Andorra – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How taxis work in Andorra, and whether they are safe and reliable for expats

Taxi operations in Andorra fall under the oversight of the Andorra Association of Interurban Taxi Drivers, and all fares are determined centrally by the government. This means there is no room for negotiation between a passenger and driver — the meter dictates the cost, based on officially sanctioned rates. In contrast to countries where individual operators determine their own pricing structures, Andorra’s regulated approach keeps costs consistent and easy to anticipate for residents and newcomers alike.

The taxi system functions primarily through designated ranks at strategic locations throughout the principality, as well as through advance telephone reservations. This differs from the model seen in major European capitals, where taxis cruise the streets in search of passengers. Street hailing is possible in busier parts of Andorra la Vella but is far less the norm than in cities like London or Paris.

Taxis operate around the clock, though supply can be limited during nighttime hours and on public holidays. If you need a late-night ride — following a dinner out or an evening event, for example — it is much wiser to call ahead or book through an app rather than walking to a rank and hoping a cab is waiting. Planning your return journey before you head out is a habit that experienced expats quickly develop.

Across the principality, taxis offer a dependable and private way to travel, and many hotels and rental accommodations can arrange one on your behalf. Vehicles are typically modern and well maintained, and drivers hold professional licences issued under national regulations.

Which ride-hailing apps work in Andorra, and how to use them

Andorra’s primary homegrown ride-hailing platform is CityXerpa, whose transport service — CityXerpa Move — enables passengers to travel freely anywhere within the principality at any hour of the day, every day of the year. The service accommodates a range of travel needs, from solo journeys to rides tailored for larger groups, families travelling with young children, or passengers accompanied by pets. CityXerpa can be downloaded from both the Apple App Store and Google Play, and setting up an account requires only a phone number and a linked payment method; international cards are fully accepted.

Uber is also active in Andorra la Vella, allowing passengers to request a local taxi and handle payment within a single app interface — whether they are arriving from abroad or simply navigating around the city. Andorra la Vella is the only Andorran city currently listed on Uber’s platform. Existing Uber users from other countries can use their accounts without any re-registration or need for a local phone number, which makes it immediately accessible for newly arrived expats.

Platforms such as Bolt and DiDi are not operational in Andorra, which represents a notable gap compared with most of mainland Europe, where Bolt in particular competes aggressively with Uber across numerous cities. Expats who relied on Bolt in their previous country will need to transition to either Uber or CityXerpa.

Cabify is another app-based ride service with a reported presence in Andorra, though its coverage is currently restricted to the capital, Andorra la Vella. Like Uber, it enables riders to book a trip via a smartphone and monitor their driver’s approach in real time. Using Cabify requires downloading the app and registering an account. The availability of active drivers on the Cabify platform in Andorra can fluctuate, so it is worth checking for live driver presence before depending on it for a time-sensitive journey.

Across all app-based platforms, fares are processed entirely within the app, calculated according to distance covered and any applicable surcharges — such as tolls or higher prices during periods of peak demand. Registering your payment card before you actually need a ride is strongly recommended.

Where to find taxis and book rides in the capital and major expat areas of Andorra

Official taxi ranks are located in the most central and commercial parts of the principality. In Andorra la Vella, you will find stands on Avenida Meritxell (94–96) and Avenida Tarragona (42–44). In the neighbouring parish of Escaldes-Engordany, ranks are situated on Avenida Carlemany (35) and Plaza Santa Anna, as well as outside the Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell. These designated spots are the most dependable places to find a cab without calling in advance, especially during daytime hours.

The capital city has a reasonable supply of taxis that can be hailed in the street, with the main rank located near the bus station. Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany effectively form a single continuous urban zone, and this combined area is where the highest concentration of licensed taxis circulates — making it the most convenient environment for expats who do not drive.

In ski resorts and more remote mountain areas, taxis are considerably harder to find without a prior booking. If you live in or frequently visit places like Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, La Massana, or Arinsal, the most reliable approach is to phone a dispatcher or use the CityXerpa app well in advance of when you need to travel.

