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 reservas@barcelonaturisme.com.
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 and support this blog by buying using 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 using the button below:
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 🙂
Caren
19/06/2019 at 4:24 PMI am fascinated by your site. It has really gotten my planning juices flowing. As to airport transport, we are 4 people coming in on two separate flights. Our hotel is H10 Madison, C/Dr. Joaquim Pou, 2-4-6.
Thanks for any direction.
Sachin
19/06/2019 at 1:24 PMHi
I am arriving at Barcelona Airport on 2nd July with wife and 10 year old kid, what is best way to go to “Hotel Campanile Barcelona Barberà de Vallès SECTOR BARICENTRO N-150 KM-6,7 08210 BARBERA DEL VALLES”?
Ash
19/06/2019 at 3:28 PMHi Sachin,
Apologies as this is way far out and not my area of expertise 🙁 I can only direct you to the Google Maps options and all of them (multiple combinations of buses and trains) read about 1 hour and 40 minutes… and most involve around 15-20 minutes of walking.
I would contact the hotel to see if they have any tricks… but all options seem to involve some sort of walking and transfer.
Ash
Julia h
16/06/2019 at 5:52 PMHi I love your blog and it has been very helpful in making our plans. We are 5 adults with luggage arriving this week. What is the best way to get to our place Floridablanca (30) from the airport and where should we store our large bags for the day? Thanks so much in advance. You will probably hear from me again
Ash
17/06/2019 at 10:51 AMHi Julia,
You can take the Aerobus to the first stop (Plaça Espanya) and from here it’s just a 10 minute walk. It really couldn’t be easier 🙂
As for luggage… what is preventing you from leaving it at the hotel? I am not sure I follow! Most places will allow you to do leave it there.
Ash
Julia h
17/06/2019 at 12:43 PMAsh we are staying in an apartment so we need to store the luggage for most of the day Monday. Thanks for the help on the transportation
Hi I love your blog and it has been very helpful in making our plans. We are 5 adults with luggage arriving this week. What is the best way to get to our place Floridablanca (30) from the airport and where should we store our large bags for the day? Thanks so much in advance. You will probably hear from me again
Ash
18/06/2019 at 11:46 AMOh! That’s too bad that they couldn’t help you or let you leave the luggage… I guess they have new guests checking in.
I would recommend the website Stasher because it gives you a ton of options and you won’t pay more than €5.00 a day. If you search on the map you’ll see a couple places walking distance from your apartment.
Also, 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
Rachel
13/06/2019 at 5:33 PMHello, we are arriving at El Prat at 13.30 on Friday and staying at the Evenia Rossello, what is the best way to get there other than taking a taxi, I was considering buying an HolaBarcelona card too.
Thanks in advance.
Ash
13/06/2019 at 5:48 PMHi Rachel,
To get to your hotel I wouldn’t take a taxi unless there were 4 people in the party to cut down on costs.
If you’re getting the Hola Barcelona I would take the airport train to Passeig de Gracia and then from there it will be a short 10-15 minute walk. The other alternative (more expensive and not included in the Hola) would be to grab the Aerobus to Plaça Universitat… from here it’ll be just a 15 minute walk, slightly uphill.
Cheers,
Ash
Ionut
13/06/2019 at 1:52 PMHi, we are arriving tomorrow morning in BCN, we stay in ILUNION hotel, can you recommend what transportation can we take from the airport? Doesn’t have to be fast. Thank you. Great job anyways with the tips and the help u are giving
Ash
13/06/2019 at 5:15 PMHi Ionut,
Thanks for the kind words on the blog 🙂
Let’s see, you’re a bit far out in the Poble Nou area so will need to take two different means to get there… but you can take the Aerobus from either airport terminal to the terminus stop (Plaça Catalunya) and then from here you can walk 200 meters to the Urquinaona metro stop where you will grab the yellow line of the metro to Llacuna.
From here your hotel is just a short walk.
Cheers,
Ash
Lauren
11/06/2019 at 5:51 PMHi Ash! Your website has been so much help! We arrive at BCN around 10:30 am on Sunday. There are just two of us, and we are staying at Hotel Rec. What’s the best transportation method to get there from the airport? We are considering the Aerobus but unsure if we should grab a taxi, take the metro, or walk from there. Thanks in advance!
