Bilbao

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Taxis and Ridesharing

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Comprehensive Guide to Taxis and Ridesharing in Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao, the largest city in Spain’s Basque Country, is a vibrant and modern city with a well-organized transportation system. Taxis and ridesharing services are popular and convenient options for getting around the city, especially for visitors unfamiliar with public transport or those traveling late at night. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate taxis and ridesharing in Bilbao.

1. Taxis in Bilbao

How to Identify Taxis

  • Taxis in Bilbao are easy to spot. They are typically white with a green stripe running diagonally across the front doors.
  • A green light on the roof indicates the taxi is available, while a red light means it is occupied.
  • The word "Libre" (Free) may also be displayed on the dashboard when the taxi is available.

How to Hail a Taxi

  • On the Street: You can hail a taxi directly on the street if the green light is on.
  • Taxi Stands: Taxis are commonly found at designated taxi ranks near major landmarks, such as Plaza Moyúa, Bilbao Abando Train Station, Guggenheim Museum, and Bilbao Airport.
  • Phone Booking: You can call a taxi company to book a ride. Popular companies include:
    • Radio Taxi Bilbao: +34 944 448 888
    • Tele Taxi Bilbao: +34 944 102 121
  • Mobile Apps: Apps like PideTaxi or TaxiClick allow you to book a taxi online.

Availability

  • Taxis are widely available throughout the city, especially in central areas.
  • During peak hours (e.g., weekday mornings and evenings) or major events, you may experience longer wait times.
  • Late at night, taxis are often the most reliable option as public transport services are limited.

Costs

  • Taxis in Bilbao operate on a metered system, and fares are regulated by the local government. Approximate costs are as follows:
    • Base Fare: €4.00 (daytime) / €4.50 (nighttime, weekends, and holidays)
    • Per Kilometer: €1.10 (daytime) / €1.30 (nighttime, weekends, and holidays)
    • Waiting Time: Around €20 per hour.
    • Airport Surcharge: €5.00 for trips to/from Bilbao Airport.
  • A typical ride within the city center costs between €8-15, depending on distance and time of day.

Payment Methods

  • Most taxis accept both cash and credit/debit cards. However, it’s a good idea to confirm with the driver before starting your trip.
  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is customary.

Local Regulations

  • All taxis in Bilbao are licensed and regulated. Drivers are required to display their license and fare chart inside the vehicle.
  • Taxi drivers are generally professional and courteous, but they may not always speak fluent English. Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases (or using a translation app) can be helpful.

Cultural Tips

  • It’s polite to greet the driver with a simple "Hola" (Hello) or "Buenos días" (Good morning).
  • If you have luggage, the driver will usually assist you in loading and unloading it.
  • Smoking is prohibited in taxis.

2. Ridesharing in Bilbao

Available Ridesharing Services

  • The ridesharing market in Bilbao is not as developed as in some other cities, but services like Uber and Cabify are available.
  • Cabify is the most popular ridesharing app in Bilbao and operates similarly to Uber, offering pre-booked rides with professional drivers.

How to Use Ridesharing Services

  1. Download the App: Install the Cabify or Uber app on your smartphone.
  2. Create an Account: Sign up with your email and phone number.
  3. Enter Your Destination: Input your pickup location and destination.
  4. Choose a Ride Option: Select the type of vehicle you prefer (e.g., standard, premium).
  5. Confirm and Pay: Confirm your ride and pay through the app using a credit/debit card or other digital payment methods.

Availability

  • Ridesharing services are generally available in Bilbao, but their coverage may be more limited compared to taxis, especially in less central areas or late at night.
  • Pre-booking a ride is recommended during busy times or when traveling to/from the airport.

Costs

  • Ridesharing fares are typically competitive with taxis and may even be slightly cheaper, depending on the time of day and demand.
  • Cabify often provides fixed-price quotes, so you’ll know the cost upfront.
  • Example fares:
    • City center to Bilbao Airport: €20-25
    • Short trips within the city: €6-12

Payment Methods

  • Payments are made directly through the app using a credit/debit card or digital wallets like PayPal.
  • Tipping is optional and can be done through the app.

Local Regulations

  • Ridesharing drivers in Bilbao must have a valid license and operate under strict regulations. This ensures safety and reliability for passengers.

Cultural Tips

  • Drivers are usually professional and polite. A simple "Gracias" (Thank you) at the end of the ride is appreciated.
  • Unlike taxis, ridesharing drivers are less likely to speak English, so using the app to communicate your destination is helpful.

3. Key Considerations

Airport Transfers

  • Both taxis and ridesharing services are excellent options for getting to/from Bilbao Airport (BIO).
  • Taxis are readily available at the airport taxi rank, while ridesharing services like Cabify require pre-booking through the app.

Accessibility

  • Many taxis in Bilbao are wheelchair accessible. If you require an accessible vehicle, it’s best to call ahead and request one.
  • Ridesharing services may not always have accessible vehicles available.

Safety

  • Both taxis and ridesharing services in Bilbao are safe and reliable. Always ensure you’re entering a licensed taxi or a verified ridesharing vehicle (check the license plate and driver details in the app).

Language Barrier

  • While many drivers speak basic English, it’s helpful to know a few Spanish phrases or have your destination written down.

Alternatives

  • Bilbao has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, which are often more affordable for short trips.

4. Summary Table

| Aspect | Taxis | Ridesharing (Cabify/Uber) | |--------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Availability | Widely available | Available but less widespread | | Cost | Metered (€8-15 typical trip) | Fixed price (€6-12 typical trip) | | Payment Methods | Cash, card | In-app (card, PayPal) | | Booking Options | Street hail, phone, app | App only | | Airport Surcharge | €5.00 | Included in fixed price | | Language Barrier | Moderate | Moderate | | Tipping | Optional (round up) | Optional (via app) |

5. Final Tips

  • For short trips within the city, taxis are often the quickest and easiest option.
  • Use ridesharing apps for fixed-price quotes and convenience, especially for longer trips or airport transfers.
  • Always confirm the fare or check the app before starting your journey to avoid surprises.
  • Keep small change handy for taxis, as drivers may not always have change for large bills.

By understanding the options and following these tips, you’ll find it easy to navigate Bilbao using taxis and ridesharing services. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city!