Taxi Availability At Barcelona Airport: What You Need To Know

Barcelona Airport, also known as El Prat Airport or BCN Airport, has a large number of taxis available for passengers. The airport taxis are considered the most convenient way to travel to and from the airport, as they offer door-to-door services and can get you to the city centre in under 20 minutes. The standard Barcelona taxis are black with yellow sides and can be easily identified by the TAXI sign on their roof. At the airport, there are designated taxi ranks located outside the arrival areas of both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). It is important to note that you cannot hail a taxi randomly at the airport; you must join the queue at the designated taxi ranks. The cost of a taxi ride from the airport depends on factors such as distance, time of day, and additional charges for luggage and airport transfers. While most taxi drivers are honest, there are a few bad apples who may try to scam tourists by taking longer routes or charging unnecessary fees. Therefore, it is recommended to be aware of the common scams and take precautions, such as booking a private taxi in advance or checking the rates before your trip.

Taxi ranks and queues

There are always a large number of taxis available at Barcelona Airport, which is good news for travellers needing to get to their destination quickly. The taxi ranks are located outside the arrival areas of both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). In T2, taxis queue in front of all sections (T2A, T2B, and T2C). The airport signage is clear, so finding the taxi ranks is straightforward. However, it is not possible to hail a taxi at Barcelona Airport. You must join a queue and wait for a taxi to be allocated to you. There is usually a staff member in a high-visibility jacket who will direct you to your taxi.

Demand for taxis is high during peak season (July to September) and school holidays, so you may need to prepare for a lengthy wait.

Taxi costs and charges

Barcelona Airport has a large number of taxis available. The standard Barcelona taxis are black with yellow sides and a “TAXI” sign on their roof. There is a minimum charge for taxis from the airport, which must be paid regardless of the length of the journey. The cost of your journey will depend on the distance travelled and the time of travel. The daytime hours are more expensive than the evening hours.

The taxi fare from the airport to the city centre typically ranges from €30 to €39. There is also a €1 charge per item of luggage stored in the trunk and a €3.10 service fee. If you are travelling outside the city, the price per km is higher, so it is recommended to ask for a final fare estimate before starting your journey.

There are also supplemental charges for factors such as rides to and from the airport, which is €4.30, road tolls, and larger vehicles for 5-8 passengers, which is an additional €4.30. If you are travelling with a group of more than four people, you may need to request a larger taxi in advance, as these are not as readily available.

It is important to note that tipping is not expected in Spain, but it is common to round up the fare if the service is excellent. Most taxis accept credit card payments, but it is always good to ask in advance. It is also a good idea to have some small change with you, as taxi drivers may not carry more than €20 in change.

If you are concerned about potential scams, it is recommended to pre-book a private taxi or shuttle service. These services often offer bilingual drivers who will meet you at baggage claim and help with your luggage. While the cost may be higher than a traditional taxi, you can have peace of mind knowing your transportation is set and waiting for you.

Booking a taxi

Where to Find a Taxi

There are always plenty of taxis available at Barcelona Airport. They can be found at the official taxi ranks outside the arrival areas of Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). In T2, taxis queue in front of all sections (T2A, T2B, and T2C). Follow the signs from your gate in Arrivals, and you will see the official black and yellow taxis lined up in ranks just outside.

How to Book

You cannot hail a taxi on the street at Barcelona Airport. Instead, you must head to the taxi rank and wait in line. If you need a special taxi (e.g. wheelchair accessible or a larger vehicle), notify the taxi rank assistant, and they will help flag down the correct vehicle for your needs.

If you want to book your taxi in advance, you can do so online or by phone. Booking in advance can be helpful during peak season (July-September) and school holidays, when wait times for taxis can be long.

