How much do tuk tuks cost?
Tuk tuks have transformed and are no longer that cheap alternative to Uber but have evolved to offer high-end tours. Although initially tuk tuks were those taxis in cities like Bangkok, today the main European capitals enjoy customized tours in these more luxurious and comfortable versions. To correctly answer the question of How much do tuk tuks cost?. We must consider different variables, such as the type of service and the city or country where it is offered.
In their early days, tuk tuks were the taxis in cities like Bangkok, which, being pedaled by villagers, made the transport really cheap. With the arrival of motor vehicles, the cities of Thailand and Bangkok transformed, starting to offer transport services in these carts. Several users on different platforms confirm that in their recent trips to Bangkok, tuk tuks are around 1 dollar per kilometer. The current price is very similar to what an Uber ride may cost during certain hours of the day in European capitals.
How much do tuk tuks cost in Barcelona?
Unlike Bangkok, in European capitals like Barcelona or Madrid, tuk tuks do not charge by kilometer but by tour. In general, these are routes that last between one and a half to two hours, covering quite a few kilometers. This is done in fully electric vehicles, allowing them to comply with local regulations. This way, tuk tuks can go through narrow streets where other vehicles cannot. The price varies from city to city. In Barcelona, a one-hour tour can cost 70€, and in Madrid, it can go up to 85€.
In these cities, you can opt for customized tours where you can, as a group, experience the whole city with per-person prices around 40€. It is worth mentioning that the tours must have at least five people to start, making it an affordable alternative to kill two birds with one stone. On one hand, you get to discover the city in a couple of hours, and on the other, you are transported comfortably and efficiently at a low price.
Is it worth paying for a tuk tuk?
Yes. Definitely, tuk tuks are a means of transportation that offers many advantages compared to traditional vehicles. It started as a taxi service in cities in Asia and India, where you paid by kilometer, and has transformed into a new way of exploring cities through tours with fixed costs. It is said that even major platforms like Uber are keeping an eye on this competition to acquire some, but we believe this may be more of a rumor.
If in your next trip you ask yourself How much do tuk tuks cost? remember that each city offers this service in a very different way. In some, they charge by kilometer, while in others, it is by service or tour. So can you tour Barcelona in a day with a help of a tuk tuk? Yes, but be carefoul about those «no branded tuk tuk cars»
Tips for a safe ride
Many of the companies offering tuk tuk services in Europe, like Tuk Tuk Barcelona by Tukify, are well-established companies. What you need to pay special attention to are the services of freelancers or independent workers. You can find these in almost any country, and to prevent any incident, you should:
Establish a fixed rate with them, and ensure that the same rate appears on some document.
Preferably always go with large, established companies.
Do not carry valuables that may be left in the tuk tuk.
Always have the police phone number handy. This is because some drivers may give you one rate, and when you arrive at the destination, they might try to increase it with somewhat incoherent reasons. In the end, they may try to intimidate you, so it’s best to always have the police on hand.
Always carry cash to avoid hidden fees when paying by card or the possibility of your card being cloned.
Large companies always have fixed rates and agents to handle incidents and complaints, so the best advice you can follow is to always hire tuk tuks with experts. Learn more about tuk tuks with our tuk tuk blog.