Barcelona from the airport
 

We were thinking of taking a "private" taxi from the airport to our hotel instead of waiting in the queue. The price for a taxi vs private taxi seems very similar. Reservations can be made online through "Suntransfers" or "Viator" for example. Has anyone done this? Is it legitamate? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
NY

The one time that we paid before the trip for a private taxi from CDG to Paris we were stood up! It was our first time to Paris. We paid as I remember abot 30 to 40 euro to be picked up before we left the US. Big mistake. We arrived at CDG. Called the taxi company. They said they would be there to pick us up. 2 hours later no one had picked us up. All the phones at CDG just rang "busy" when we called the taxi again. So we waited in line and took a regular taxi to the city. Despite being told they would reimburse our money we never received it!

<b>... instead of waiting in the queue.</b>

Just curious (1st Barca trip later this spring), how long is the taxi queue, typically? Arriving from US at roughly 9:45 AM.

If one takes the train to Sants station is it easy to get a cab there or is there a long queue at Sants as well?

We have taken a taxi tons of times both inParis and Barcelona ftom the airport taxi line with no problem whatsoever, not a big deal.

I don't remember ever waiting for a taxi at Barcelona airport
Only took a taxi from Sants once -no problem ( it was in the evening) .
the train from the airport to Sants is near T2
if you arrive at T1 you have to take a bus to T2.

Any tips?
There are loads of Taxis waiting for you out side the airport.
With so called private hires you have to have a SP plate on the car, just like taxis. If you book a private hire ensure the vehicle has one. If not they are operating illegally and will not have the correct insurance cover. As seen on this photo. http://bit.ly/xNFKWx
This page from the airports website gives you the approximate fare.
http://bit.ly/wiDatc
A taxi will be cheaper than a private hire.

As I remember the queue moves rather quickly. Not too bad.

The airport taxi cue moves very quickly. You would only have to wait (always depends on the influx of tourists that day) maybe around 15 mins or less. Another option is taking the aerobus which will drop you off in the Plaza Catalunya.

Private hires are only a better idea when you have a huge group coming with you and need a van service. Other than that, a normal taxi is just the ticket.