Is there Uber in Spain? + 5 Great Alternative Options

Planning for a trip to Spain and wondering “is there Uber in Spain”?

This article will answer all your questions and more, not just about Uber but also other ride-hailing services in Spain.

Spain is a gem of a country. It’s a place where the old meets the new. Got those stunning castles right next to skyscrapers.

Bustling cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville are modern yet also hold on to their old roots. 

Also, those world-famous beaches! Ibiza, Costa Del Sol… perfect spots to chill under the sun. All that and I haven’t even mentioned the countryside yet; green as can be.

But if you are not renting a car you may want to know how Uber works in Spain. In this post I will tell you all about it.

Is there Uber in Spain?

The short answer: yes. The ride-hailing app provides pretty decent coverage in Spain, being available in all the major cities.

But what does “Decent coverage” actually mean?

Let me break it down for you. See, Uber’s not available all over Spain. Not because of pesky regulations or rules (though there were legal troubles in the past), but because of something simpler: demand.

The basic formula is this: in large cities, like Madrid or Barcelona, you’ll have no trouble finding an Uber.

But if you’re off to a quiet, hidden gem, well, Uber might be a bit scarce. Don’t fret though.

We’ve got plenty of ways to navigate that. Stick with me, and you won’t be stranded. Promise!

What you should know about Uber in Spain

👉🏽 Is Uber legal in Spain?

At the time of writing, yes. Uber is completely legal in Spain. There were a few legal disputes around 2014 that lasted until 2019 or so.

A few protests, and some disputes. Uber’s legal status was a little murky for a little bit. But don’t worry, they’ve dusted off the confetti and sorted things out.

So, as of now, yep, Uber is totally legit in Spain.

Remember though, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s available universally in Spain.

As I’ve said in the section before, Uber’s availability in Spain is more on a city-to-city basis.

👉🏽 Is Uber safe in Spain?

Safety always comes first. It’s the golden rule of travel. So, let’s talk about Uber safety in Spain.

You’ll be glad to know that Uber in Spain is completely safe. When you hop into that Uber, you can rest easy.

After all, safety’s a big deal for Uber worldwide, not just in Spain.

Background checks on drivers? Check. Vehicle safety checks? Double check. The service takes the safety of its passengers seriously.

Plus, you’ve got that cool live GPS tracking so you can share your ride details with your buddies or family. Pretty neat.

Of course, the best-designed safety features can fail if you don’t utilize them properly.

Always remember to confirm the driver’s name and check the car details before you hop in.

If those details don’t match the ones you’re shown on the app, don’t take that ride.

And always, always, share your ride details with someone you trust.

Lastly, Uber provides insurance coverage in the event of mishaps during a ride.

However, I highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of said coverage so you know what protections you have.

👉🏽 Types of Ubers you can take in Spain

✔️ UberX: Your standard Uber ride. Reasonably priced, roomy enough for four. You’ll usually get a sedan or SUV.

✔️ Uber Van: Traveling with your family and friends? Uber Van’s got you. Fits up to seven. Perfect for those big group outings.

✔️ Uber Black: Time to get fancy! Uber Black is top-tier. Luxury cars, professional drivers. A ride fit to make you feel like a celebrity.

✔️ Uber Comfort: Looking for a bit more legroom? Uber Comfort’s the way to go. Modern cars, more space, and a comfier ride.

✔️ Uber Taxi: Best of both worlds. Ride a taxi but with the convenience of Uber. Just tap, book, and ride.

Worth mentioning that you won’t find all of these types in every single city in Spain. In some smaller cities, you might only find Uber Taxi.

👉🏽 Is there Uber Eats in Spain?

Authentic Spanish food is easily one of the best parts of visiting Spain. Craving some churros but too comfy to step out? No worries. Uber Eats is in Spain!

Whether you’re feeling like tapas or paella, or maybe even some international cuisine, Uber Eats has got you covered. So kick back, relax, and let your food come to you.

Cities in Spain that have Uber

👍🏼 Is there an Uber in Madrid, Spain?

Ah, Madrid! Spain’s high-spirited capital where the passion of Flamenco dances through the air. An artsy wonderland teeming with masterpieces, from the grandiose Royal Palace to the treasure-filled Prado Museum. 

