There are six solid options from Barcelona airport to the city centre.
For this reason many tourists arrive in the city in complete confusion, so let’s clear things up a bit by breaking down the transfer choices and all their pros and cons.
Remember – if you can’t decide what to take then write me with your lodging information in the comments below and I’ll be quick with a suggestion!
Let’s leave the airport behind and start our holiday, shall we?
How to Get From Barcelona Airport to City Centre
First off let’s get oriented.
There are typically three airports reaching Barcelona but today we’re talking about the biggest (44 million passengers) and closest (12 km from the city centre): El Prat (BCN).
For the other two options please check out my pages on Girona Airport or Reus Airport.
You can expect to take about 30 minutes to one hour to get central from Barcelona Airport.
Prices range from €2.15 to €35.00.
Index
1 – How to get discount transport passes
2 – The Aerobus
3 – The Barcelona airport bus
4 – The Barcelona airport metro
5 – The Barcelona airport train
6 – Barcelona airport taxi
7 – Barcelona airport rideshare
8 – Luggage storage
Tourist Discount Passes for Airport Transport
To save money I recommend buying a tourist discount pass with airport transport included.
There are two tourist discount passes that include unlimited transport + your airport connection: the Hola Bcn and the Barcelona Card.
- The Hola Bcn gives you unlimited transport from €6.88 a day.
- The Barcelona Card gives you unlimited transport + a ton of attractions from €9.50 a day.
Buying Tourist Discount Passes Online
It is strongly recommended to buy these passes from home to get a 5% online discount.
You can buy them from the official Barcelona Tourism office: for buying links and an in-depth explanation of the passes click the button below:
Pickup Points + Refunds
The pickup point for both passes is at the Barcelona Turisme window right outside arrivals.
You’ll find these windows at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. They’re open daily from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm and close only on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
If you can’t make it during these hours you’ll have to pick the tickets up at Plaça Catalunya.
If you change your mind just let the Tourism Office know in advance and they’ll refund your money. To do this simply mail [email protected]
Barcelona Airport to City Centre Options
The Aerobus
I call this the fast bus because it takes only 35 minutes.
It’s super convenient because one leaves for the city centre every 5 minutes and its long operating hours cover every flight. The first bus leaves at 5:30 am and the last at 1:05 am from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
It’s impossible to miss – just walk outside either terminals and see the classic blue AEROBUS logo.
Aerobus tickets are only €5.90 one way (€10.20 return).
Many tourists have spoken to me about the advantages of Aerobus like:
- High price-quality ratio.
- Free WiFi aboard.
- 6 USB plugins per bus for charging access.
- CCTV for maximum luggage security.
- Spaciousness due to frequency/passenger caps.
- Wheelchair access + reserved disabled seating.
- It terminates in Barcelona’s most central point: Plaça de Catalunya.
- Children under 4 go free.
Tickets are bought directly online – just make your purchase then show a printed or mobile copy aboard the bus.
You can buy your advance tickets at Turisme Barcelona by clicking the button below.
You can also get return Aerobus tickets buying the super-saving Barcelona City Pass.
With this pass you also get line-skipping entrance to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell plus a ride on the famous Bus Turistic. On top of this you get 20% discounts on virtually any of Barcelona’s attractions.
If you’ve got all of the above planned it makes no sense not to save the time and money.
For more info on the City Pass click the button below:
Aerobus stops:
- El Prat Airport
- Plaça Espanya
- Gran Via (at Calle Urgell, inbound)
- Carrer Sepulveda (at Calle Urgell, outbound)
- Plaça Universitat (only inbound)
- Plaça Catalunya (the most central point in Barcelona)
The driver normally shouts out the city centre stops above but it doesn’t hurt to ask them beforehand. You’re also free to press the buttons to select any stop.
Again the last stop is the unforgettable square Plaça de Catalunya, right near La Rambla.
Barcelona Airport to City Centre by Bus
I call this one the slow and cheap option.
If you’ve seen our list of city transport options you’ll know that the Barcelona airport bus is number 46 during the day and N16, N17, and N18 at night. They run less frequently than Aerobus at every 20 minutes and take longer to get to the city – a 50 minute trip.
