Taxis & Rideshare in Bilbao (2026) - Grab, Uber & More
Taxis and rideshare in Bilbao: local taxi apps, Uber, Grab, typical fares, and tips for safe, affordable rides around Spain.
Safety Tips
Look for the white taxi with a red stripe and the city crest on the doors, only these vehicles are licensed to operate in Bilbao.
All official Bilbao taxis must use the meter. If the driver claims it's broken, insist on using another cab or note the taxi number to report it.
Locals rely on Cabify and FREENOW for rideshare. Download and set up these apps before you arrive to avoid needing cash or haggling.
For solo or late-night rides, share your live trip details through the app and sit in the back seat on the passenger side where you can exit quickly if needed.
Common Scams to Avoid
At Bilbao Airport, some drivers refuse to use the meter for trips into the city and quote inflated flat fares. Insist on the meter or walk to the official taxi rank where posted rates apply.
Drivers may take the longer N-637 ring-road tunnel instead of the direct A-8 coastal route to the Casco Viejo, adding both distance and tunnel tolls. Open a map app to show you know the shorter path and politely request the direct route.
Late-night drivers around Plaza Moyúa sometimes reset the meter to Tarifa 3 (the highest night/weekend rate) even on weeknights. Check the meter display at the start of the ride and ask for Tarifa 1 if it's before 22:00 on a weekday.