Key contacts for booking taxis in Andorra include:

• Taxiexpress booking centre — Phone: +376 812 345
• Associació de Taxistes d’Andorra (Taxi Drivers Association of Andorra) — Phone: +376 863 000
• Andorra Taxi Sep — Phone/WhatsApp: +376 696 600; available 24 hours and travels to Andorra, Spain and France
• CityXerpa — App-based local PHV service; available at cityxerpa.com
• Official taxis.ad — Fare information and intercity service details at taxis.ad

Several operators will come to any location within the principality in response to a simple phone call or WhatsApp message, which is especially convenient for expats based in quieter parishes far from the established taxi ranks.

How much a taxi or ride-hailing trip costs in Andorra

As of 2026, the flag-down charge is €3.20 — a 10-cent increase from the €3.10 charged in 2025 — and the standard daytime rate under Tariff 1, which applies Monday to Friday between 7am and 9pm, is €1.40 per kilometre, rising 5 cents from the year before. Fares are subject to annual revision by the Andorran government, so consulting the official taxis.ad fare page before making travel plans is advisable to ensure you are working with current figures.

For context, earlier published data offers a clearer view of the full tariff structure. The minimum fare is approximately €2.35. Under Tariff 1 — applying on working days between 7am and 9pm — the rate was €1.02 per kilometre, while Tariff 2, covering night services and public holidays, stood at €1.22 per kilometre, with a waiting charge of €17.35 per hour. These figures date from 2024 and have since been adjusted upward for 2026; treat them as indicative only and verify the current schedule through the official source.

An additional surcharge applies to journeys that depart beyond the borders of the principality, and oversized luggage also attracts a supplemental fee. Taxi transfers from cities such as Barcelona, Lleida, Toulouse, and Girona to Andorra typically average around €300 plus tolls. For long-distance international transfers — particularly to or from Barcelona El Prat Airport — always confirm the full price, including toll costs, before setting off, as these can substantially increase the total.

For app-based services, Uber allows you to select the fare option that suits your budget; simply enter your destination in the “Where to?” field and price estimates for available ride types will be displayed. CityXerpa similarly shows upfront pricing within the app. As a rough guide, a short trip within Andorra la Vella will generally fall somewhere between €5 and €10, though you should always confirm the current estimate via the app or directly with the driver.

The fare structure for taxis in Andorra la Vella combines a base charge, per-kilometre rates, and a time-based component that accounts for stationary or slow-moving periods — meaning heavy traffic or a delayed pick-up will increase the final amount. Always consult the official taxis.ad website for the most up-to-date published rates.

Common scams and safety considerations with taxis in Andorra that expats should know

Andorra’s taxi industry operates within a tightly regulated framework of state-controlled pricing, and the principality’s small scale and strong legal institutions mean that serious taxi fraud is rare by comparison with larger tourist destinations. Nevertheless, expats are well-served by following standard precautions to ensure every journey is both legitimate and correctly priced.

All fares are determined centrally by the government through the national taxi association, and every licensed taxi is required to use a meter calibrated to the official government schedule. If a driver proposes a flat fee that appears substantially higher than the metered fare would be, calmly request that the meter be activated, or cross-reference the quoted amount against the official fare table available at taxis.ad.

Licensed taxis in Andorra carry official identification markings and are authorised through the national association. Because the system relies heavily on formal ranks rather than roaming street cabs, vehicles found at designated stands are almost always fully licensed. Exercise caution around unofficial vehicles offering informal transfer services — particularly near border crossings or in shopping areas during busy tourist periods — and do not accept rides from drivers who approach you without being summoned.

When using Uber or CityXerpa, always verify that the vehicle’s registration plate and the driver’s name and photo match the details shown in the app before entering the car. Both platforms include in-app safety features such as emergency assistance buttons that connect directly to the authorities. Sharing your trip details with someone you trust before departing is a straightforward precaution worth taking, particularly on late-night journeys.

As in any destination that attracts significant tourist traffic, expats should remain alert to potential overcharging on international transfers — especially long-distance routes to Barcelona or Toulouse airports. Make a point of agreeing on and confirming the total fare, including all tolls, before the journey begins.

