Barcelona, home to its colorful culture, monumental architecture, and lively nightlife, is among the most popular places to visit in Europe. If you’re a visitor attempting to find your way around Gaudí’s miracles or a native traveling between districts, having the ability to travel around the city effectively is imperative. Although the metro and buses of the city are solid, taxi apps have become the best solution for prompt, easy transit. In this article, we’ll explore the leading taxi apps in Barcelona Taxxilo, Free Now, Cabify, and a few notable alternatives—highlighting how they work, what they offer, and which might be right for your needs.
1. Taxxilo : The Classic Taxi Modernized
Taxxilo is the most used ride-hailing app in Barcelona and throughout much of Europe. Uniquely, Taxxilo only employs licensed taxi drivers, so you’re hiring a regular cab with a digital platform.
Main Features:
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Only licensed taxis: Guarantees regulated fares and local driver expertise.
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Real-time tracking: Know precisely when your taxi will come.
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Cashless payments: Pay directly from the app with your credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay.
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Multi-city access: Use the same app in numerous European cities.
Pros:
- Premium Airport Transfers.
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Pay Online through your card.
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Complies with local taxi price regulation—no surge pricing.
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Quick response times, particularly in central Barcelona.
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Pre-book option available.
Cons:
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Can be a little more expensive but taxxilo offers many discounts.
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Occasionally longer wait times in outlying neighborhoods.
Best for: Travelers who like regulated taxi services and need a legal, predictable ride.
2. Cabify: Uber’s Spanish Counterpart
Cabify is a Spanish company providing private hire journeys in the style of Uber’s service. In contrast to Free Now, Cabify operates under VTC (Vehicle with Driver for Hire) licenses, which tend to provide more high-end services.
Major Features:
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Pro drivers: Typically in smart, clean cars.
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Flat fare: The fare is displayed before traveling, irrespective of traffic.
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Extras in-app: Select your music, air con level, or ask for silence.
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Business accounts: Perfect for business travelers.
Pros:
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Typically lower prices than a taxi for a longer ride.
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More advanced vehicles and highly individualized service.
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No additional costs for delays from traffic or rerouting.
Cons:
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Potential for being not readily available when there are heavy demands, during busy tourism season.
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Can’t pick up riders who weren’t prebooked (owing to local mandates).
Optimum for: Travelers wishing comfort, simple billing, and business features.
3. Uber: Unavailable but something
Although Uber is present in Barcelona, its scope is narrower compared to other cities because of local laws. Uber now operates by linking users to licensed taxis instead of its usual private fleet model.
Key Features:
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Familiar interface: Suitable for tourists who are already familiar with Uber elsewhere.
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Licensed drivers: In Barcelona, Uber cooperates with traditional taxis.
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Upfront pricing: View the price before you agree.
Pros:
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Convenient for tourists who already have the app.
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Easy, intuitive user experience.
Cons:
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Limited supply and fewer drivers.
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Less useful for locals who might prefer Free Now or Cabify.
Best for: Occasional riders or tourists already familiar with Uber’s app.
4. Other Choices and Local Alternatives
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Bolt: Although not as prominent in Barcelona as in other cities in Europe, Bolt is picking up slowly. Its pricing structure is competitive but has limited availability.
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MOLO: Local mobility app that combines scooters, bikes, and ride-hailing services. It’s convenient for users integrating short trips with micromobility.
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Taxi Ecològic: Local operator with a green transport approach, providing hybrid or electric taxis. They can be reserved online or by phone, but their app isn’t as user-friendly as global alternatives.
Which App to Use?
Following is a quick guide depending on various needs:
| Need | Best App | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated Taxi Service | Taxxilo | Uses licensed taxis with fixed rates |
| Comfort & Style | Taxxilo | Clean, modern cars with flat pricing |
| Tourist Familiarity | Uber or taxxilo | Recognizable interface and usage |
| Budget Travel | Cabify or Bolt | Often cheaper than traditional taxis |
| Eco-Friendly Choice | Taxi Ecològic | Green vehicle fleet |
Tips for Using Taxi Apps in Barcelona
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Peak Times: Friday and Saturday nights, as well as rainy days, can lead to longer waits. Book in advance if possible.
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Language: Most drivers do understand some English, but typing your destination into the app is a big help.
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Tipping: Not required, but welcome. All the apps enable you to tip via the app after the trip.
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Airport Transfers: Taxxilo offer transfers to and from El Prat Airport. Compare prices before you book.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona’s taxi apps are a new, flexible option for conventional transport, with the added benefits of convenience, clear prices, and varying levels of service. From the regulatory guarantee of Taxxilo, the luxury option of Cabify, to the comfort of Uber, there’s something for everyone.
Barcelona keeps developing its urban mobility landscape, and with changing regulations, there might be new entrants in the future. Until that time, keeping up with information and selecting the appropriate app for the task at hand can make your travels in this lovely city even smoother.
- Book your taxi through taxxilo.com to go to anywhere with discounts.
- Give your feedback about the article that is Apps de taxi en Barcelona.
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