Karyn Berry-Wynne
10/06/2019 at 6:25 AMHi there, you’re site is awesome; it has so much great advice! We’re staying at Hotel Ciutat de Barcelona; what transportation method would you recommend coming from the airport? Our flight gets in at 5:30pm. I also found this option listed on another site
Thanks for your help!
Ash
10/06/2019 at 11:13 AMHi Karyn,
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Private transfers can get unnecessarily expensive unless you’re in a group of four or more, are full of money, or really tired and not able to pack your luggage. For your situation the superior option should be to take Aerobus from either airport terminal to the terminus stop (Plaça Catalunya) and then from here walk it (maybe 15 minutes) to your hotel.
From there, there will also be the option of taking a quick taxi for about €5-7 if you’re packing heavy bags or super tired after traveling.
This is how I’d do it!
Ash
Karyn Berry-Wynne
10/06/2019 at 7:05 PMGreat, thank you so much Ash!
Tara
06/06/2019 at 11:19 PMHola!
Your website has been so helpful! Gracias!
We’re flying in around 12:00pm in August to Barcelona T2 and need to get to Motel One. What’s the least complicated way to do it? As in, walk out of the airport, get transportation and be deposited as close to or hotel as possible? I would always assume a taxi would be the best option, but we’d like to avoid big waits and it seems pre-booking means they want to charge you almost double.
If you were just arriving in Barcelona for the first time after a 14 hour journey, what would be your first option?
Muchas gracias,
Tara
Ash
07/06/2019 at 10:14 AMHi Tara,
Thanks so much for the kind words 🙂
Where did you find that taxis were almost double? That’s not good! Honestly there is a taxi stand outside where you won’t wait very long…. using the MyTaxi app above also gives you a €5.00 discount.
Since you’re a bit far away from the terminus points of most airport transport (maybe 25 minutes walking) and you’ll have suitcases etc after 14 hours… it’ll be a bit annoying. I would prefer a taxi.
My second option would be to grab the Aerobus to the first stop (Plaça Espanya) and then grab the red line of the metro to Arc de Troimf and from there it’s a 8-10 minute walk. It would be cheaper, but if there are 3-4 of you or even more it won’t be saving much.
Ash
Tara
07/06/2019 at 6:36 PMThanks a bunch! I think we’ll just wait for a taxi. We’ll only have backpacks and the two of us, but if it’s not a crazy wait and it’s simple enough, we’ll just go with the easiest, quickest option. I’ve been to some airports where getting a taxi takes longer and is more stressful than walking the whole way! 😀
Ash
08/06/2019 at 8:24 AMHi Tara,
There are so many taxis in Barcelona that even when flagging them down in the centre you’ll hardly wait more than 2-3 minutes… you should be fine! 🙂 Enjoy, and let me know if you have any more questions…
Cheers,
Ash
Cristine Radice
05/06/2019 at 11:21 PMWonderful site with such detailed information! Thank you! We arrive in Barcelona El Prat airport on June 11 at 10:25pm. We will need to get through customs and then to our hotel – AC Hotel Sants. Not sure how long customs takes but whats the best way for us to get to the hotel at that hour? Thank you!
Ash
06/06/2019 at 9:01 AMHi Cristine,
You can take the Aerobus from either airport terminal to the first stop (Plaça Espanya) and then from here it will be a short walk.
From there, there will also be the option of taking a quick taxi for about €5-7 if you’re packing heavy bags or super tired after traveling. I wouldn’t worry about the timing since Aerobus runs well into the early hours… customs should only take 10-15 minutes.
Cheers,
Ash
Brad
03/06/2019 at 10:28 PMHola. We arrive at 4:00 pm in a week. We are staying in the L’Eixample District on Carrer de Calàbria. Also, we have a 12, 8 and 3 yr old. We are not bringing a car seat for the 3 yr old. Can we take the Aerobus then walk?
