Are Taxi Expensive in Barcelona?
Barcelona, the vibrant city in Spain, offers a variety of transportation options for locals and tourists alike. One popular mode of transportation is taking a taxi.
But are taxis expensive in Barcelona? Let’s find out!
The Base Fare
When you hop into a taxi in Barcelona, you will be charged a base fare, which includes the initial distance covered. As of 2021, the base fare is €2.20 during weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. However, during weekends and public holidays, the base fare increases to €2.40.
Note: It’s essential to keep in mind that these rates are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with the official sources or directly with the taxi drivers.
Metered Fare
Once you start your journey, the meter will start ticking. The metered fare is calculated based on both time and distance traveled. As of 2021, each kilometer costs €1.13 during weekdays and €1.27 on weekends and public holidays.
If your taxi is moving slower than 10 km/h due to traffic congestion or other factors, an additional charge of €0.36 per minute will be added to your fare.
Additional Charges
In addition to the base and metered fares mentioned above, there may be additional charges depending on certain factors:
- Night surcharge: From 8:00 pm to 8:00 am during weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays, an extra charge of €0.60 per trip applies.
- Airport surcharge: If you take a taxi from Barcelona-El Prat Airport, there is an additional €4.20 charge.
- Luggage: Each piece of luggage exceeding 55x35x35 cm in size may incur an extra charge of €1.00.
- Reservation fee: If you book a taxi in advance or through an app, there might be a reservation fee ranging from €2.00 to €3.50.
Tips and Fare Rounding
In Barcelona, tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory but is appreciated. It’s common to round up the fare to the nearest euro or leave a small tip of around 5-10% if you are satisfied with the service.
Overall Verdict
While Barcelona taxi fares may seem slightly higher compared to other modes of transportation like buses or metros, they offer convenience and comfort, especially when traveling with heavy luggage or during late hours.
If you’re planning short trips within the city center, taxis can be cost-effective when shared among a group of people. Additionally, taxis provide door-to-door service and can be hailed easily from various locations in Barcelona.
To conclude, while taxis in Barcelona might not be the cheapest option available, they can be a convenient and reliable means of transportation depending on your needs and preferences.