You’ll find the Barcelona airport bus right outside the terminals. Just follow the signs.
The price is just €2.15 one way (€4.30 return).
The bus is included in the Barcelona Card and Hola Bcn discount cards.
Careful: You may end up having to take additional transport to get to your destination as the bus only arrives to Plaça Espanya (from here you can take the metro on to more central areas).
I only recommend taking the bus to the city centre under the following circumstances:
- You don’t feel like spending the extra €3.00 on the Aerobus.
- You don’t mind taking 30-60 more minutes for the trip.
- You have no problem standing in a crowded bus.
- Your hotel or holiday apartments are way to the southwest of the city (there are many stops).
Remember: if you’re staying in classic city centre neighbourhoods like El Born, El Gotico, or Gracia you’ll certainly need another form of transport.
CAREFUL: if you’re taking the airport bus using the discount cards mentioned you’ll need to buy them in advance online as they aren’t sold on board.
Drivers also won’t have change for large bills so please have something small at the ready.
Barcelona Airport to City Centre by Metro
From February 2016 the metro connects Barcelona with El Prat (line L9S).
I’ve done a little test run and wasn’t particularly convinced of the effectiveness.
The number one reason would be that it doesn’t stop anywhere in the city centre – for this reason it’s probably better for residents than for tourists. It also makes quite a few stops and as a result isn’t the swiftest of options.
Another very important con: a single ticket costs €4.50 and is pretty expensive – it’s not even valid on the classic T-10 discount card.
If you absolutely have to take it remember that it’s included in the Hola Bcn and Barcelona Card.
When Should I take the Metro?
- If you’re staying near a metro stop on the green line between Zona Universitaria and Parallel.
- If you’re staying near the red line between Torrassa and Glories.
- If you’re staying anywhere along the orange line.
Where do I get the Metro?
From Terminal 1 it’s basically right outside the arrivals. At Terminal 2 you’ll need to walk about ten minutes outside the arrivals and you’ll find it near the overland train service. In both cases just follow the red M sign.
Important: if you buy a transport discount card directly at the airport it’ll cost you more than doing it online.
Barcelona Airport to City Centre Train
This option takes the same time as the Aerobus but departs every 30 minutes. It also has a more limited running time with the first train leaving for the city centre at 5:42 and the last at 23:38.
Trains run every half hour and the journey takes 30-40 minutes.
A single ticket costs €4.10.
I’d recommend taking the Barcelona train under the following circumstances:
- Your flight arrives in Terminal 2 before 10:30 pm.
- You’ve got accommodation near Sants Estacio, Passeig de Gracia, or El Clot-Arago.
- You’re in no rush and can afford waiting 30 minutes after getting bags etc.
- You don’t mind massive crowds.
Careful: If you arrive in Terminal 1 you’ll have to wait for a free shuttle to Terminal 2 before taking the train. They run every 5 minutes but this will easily add another 20 minutes to your trip.
The first return train leaves the city centre at Passeig de Gracia at 5:08 and the last at 23:07. For either direction please check the train times on the official Spanish railways website – I don’t wanna be blamed for a missed flight 😉
Again, the Barcelona airport train is valid with the Hola Bcn and Barcelona Card.
Advice: walk about 20 metres up the platform to the part that’s not covered to have a better chance at getting a seat.
Barcelona Airport to City Centre by Taxi
It’s no secret the quickest transport from Barcelona airport is Barcelona’s yellow and black taxis.
Like most airports you’ll need to grab your airport taxi after waiting in a designated line. You won’t be able to hail them like on a normal street.
In both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 you’ll find taxi stands right outside after following the signs. There should be a designated worker wearing a fluorescent vest to show you to your car.
There is a minimum charge of €20.00 but you’ll pay €30.00 – €35.00 to get central (T1-T2)
You may encounter extra fees for baggage, late night rides, and rides on holiday. It’s recommended to familiarize yourself with these fees by reading the brochure on the back of the seat.
You can pay by card but it’s recommended to tell the driver in advance.
The maximum amount of passengers is 4. If you need taxis for a larger group call in advance at +34 933033033 – you’ll be charged a €3.10 van supplement.
