Safety Of Barcelona Airport Taxis: What You Need To Know

Barcelona Airport is a hub for taxis, with a large number of taxis available at all times. The standard Barcelona taxis are black and yellow and can be found at taxi ranks outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Taxis in Barcelona are considered safe and reliable, with licensing and regulation in place. However, there have been reports of safety issues and scams, including illegal taxis and fare deviations. It is recommended to use only official taxis and be aware of potential scams to ensure a safe and smooth ride.

Recognising official Barcelona taxis

Recognising an official Barcelona taxi is straightforward, as they have a distinct colour scheme and several other identifying features.

Official Barcelona taxis are black with yellow sides or doors. They have a "TAXI" sign on the roof, and a green light on the front of the taxi roof if they are free. Inside the taxi, there will be a taximeter in the centre of the front board, displaying the rate applied, any supplements, and the total amount. This is connected to a small electronic printer that will print your receipt. There should also be an identity card for the taxi driver in the right corner of the front window, and a taxi ID plate with the taxi license number, the number of passenger seats, and the registration number on the front board or left side. On the back right window, there will be a black and yellow taxi fare sticker, and on the upper right side of the front window, there will be a black and yellow metropolitan inspection sticker. This certifies that the taxi has passed its annual inspection.

Official Barcelona taxis can be hailed in the street or found at one of over 200 taxi stops in the city. If you are at the airport, there are taxi ranks outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

How to get a taxi from Barcelona Airport

Barcelona Airport is located in El Prat, and the official taxis serving the airport are black and yellow. They are licensed and reliable, and they charge using a taxi meter.

To get a taxi from Barcelona Airport, follow the signs to the taxi rank when you leave the terminal building. There are taxi ranks outside both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). You will need to join a queue and wait for a taxi to become available. You are not permitted to flag down a taxi at the airport.

The cost of a taxi from Barcelona Airport depends on the distance travelled and the time of day. There is a minimum charge of €20-21 on taxis from the airport, and this must be paid regardless of the length of the journey. A typical fare from the airport to the city centre costs around €30-35, but fares can be as high as €40. There is also a €1 per item of luggage fee and a €3.10 service charge.

Pre-Booking a Private Taxi

If you prefer, you can pre-book a private taxi or shuttle service to collect you from the airport. These often offer bilingual drivers who will meet you at baggage claim and help with your luggage. The cost may be the same or slightly higher than a traditional taxi.

Safety Tips for Taking a Taxi from Barcelona Airport

While the vast majority of taxi drivers in Barcelona are professional and honest, there are a few bad apples who will try to scam you. Be aware of drivers who try to take you on a long route to increase your fare, offer a flat rate instead of using the meter, or try to charge unnecessary fees. If you are paying in cash, be sure to count your change carefully to avoid being short-changed.

Taxi fares and supplementary charges

Barcelona's taxi service is known for its efficiency, and its pricing system varies according to peak and off-peak hours. The base rate varies from €1.23 (08:00 – 20:00) to €1.51 (20:00 – 08:00). The cost of a taxi ride can depend on several factors, including the distance travelled, time of day, and number of passengers.

Taxi Fares

The basic fare system in Barcelona is straightforward. Taxi prices start at €2.40 during weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm. At night and on holidays, the starting fare is €3. There is also a €1 supplement for each bag stored in the trunk.

Supplementary Charges

There are various additional charges that can be added to the base fare. Here are some of the common supplementary charges:

• Airport surcharge: There is an additional surcharge of around €4-€4.50 for taxis from Barcelona Airport.
• Luggage fee: There is a €1 charge for each piece of luggage stored in the trunk.
• Larger taxis: There is a supplement of approximately €3-€4.50 for larger taxis accommodating more than four passengers.
• Waiting time: One hour of waiting time is charged at €25.60.
• Toll fees: Any toll fees incurred during the journey will be added to the final fare.
• Special nights: On specific special nights, such as December 24 and 31, there is a supplement of €3.50.
• Peak hours: During peak hours, typically 8 am-10 am and 5 pm-8 pm on weekdays, fares may increase by 10%-20%.

