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 €2.20 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 €7.12 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 10% online discount on the Barcelona Card or a 5% savings on the Hola BCN.
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 (including Terminal 2C with EasyJet).
It’s impossible to miss – just walk outside either terminal 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.
Be sure to check the Aerobus Facebook account for any news regarding strikes, road closures, event/marathon interruptions etc.
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 €2.20 one way (€4.40 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 €4.60 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 €4.50.
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.
Another tip: if you’re equidistant to both Sants Estació and Passeig de Gracia make sure you grab the Barcelona airport train at Passeig de Gracia.
Not only can you do some last minute photography at Casa Batllo and La Pedrera, but since it’s one stop ahead on the line your chances of getting a seat at peak times increase dramatically.
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, but for added convenience you can also reserve them in advance:
I recommend you get a free airport taxi quote using Taxileader.
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 app MyTaxi.
If you’re looking to get to the city centre fast with no hidden fees and no run arounds this is a highly recommended option. A typical MyTaxi tariff should run you about €27.00-€35.00.
The best part? You’ll pay even less signing up through my MyTaxi portal.
For a €5.00 discount on your first trip with MyTaxi simply insert the promo code ‘ashley.pil’ once you’ve downloaded the app.
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 Barcelona’s main train station: Sants Estacio.
Storage is available every day of the year from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm with prices starting at €6.00 for the first day and €4.00 per extra day.
Book Barcelona luggage storage now by clicking the button below.
There’s also another interesting offer at Stasher – here you’ll select your date, hour, and deposit duration and be given a map of the city and all the potential licensed partners to ‘stash’ your bag.
The service costs €5.00 for 24 hours.
If you use the code BCNHACKS you’ll get a 10% discount and I’ll also get a small commission that helps me keep this blog up and running! Everybody wins 🙂
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!
Also don’t be afraid to join the airport discussion in my new Facebook group called I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, chat with fellow travelers, and more – anything goes!
And remember: for any other questions about your Barcelona vacation I am here so fire away!
Adios 🙂
Marianne says
This website is so helpful and informative! Just a couple of questions please.
Is it convenient to get to Sant Agusti Hotel from the airport using public transport?
Also, I cannot decide between getting a HoHo bus or a Hola BCN card as I am travelling with parents and it is ideal that there is less walking. Is it pretty easy to navigate the public transportation system or am I better of with a HoHo as it hits all the tourist attractions. We will be staying for 3.5 days.
Thanks in advance!!!
Lynda Alexander says
Hi
My daughter is taking me to Barcelona in May. The plane arrival is after 9pm. We will be travelling to Sant Marti area. Should we order a taxi in advance. Not sure what transportation to get whilst there. I am mobile but can’t do hikes. We are there from a Tuesday to Friday. Would like to visit places like mercado de Santa Caterina, Placa Reial, Gothic quarter and parks.
Would be grateful for your advice
Thanks
Ash says
Hi Lynda,
If you could give me the address of the place I could better guide you… Sant Marti is a huge area and thus very vague. You’ll have a few options, obviously depending on budget and time constraints. There will be options other than taxi if you don’t want to pay €30 or more.
In general I would use the metro as it connects the city very well, is efficient, and really convenient. If you have any more specific questions about what to use between which attractions though please let me know.
Ash
Julie Block says
Arriving at 9:35am from USA by way of Air Portugal. Was going to take taxi for 6 people at terminal 1 or 2. Your site says to call ahead. How far ahead do I need to do that? Or can I just call once I arrive? Also do all flights arrive in Terminal 1 or 2? Thank you.
Ash says
Hi Julie,
There are so many taxis at the airport that it shouldn’t be a big deal to call one once you arrive… in fact, if you head to the taxi stand (impossible to miss with the signs) and ask one of the people they can call one for you.
All flights arrive in 1 or 2, yes!
Ash
Leeanne Arcuri says
Hi Ash
Great site. I was wondering what the easiest way to get from the airport to our hotel at Carrer Cardenal Casanyas 6-8, Barcelona. We arrive at 7.20am and will have been travelling for nearly 24 hours so needs to be easy and no stress. Also a week and a bit later we are needing get from the cruise terminal back to the airport. Thank you in advance.
Ash says
Hi Leeanne,
Outside of a taxi which would be the most convenient, I would grab the Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya and then simply walk the 10-12 minutes down La Rambla toward your hotel. For the cruise port to airport info I’ve got all the info on my cruise terminal post – you’ll simply need to do the trip in reverse.
