The best apps to get around Barcelona hassle-free

Explore Barcelona the easy, practical way! In this post from Lugaris, we’ll introduce you to the best apps for getting around Barcelona—perfect for planning your trip and moving smoothly through the city.

Because, beyond Google Maps, Barcelona has a wide range of mobility apps that make it easy to get around every corner of the Catalan Capital. You can plan metro routes, rent a bike, or even check real-time bus arrivals. Take note of the best apps to explore Barcelona easily, quickly, and without stress!

Public transport apps in Barcelona: metro, bus, and tram on your phone

Getting around Barcelona by public transport is easy and convenient, especially when you use apps that give you quick access to schedules, routes, and waiting times. Here’s a roundup of the best apps for navigating public transport in Barcelona—take note!

1. TMB App – The official app of Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona. It lets you check timetables, plan routes, see how long until your metro or bus arrives, and even top up your T-mobilitat card. It also shows real-time network updates and alerts for any disruptions.
   
2. Moovit – Ideal if you’re looking for a global mobility experience. Moovit covers metro, bus, and tram, and also includes options for bikes and scooters. Its user-friendly interface offers personalized alerts, step-by-step directions, and accessibility features.
   
3. Google Maps – While not specific to Barcelona, Google Maps works very well in the city. It integrates public transport schedules, calculates routes based on real-time traffic, and lets you compare different travel options (walking, cycling, driving, etc.).
   
4. AMB Mobilitat – The app from the Barcelona Metropolitan Area is especially handy if you’re traveling between towns in the metro area. It provides information on intercity buses, real-time updates, and details on park-and-ride facilities and bike lanes.
   
5. Rodalies de Catalunya – If you need to take commuter trains to or from Barcelona, the Renfe app lets you check timetables, stops, estimated travel times, and service interruptions. It’s a must-have for trips beyond the city center.
   

Remember, at Lugaris you’ll find apartments in Barcelona that let you enjoy the Catalan capital as if you were at home. We offer beachside apartments and apartments in Poblenou—everything you need for a great time in the city.

Apps to get around Barcelona by bike, scooter, or motorbike

For shorter distances or quicker rides, Barcelona has a solid shared mobility network. Here are the top apps that let you rent bikes, electric scooters, and motorbikes in just a few seconds:

1. Bicing – The official app for Barcelona’s public bike system. Available to residents, it lets you rent both mechanical and electric bikes from stations all over the city. A great choice for eco-friendly commuting.
   
2. Lime – One of the most popular options for renting electric scooters. Lime shows you available scooters nearby in real time, along with battery levels and the fastest route. You can also pay directly through the app.
   
3. Bird – Another great option for electric scooter rentals. Like Lime, Bird has a smooth, easy-to-use interface, with pre-booking features, a usage zone map, and safety alerts to encourage responsible riding.
   
4. Cooltra – Specializes in electric motorbike rentals by the minute. Perfect if you need to move quickly through the city without worrying about parking. The rental includes insurance, two helmets, and can be used across the entire urban area.
   
5. Acciona Mobility – Another strong app for shared electric scooters, offering a 100% electric fleet with various power levels. It has broad coverage in Barcelona and lets you make intermediate stops or even travel between cities (check enabled areas).

Navigating the city: maps, routes, and GPS for walkers and tourists

Barcelona is a great city to explore on foot, but it’s not always easy to find your way through winding alleys, historic quarters, or modern avenues. Luckily, there are apps that guide you step by step—whether you’re sightseeing on foot or planning a more specific route through parks, beaches, or hills. Take note!

1. Google Maps – The most versatile and globally trusted app for getting around any city. It doesn’t just guide you by car or public transport—it also offers detailed walking routes, highlighting landmarks, restaurants, opening hours, and reviews. Perfect for tourists looking to make the most of their time without missing a thing.
   
2. MAPS.ME – Ideal for travelers without mobile data. You can download the full map of Barcelona and use it offline to search for addresses, services, or create your own sightseeing routes. It works with GPS, so you’ll always know where you are, even without an internet connection.
   