How to pay for taxis and ride-hailing services in Andorra — cash, card, or app

Payment practices in Andorra’s taxi sector are gradually modernising, but cash continues to be the most universally accepted method for conventional taxi journeys. Many drivers do now accept debit and credit cards, though this is not uniform across all operators — smaller providers in outlying parishes may be cash-only. Keeping euros in small denominations on hand as a backup is a sensible habit to develop.

For app-based ride-hailing, payment is handled entirely within the platform and is always cashless. Using Uber in Andorra requires a valid credit or debit card to be registered to your account. International Visa and Mastercard details stored in either the Uber or CityXerpa app are processed without any additional verification requirements. There is no need for a local Andorran bank account or a domestically issued payment card to access these services.

App-based fares are calculated automatically based on distance travelled and any applicable surcharges — such as toll fees or higher prices during periods of elevated demand. Payment is deducted automatically at the end of each trip and a receipt is generated in the app, which is particularly useful for expats who need to record transport expenses for professional purposes. Since Andorra uses the euro as its currency, passengers paying from within the eurozone incur no conversion costs; those using non-eurozone cards may be subject to their bank’s standard foreign transaction fees.

For cross-border journeys — for instance, a transfer to Barcelona — it is worth checking in advance whether the driver accepts card payment, as some prefer cash for international trips in order to cover toll costs along the route.

Alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around Andorra as an expat

For those seeking a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to travel, the public bus network represents the most practical everyday option. The network spans virtually the entire principality, linking major urban centres, tourist destinations, and residential parishes. For expats based in the capital or surrounding areas, it provides a genuinely useful and affordable alternative to taxis for daily errands and commuting.

Single bus fares start at €1.90, and multi-journey passes as well as discounted rates for residents are also available. Buses generally run from around 6:30am until 10:30pm, with hours varying depending on the specific route. Since July 2022, bus travel has been provided free of charge to Andorran residents, with the only requirement being possession of a valid season ticket — which can also be stored digitally on a smartphone. This is a meaningful benefit for expats who achieve residency status, comparable to the subsidised public transport arrangements found in countries such as Luxembourg.

The Mou-te app is an essential tool for anyone depending on public transport in Andorra. It enables real-time tracking of local and public buses (Yellow Buses) and makes journey planning considerably more straightforward. Downloading it before or shortly after your arrival is strongly advised.

It is worth noting that Andorra is a landlocked principality nestled between France and Spain, with a transport infrastructure built entirely around road travel. There are no railways, no metro system, and no tram lines. For those who want greater freedom to explore, car rental is a popular choice; even though the principality is compact, having your own vehicle opens up remote areas such as the Tristaina Lakes, the Incles Valley, and high mountain passes that buses do not serve. A significant proportion of expats living here choose to own or rent a car, particularly those employed in parishes outside the capital.

E-bikes offer another appealing way to take in Andorra’s spectacular scenery without excessive physical exertion, making it possible to travel further than you might on a conventional bicycle. Rental outlets are scattered across the principality and e-bikes are gaining popularity as a year-round commuting option on the flatter stretches of the main valleys.

The public bus service wraps up for the evening at around 21:30–22:00 and does not operate through the night. Anyone wanting to return home after a late dinner or evening out will need to rely on taxis or a ride-hailing app, as no other public transport alternative is available at those hours.

What expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing services day-to-day in Andorra

Among the expat community, the prevailing view is that getting around by taxi in Andorra is uncomplicated and generally stress-free, particularly within Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. The principality’s modest size — approximately 468 square kilometres in total — means that even journeys between distant parishes rarely exceed 30 minutes, and fares are relatively affordable by Western European standards.

Language tends not to be a significant obstacle. Most drivers speak Catalan, the country’s official language, as well as Spanish, and many also communicate in French. A number of drivers speak Portuguese, a reflection of the large Portuguese-origin community that forms a substantial part of Andorra’s resident population. For speakers of other languages, showing a destination address or map on a mobile phone is universally understood and perfectly adequate for getting where you need to go.

