Uber In Barcelona: A Complete Guide To Cost, Info & More 2024
Last updated on May 1st, 2024
Planning a trip to Barcelona? Check out our complete guide to getting around the city, including Uber in Barcelona and other transportation options.
Barcelona is quite a large city, and while it’s easy to get around on foot, there will be times when you need to catch a ride. Luckily, there are a few options to get you where you need to go.
As someone who studied abroad in Barcelona, I know about the city’s best transportation options. Uber is just one of the many options to choose from.
After reading this post, you’ll learn all there is to know about Uber in Barcelona.
This post is all about Uber in Barcelona.
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Is Uber In Barcelona?
Is there Uber in Barcelona? Yes, that’s the answer in a nutshell! Uber is one of the top options for transportation around the city.
Barcelona is a highly walkable city, except when going to and from the airport. Then, it becomes a hassle…
Why struggle with your luggage on public transportation when you can make your trip hassle-free with an airport transportation service? For a stress-free travel experience, check out these affordable airport transport options.
How much is Uber in Barcelona?
If you’ve ever used Uber before, you know that prices can vary depending on the location, the length of the ride, and the time you request a ride. This is how it works in Barcelona as well.
Prices can be as low as 10 euros and up to 30+ euros, with the average cost of around 16 euros. Consider peak times when booking your ride, which can influence the price.
What I love about Uber, though, is its very transparent pricing, meaning you know exactly how much it will cost upfront. This is amazing because it allows you to budget your outing accordingly.
How To Use Uber In Barcelona
Using Uber in Barcelona is quite simple. If you’ve ever used Uber before, the process is the same.
You’ll need to have the Uber app downloaded on your phone. Then, once in the app, you simply request an Uber to go to the destination you want to go to. After you’ve put in the desired destination, the app will tell you the cost of the trip, how long it will take, and how far the nearest driver is from you.
Types of Uber
When you open the Uber app, you will see a few options to choose from.
Taxi – this option is metered like a normal taxi. Afterward, you have your regular Uber options: UberX, Uber Black, and a Van for larger groups.
Naturally, the bigger and nicer the car you request, the more expensive the ride.
Uber Eats Barcelona
Uber Eats is also available in Barcelona if you want food delivered. Other food delivery options include Glovo, Just Eat, and Too Good To Go.
Uber At Barcelona Airport
If you are visiting Barcelona, I’m sure you’re wondering, can I catch an Uber at the airport? Or is it better to get a taxi from Barcelona airport to the city center?
Yes, you can get an Uber or a taxi at the Barcelona airport, straight into the heart of Barcelona. However, a taxi ride to or from the airport can be expensive, so I recommend booking an Uber ride over a taxi in this instance.
But is there a better way to get to & from the airport in Barcelona? Yes, there is!
Booking an airport transfer service is the cheapest & most efficient route when looking for transportation to and from the airport.
You don’t have to worry about carrying your luggage on the metro or bus, nor do you have to keep an eye out for pickpocketers. Both of which can make an already long travel day super stressful.
And best of all, it’s cheaper than both Uber & taxi. So, if you want to have a hassle-free travel experience, consider these cost-effective airport transportation alternatives.
How Much Is Uber From Barcelona Airport to City?
Prices for an Uber from Barcelona Airport to the city vary. This is all due to surge pricing, so some factors you want to consider when booking your Uber ride from the airport include:
- Peak Hours: Am I booking during the busier hours of the day? Hours around early to mid-morning (6 am – 10 am) & in the evening (4 pm – 8 pm) are the busiest times for requesting an Uber to (and from) the airport.
- Final Destination: Where am I headed to? The further your destination is from the airport, the more expensive the ride will be.
- How Many Passengers? Am I traveling in a larger group? If you have more than 4 passengers, you will have to upgrade your Uber ride to accommodate the size of your group, which will increase the price of the ride.
Uber Alternatives In Barcelona
Several alternatives to Ubering in Barcelona include other rideshare options, public transportation, and more. So, if you don’t want to use Uber, you don’t have to. Below are the different options:
Bolt in Barcelona
Bolt is another rideshare app similar to Uber. You can request your ride in a matter of seconds & be on your way.
Bolt has 5 different vehicle options for their users’ needs. So, you can ride in a nicer car if you’re feeling fancy, or if you have a large party, you can request a van to accommodate everyone.
Cabify in Barcelona
Another similar rideshare app is Cabify. You download the app, request your ride, and then you’re off!
In contrast to Uber, Cabify prices are based on distance traveled alone, and the fastest route is always chosen. So, you don’t have to worry about surge pricing like with Uber.
However, there is an extra fee for nighttime rides, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when booking.
FreeNow in Barcelona
FreeNow is a hugely popular taxi app in Spain. This is like Uber but strictly for taxis. You can order a taxi right through the app & it will pick you up just like the Uber, Cabify, or Bolt service would.