For complaints and lost items make sure you ask for a receipt (un recibo).
Barcelona Airport to City Centre Ridesharing
With the onset of Uber and others I couldn’t ignore Barcelona’s ride-share system Cabify.
If you’re looking to get to the city centre fast at about a 10% cheaper rate plus no hidden fees this is a highly recommended option. A typical Cabify tariff should run you about €27.00-€32.00.
The best part? You’ll pay even less signing up through my Cabify portal.
For a €6.00 discount on your first trip with Cabify click on the button below:
Even if you don’t take it from the airport you should still sign up for this taxi service because your first ride (after a night out for example) will virtually be free with the discount.
Download the app and book your Cabify in advance or once you’ve landed (there’s free airport WiFi) and select your Terminal. If you’re booking in advance you can even have them wait for you with a sign VIP-style.
Under ‘communicate with driver’ portion just write “can you meet me outside arrivals in T2 at XX:XX with a sign saying (insert name here)?”.
You may also want to write in Spanish: “me puede esperar con un cartel a las XX:XX a la salida de las llegadas en Barcelona El Prat T2?”.
Barcelona Luggage Storage
Yeah, so the thing about Barcelona airport luggage storage is… there is none!
If you need it you’ll have to do it in Barcelona. You can store your luggage in the city centre at 36 Estruc Street (near Plaça Catalunya) and roam free as a bird.
Storage is available every day of the year from 8:30 to 21:30 with prices ranging from €4.00 to €9.50 a day depending on the size of your luggage.
Book Barcelona luggage storage now by clicking to the official site of Barcelona Tourism below.
Really Get on Board in the Comments Below
If you’re still not sure how to get from Barcelona airport to the city centre make sure you write me in the comments below with your hotel/hostel address and I’ll let you know the best way in!
And remember: for any other questions about your Barcelona vacation I am here so fire away!
Adios 🙂
marie london says
Hi. Your blog is awesome, thanks so much for the thorough information! We’re landing at 10AM in BCN and traveling to hotel EuroPark Aragó, 323-325 Barcelona. Can you please give guidance on the best travel option?
Thanks.
Ash says
Hi Marie,
Thanks for the kudos, they are greatly appreciated!
If you arrive at Terminal 2 the cheapest option is to grab the airport train to Passeig de Gracia and then walk about 10 minutes.
You can also take the Aerobus to Plaza de Cataluña and then either walk 12-15 minutes or take a five euro cab.
In all neither option will cost all that much and you’ll be there within the hour.
It’s up to you
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Ash
Marie says
Thank you!
Jules says
Hi Ash, I’ve enjoyed reading all your amazing tips & cant wait to arrive in Barcelona.
Four adults land Terminal 1 @ 2pm on a Friday and our accommodation is near Liceu. With 4 large bags & 4 backpacks what would you recommend for cheap & easy transport?
Also best cheap eats/drinks near Liceu?
Thankyou, Jules
Ash says
Hi Jules,
Thanks for the compliments on the blog, I hope I can be of help 🙂
Liceu is one of those places that could almost be convenient if not for the 15 minute walk down La Rambla from Plaça de Catalunya (sadly, the exact trajectory of the terrorist attack this month… please be careful!).
First let’s eliminate the metro because it won’t get you anywhere close. The airport train (which departs from the other terminal) will be really inconvenient + get you about 25 minutes walk away and possibly require other transport. The city bus? Don’t get me started 😉
Normally I would recommend the Aerobus to Plaça de Catalunya (it’s frequent, cheap, and there are a ton of luggage racks) and then an easy 4-5 euro cab down La Rambla to Liceu. Or a walk if you’re feeling good.
If there’s four of you though you may strongly want to consider Cabify. With the 6.00 euro discount signing up via my link it may end up costing you about 22-25 euro for the direct trip. Split 4 ways the price difference between this and Aerobus is negligible, perhaps even cheaper.
If you’re coming from the UK you’ll have a phone already equipped with 3G (roaming charges are a thing of the past) or if you’re from overseas you can easily use the free airport wifi to use the Cabify app.
