Is Uber Available in Barcelona?

By Alice Nichols

Barcelona is a beautiful city that attracts millions of visitors every year. Many people rely on ride-hailing services like Uber to get around the city easily and conveniently. But the question on everyone’s mind is: Is Uber available in Barcelona?

Well, the answer is yes and no.

Yes, Uber operates in Barcelona, but with certain restrictions. In 2019, the Catalan government passed regulations that made it difficult for Uber to operate in the city. As a result, Uber suspended its operations in Barcelona temporarily.

However, after some negotiations with the authorities, Uber resumed its services in March 2021. So, if you are planning to visit Barcelona now or in the future, you can use Uber to get around the city.

But there are some restrictions you should be aware of. For example, Uber drivers are required to have a VTC (Tourism Vehicle with Driver) license to operate legally in Barcelona.

This license restricts them from picking up passengers on the street or at taxi stands. They can only pick up passengers who have booked their ride through the app.

So how do you book an Uber ride in Barcelona?

It’s easy! You just need to follow these steps:

  1. Download the Uber app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. Create an account and log in.
  3. Enter your destination and select your ride option (UberX, Comfort, Black).
  4. Confirm your pickup location and payment method.
  5. Tap “Request” and wait for your driver to arrive.

It’s important to note that during peak hours or when there is high demand for rides, surge pricing may apply. This means that prices may increase significantly compared to normal rates.

Alternative Ride-Hailing Services

If you prefer not to use Uber, there are other ride-hailing services available in Barcelona such as Cabify, Bolt, and Free Now. These services operate legally in the city and offer similar features to Uber.

Conclusion

In summary, Uber is available in Barcelona but with certain restrictions. You can book a ride through the app, but drivers are required to have a VTC license and cannot pick up passengers on the street.

So if you’re visiting Barcelona and need a ride, Uber is an option worth considering. Alternatively, you can also use other ride-hailing services that operate legally in the city.