Ash
Leeanne says
Thank you Ash
Ash says
No problem 🙂
Brian King says
Hello Ash,
Apologies but I think I’ve asked you this before but I can’t find your answer!
Please confirm that when arriving at terminal T2C I can walk to the train station, buy a T-10, get on a Renfe train, get off the train at Passeig de Gracia, walk a short distance and get on the metro at Passeig de Gracia for the yellow line and get off at Llacuna and this counts as 1 use or 1 journey of the T-10?
With thanks,
Duncan says
Hi Ash, great website, another question, do we need a special power adapter to plug in our smartphone in Barcelona (will our Canadian 120amp plug work in Barcelona or do we need a special 240amp adapter?
Ash says
Hi Duncan,
Indeed, you’ll need an adapter as it is different here in Europe.
I usually just get a universal one because it comes in handy for future trips and won’t just be a one off… like the one here.
Ash
Mandy Chamberlain says
Hi my group of 5 is staying at the hotel condado. We have the 3 day barcelona pass as well. Can you give us the best way please.
Ash says
Hi Mandy,
If you’ve got a transport pass I’d simply grab the airport train to Passeig de Gracia, take the green line of the metro up to Diagonal and then from here it’s just a 10 minute walk.
Ash
Duncan says
Hi Ash, thanks for all the great tips, hopefully last question before arriving at Barcelona on May 19 to go to the cruise port for 7 day cruise, back to Barcelona on May 26 – June 1 (please let me know if my thoughts below are on the right track or please correct me);
Arrive at Barcelona International Airport May 19 1pm, take Aerobus to head into town (which Aerobus stop is best to get off and go to cruise port by taxi or should we use metro with T-10 pass to go to Drassanes metro and walk to port bus stop to take us to Royal Caribbean ship terminal -for 2 people with 2 luggage and 2 carry on’s – are they roughly same cost, then it would probably be best to take the taxi from the Aerobus stop) – Cruise leaves port at 6pm but must be on ship by 4pm.
Arrive back into cruise port on May 26 at 6am, stay on ship until 9-10am since Casa Kessler check in is at 2pm, what is the most economic way to go from cruise port to the hotel- -for 2 people with 2 luggage and 2 carry on’s
The Barcelona City Pass has Aerobus included and the Barcelona Card has Airport pickup, what is the difference (no Aerobus?) – since we will need the Barcelona Card for unlimited public transport & museums for May 27 – May 31, I was thinking of buying the T-10 for May 26 use to go around for the day and if no time limit, then I can keep for our next trip to Barcelona to use Can we use the Barcelona City Pass Aerobus credit to get back to the airport on June 1 (will the other airport Aerobus credit be valid the next time in Barcelona or does it expire?)?
We will buy our BARCELONA CITY PASS (no time limit) + 2 day Bus Turistic, use it to buy our 5 day Barcelona Card (20% discount – have printed copy to pickup valid Barcelona Card at airport) online soon before arriving in Barcelona and start using both cards on May 27 for full 5 day unlimited transportation use (will be in Barcelona from May 26 (hotel check in at 2pm – leaving June 1 10am, head to Casa Kessler Barcelona for 2pm check in with T-10 pass (is T-10 unlimited time limit? or if taxi the same cost but which is the most economic better way)
Ash says
Hi Duncan,
The unfortunate thing about the airport metro is that it doesn’t really get anywhere central and by the time you can change lines for one that goes central you’ll already be about 30-40 minutes into your trip – which is just too long in my opinion.
If you’re looking to do it cheaply but also fairly quickly I would simply grab the Aerobus to Plaça Espanya (the first stop), then go down into the metro station and grab two single tickets for the metro (or a T-10 if you see yourself needing more trips on the 26th when you come back… it will be valid for 90 days so no problem ) and hop on the green line 3 stops down to Drassanes. From here you can walk down to the Port Bus.
To get to your hotel the cheapest (provided you’ve still got your T-10) would be to grab the port bus to the bottom of La Rambla, hop on the green line of the metro up to Passeig de Gracia, and then walk 10 minutes to the hotel.
Also… what do you mean by airport pickup? The Barcelona Card I know has no such thing so I can’t really explain a difference which as far as I know doesn’t exist! The Barcelona Card includes basic airport transport in that you can take the city bus and airport train. But there is no pickup.
Again, if you grab a T-10 on your way in you can use it on the 26th when you come back so this will be a very good and economical choice before your cards are activated.