One other thing! If you haven’t already I would consider getting a discount tourist pass for all four of you that includes return airport transport on the Aerobus. It also gets you skip the line privileges at Sagrada Familia and Park Guell and gives you a 20% discount voucher for virtually every other attraction.
You’ll end up saving a bunch of money and won’t have to wait in lines. If you’re planning on seeing Sagrada + Park Guell it’s really a no-brainer.
ANYWAY, I’m rambling as always.
My options for you if there’s four of you with bags:
1) Cabify.
2) Aerobus (but do it in conjunction with the City Pass).
Around Liceu I would be careful of tourist traps! The only thing I’d recommend on La Rambla for food is Boqueria Market (try El Quim de La Boqueria for tapas). Stay away from everything else, please!
I would wander deeper into the Gothic Quarter and head to Tasca El Corral for a really authentic Spanish tapas experience. Try the 1 euro homemade vermouth and get a cheese platter.
You can of course also walk 20 minutes the other way to Calle Blai for one euro pintxos (try La Tasqueta del Blai).
In nearby Raval you can also get a homemade curry lunch with naan bread for 5 euros at Bismillah Kebabish.
You could also go to George Orwell Square and try the amazing kebabs at Dionisus Quick Greek. Then get some 2 euro beers and sit outside in the square at Oviso bar.
Ok, that should be enough to get you started 😉
Let me know if you have any more questions,
Ash
Jules says
Great information! – thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge Ash.
Ash says
Any time 🙂
Michael says
Thanks for all the helpful info in your blog. We will be traveling to Barcelona for a cruise. I have a few questions if you could please help.
1. What will be the best way to travel from the airport to H10 Port Vell? how much?
2. Any great places in Port Vell to eat?
3. Best way to get to the cruise port from H1o Port Vell the next day? how much?
Thanks
Ash says
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the compliments 🙂
The good thing is that once you take the shuttle from the cruise dock to the drop off point at the Columbus Statue (impossible to miss) you’ll only be about 900 meters or a 12 minute walk straight down Passeig de Colom.
If you’re carrying a lot of bags I’d first recommend you to sign up for Cabify (Spain’s Uber) – with your 6 euro credit you’ll almost have enough money to do both trips for free. The price of this compared to getting a bus for multiple people on single tickets is superior.
There are also a few buses you can take like the H14, the 59, and V13.
Of course these would be the recommended options on the way back as well, just in reverse. If you’re going to have wifi though I strongly recommend Cabify.
At any rate you’ve probably got one of the easiest hotel routes you’ll ever have! I’ve mapped it out for you on Google Maps:
Michael’s route from the Placa de Colom
Around your hotel you’ve got some great choices to eat. For some very rustic/traditional tapas and 1 euro vermouth (this is very traditional) make sure you go to Tasca El Corral. For a similar more upscale tapas vibe head to El Xampanyet in the Born.
There is of course a fantastic Spanish seafood restaurant called Sommorostro in nearby Barceloneta.
To switch gears I would go to (in my opinion) the best pizza outside of Italy at Sports Bar (ignore the name, this is as authentic Italian as it gets). Want gourmet burgers? You’re a short walk from Kiosko and you won’t regret it!
OK, I’m getting carried away as always 😉
Let me know if you have any more questions, I am here!
Ash
Anna Marie STOFKO says
Dear Dajana, Thank you so much for all the information!!! My husband and I are taking a cruise from your beautiful city but he is difficult about touring anywhere, my problem is we have a very early arrival time Oct 21 which is a SATURDAY. We are staying at the Barcelona Airport Hotel check in is at 3:00 plus we have mobility issues and a ton of luggage can we safely sit somewhere at the airport or do you know is it possible to stay in the hotel lobby all those hours. I would love to do a bus tour but what about all the luggage? Any suggestions thank you so much!!! Anna Marie Stofko
Ash says
Hi Anne Marie,
Thanks for writing in and I am glad to help 🙂
Hotels always accommodate early arrivals with luggage storage facilities. You best bet is to go straight to the hotel, check in/complete all the paper work, and then ask them to hold your bags until later.
You could then go back to the city to do the sightseeing bus tour and then pick up the key and go to the room later.
