Taxi apps
Taxi apps
If you prefer, you can always book a taxi via an app. Many prefer using apps, as they allow for more user flexibility, faster service and better convenience.
In Valencia, Cabify also lets you book VTCs, as well as normal taxis. For example, in most cases, you will be able to specify your preferences, select the type of vehicle you need, and also know exactly how much time it will take for the taxi to arrive.
In terms of payment, you will also have more options and will know the exact cost ahead of time, instead of just an approximation.
Another feature is improved security, as you will be able to make sure that the taxi driver is taking the shortest route with GPS tracking. You will also have the taxi info available.
All of this will make sure you are not being overcharged, and that you can later reach out to the same taxi you took, in case you forget something inside the vehicle.
Fares
On average, VTCs booked via Cabify tend to be slightly cheaper than the ones you get at the taxi stand. In these cases, you will also know exactly how much the ride will cost you upfront (as opposed to a taxi, where you will only get an approximation).
When ordering a taxi with an app, aside from being able to pay in cash, like any other taxi, you will also be able to pay via the app with a variety of methods, including Apple Pay and credit card, among others. Generally, when using an app you get your receipt sent to your email account.
Another plus of using an app is that you might be eligible for discounts or vouchers if you are a new or frequent user (depending on the app).
For example, both Free Now and Cabify offer referral discounts to users that invite friends to join. Once your friend has used the app for the first time through the link you provided them, you will receive your discount.
Available apps
While there are many taxi and vehicle hire apps, not all of them work in Valencia. Also, not all features of an app (for example, the possibility to book VTCs) are available in the city.
Here we have gathered the ones that seem to be more popular and work best in the city, as well as their available features.
Free Now
Free Now (previously owned by myTaxi) is one of the most widely used taxi apps in Europe. It is extremely user-friendly and ensures that you are travelling with a licensed cab. Free Now is a great option if, for example, you are taking a taxi late at night.
Registration is easy, you will only need to insert your basic information and confirm your account through a code sent to your phone. Once you have an account, you will immediately be able to book journeys.
Upon request, you will have a selection of vehicles to choose from and see the estimated cost upfront. Remember that the total fare is still calculated at the end of the trip, as you will be booking a regular taxi instead of a VTC. In the app, you will also be able to save your favourite driver or book your cab up to four days in advance.
You will find that in Valencia, as of 2021, Free Now applies a sustainability surcharge of €0.30 to the cost of the trips paid through their app. This means that if you decide to pay for your trip in cash, you will not have to pay the extra €0.30. The charge is supposed to compensate for the carbon emissions generated during the trip.
Payment methods accepted on Free Now are credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and of course cash.
You can also pay through Free Now when you get in a normal taxi, as long as the driver is registered on the app. All you need to do in that case is to let them know you’d like to pay with Free Now, they’ll search for you on their app and then put the payment through as normal at the end of the journey.
Cabify
Cabify, which also owns Easy Taxi, is a popular app, easy to use and to register on. Booking VTCs with it normally ensures cheaper rates than usual. To do this, you only need to confirm your phone number through a code that will be sent to you, and then insert your personal information.
Once you book a ride you will be connected to the driver. This will enable you to see their location and call with any questions or requests. You will also be able to set your preferences (music, air conditioning, etc) in your account.
Remember that Cabify allows you to book either a VTC (tourism vehicle with a private driver) or a normal taxi through their app. You can read more about them in our article about VTCs.
Payment methods accepted by Cabify in Spain are credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club), Paypal, and of course cash.