The Aerobus tickets are open tickets so you can use them whenever you want and for whatever trajectory. I do recall being told by one of their representatives that the tickets are valid for one year but you may want to double check by writing them directly.
Anyway, I hope I cleared some things up! If you have any more questions you know who to ask 😉
Ash
Ash says
Also! Sorry, I forgot… if you’re not in much of a hurry you could simply arrive in the airport, head to the airport train station, buy a T-10, and use it to take the airport train to Sants Estacio… from here you can change to the green line of the metro and head to Drassanes using the same T-10.
This will end up being even cheaper than the first option I gave. I would only do this though if you have plenty of time since there are only 2 airport trains an hour… if your flight is delayed and you’re tight on time then Aerobus is superior since it runs every 5 min.
Kelly says
Hi Ash
Two of us will arrive Barcelona tomorrow, is it the most convenience way to go SM Hotel Sant Antoni is taking Aerobus (A1) get off at Pl Universitat and change metro to Monumental? Is the T-10 ticket ok to use for the metro from Universidad to Monumental?
Ash says
Hi Kelly,
You’re exactly right! I couldn’t have drawn up the trip any better than you 😉 Just remember that Universitat is the 3rd stop (the second open space/square) as some people get confused and get off one stop later at Catalunya.
And yes, the T-10 ticket will be valid for metro use in the city.
Ash
Kelly says
Many thanks for your reply and I will order my Aerobus ticket online now. Cheers
Terry says
Hi,
I will be traveling to Barcelona shortly. I am staying at Aura Park Fira Barcelona Av. Fabregada, 54-56, 08901 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. What is the best type of transportation to get there from the Barcelona airport?
Thank you
Ash says
Hi Terry,
This place is a bit far out and a place I haven’t been too myself so unfortunately I’m going to have to yield to Google on this one. It is giving me a couple options but it looks like the quickest, provided you can catch the bus quickly, is to take two buses (46 to Av. Granvia – Cotxeres TMB and then the L10 to Rambla Marina – Cobalt) and then it’s a 6-7 minute walk.
Here’s the link if you need.
Please let me know if you need any more info.
Ash
jun says
Hi, may i ask the aerobus return trip ticket can be used for different day or have to be same day?
Ash says
Hi Jun,
There Aerobus tickets are open tickets so can be used any time 🙂
Ash
Andy Anderson says
What is the best transportation option from the BCN airport to Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 79, 08025 Barcelona, where we are staying at an apartment. We arrive around 10AM on a Wednesday.
Ash says
Hi Andy,
I’d take the airport train to Passeig de Gracia and then grab the yellow line of the metro up to Joanic station. From here it’s just a 10 minute walk.
Ash
Betty Kootnikoff says
What an amazing site! We have never been to Barcelona and I guess we are just confirming, transport from the airport T1 to Hotel Roma Reial, Placa Reial 11 08002. After a 17+ hour flight, with luggage for an extended holiday and my husband has mobility issues what is the best and stress-free transport to find our hotel? We are thinking about taxi? We are unfamiliar with other stops from the bus and frankly, the last thing as weary travelers is to figure things out in a new city. After our 5 day stay I’m sure this will sound like a very silly question. Just being proactive. Many thanks!
Ash says
Hi Betty,
Thanks so much for the kind words! 🙂
Let’s see, for two people from the airport to your hotel you’re looking at around €30.00-€35.00 which is reasonable though certainly not the cheapest option. With limited mobility and big suitcases this is the preferred option.
If you’re looking to spend a little less I’d opt for the Aerobus. With this bus you’ll get off at the terminus stop (Plaça Catalunya) and then from here it’s about an €8.00-€10.00 taxi… this option in total will save you about €10.00 maximum… but perhaps after 17 hours traveling the 10 euro won’t mean much? Haha… I’m leaning to just saying get the taxi and forget about the rest 🙂
Ash
Heather says
Ashley,
Great info, thanks. Which stop should we get off at from the Aerobus if going to Carrer de Nàpols, 189? Thanks!
HD
Ash says
Hi Heather,
You’ll need to get off the Aerobus at Placa Catalunya… keep in mind though that from here you’re looking at a 30 minute walk to the hotel.
While it’s in a bit of a dead spot for the metro… you could take the purple line from Passeig de Gracia (about 200 m from the Aerobus stop) to Monumental to cut the walk down. It would be only a 6-7 minute walk from there, not optimal, but slightly better than the big walk.
Ash