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 Barcelona Card gives you unlimited transport from €6.84 a day.
- The Barcelona Card gives you unlimited transport + a ton of attractions from €9.00 a day.
Buying Tourist Discount Passes Online
It is strongly recommended to buy these passes from home to get a 10% online discount on both the Barcelona Card or a 5% savings on the Hola Barcelona Card.
For buying links and an in-depth explanation of the passes click the button below:
Pickup Points + Refunds
The pickup point for the Barcelona Card 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.
For the Hola Barcelona Card it’s even simpler:
- Open your email and the get the voucher number from the purchase receipt.
- Take the voucher number to any city metro station (airport included).
- Insert the voucher number at the red ticket machines.
- Collect your Hola Barcelona Card.
- Use it!
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 Free Now (formerly 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 Free Now tariff should run you about €27.00-€35.00.
The best part? You’ll pay even less signing up through my Free Now portal.
For a €5.00 discount on your first trip with Free Now 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 by first giving me a like on Facebook and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.
Anything goes!
And remember: for any other questions about your Barcelona vacation I am here so fire away.
Adios 🙂
Glenda
Hi-We have a group of 6 adults with suitcases and carryon bags arriving at BCN. We are planning to take a taxi to our hotel. Will there be taxis large enough for all of us with luggage, or should we just take 2 regular taxis?
Ash
Hi Glenda,
There are few large taxis in the queue outside arrivals so it’s an option though not optimal. I would order one in advance using the taxi app Free Now – if you sign up using the instructions in my taxi article you’ll even get €5.00 off your first ride.
Cheers,
Ash
Betty Catanzariti
Thanks for your interesting ideas/suggestions. We (2 adults) will arrive in BCN at 11:35 pm after a 2- flight trip. Do we hope to make the last Aerobus trip at 1:05am? Thanks.
Ash
Hi Betty,
Unless there are some massive delays you should easily be at the Aerobus stop by about 12:30 and even earlier 🙂
Ash
Ed McLaughlin
Hi Ash, My wife and I are arriving at BCN airport (terminal 1) on Oct 19. Looking for transportation to our hotel, Barcelo Raval. Spending one day sight seeing, then need transportation to cruise ship terminal. Upon return from cruise on Oct 27 we will need transportation back to airport. Any advice you can give us would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ed
Ash
Hi Ed,
I would grab the Aerobus to the Universitat stop and then from here it’s a short taxi or a 15 minute walk to the hotel.
To get to the airport from the cruise port you can either get a taxi for €39.00 or you can get the cruise bus up to the Columbus Statue, walk to Drassanes metro station and take the green line up to Catalunya where from there you’ll get the Aerobus.
Ash
Beverley
Hi I am arriving at 21:35 on the 18th October from bcn & staying at a new hotel called seventy Barcelona 08037 I was going to book the aerobus but thinking of booking the city pass with the aero bus transfers included . Will there be a stop close to the hotel. Or doe you suggest an alternative form of transport.
Thanks
Ash
Hi Beverley,
The terminus stop of the Aerobus at Plaça Catalunya will be a 15 minute walk or a quick metro trip using the green line up to Diagonal. Easy peasy 🙂
Ash
Marty Burr
Hi Ash,
Great website with lots of info.
We will be landing at BCN November 20th @ 2:00 PM and will need to get to Arago 312 Apartments and sight seeing all day on the 21st on the 22nd we will need to get to the cruise port so can you give me an idea what you think would work best for our transportation needs? We are four senior adults.
Thank You
Ash
Hi Marty,
Usually I’d recommend the Aerobus/metro combo but if there are 4 of you and you’re paying €6.00 for that plus another €2.00 each for the metro that’s gonna add up to the same or more as a taxi.
Here’s what I’d do.
Download the Free Now app using the instructions in my article on Barcelona taxis and claim your €5.00 discount on your first ride. Then book a taxi for the airport and get it right to your hotel door.
You can use this app for the trip to the cruise port as well. I think it’ll save a lot of headaches and walking around with luggage etc.
Cheers,
Ash
Michelle Jeffery
Hi Ash,
We are coming to Barcelona at the end of the month and will be a party of 2 adults and 2 children (15 & 13). I am going around in circles trying to figure out the easiest and cheapest way to travel from BCN to our apartment, La Rosa by the Streets, Carrer de Martínez de la Rosa, Gracia. I have looked at all modes of transport and could really do with your advice please. Love your website by the way.
Thanks.
Michelle
Ash
Hi Michelle,
Honestly there will be cheap… and then there will be easy. Neither will be both since the hotel is in a bit of a dead spot and will require two modes of public transport. Since it would cost about €25.00 for the four of you to grab the Aerobus (and then single metro tickets of around €8.00 total to get closer) I’m just going to suggest getting a taxi which will be about €30.00.
If you wanted to do it just to save money I’d grab a T-10 card (10 trips) at the airport metro train station, take the train to Passeig de Gracia, and walk the 20-25 minutes uphill to the hotel. It’ll cost you €10.00 and you’ll have 6 metro trips left over for sightseeing.
