Taxis at the Port of Barcelona

[jd99]

Though I will cover this in an upcoming trip report about our August 7 Med cruise (great incredible time), I have a warning for anyone reading this who has yet to cruise. After reading on here that taxis were easy to get when you debark the cruise, I didn't arrange transportation to our Barcelona hotel. Truly my only BIG mistake of this sailing. I waited for 90 minutes for a taxi and then had to further wait for a minivan because we had so much luggage and four people. While waiting, we had the pleasure of getting attacked by a guy who accused us of not waiting in the line and tried to pick a fight with me - and then my wife. It was quite a spectacle by a typical ugly American. No wonder we have such a bad reputation around the world. But beside that, the 90 minute wait was just not worth the cost savings. Friends had pre-arranged transportation for 60 Euros. Though we paid just a little over half of that, I would have gladly paid triple to not have to deal with the wait that we did. I highly encourage folks to pre-arrange transport or use DCL transfers. I will if we are ever in Barcelona for a cruise again.

 

[lindylou2_2002]

Though I will cover this in an upcoming trip report about our August 7 Med cruise (great incredible time), I have a warning for anyone reading this who has yet to cruise. After reading on here that taxis were easy to get when you debark the cruise, I didn't arrange transportation to our Barcelona hotel. Truly my only BIG mistake of this sailing. I waited for 90 minutes for a taxi and then had to further wait for a minivan because we had so much luggage and four people. While waiting, we had the pleasure of getting attacked by a guy who accused us of not waiting in the line and tried to pick a fight with me - and then my wife. It was quite a spectacle by a typical ugly American. No wonder we have such a bad reputation around the world. But beside that, the 90 minute wait was just not worth the cost savings. Friends had pre-arranged transportation for 60 Euros. Though we paid just a little over half of that, I would have gladly paid triple to not have to deal with the wait that we did. I highly encourage folks to pre-arrange transport or use DCL transfers. I will if we are ever in Barcelona for a cruise again.

Totally agree with this we got off in barcelona on the 7th of Aug after the repo cruise from Dover we waited in the hot sun with small children for nearly 2 hours for a taxi. We were travelling on to Salou so another couple of hours on the bus next year I will arrange for a transfer wouldnt bother with disney as that is expensive. But a few people organised their own and I will be getting details.

 

[mrosen]

I'm sorry to hear about this.

We were on the Med cruise in spring and got off ship (date was in May) and we didn't wait at all for a taxi. So we had a very different experience.

 

[GW45]

I guess it all depends on what time you leave the ship. We're not naturally early risers but were told that our breakfast slot in Lumieres was 7 am - we left straight after breakfast and found all of our luggage pretty quickly so it was around 7.45 when we got outside and there were tons of taxis lined up, 3long rows of them. Anyone who hasn't pre arranged transport or Disney transfers should then try to get off the ship as early as possible (as sad as that is) to get a taxi.

 

[jd99]

I guess it all depends on what time you leave the ship. We're not naturally early risers but were told that our breakfast slot in Lumieres was 7 am - we left straight after breakfast and found all of our luggage pretty quickly so it was around 7.45 when we got outside and there were tons of taxis lined up, 3long rows of them. Anyone who hasn't pre arranged transport or Disney transfers should then try to get off the ship as early as possible (as sad as that is) to get a taxi.

Because we were staying in Barcelona overnight and had late dining (and thus late breakfast) we didn't even give it a second thought based on everything I had read here about the ease of getting taxis. We probably got off the ship at around 8:45 - zipped right through luggage area and everything else until we saw that crazy taxi line at which point i started cursing the decision to not pre-arrange a car.

 

[CruisingSarah]

Thanks for posting this, I totally agree and have posted it myself a couple of times before on other threads.

I have debarked at Barcelona 3 times now, twice off Royal and once off Disney same cruise as you and seen the horrific taxi situation every time. Only the first time we were in it and like you must have been 2 hours.

There are plenty of taxis but the problem seems to be in loading them and getting them away quickly and efficiently. They have the police there supervising the head of the line so you know it must get pretty fraught.

Our travel agent had pre-booked transfers for us through A2B transfers and they worked out fine and were reasonably priced.

Taxis are very cheap in Barcelona but no good for the debark unless you are in the very first groups of people off that ship. The port bus is fine and cheap if you can easily handle your luggage and don't mind a bit of a squash!