And the best part? Uber’s right there with you, making it easy to get around your artistic exploration a breeze. Just a few taps and voila – your chariot awaits!

👍🏼 Is there Uber in Barcelona, Spain?

Next up, Barcelona, an architectural paradise where Gaudi’s genius springs to life. This vibrant city is one of Spain’s biggest and most frequented spots. 

And the city is also a playground for Uber. High demand, fast service, it’s got it all. So whether you’re exploring the Gothic Quarter or heading to a beachside bar, Uber’s got your ride.

👍🏼 Is there Uber in Palma de Mallorca, Spain?

Let’s cruise to Palma de Mallorca, a stunning blend of sun-kissed beaches and medieval history.

Now, here’s the scoop: until a few weeks ago, there was no Uber here. But things have changed!

Most commonly, you’ll find Uber Taxis ready to zip you around this island gem.

👍🏼 Is there Uber in Valencia, Spain? 

Valencia, the city of arts and sciences. Whether you’re soaking up futuristic architecture or sampling the birthplace of paella, Uber’s ready to take you there.

Available at your fingertips, it’s the perfect companion for this modern-meets-traditional city.

👍🏼 Is there Uber in Seville, Spain?

Seville, a city that strums the rhythm of Flamenco and dazzles with vibrant festivals. And guess who’s also there to take you around the city? Uber!

Easily available, it’s the perfect way to explore Seville’s rich heritage and exciting present.

👍🏼 Is there Uber in Granada, Spain?

Next, let’s take a jaunt to Granada, where the past whispers through Alhambra’s walls. Uber’s here, but take note – there aren’t as many drivers around.

So… while you can catch a ride, you might have to wait a bit longer. Good things come to those who wait, right?

👍🏼 Is there Uber in Malaga, Spain?

Malaga is Picasso’s birthplace and a sun-soaked haven. As you bask in the artistic aura and coastal charm, rest easy knowing Uber is available for all your travel needs.

👍🏼 Is there Uber in Benidorm, Spain?

Benidorm, where the nightlife buzzes and the beaches beckon! This party hub is all about fun. But when it comes to Uber? Well, not so much. No Uber rides here, I’m afraid.

Local taxis are excellent though, and you’ll have no trouble finding those.

👍🏼 Is there Uber in Tenerife, Spain?

Finally, Tenerife, the island of eternal spring. A paradise with towering volcanoes and lush forests. However, in this paradise, Uber is still a dream. No Uber services here, either.

Can you take an Uber from airports in Spain?

✈️ Is there Uber in Barcelona airport?

Barcelona Airport is the gateway to Catalonia’s vibrant gem. Fresh off the plane and need a ride? Good news, Uber’s got you covered.

That’s right, Uber operates here, ready to whisk you away to your next Barcelona adventure.

✈️ Is there Uber in Madrid airport?

Yes, Uber is available at Madrid airport. However, since there are no designated Uber pickup points at the Madrid airport, you’ll have to go catch one in the parking area.

It’s easier to take the local taxis, which have a flat rate of 30 Euros to take you from the airport to any part of the city.

Uber Alternatives in Spain

👉 Local Taxis

You can never go wrong with local taxis. They’re everywhere, they know the ins and outs of the city, and they’re often a vibrant part of the local culture.

You might not have an app, but a wave of the hand or a phone call can hail you a ride.

👉 Cabify

Cabify is Spain’s homegrown rideshare service. Much like Uber, it’s app-based and convenient. But what sets it apart? It’s often got fixed prices, so no nasty surprises. Plus, it’s big on eco-friendly options. Good for your pocket, good for the planet.

👉 Pidetaxi

Pidetaxi is another local service launched by the Association of Radio Taxis of Spain (ARTE). It is your bridge between traditional taxis and the digital world. Just pop open the app, book a ride, and a local taxi will swing by to pick you up.

👉 Bolt

Meet Bolt, another international player on the Spanish rideshare scene. Originally from Estonia, Bolt offers a user-friendly app and competitive pricing. It’s also got a neat range of options, from budget rides to premium services.