It’s not optimal to have to backtrack to the city but I am afraid it’s the only way!
Please let me know if you have any more questions 🙂
Ash
Dajana Perrella says
Hi Ash,
your blog is really helpful and i am really happy you give people tips and advices!
I am going to depart on the 7th of August and stay at the Silken Sant Gervasi Hotel! We will arrive around 12 and check in at 2 p.m. Is there a nice place (not expensive) where to start our culinary journey near Placa Catalunya?
I wish you the best,
Dajana
Ash says
Hello Dajana 🙂
Thanks for the compliments on the blog, I am really glad I can be of help 🙂
At the end of the day you’ll need to be careful because there are a ton of tourist traps around the Catalunya/Rambla area… so good thing you’ve asked!
I would go straight for the classic Catalan/Spanish tapas at Cerveceria Catalana. If you’re looking for something more lunchy and modern then go to Flax and Kale. On the other hand if you just want premium satisfying fast food then go for the burger joint Bacoa.
All of these should be about 10 minutes walk or less.
Let me know how you get on! 🙂
Ash
Eric Handler says
What the best transportation option to the Renaissance Hotel? I hear a cab strike is happening tomorrow. Suggestions?
Ash says
Hi Eric,
From the airport the best option would be the airport train to Passeig de Gracia from Terminal 2 and then walk the 250 meters.
Also, if there’s a metro strike you can always try and get a Cabify (Spain’s Uber) as it’s cheaper and generally a more pleasant experience.
If you sign up with my link you also get 6 euro off your first ride.
More info here:
https://www.barcelonahacks.com/taking-a-taxi-in-barcelona/#cabify
Let me know how it works out!
Ash
Gus says
Hello Ash!
For the travel cards you said “The pickup point is at the BARCELONA TURISME window right outside arrivals, be it Terminal 1 or Terminal 2; you’ll find it easily. It’s open from 8:30 to 20:30”. Our flight arrives after than time. Does my online receipt allow me to pickup at Placa Catalunya? Or I can’t even buy it for a discount?
Thanks!
Ash says
Hi Gus,
You can absolutely pick up in the city the next day, no problem.
There is a pickup point at Plaza Cataluña but there are also many more! Probably one even more suitable for your lodging.
For a full list check out my Barcelona Card page:
https://www.barcelonahacks.com/barcelona-card-why-its-worth-it/
The same applies to the Hola BCN.
Cheers,
Ash
Julie Lloyd says
Hi Ash
Me and my 3 children (17, 15 and 11) are visiting Barcelona on 12th June for 3 nights. I have already pre-booked Familia Sagrada, Park Guell and Camp Nou as I wasn’t aware of the travel ticket which gives access to Familia Sagrada and Park Guell.
We are stopping at Atenea Calabria Aparthotel of Carrer Calabria, nearest metro Rocofort. Am I right in thinking the cheapest way to get to the hotel is via the N46 to Placa de Catalunya then Metro to Rocofort using a T-10 ticket?
If so, where do I get a T-10 tickets from?
Many thanks
Julie
Ps will ask other questions under relevant section 🙂
Ash says
Hi Julie,
Thanks for writing in and apologies for my tardy response.
First of all make sure you don’t confuse Plaza España with Plaza Cataluña – the latter is actually way past Rocafort so you’d be backtracking.
You’re only about a 6-7 minute walk from Plaza España so the ideal transport would get you there and then you could walk as opposed to taking one metro stop to Rocafort.
The T-10 is the cheapest. That said, it could be a hassle depending on where you land. To my knowledge they’re only available at the machines at either metro station (T1 or T2) and the overland train station in Terminal 2.
Having to walk out of the terminal to buy them and then back to the bus could take 15 minutes or more plus having to wait for infrequent (comparatively) bus service could add up.
Also if you arrive late at night after the metro/train stop you’ll have to buy single tickets aboard at over double the price.
If you don’t mind the slow go then for sure do it… otherwise I recommend the Aerobus since it’ll take you right to Plaza España, it runs three times as frequently, has better seats + wifi etc.
At any rate let me know what time your flight gets in and which terminal etc. and I could give you some more specific advice.
Any more questions I am here!