Thanks,
Brad
Ash
04/06/2019 at 10:35 AMHi Brad,
I don’t see any issues taking the Aerobus as it will get you very close (depending of course what part of Calabria you’re on)… if you could give me the exact address I could guide you better, though it seems like it’ll be maybe a 10-15 minute walk from either the first or second stop of the Aerobus.
Totally fine in my opinion… but just keep in mind if four of you are going on the Aerobus this will add up to about €25.00 so it’s only maybe €5-7 more to get a taxi which could be worth it with kids and wanting convenience. There will be taxis with car seats no doubt and if not you can get one of the people at the stand to call you one.
Cheers,
Ash
Krista Smith
03/06/2019 at 3:50 PMHi! First trip to Barcelona and would love advice on airport transfer to Carrer Gran de Gràcia, 12 2, Barcelona, Catalunya 08012, Spain. We arrive in Terminal 1 at 1:30 pm on a Tuesday. Thanks!
Ash
03/06/2019 at 3:59 PMHola Krista!
For lodging in Gracia I would prefer you take the Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya (the last stop – you can’t miss it as it’s the city’s biggest square) and then grab the green line of the metro from here.
Take it up to Diagonal (just two stops) and from here you’ll have a short walk.
You could also do a 20-25 walk up into the area of your hotel if you were packing light or not wanting to spend the extra €4.00 on the metro. Again, it’s your choice 🙂
Cheers,
Ash
Darice
02/06/2019 at 11:39 PMHi,
I think I have information burnout. We arrive at BCN 745am on July 4. Our hotel is Hotel Gaudi, Carrer Nou de la Rambla. What is the best option?
Ash
03/06/2019 at 10:16 AMHi Darice,
You can take the Aerobus from either airport terminal to the terminus stop (Plaça Catalunya) and then from here it will be a short walk.
From there, there will also be the option of taking a quick taxi for about €5-7 if you’re packing heavy bags or super tired after traveling.
Easy peasy 🙂
Ash
Patti Christensen
25/05/2019 at 7:40 AMWe will be arriving on a Sunday morning, about 11:00 at BCN and needing to get to
Carrer de Maria, 14 entr. Barcelona – in the Gracia neighborhood. Would you recommend the Aerobus? will the stop be close enough for us to walk? Thank you. Patti
Patti Christensen
25/05/2019 at 8:35 AMActually we just found out that we are by Casa Fuster Monument at the corner of calle Maria and Sant pere Martir), and can arrive on the Green Metro line 3 between Diagonal and Fontana. Would we do best to just then take the Metro from the airport? Or is the Aerobus still the best? Trying to make a plan that will be workable. Patti
Ash
25/05/2019 at 11:10 AMUnfortunately the airport metro won’t get you anywhere close… it’ll involve switching lines and take you about an hour to get central whereas the Aerobus (especially on a Sunday morning with no traffic) will have you in the area in about half the time. You can take the green line from the terminus stop of the Aerobus (Plaça Catalunya)… that would be my way 🙂
Ash
Ash
25/05/2019 at 11:09 AMHi Patti,
Taking the Aerobus is always a good idea. If you get off at the terminus stop of Plaça Catalunya however though keep it mind it’ll be about a 35-40 minute slightly uphill walk. You may want to take the metro from Catalunya up to Diagonal to cut down on this walk or simply get a cheap taxi from there (maybe €8.00).
Cheers,
Ash
Robert Nicholson
28/05/2019 at 2:46 AMWill be arriving at BCN Terminal 1 at 7PM and 4 persons need to get to Rambla de Catalunya 8 to check in by 9PM. Would Taxi be our best option with least hassle? What would the Taxi cost for 4 persons?
Ash
28/05/2019 at 8:32 AMHi Robert,
To Rambla Catalunya you’re looking at €30.00-€35.00 depending on traffic, extras etc… at about 8 euro per person this is only about 2 euro more per person than my second best option (Aerobus) so I would opt for this for the convenience factor.
Definitely less hassle doing it this way, though the Aerobus would be my second choice as it’s almost as fast and will bring you within about a 10-15 minute walk from Rambla de Catalunya depending on how high up you are on the street.
Ash