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Though I will cover this in an upcoming trip report about our August 7 Med cruise (great incredible time), I have a warning for anyone reading this who has yet to cruise. After reading on here that taxis were easy to get when you debark the cruise, I didn't arrange transportation to our Barcelona hotel. Truly my only BIG mistake of this sailing. I waited for 90 minutes for a taxi and then had to further wait for a minivan because we had so much luggage and four people. While waiting, we had the pleasure of getting attacked by a guy who accused us of not waiting in the line and tried to pick a fight with me - and then my wife. It was quite a spectacle by a typical ugly American. No wonder we have such a bad reputation around the world. But beside that, the 90 minute wait was just not worth the cost savings. Friends had pre-arranged transportation for 60 Euros. Though we paid just a little over half of that, I would have gladly paid triple to not have to deal with the wait that we did. I highly encourage folks to pre-arrange transport or use DCL transfers. I will if we are ever in Barcelona for a cruise again.

Im sorry to hear this, hope t didnt dampen the cruise too much.

I am still debating what to do about transfers from airport to apartment.

 

[CruisingSarah]

Im sorry to hear this, hope t didnt dampen the cruise too much.

I am still debating what to do about transfers from airport to apartment.

Pretty sure taxis from the airport are not a problem, it's the port that's a big problem unless you are off the ship really early.

 

[StephenKay]

Im sorry to hear this, hope t didnt dampen the cruise too much.

I am still debating what to do about transfers from airport to apartment.

Lynne,

I was also on that cruise and stood for a long time waiting for the taxis, it simply was not fun for anyone. Many people, of all nationalities who had been prefectly pleasant during the cruise were becoming hot and bothered the system queues in a covered loop although it does not spare you from the heat and the constant need to move your luggage. All in all a bit more design thought could go a long way to help but by this time you have had your cruise and they are focused on the next ship load of passengers.

From the town to port is not a problem, we ask for a minicab at our hotel and it was there within 3 minutes to the airport. The taxis did seem costly when they applied all the surcharges such a port/airport costs.

Lynne,
As an aside issue, my wife bought me a kilt outfit yesterday and it cost more than my cruise!!!

 

[TPBChick]

Sounds like I need to reconsider taking a cab after our cruise. Has anyone taken the shuttle to the Renaissance Barcelona Airport Hotel after the cruise? Do you know if you need to make a reservation?

 

[1st Cruise]

For those of you who set up your transportation who did you use. I am looking for a good recommendation once our cruise is over and we get off of the ship in barcelona. If you have any information I would appreciate it.

Also, thanks for posting this. I do not want to sit in the heat with my daughter who will be very grumpy.

 

[Melcatfish]

I think it is the luck of the draw. We got off the same cruise as JD99 approx 9:15am and waited no more than 5 minutes for a taxi. There were 4 of us with two large suitcases and 4 carry ons but they managed to fit it all in a standard taxi and we were glad we cancelled our DCL transfers ($90 as they didn't charge for our youngest who is only 2) straight to the airport would have been 35 Euro but we asked for a short city tour en route so we ended up paying 80 Euro but we saw a lot of the sights, stopped for photos, learned a lot and took a 15 minute stop at Parc Guell to get photos and to use the rest rooms.

I guess htere are pros and cons and it will all depends on your luck as you get out of the terminal. Our flight was not until 2pm so we didn't want to go straight to the airport with DCL.

Mel
x

 

[yow]

With all of the comments regarding the taxi situation, we're considering booking a transfer with A2B for post-cruise (28-Aug sailing) to the airport.

Any suggestions on what time we should request for pick-up?

(our flight is at noon with easyJet)

 

[jd99]

I think it is the luck of the draw. We got off the same cruise as JD99 approx 9:15am and waited no more than 5 minutes for a taxi. There were 4 of us with two large suitcases and 4 carry ons but they managed to fit it all in a standard taxi and we were glad we cancelled our DCL transfers ($90 as they didn't charge for our youngest who is only 2) straight to the airport would have been 35 Euro but we asked for a short city tour en route so we ended up paying 80 Euro but we saw a lot of the sights, stopped for photos, learned a lot and took a 15 minute stop at Parc Guell to get photos and to use the rest rooms.

I guess htere are pros and cons and it will all depends on your luck as you get out of the terminal. Our flight was not until 2pm so we didn't want to go straight to the airport with DCL.