👉 Free Now

Last but not least, Free Now, a rideshare service available in several Spanish cities. It’s easy to use and even offers an option to book rides in advance. Plus, it’s got an impressive range of services, including taxi booking, e-scooters, e-bikes, and carpooling.

Uber vs Taxis in Spain

👉🏽 Why do local taxi drivers in Spain dislike Uber?

Ah, the age-old clash: local taxis vs. Uber. It’s not just a Spanish thing, but let’s dive into the local scene.

The main gripe local taxi drivers have with Uber? It’s seen as an unfair player in the transportation game. Here’s why.

First, licensing. Taxi drivers in Spain need to go through a stringent process to get a license. It’s not easy, and it’s not cheap.

But Uber drivers? They’ve sidestepped these rules, operating under a different license known as the VTC, which basically means private hire vehicle. It’s caused a bit of a stir.

Then there’s the question of pricing. Taxi fares are regulated, but Uber’s got a bit more wiggle room. It can drop prices during off-peak hours, attracting more riders. Not exactly a level playing field, huh?

And let’s not forget about job security. With Uber in the mix, there’s increased competition. More drivers vying for the same passengers.

For taxi drivers who’ve been in the game for years, this can feel threatening.

So, there you have it. It’s a bit of a tussle, with tradition and regulation on one side, and innovation and market forces on the other.

Safety tips for using Uber in Spain

📌 Check the details: Before hopping into your Uber, always check the driver’s name, photo, and car details on the app. They should match the person picking you up. No match, no ride.

📌 Share your trip: Let a friend or family member know you’re on an Uber ride. Share your trip details, so they can keep track of your journey. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it adds an extra layer of safety.

📌 Ride in the back: Grabbing the backseat gives you and your driver some personal space. Plus, in case you need to exit quickly, you can do so from either side of the car.

📌 Know your route: Familiarize yourself with the general route to your destination. If you notice a big detour, don’t hesitate to ask your driver. It could be a legit reason, like traffic or road closures. But if it feels off, trust your gut.

📌 Don’t share personal info: Your Uber driver doesn’t need your personal contact information. All communication can happen through the app, keeping your details secure.

📌 Rate and report: At the end of your ride, take a moment to rate your driver. If something felt off, report it. Uber takes user feedback seriously, and it helps make the platform safer for everyone.

Uber/taxi scams to avoid in Spain

👎🏼 Illegal taxi drivers

These are folks posing as legitimate taxi drivers, without the proper licenses or regulations. They may offer you a ride, often at airports or tourist hotspots. Avoid them. Stick with certified taxis or your trusted Uber app.

👎🏼 Fake Tickets

Some scammers might try to sell you cheap (and fake) tickets for tourist attractions during your ride. Don’t bite. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. It’s always safer to buy tickets from official websites or ticket counters.

👎🏼 Running up the meter

Watch out for drivers who take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare. If you suspect this, check the route on your own map. Or better yet, ask the driver why they’re taking a particular route.

👎🏼 Taxi fare scam

Some taxi drivers might claim the meter is broken and charge you an exorbitant flat rate. In such cases, insist on using the meter or get out and find another taxi.

Do you tip taxi drivers in Spain?

Let’s talk about tipping etiquette in Spain. Unlike some countries, tipping taxi drivers isn’t a hard and fast rule in Spain. It’s appreciated, sure, but not expected.

That being said, if your driver was particularly helpful — maybe they helped with heavy luggage or shared some local tips — a small tip is a nice gesture. Even rounding up to the nearest euro is plenty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Is there Uber in Spain?

So, there you have it, folks. Uber is indeed present in Spain, but it’s not present everywhere. Its availability differs from city to city.

Yet, it remains a solid and familiar choice for many travelers wherever it’s available.

Spain is not just about Uber, though. The vibrant mix of transportation alternatives—from traditional taxis to local rideshares like Cabify—opens a window to a spectrum of experiences.

Each choice comes with its own unique flavor and narrative, so why not try them all?

In the end, Spain is about the journey and the destination.

The mesmerizing flamenco rhythms of Seville, the architectural wonders of Barcelona, and the sun-kissed beaches of Malaga—are all reachable, with a little help from your chosen app.

So… here’s to Spain. To Uber. To the road less traveled and the one well-trodden. It’s time to buckle up and embrace the ride. Safe travels!