Taxi Companies

The following taxi companies can be contacted by phone to book a taxi:

• Cooperativa Radio Taxi: +34 93 225 0000
• Taxi Miramar: +34 93 433 1020
• Barna Taxi: +34 93 322 2222
• Fono Taxi: +34 93 300 1100
• Radio Taxi 033: +34 93 303 3033
• Servi Taxi: +34 93 330 0300

Taxi Apps

Ridesharing companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Free Now also operate at Barcelona Airport.

Taxi Scams

Be aware of potential scams when taking a taxi from Barcelona Airport. Only ever pick up taxis from the designated pickup area, as drivers claiming to be official may be unlicensed and will try to scam you with inflated fares.

Payment

You can pay for a taxi in Barcelona with cash or credit card, although it is always best to check with the driver before getting in. If paying in cash, make sure you have small change, as taxi drivers may not have more than €20 in change.

Receipt

Always ask for a receipt at the end of your journey, as this will be helpful if you need to file a complaint or claim lost property.

Taxi safety and scams

Barcelona Airport is a hub for taxis, and there are always plenty available. The standard Barcelona taxis are black and yellow, and they are licensed and reliable. 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 your journey. However, as with any major city, there are a small number of dishonest drivers operating at the airport who will try to scam tourists. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and scam-free journey:

Getting a Taxi at the Airport

Firstly, it's important to know that you cannot hail a taxi at Barcelona Airport. There are taxi ranks outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and you must join the queue to get a taxi. A staff member in a high-visibility jacket will direct you to a taxi that is waiting. This is a safety measure to ensure that you get an official taxi.

Avoiding Scams

• Long routes: Some drivers might try to take advantage of tourists by taking them on a longer route to increase the fare. You can avoid this by printing out the quickest directions to your destination in advance and asking the driver to follow them.
• Unlicensed taxis: Be wary of anyone approaching you in the airport and offering you a reduced fare. These drivers are likely unlicensed and will try to scam you with an inflated fare. Only ever take taxis from the designated pickup area.
• Flat fares and extra fees: Some drivers might try to claim that your journey qualifies for a flat rate, which will be more expensive than a metered fare. They might also try to add extra fees, such as excess luggage costs. Push back if a driver tries either of these tricks.
• Sleight of hand: If you are paying in cash, be sure to count your change carefully. Some drivers try to use sleight of hand to give you less money than you deserve.
• Metered fares: In Barcelona, taxi meters are tamper-proof. However, even with an honest meter, some drivers have ways of overcharging tourists. For example, they might select the pricier "night and weekend" rate during a weekday. An explanation of the different meter rates should be posted in the cab, and you can ask the driver to explain if you are confused.
• Credit card scams: Always ask before getting into a taxi whether they accept credit cards, as some only take cash.
• Queue scams: Be wary of unofficial helpers who try to usher you out of the official taxi queue to a separate taxi area. This is often a scam that ends with your credit card number being stolen.

Other Tips

• Price: It is worth knowing that there is a minimum charge of €20 on taxis from Barcelona Airport, and this must be paid regardless of the length of the journey. There is also a €1 per item of luggage fee and a €3.10 service charge.
• Safety in numbers: Groups, or even just two people, can often save time and money by sharing a taxi rather than using public transport.
• Lost property: If you think you have left something in your taxi, you can contact a specific helpline to deal with this.
• Complaints: If you want to make a complaint about your taxi driver, ask for a receipt at the end of your journey. All taxi drivers are obliged to give you a receipt, which will include essential information that you need to make a complaint.

Taxi availability

There are always a large number of taxis available at Barcelona Airport. Official taxis are lined up in the taxi ranks outside Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) 24 hours a day, all year round. The taxi ranks are located directly outside the arrivals areas of both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). In T2, taxis queue in front of all sections, T2A, T2B, and T2C.

You cannot hail a taxi randomly at Barcelona Airport. Instead, you must join a queue and be directed to a waiting taxi by a staff member. There is usually a wait for a taxi, which can be longer during peak season (July-September) and school holidays.

If you don't want to wait in line for a taxi, you can book a private taxi or shuttle service in advance.

Frequently asked questions