Mel
x

I'm glad our experience isn't what happened to everyone but I can tell you it was so horrible that I'd never take the chance again. There were TONS of taxis lined up but the line of people stretched up and down 3 times the length of the area where people lined up. There truly had to be a couple hundred in line. And the folks we spoke with paid 60 euros for private transport. We paid almost 40 including tip (due to luggage surcharges and such). For 20 Euros plus tip, i'm not waiting for 90 plus minutes again.

 

[Melcatfish]

I'm glad our experience isn't what happened to everyone but I can tell you it was so horrible that I'd never take the chance again. There were TONS of taxis lined up but the line of people stretched up and down 3 times the length of the area where people lined up. There truly had to be a couple hundred in line. And the folks we spoke with paid 60 euros for private transport. We paid almost 40 including tip (due to luggage surcharges and such). For 20 Euros plus tip, i'm not waiting for 90 plus minutes again.

Urgh, it sounds horrific, sorry you had such a miserable ending to your cruise. I am counting ourselves very lucky then!

Mel
x

 

[CruisingSarah]

I think it is the luck of the draw. We got off the same cruise as JD99 approx 9:15am and waited no more than 5 minutes for a taxi. There were 4 of us with two large suitcases and 4 carry ons but they managed to fit it all in a standard taxi and we were glad we cancelled our DCL transfers ($90 as they didn't charge for our youngest who is only 2) straight to the airport would have been 35 Euro but we asked for a short city tour en route so we ended up paying 80 Euro but we saw a lot of the sights, stopped for photos, learned a lot and took a 15 minute stop at Parc Guell to get photos and to use the rest rooms.

I guess htere are pros and cons and it will all depends on your luck as you get out of the terminal. Our flight was not until 2pm so we didn't want to go straight to the airport with DCL.

Mel
x

Mel, I am really interested in how you avoided that line, we were outside at 9.30 and the line was enormous When you exited the terminal did you turn right, cross the road and take the taxi near the police or did you walk out of the terminal and take a taxi more or less straight infront?

We had a pre-arranged transfer this time after a previous bad experience there but I saw the line and jd99 is not kidding

 

[Melcatfish]

I will confess that I couldn't swear to it the exact time we exited the terminal but we crossed the road and got in a shortish line. I know for a fact we left our cabin having eaten in the room at 8:40 and we had a little wait as we took a while to locate our bags in the Minnie section so my best guess is around 9am. I would say there were maybe 8 or so families ahead of us in the actual line, many more milling around at the terminal entrance. We just followed the porter who had our bags and got in the line and there were taxis in every pick up space and more waiting to fill the spaces as they became available.

I did see one family told they had too much luggage and they would have to wait for a bigger vehicle so we moved ahead of them in the queue but we weren't in the line more than around 5 mins, 10 at the absolute tops.

I guess people exit in waves and if you are lucky you get off and find not so much of a line but if you are unlucky and are at the back of a surge of people exiting or if there is a wait for more taxis to arrive then the wait could easily change within minutes from being not that long to being veeeery long.

Moral of the story, if you want to guarentee no wait and are prepared to pay a little extra book ahead or take the transfers.

Hope the remaining Med cruisers have a good debarkation experience (or as good as it possibly can be when LEAVING the ship!)

Mel
x

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I have some experience with transfer companies to share.

When we arrived in Barcelona we used Suntransfers. They were awesome. The baggage carriers broke down and we waited about an hour and a half for our luggage. The shuttle was there waiting for us, no problem.

We used A2B transfers for two other legs of our trip. The first time from the hotel to the port they were a little less than 30 minutes late. Very frustrating when you are anxious to get to the port!

The worst though, was when we were leaving the hotel to go to the airport. The scheduled time was 3 hours before our flight. A little close for some in our family but we decided we'd be okay. They were 30 minutes late again and we ended up calling them twice.

We finally left the hotel with under 2 1/2 hours to go before our flight. The engine died a couple of times enroute and then completely died in the middle of the freeway. Died. Completely dead. About 5 miles from the airport.

After much discussion and a language barrier problem, we thought taxis had been called but we weren't positive. We waited and stressed a little. We finally stood behind the bus with cars flying past trying to waive down taxis. We had to unload 17 pieces of luggage in the middle of 5 lanes of a very busy highway.

With a little over an hour to go before the first flight, some in our party jumped into a taxi and took off. They paid 25 euros for this taxi. We had just flagged down another when one of the taxis the A2b called finally showed up. We jumped in and weren't charged.

