubs. And if you’re joining us for our unforgettable Barcelona Bar Crawl or the brilliantly boozy Tipsy Tapas Crawl, you’ll definitely want a safe and easy way to get home afterwards.
If you’re looking to see more of the city with a drink in hand or a fork full of jamón ibérico, check out all our Barcelona Tours. We’ll show you the best of Barcelona, one bite, sip and stroll at a time.