You can also book a ride on a shared motorcycle, bike, or scooter. Or you can rent your own scooter or electric bike to get around through the app. So, there are several options to choose from.
FreeNow is an excellent choice if you want to rent a bike or scooter to get yourself around!
Taxi
Next up are taxis. Taxis have been around in Barcelona for quite some time, even longer than all these rideshare apps.
Usually, I would avoid taxis when traveling, especially in big cities like New York, because they are very pricey. However, the taxis in Barcelona are affordable (in most cases) and can provide an excellent means of transportation.
The only caveat is that you can usually find cheaper means of travel via public transportation, Uber (sometimes), Cabify, etc.
However, a significant pro to taking a taxi is their availability. You can find a taxi just about anywhere in Barcelona. So, if you aren’t trying to wait for a ride, a taxi is undoubtedly the way to go.
Walking
Walking is one of my favorite ways to get around, especially in a city like Barcelona. There’s so much to see & take in; you can have a whole adventure before you even reach your destination.
Plus, it’s free & a great way to get some exercise.
The Metro
Another quick, (cheap), and efficient way to get around in Barcelona is via the metro.
Luckily, Barcelona has excellent public transportation, so the metro system is super easy to learn & navigate through.
Note: you’ll want to be aware of pickpocketers on the metro, as this is their scene. Also, avoid riding the metro late at night because it can become sketchy.
Bus
I recommend taking the bus over the metro, especially if this is your first time visiting the city. Why, you ask?
Because you’re above ground, you naturally get to see more! You can people-watch as everyone goes to & from work, see the gorgeous buildings, and gain some sense of direction in the city.
Visiting Barcelona: FAQs
Here are some popular questions when trying to figure out the transportation situation in Barcelona.
Can Uber pick up at Barcelona airport?
Yes, Uber can pick you up at the Barcelona airport. However, as mentioned above, getting an Uber to and from the Barcelona airport can be expensive.
So, instead of booking an Uber to the Barcelona airport, save some coins and book an airport transportation transfer here.
Is Uber any good in Barcelona?
Yes, absolutely! Although there has been some controversy over Uber since it arrived in Barcelona. To say the least, taxi drivers were not at all excited about Uber coming into town, which is understandable. Business has now become very competitive for them.
But, yes, Uber is an affordable & reliable form of transportation in Barcelona.
Is Uber cheaper than taxi in Barcelona?
Sometimes yes, and other times no. During certain parts of the day, Uber can actually be more affordable than taking a taxi. However, you want to keep in mind that Uber often has surge pricing (which is where the price increases when the demand for an Uber ride increases).
So, you can expect morning & evening rush hours to be more expensive than other parts of the day.
To ensure that you are making a sound financial discussion, check the Uber app & local taxi rates regularly. This way, you can weigh which option is best for you.
Cons & Pros of Uber in Barcelona
Pros
- It’s an easy & familiar way to travel.
Uber is available in many countries & if you’ve used it before, you’re familiar with the process already. Since you’re traveling, I’m sure you love the excitement in your life. But sometimes, you crave a bit of familiarity when traveling. You are sure to get that with Uber.
And if you’ve never used Uber before, learning how is pretty simple. With an easy-to-use app & clear instructions, you can reach your destination quickly. - No cash is needed.
If you’re anything like me, you don’t carry much cash, which isn’t great if you’re taking a taxi. But with Uber, everything is digital. So I just book & pay online for my ride and don’t have to think about it anymore.
Cons
- Getting an Uber can sometimes involve waiting for a considerable amount of time.
Sometimes, your requested Uber can arrive within 5 minutes or less of submitting the request. However, this is very much a game of Russian roulette.
At other times, your requested Uber can have you waiting outside for a considerable time. Some factors are at play here: 1) there aren’t many drivers on the road when you request your ride, or 2) it’s during the peak hours, so traffic could be holding up your driver. - Prices vary.
As I mentioned earlier, Uber can sometimes be cheaper than taxis but also more expensive. So, to make the best cost-efficient decision, check prices on the Uber app and local taxi rates to make a sound choice. - Limited availability.
Unfortunately, Uber drivers are not as plentiful as taxi drivers. So, there will be times when the wait for an Uber is really long. And if you’ve got places to be, riding in an Uber isn’t your best option here.
Final Thoughts: Uber In Barcelona
While Uber is available in Barcelona, I wouldn’t say it’s the best way to get around the city. Many other transportation options are more straightforward, cheaper, and readily available than Uber in Barcelona.
However! I wouldn’t rule it out entirely because it may be the better option during quieter times of the day. I recommend keeping your options open & reviewing each mode of transportation so you can make an informed decision.
Regardless of how you decide to get around in Barcelona, you will surely have a good time!
Wishing you safe & happy travels.
~ Jacquelyn
This post is all about Uber in Barcelona.
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