I wrote A2b to tell them all the problems we experienced. At the very least I expected my money back since they didn't actually get all of us to the airport.

They told me they would investigate and I never heard from them again.

Just FYI.

 

[CruisingSarah]

I will confess that I couldn't swear to it the exact time we exited the terminal but we crossed the road and got in a shortish line. I know for a fact we left our cabin having eaten in the room at 8:40 and we had a little wait as we took a while to locate our bags in the Minnie section so my best guess is around 9am. I would say there were maybe 8 or so families ahead of us in the actual line, many more milling around at the terminal entrance. We just followed the porter who had our bags and got in the line and there were taxis in every pick up space and more waiting to fill the spaces as they became available.

I did see one family told they had too much luggage and they would have to wait for a bigger vehicle so we moved ahead of them in the queue but we weren't in the line more than around 5 mins, 10 at the absolute tops.

I guess people exit in waves and if you are lucky you get off and find not so much of a line but if you are unlucky and are at the back of a surge of people exiting or if there is a wait for more taxis to arrive then the wait could easily change within minutes from being not that long to being veeeery long.

Moral of the story, if you want to guarentee no wait and are prepared to pay a little extra book ahead or take the transfers.

Hope the remaining Med cruisers have a good debarkation experience (or as good as it possibly can be when LEAVING the ship!)

Mel
x

Thanks for that Mel! We were in the Mickey group and were amongst the last off, we actually waited until they made the announcement for all guests who had finished breakfast to please leave as our transfer was booked for 9.45 so we were in no rush.

Perhaps between 9 and 9.30 there was a huge wave of debarkers, or maybe another possible theory is that if you go with a porter then you somehow go to a different area of the line The porters have to be kept busy and earning tips so they can't be tied up waiting for long periods in the line so maybe there is some kind of arrangement there

Who knows, but I have now seen that horrific line on 3 occasions and I would never take the risk of it again!

 

[CruisingSarah]

I have some experience with transfer companies to share.

When we arrived in Barcelona we used Suntransfers. They were awesome. The baggage carriers broke down and we waited about an hour and a half for our luggage. The shuttle was there waiting for us, no problem.

We used A2B transfers for two other legs of our trip. The first time from the hotel to the port they were a little less than 30 minutes late. Very frustrating when you are anxious to get to the port!

The worst though, was when we were leaving the hotel to go to the airport. The scheduled time was 3 hours before our flight. A little close for some in our family but we decided we'd be okay. They were 30 minutes late again and we ended up calling them twice.

We finally left the hotel with under 2 1/2 hours to go before our flight. The engine died a couple of times enroute and then completely died in the middle of the freeway. Died. Completely dead. About 5 miles from the airport.

After much discussion and a language barrier problem, we thought taxis had been called but we weren't positive. We waited and stressed a little. We finally stood behind the bus with cars flying past trying to waive down taxis. We had to unload 17 pieces of luggage in the middle of 5 lanes of a very busy highway.

With a little over an hour to go before the first flight, some in our party jumped into a taxi and took off. They paid 25 euros for this taxi. We had just flagged down another when one of the taxis the A2b called finally showed up. We jumped in and weren't charged.

I wrote A2b to tell them all the problems we experienced. At the very least I expected my money back since they didn't actually get all of us to the airport.

They told me they would investigate and I never heard from them again.

Just FYI.

We used A2B last week. They were ok, not great though. On arrival at Barcelona, the guy was there and waiting for us even though our flight had been delayed 4.5 hours so that was good, however he then said we were waiting for another 2 passengers, this puzzled us as we thought we had a private rather than a shuttle bus transfer booked but still they were supposedly on the same flight and so we waited. DH was not pleased and checked the papers which said 'taxi transfer 2-4 persons' and we were 3 so we asked the guy to go straightaway as we were already late. He agreed and we went to the car which was a normal sized five seater, now if he was planning to squueeze 2 more people and baggage in there it would have been very tight indeed

On the return the port to hotel was fine, on time, no issues.

But then the final transfer hotel to airport although on time was not great as the guy dropped us off at the wrong terminal even though he had all the flight details. The result was that we had to take the airport shuttle bus with all the bags and small child across to the other terminal which was inconvenient. I called the number but there were language issues and we decided to take the airport shuttle rather than wait for some guy who may or may not be coming back.

They were reasonably priced.

I would use them again but I would not accept the wait for others and I would double check with the driver about the correct terminal.