Barcelona Airport to City Transportation
If you have Gaudí on your mind and a lust for tapas in your belly, you know Barcelona is calling. But before you can indulge in late nights at bar-terraces or shimmy down La Rambla, you need to get to understand how to get from Barcelona Airport to city.
Barcelona’s Airport is the main gateway for travelers visiting this vibrant city from abroad. It is named Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), or Aeroport del Prat for short, and is located only about 16 kilometers from the city center. The Barcelona Airport has three terminals (T1, T2, and T3) catering to various airlines and destinations, and navigating your way from the airport to the city center can be a breeze. Here is a look at the various ways you can get from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona without breaking a sweat.
How to Get from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona
1. Private Transfers
One of the most convenient options for reaching your hotel from the Airport is by booking private transportation in advance. This allows you to know the cost upfront and ensures a seamless experience. When making your reservation, remember to specify the terminal at Barcelona Airport or the airline you are traveling with.
A recommended service for private transfers from Barcelona Airport to hotel is Welcome Pickups which offers reliable and professional services – Click here to book your transfer with Welcome Pickups
2. Taxi
Taxis in Barcelona are easily recognizable by their distinctive yellow and black colors. To catch a taxi, simply head to the dedicated taxi area at the Airport, which is well-signposted. It’s important to be cautious of individuals offering taxi services outside this designated area, as they may be involved in scams.
Unlike the Barcelona Airport to Port route, which costs a flat rate of 39€, there is no flat rate for the Barcelona Airport to City journey.
Taxis have a day rate (08:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.) and a night rate on weekends and holidays. In any case, a supplement of 4.30€ applies for transfers from the Airport,
The fare is calculated based on the distance and time of travel. The approximate cost of a taxi from Barcelona Airport to city is 35-40 €, and you can pay by card or with cash.
3. Train
The train is the best option for public transport from Barcelona Airport. The RENFE train station is located at Terminal 2B, just outside the airport building, but you reach it with a short walk through a covered bridge.
There is a shuttle every 5 minutes between the terminals, making the train station in Terminal 2B easily accessible from everywhere in the Airport. There are two trains from Barcelona Airport to city center per hour, from 5:00 a.m. until midnight. The train connects to various stations in Barcelona, including Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gracia, and Clot-Aragó, allowing you to reach your desired location with ease.
The ticket prices are affordable at only 4.60€, and you can purchase them at the station or through automated machines. The T10 card cannot be used for going to the Airport.
The journey time to the city center can vary depending on your destination, typically taking around 25-35 minutes.
4. Barcelona Metro
If you are traveling light, you can also take the Barcelona Metro. Orange line L9 Sud goes from both Terminals 1 and 2 to Zona Universitària, which is at the entrance of Barcelona. There, you can take metro line L3 (green) to go to the city center. Metro tickets cost 4.60€.
L9 Sud line runs approximately every 7 minutes, from 5:00 a.m. to midnight (on Fridays and holidays, it runs until 2:00 a.m., while on Saturdays, there are routes available all night long). The Barcelona Airport to city metro takes about 32 minutes to reach the final Zona Universitaria Station. Then, you need to add 20 minutes more to reach central places like Plaça Catalunya.
5. Bus (Aerobus)
The Aerobus is the popular bus from Barcelona Airport to city center. You can catch the Aerobus at designated stops outside each Terminal, making it convenient for all passengers.
The journey to the city center typically takes around 35-40 minutes, and you can buy a one-way ticket for as little as 6.75€.
Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver before boarding, online, or at ticket vending machines located at the stops. The Aerobus operates from early morning until late at night, with the first and last buses scheduled to accommodate most flights.
The main bus stations in Barcelona served by the Aerobus are Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça d’Espanya, both of which are centrally located and provide easy access to various attractions and accommodations (or other metro lines) – Click here to book your Aerobus tickets in advance (one way or return)
And there you have it, how to get from Barcelona Airport to city. Whether you prefer the convenience of private transportation or the affordability of public transport, Barcelona offers a range of choices to suit every traveler’s needs.