Booking a private transfer

How to Book

You can book a private transfer online, in advance of your trip. It is highly recommended to book well ahead of time to ensure availability, especially if you are booking a transfer from overseas to the airport. You can also book a private transfer whenever you need a vehicle to pick you up from any location in Barcelona. The only requirement is to reserve your transfer at least one hour before the desired service time. Once you have made your booking, simply show the booking on your phone or a printed voucher to the driver.

Advantages of a Private Transfer

One of the main advantages of a private transfer is convenience. You will have your own personal driver who will pick you up from your chosen location and take you directly to your destination. You will also have the assurance that you and your group will be the only passengers in the vehicle. This means you won't have to worry about getting overcharged or having the right funds, as everything is booked and paid for in advance. Private transfer drivers will also assist you with your luggage.

Private Transfer Vehicles

The type of vehicle used for a private transfer in Barcelona is typically a taxi with a specially trained driver. For larger groups of more than four people, a minivan or minibus is usually provided.

When to Consider a Private Transfer

A private transfer is beneficial if you want the most comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from the airport, cruise port, hotel, train station, attraction, or shopping centre. It is also ideal if you are travelling on a long-haul flight and are likely to experience jet lag, or if you are visiting Barcelona for the first time and don't speak the language. A private transfer can also be a good option if you have a special occasion where you want everything to go smoothly.

Cost

While a private transfer offers many benefits, it is important to note that it may be more expensive than other transport options. The cost of a private transfer will vary depending on the group size and the pick-up and drop-off locations.

Safety

Private transfers are generally considered a safe option, as you book them in advance and the drivers are usually specially trained. However, it is always a good idea to check the credentials of the company and driver before booking.

Safety tips and scams to avoid

At the Airport

Only ever pick up taxis from the clearly designated pickup area at the airport. You must proceed to the taxi rank and wait in the queue in order to get a taxi. If you are in need of a special taxi (e.g. wheelchair accessible), notify the taxi rank assistant, and they will help flag down the correct vehicle for your needs.

In the Taxi

The vast majority of taxi drivers in Barcelona are very professional and will give you a safe and smooth ride, as well as charge you the correct fare for the journey. However, there are a few bad drivers who will try to scam more money out of their passengers.

Potential Scams

• Deliberately long routes: Some drivers might try to take advantage of tourists by taking them on an unnecessarily long route to their destination, which will increase the fare.
• Unlicensed taxi drivers: You might be approached by someone claiming to be an official taxi driver who will help you get a reduced fare. You should never accept a ride from these drivers because they are likely unlicensed and will try to scam you with an inflated fare.
• False flat fares or unnecessary fees: Some drivers might try to claim that your destination qualifies for a flat rate rather than a metered fare, and that the flat rate will save you money. This is usually a scam, and the flat fare will be much more expensive than a metered fare. Similarly, some drivers might try to claim you have to pay additional fees, such as excess luggage costs.
• Sleight of hand: If you are paying in cash, be sure to count exactly how much you hand to the driver and carefully count your change. Some drivers try to use sleight of hand tricks to give you back much less money than you deserve.

General Tips

• Print out directions: If you print out the quickest directions to your hotel in advance and ask the driver to follow them, this will prevent them from taking you on an alternative route.
• Ask for a receipt: At the end of your journey, ask for a receipt (say "un tiquet, por favor"). All taxi drivers are obliged to give you a receipt upon request. The receipt will include essential information that you need if you intend to make a complaint about your driver or in case of lost property.
• Check for official markings: Official Barcelona taxis are black with yellow sides or trunks. They have a taxi sign at the front of the taxi roof, which also shows a green light if the taxi is free. Inside the taxi, you should see the identity card of the taxi driver in the right corner of the front window, and the taxi ID plate with the taxi license number, the number of passenger seats, and the registration number on the taxi front board or left side.

Frequently asked questions