Ash
Mapat says
Hi just browsing through and thanx for the informative blog u have here. Will be in Barcelona for the weekend. Best way to get from BCN Airport to Feelathome Plaza Apartments and any reasonable drinking places without inflated prices you could recommend. Lastly transport wise which area will be ideal for a night out .
Ash says
Hey Mapat,
If Google Maps serves me correctly you’re just a few metres from Placa Espanya – the Aerobus has a stop in the square and will get you there in about 25 minutes (they run every 5-10 minutes from the airport)…
From your area you’ll be a ten minute walk from all the cheap 1 euro beer and pintxo bars.
Transport-wise the metro runs all night on Saturday so that’s the best bet. You’ve selected a hotel near one of the main squares so there are night buses to virtually every corner of the city – transport should be totally easy! Check out the night bus map here.
At any rate you’ll be even a 20-25 minute walk from the central drinking neighbourhoods like El Gotico (any of the bars along Calle Ample or Calle de la Merce are good value and cool). It’s quite mild here at the moment so walking is an option too.
Let me know if you have any more questions, hope you enjoy your time here!
AL says
Thanks, the Aerobus was a really good tip compared to a taxi 29 Euro one way.
Ash says
good stuff Al! taxis aren’t good value and are barely more convenient, not making up for the massive difference in price. Thanks for the comment 🙂
Charlie says
Hi ASH,
I love your blog so far! I arrive with my other half around 23:00 (Although we are flying with Easyjet so the arrival might end up being 23:30-00:00). We are staying in the middle of La Rambla (Hostal Benidorm),
So I was wondering if the Aerobus drop us off at Placa de Cataluniya will it be safe for us to walk to our hostel via La Rambla at that time of the night (On a Wednesday)? We will only have one holdall each.
Thanks
Ash says
Hey Charlie thanks for the kind words 🙂
My site might be a bit doom and gloom on the pickpocketing front haha – but you should be totally fine walking down the very open, very policed Rambla at this time of night.
If you’re with a woman and sober (they prey on drunk people) the prostitutes and dealers will generally leave you alone. If anyone approaches you a strong no thanks is all you’ll need.
If you’re really really worried or don’t wanna walk an extra ten minutes with the luggage you’ll find a ton of taxis for a few euro at the south end of Placa Catalunya.
Hope you enjoy your time in Barcelona – any other questions I am here!
Ash
Charlie says
Thanks Ash. 🙂 Last question. Is there anywhere that we could grab some food near Rambla at that time of the night?
Ash says
Most (recommended) restaurants will close around 1130/12 so your best bet is some fast food/take away type stuff on Calle Escudallers – I’ve highlighted it for you on this map:
All the pizza places are top notch – also, if you keep walking along there and arrive to Placa George Orwell you’ll find a great kebab at Dionisos… not to mention a few bars for a late night beer 😉
Oviso bar is the local bet.
Try not to eat on the Rambla no matter how tempting! If you want a great dinner save it for a night where you the have time, in a real restaurant.
Enjoy!
Charlie says
Haha already read your best restaurants post and have saved few on my phone for the rest nights 😉 Thanks again. I will see how hungry/tired we are and we might take a walk down Calle Escudallers for some food and drinks.
Signe says
Hi Ash. It’s Signe again. This time I’d love to hear your suggestion on our best way to get from Terminal One to the area of Carrer de la Merce and Carrer de Simo Oller. We’d prefer not to do a taxi but I’m wondering how long the trip will be from the airport to that area on a Monday morning. Thanks!
Ash says
Hi again Signe,
The only bad thing about that area is that it isn’t so well connected with airport transport – outside of a taxi (which will run around 30 euro with applicable suitcase charges) it’ll be nearly impossible to do it without a 10-15 minute walk.
The metro or overland train won’t get you anywhere near so my best suggestion in this case would be take the Aerobus to Placa Catalunya and then walk (downhill) the rest of the way. You could even flag down a taxi for about 6-7 euro from there if the bags are too much.
Monday morning will be a perfect time to stop half way down La Rambla and grab a nice breakfast at Boqueria Market.
Anyway, let me know how you get on 🙂 Always here to help.