3. Citymapper – Designed for efficient movement in large cities. While it focuses on public transport, it also includes walking routes and smart combinations. Very handy if you want to compare walking time against other options.
   
4. GuruWalk – This app is more than just a map: it’s a platform for free walking tours in cities all over the world, including many neighborhoods in Barcelona. Perfect if you’d rather be guided by a local expert, learning about the area’s history, stories, and secrets. You can book tours directly in the app and check real user reviews.
   
5. Komoot – If you love the outdoors, Komoot is your go-to app. Designed for hiking, biking, or nature walks, it’s great for discovering Montjuïc, Collserola, or even coastal trails. You can also download maps and follow routes step by step offline.

Taxi and ride-hailing apps in Barcelona: alternatives to public transport

Sometimes you need to get somewhere fast, avoid walking long distances with luggage, or simply reach your hotel in the middle of the night. In those cases, taxi and ride-hailing (VTC) apps are a comfortable and reliable alternative to public transport. Here are the best apps to get around Barcelona by taxi or VTC:

1. Free Now – One of the most popular taxi apps in Barcelona. It works with the official taxi network and lets you pay through the app, check estimated arrival times, save favorite addresses, and request vehicles with extra space or child seats.
   
2. Cabify – Cabify combines VTC service with a premium touch. You can see the fare before booking, choose from different vehicle types, and enjoy a safe, comfortable ride. It also allows you to schedule trips in advance.
   
3. Uber – Although its presence in Barcelona has been on and off, it’s currently operating in a hybrid format (VTC and traditional taxis). It’s very intuitive for users familiar with it from other cities, offering a standard global experience.
   
4. Bolt – A budget-friendly alternative to other platforms, especially handy during peak hours. Bolt lets you compare fares, rate drivers, and track your ride in real time. Its fleet is steadily growing in Barcelona, particularly in central areas.
   
5. Moviltik – A great option if you take taxis frequently. Not only does it allow for cashless payments, but it also keeps track of receipts, trips, and invoices—ideal for business travelers. It’s compatible with many taxis in Barcelona and its metropolitan area.

Tips for combining different apps and getting around like a local

Getting around Barcelona like a true local is much easier when you know how to combine the best apps depending on your route, the time of day, or your preferred mode of transport. Here are some smart combos to make the most of your journeys:

• Citymapper + TMB App – The perfect duo for mastering public transport. Use Citymapper to plan your route in seconds and explore real-time alternatives, and the TMB App to validate digital tickets, check service alerts, and access detailed metro and bus timetables.
  
• Bicing + Google Maps – If biking is your thing, this pair is ideal. Google Maps will help you find bike-friendly routes and gentle inclines, while Bicing shows available bikes and empty docks near your destination.
  
• Cooltra + Free Now – Prefer a scooter to avoid traffic and enjoy more freedom? Rent an electric scooter with Cooltra and switch to Free Now for a taxi when it rains, for longer rides, or for late-night travel. Mixing both gives you full flexibility.
  
• MAPS.ME + GuruWalk – Planning to explore the city on foot? Download MAPS.ME for an offline map with all your marked spots, and pair it with GuruWalk to join free walking tours led by local guides who bring Barcelona’s stories to life.
  
• Moovit + Rodalies App – Heading out of the city or planning a day trip (to places like Sitges or Montserrat)? Use Moovit to figure out which train line to take, and the Rodalies de Catalunya app to check up-to-date schedules and possible delays.
  

These combinations will help you save time, avoid confusion, and enjoy the city in a smooth, practical, and safe way. You won’t feel like a lost tourist anymore—you’ll move around like a true barcelonés.

Now that you’ve got all the best apps to move around Barcelona stress-free, all that’s left is to find a comfy, well-located place to stay—one that feels just like home.

At Lugaris, we offer apartments in Barcelona for both short stays and long-term rentals. Perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends looking to experience the city at their own pace.

Book your apartment now and start discovering Barcelona like a true local.