Uber in Barcelona Airport

Are you used to Uber rides? Do you feel relaxed requesting one through the Uber app and benefit from Uber’s service standards? Although service quality varies depending on the city and local regulations, Uber remains one of the largest companies in taxi transfers, with millions of loyal customers around the world. If you are one of them and plan to travel from Barcelona Airport to your final destination in the city (or even to another city), here’s everything you need to know!

Is There Uber at Barcelona Airport?

Uber’s history in Barcelona has been eventful. The company used to provide its services until 2019, when its operations were suspended due to protests by local taxi companies. However, Uber managed to resume its services, initially operating only in collaboration with local taxis, and progressively offering other services as well, including UberX, which is the transfer service provided not by licensed taxi drivers but by professional, licensed Uber drivers. Still, Uber is subject to strict regulations imposed by the Catalan government. As a result, Uber has a much smaller fleet compared to other countries and is one of the top—but not the most popular—transit options in Barcelona. That being said, its popularity is steadily increasing, gaining an important part of customers’ preferences. Expectantly, Uber is present at Barcelona Airport, providing safe and efficient services to passengers arriving or departing from BCN.

My Tip: Uber is environmentally conscious. That’s why it introduced the Uber Green service in Barcelona, offering rides with electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce its environmental impact. Uber Reserve, allowing customers to book their ride in advance, is also available. However, it is available only for rides to and not from BCN Airport.

Booking Your Uber Ride: a Simple Process

Looking to book an Uber ride for your journey from Barcelona Airport? If you are already an Uber user, you’re familiar with the simple and straightforward booking process. Alternatively, you must download the Uber app and create an account. Now you are an Uber customer as well!

Start the booking process by entering Barcelona Airport as your pick-up point and your destination as the drop-off location. You’ll then see the available ride options, along with the fares and the estimated waiting time for pick-up. What are your needs and budget? Set your preferences and travel priorities to choose one of the following alternatives:

• Uber Taxi: This service offers rides with regular taxis collaborating with Uber. Therefore, fares are metered, depending on traffic, travel time, and distance to the drop-off point, and are generally similar to regular taxi rates.
• Uber Taxi Precio Cerrado: Rides are also provided by regular taxis. However, they offer fixed prices. Thus, you know the exact cost of the ride to your journey’s end.
• Uber X: It is the most affordable option. Journeys are provided by Uber-licensed drivers and not official taxi drivers.
• Uber Comfort: A premium service provided by Uber. Customers choosing Uber Comfort are served by spacious vehicles with more legroom. They can also customize their ride, for example, choosing whether to chat with the driver during the journey, the vehicle’s temperature, and more. As expected, fares are higher than those for UberX.
• Uber Black: The most luxurious Uber category. When you book an Uber Black ride, you’ll travel in a premium vehicle with one of Uber’s top-rated drivers. It is also the costliest alternative.
• Uber Taxi XL Precio Cerrado: Accommodating up to 6 passengers, Uber Taxi XL offers rides at pre-determined fares. Fares are calculated based on at least 4 passengers. However, if you’re traveling with lots of luggage, you should check the vehicle’s capacity, as minimum luggage space isn’t guaranteed.
• Uber Van: It also offers fixed fares and can accommodate up to 6 passengers. Moreover, rides are provided in premium vehicles by highly skilled drivers. Overall, Uber Van is more expensive than Uber Taxi XL but offers additional comfort and more luggage storage space. On the other hand, there are fewer vehicles available, often leading to longer waiting times.
• Uber Pet: Are you traveling with your furry friend? Uber offers pet-friendly rides for a small additional fee. It’s important to note that assistance animals are allowed to travel in any of the previously mentioned Uber categories.

As soon as you select an Uber category, you’ll need to set your pick-up point. Are you departing from terminal 1? You can pick up your Uber at the Ground floor of the North Parking, or the Air Corridor 1, the area designated for ride-hailing pick-ups on the side of the North Parking facility. Alternatively, at terminal 2, Uber pick-up zones are located at the Express Parking area, accessible from all three terminal sections: T2A, T2B, and T2C. You can also catch your Uber ride from the Corporate terminal BCN. Regardless of the chosen pick-up point, you’ll receive clear and detailed information on its exact location, and you can also view it on the map. Once your booking is complete, you’ll be assigned a driver. You can contact the driver through the app if you have any questions.

Worried about how to pay for your Uber ride? You can confirm your payment method when making the booking. Cash payments are accepted on the spot, and you can also pay via credit/debit card or PayPal through the app. Tipping is optional. In any case, if you wish to tip the driver, you can do so either in cash or through the app using a card.

My Tip: Were you satisfied with your ride, or did you find it uncomfortable? In either case, you should rate the driver. In this way, you’ll help future customers with their choice and encourage efficient drivers to optimize their services.

My Tips for Your Uber Rides

Do you want to make your Uber ride even more comfortable or cost-effective? Here are my guidelines:

• Always keep in mind that prices can vary slightly throughout the day, depending on demand, traffic, and other factors. However, these variations are minimal.
• Arriving at BCN Airport early in the morning or late at night? You’ll find fewer vehicles available. Therefore, waiting times can be longer.
• Uber is all about safety. Once you are assigned a driver, you’ll receive their information along with the vehicle details. Make sure to verify this information before entering the vehicle. You can also check your driver’s rating and reviews in the Uber app.
• Feeling uneasy about your ride in Barcelona? You can share your trip details through the Uber app with your loved ones for peace of mind.
• Not all Uber vehicles have car seats. However, customers can use their own.
• Uber drivers typically take the shortest or least congested route. Still, you can request a specific route if you prefer.
• Want to make some intermediate stops? You can easily add them by tapping the plus sign during the booking process.
• Do you want to book multiple rides? Tap the “Order for someone else” option.
• Uber Rent is available at Barcelona Airport, allowing passengers to rent a vehicle, drive it to their destination, and drop it off there.

Other Transit Options from BCN Airport

Besides Uber, there are other options for your journey from Barcelona Airport. While Uber is a reliable choice, you should also be aware of all your alternatives:

• Regular Taxis: Barcelona airport taxis offer efficient services as well. While Uber rides can be slightly more affordable, regular taxis are more numerous and often easier and faster to catch.
• Train journeys: The R2 Nord Train Line connects BCN Airport to Barcelona. Trains depart from the train station located outside terminal 2.
• Metro journeys: Fast and unaffected by traffic, the Orange L9 Sud Metro Line also runs from Barcelona Airport. However, it doesn’t reach downtown Barcelona, requiring a change of lines to get to the heart of the city.
• Bus rides: Metropolitan Bus 46 connects Barcelona Airport with Plaça d’Espanya, while several other bus lines link the airport to different parts of the city. Night bus lines are also available. Additionally, the Aerobús is the dedicated airport shuttle, linking Barcelona Airport to the city center. It operates two lines: A1 serving terminal 1 and A2 serving terminal 2.
• Car rentals: Both BCN terminals feature car rental companies. Thus, if you want to travel with your own vehicle, you should compare the provided prices and services to find the best deal, keeping in mind that car rentals are generally recommended for trips beyond the often congested Barcelona city center.
• Private Airport Transfers: Although Uber rides are generally safe and comfortable, and can be somewhat customized depending on the chosen category, private airport transfers are the most luxurious way to travel, providing top-quality services and a wide variety of amenities. Are you up for a lavish ride? Bear in mind, though, that it’s also the most expensive option.