Feedback from users of local taxi services highlights prompt arrivals for regular routes and courteous drivers. Airport transfers — particularly to and from Barcelona El Prat or Toulouse Blagnac — are among the most frequently cited use cases for expats, and pre-booked services through established operators are generally considered dependable for early-morning departures.

Those who regularly use app-based platforms like CityXerpa advise booking at least an hour in advance during busy periods — particularly the morning rush between 8:00 and 9:00am and the afternoon peak from 4:00 to 6:00pm — to minimise delays and ensure punctual arrival. During the peak ski season, demand across the principality rises sharply, and last-minute ride requests in resort areas can be difficult to fulfil reliably.

Expats frequently observe that Andorra functions more like a small town than a major city when it comes to taxi availability. There is no sudden flood of cabs outside a venue at the end of an event, and the round-the-clock density of taxis that characterises London, Paris, or Madrid simply does not exist here. The consistent advice from seasoned Andorra residents is to plan ahead, save essential phone numbers in your contacts, and install both the Uber and CityXerpa apps before you find yourself needing a ride in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Uber available in Andorra?

Uber operates in Andorra la Vella, where you can open the app, enter your destination, and request a local taxi. However, coverage is currently limited to the capital; in more remote parishes and mountain areas, the locally developed CityXerpa app is the more dependable choice.

How do I get from the nearest airport to Andorra by taxi?

Andorra has no airport of its own. The closest options are Barcelona El Prat, Toulouse Blagnac, or the Andorra-La Seu (LEU) airport located in La Seu d’Urgell, approximately 12 kilometres from Andorra la Vella. From any of these, you can reach the principality by taxi, shuttle (VTC), or bus. Pre-booking a transfer through an established operator such as Andorra Taxi Sep (+376 696 600) is strongly recommended for international arrivals to avoid uncertainty on arrival.

Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in Andorra?

Yes. Andorra consistently records one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and solo late-night taxi travel is considered safe. Licensed taxis are state-regulated, and app-based platforms incorporate trip-tracking and emergency assistance features. The main practical challenge after dark is availability rather than personal safety — advance booking is advisable for journeys after 9pm.

What should I do if a taxi driver refuses to use the meter?

Fares in Andorra are set centrally by the state, and all licensed taxi drivers are legally obliged to charge according to the official metered rate. If a driver declines to activate the meter or quotes an unreasonably high fixed price, politely decline the ride, make note of the vehicle details, and report the incident to the Andorran Taxi Association at +376 863 000. Using app-based services avoids this issue entirely, as fares are calculated automatically from the outset.

Do taxis in Andorra accept card payments?

Card acceptance differs between operators and individual vehicles. Although card payment is becoming more widespread, cash in euros remains the most reliable fallback option. App-based rides via Uber or CityXerpa are always cashless and billed automatically to your registered card. For conventional taxis, carrying small-denomination euro notes is a sensible precaution.

Are there ride-hailing apps other than Uber that work in Andorra?

The principal local ride-hailing platform is CityXerpa (CityXerpa Move), which provides coverage throughout the principality around the clock, every day of the year. Cabify is also reported to operate in Andorra, though currently only within Andorra la Vella. Bolt and DiDi have no current presence in the country.

How do I avoid being overcharged for a taxi in Andorra?

The most effective protection is to use Uber or CityXerpa, both of which display upfront fare estimates and apply automatic metered billing. For conventional taxis, confirm that the meter is running from the start of your journey and check the current official tariff schedule at taxis.ad before travelling. For international transfers, agree on the complete fare — including all toll charges — prior to departure, and where possible request written confirmation.

Are public buses a realistic alternative to taxis for daily life as an expat in Andorra?

For many expats, yes. The bus network is the most affordable way to travel around the principality and reaches nearly every corner of the country, connecting urban centres and major tourist areas. Since July 2022, bus travel has been free for Andorran residents who hold a valid season ticket. For those who obtain residency and live close to a main bus route, the network is a genuinely practical choice for everyday travel — though for late-night journeys or trips to remote mountain areas, taxis or a private vehicle remain essential.