Renting a Taxi in Barcelona: Driver vs. VTC Services

Travel around Barcelona, one of Europe’s most international cities, is simple thanks to the range of transport available. For tourists and locals, two of the most widely used means of getting from A to B are classic cabs and VTCs. So what exactly is the difference between them, and which would suit your needs best? Here is detail about Renting a Taxi in Barcelona.

What Is a Traditional Taxi?

A traditional taxi in Barcelona is the classic black-and-yellow car you’ll see cruising the city streets. These taxis are licensed by the local government and can be hailed on the street, at taxi ranks, or booked by phone or app.

Features of Traditional Taxis:

• Regulated Fares: Determined by the city council, so you’ll always know how much to pay. The fare is based on time of day, distance covered, and sometimes airport or luggage fees.

• Street Pickup: You can hail a taxi anywhere on the streets of the city if the green light is showing, indicating it’s for hire.

• Taxi Ranks: Where you can usually find taxis at main railway stations, airports, hotels, and city centers.

• Experienced Drivers: Drivers are subjected to background checks and are quite familiar with the city.

• Cash and Card Payments: Both are accepted by most taxis.

Example:

If you are taking a departure from Barcelona’s Sants train station and would like to go to your hotel, you can walk to the taxi stand, get into a vehicle, and pay at the end of the trip.

What Is a VTC Service?

VTC means Vehículos de Transporte con Conductor (“Vehicles with Driver”). They are private cars engaged on a hired basis such as TAXXILO Uber or Bolt booked through an application. You cannot pick up a VTC from the street corner like a taxi; you have to book ahead, typically via your mobile phone.

Characteristics of VTC Services:

• App-Based Reservation: All journeys need to be booked in advance through an app or website TAXXILO.COM.

• Transparent Fares: The fare appears in front of you before you book the ride; no surprise.

• Comfort and Amenities: VTCs utilize newer vehicles, and they may have niceties such as phone charging stations, water bottles, or music capabilities.

• No Curbside Hails: They cannot be hailed off the street; they arrive at the pickup location you have designated in the app.

• Cashless Payment: All transactions are through the app, typically by card.

Example

If you are sitting at a café and need a trip to the airport, you use the app, prepay the fare, confirm the ride, and the vehicle comes to fetch you from where you sit.

Differences in Brief

Which Shall You Choose?

Opt for a Taxi if you prefer a no-hassle, quick ride without advance booking, or want regulated fares and pay in cash. Taxis are best suited for impromptu travel, late night travel, or congested city centers.

Opt for a VTC if you like the price at the beginning, like the upgraded or VIP service, or value app booking and payment without money.

Important Note:

Both are safe, but at peak hour or events, VTCs can have increased waiting time or surge prices, while taxis could be hired more easily from ranks.

Tips for Getting Around Barcelona

• Always verify your car’s license, both taxis and VTCs must show documents, but TAXXILO is trusted service and booked online through their website TAXXILO.COM.

• To and from the airport, taxis and VTCs are both easy to find, but do check prices in rush hour. TAXXILO also offers Airport Transfers and premium Airport Transfers with discounted prices.

• If you are traveling with friends, VTCs usually provide you with the option of booking a bigger car through the app.