Is Uber Cheaper Than a Taxi in Barcelona? Our Detailed Review

Taxxilo > Latest Updates > Barcelona Taxi Guide > Is Uber Cheaper Than a Taxi in Barcelona? Our Detailed Review
Side-by-side illustration of an Uber car and a Barcelona taxi on a city street, with iconic Barcelona landmarks in the background and cost comparison elements above each vehicle.
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Barcelona, the city adored for its colorful streets and Mediterranean flavor, has various transportation means at your disposal but when it comes to affordability and ease of use, which is preferable: Is Uber Cheaper Than a Taxi in Barcelona?, so lets discuss.

Let’s examine the discrepancies and find out which service offers you more for your euros.


Availability of Uber in Barcelona:

Uber operates in Barcelona but in a different manner than in other cities. Rather than providing private trips like UberX, it pairs users with professional licensed drivers (VTCs) like TAXXILO in service but ordered through the app. That being said, prices are more controlled than they are in cities that have “normal” Uber services.


Taxi Services in Barcelona:

Barcelona taxis are simple to find black and yellow and ubiquitous throughout the city. You can catch them on the street, use taxi apps such as TAXXILO, or order pickup. The Institut Metropolità del Taxi (IMET) regulates rates, and they are based on distance, time of day, and whether a weekday, weekend, or holiday.


Price Comparison: Uber vs. Taxi

Here’s a rough outline based on typical fares within inner Barcelona:

Ride Type Base Fare (€) Per km (€) Wait Time (€) Example 6 km Trip*
Taxi 2.30–2.55 ~1.21–1.45 ~0.25/min €10–13
Uber (VTC) Varies Surge pricing may be charged INCLUDED in app fee €12–16

*Prices fluctuate with time, traffic, and availability.


Surge Pricing: The Uber Disadvantage

Unlike their regulated counterparts, Uber has dynamic pricing that doubles or triples prices during times of high demand, events, or rain. Traditional taxis operate with regulated prices and do not vary with demand.


Taxi Advantages Over Uber in Barcelona:

  • Fixed pricing system

  • Readily available at taxi ranks or on the street

  • Cheaper for short rides

  • Legal priority in city centers (some areas are restricted for VTCs)


Uber Advantages Over Taxis:

  • Cashless payment via app

  • Upfront pricing (you see the fare before booking)

  • Modern fleet of vehicles

  • App tracking and driver ratings


Our Verdict: Is Uber Cheaper Than a Taxi in Barcelona?

Not always.
For short city rides, regular taxis are usually more affordable and better dependable, particularly with no surge charges. Uber or TAXXILO is convenient, particularly for people who do not speak Spanish, but at peak hours, taxis are cheaper.


Bonus Tip: Try TAXXILO

For the best of both worlds, visit TAXXILO.COM, a pre-booked and professional taxi service in Barcelona providing local and airport transfers, reduced rates, and superior service, all with fixed prices and a high level of service.

TAXXILO also offers Premium Airport Transfers with discounted prices.

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