Cheers,
Ash
Cy
Hi! i am quite concerned with the left luggage. based on my readings, they have one situated in Terminal 1, T2B in Floor 0, the left luggage is owned by a UK company. does this exist?
Ash
Hi Cy,
Yes it is owned by a UK company and it does indeed exist and you’ll find all the info here:
https://www.consigna.es/en/left-luggage
Ash
Olga
Hi Ash,
Thank you for such an informative post. We are planning to get to park Guell straight from the airport at 9am as will need to head off to Santa Susana in the late afternoon. Can you please advise on the easiest/cheapest option of getting to the park from the airport and then back to the train station to get to our hotel in Santa Susana. We have 2 kids (2 and 9) is it worth getting the travel card and share for the journeys mentioned? I can not wait for your reply as quite confused with it all at the moment. Thank you. Olga
Ash
Hi Olga,
No problem, glad to help 🙂
I would grab the airport train to Passeig de Gracia and then from here change to the yellow line of the metro. Take it up to Alfons X and from there you can get the free shuttle up the hill to the park (included in your ticket… so buy in advance online!).
To get back to the train station it would simply be doing the trip in reverse to Passeig de Gracia.
I would get T-10 ticket at the train station so you can share it. You’ll need 10 trips though so you’ll have to buy two singles in the end.
In all this will cost around €15.00.
Cheers,
Ash
Olga
Thank you Ash,
We have changed our mind and looking to instead take hop on hop off bus. Shell we still take a train from the airport or is airbus goes closer to one of the HOHO bus stops? Also, is getting back to the train station easy by one of these busses?
Also where is good to stop for lunch with kids on the way, there must be something special/traditional along one of the routes?
Can we leave some luggage at the train station?
Thank you so much for your kind suggestions.
Olga
Ash
Hi Olga,
Both the airport train and the Aerobus will take you to HoHo stops though I’d recommend the Plaça Catalunya stop because it’ll give you one more stop to listen to the guide etc. As for getting back to the train station, you’ll simply have to ride it the whole way until it arrives back at Plaça Catalunya.
To my knowledge there is no left luggage at Passeig de Gracia but you should use the Stasher app to find a place. There are tons in the area at reasonable prices.
As for eating along the way… there’s too much really! I’d get off at Sagrada Familia (you’re going to anyway) and go to either La Paradeta (seafood) or El Celler del vermut (Spanish tapas).
Ash
Key Williams
Hi Ash,
Heading to Barcelona and will be arriving in the late morning. My hotel in Room Mate Anna.
Is Taxi the best way there?
Key
Ash
HI Key,
If money is no object I’d go for a taxi! But keep in mind this will be €30+ while taking the Aerobus for about €6 will get you to Plaça Catalunya where you’ll be just a 8-10 minute walk from the hotel. I’d do this 🙂
Cheers,
Ash
Becky McMillen
Hello. We will be staying at the Marriott Renaissance hotel near Passeig de Gracia. What is the best way to get there from BCN? Thank you for your very informative website!
Ash
Hola Becky,
Thanks for the kind words, always glad to help.
As for the trip into the city it’s super simple! Just grab the Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya and then from there it’s a quick walk 🙂
Cheers,
Ash
Mirella
Hi Ash! We have just booked a trip to Barcelona in February and will be staying at the Apartments Sata Olimpic Village Area, what is the best way to get there from El Prat airport? Also, what would you recommend we see and do? Thank you very much!
Ash
Hola Mirella,
I would take the Aerobus to the terminus stop Plaça Catalunya and then from here walk over to Urquinaona metro station. You’ll take the yellow line down to Bogatell and from there it’s just a short walk.
For what to see and do… there’s an entire blog here worth of material including my list of best things to do in Barcelona. Did you have a more specific request?
Ash
Mirella
Thank you so much for your reply! We have actually changed our accommodation to Sant Andreu now so we can just get the train there but I will definitely have a look at your blog posts for the best things to do (and cheap train tickets)!
Ash
Great! Always good to be in a more accesible spot 🙂 Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Roxanne
Hi.
I have a 6am flight from El Prat. I will need to be there at 4am as it’s an international flight to Amsterdam.
+/- €30 for a taxi is way too high for me. Do you know of any cheaper options to get me to the airport at that time of the morning such as a public bus or train? Pls help! Thanking you in advance 🙂
Ash
Hi Roxanne,
If you need a public bus in the middle of the night there’s no problem! The N17, N18, and N16 buses run from Plaça de Catalunya to both terminals. The ticket costs €2.20.
There are other stops around the city… where are you staying exactly?
Ash
Roxanne
Hi. Thank you so much for the quick reply. I’m staying in Castelldefels… Passeig de la tramontana
Ash
Wow! That changes everything… it’s going to be completely impractical to get into Barcelona only to take a nice bus and loop back to the airport.
It looks like you can get a private shuttle starting at about €11.25 here:
https://booking.touristactive.com/barcelona/airport-shuttle/
Just put in your flight details and see how it comes out… please let me know how it goes 🙂
Cheers,
Ash
blahh
Can you go to Sitges with the Hola Barcelona travel card?
Ash
Unfortunately Sitges finds itself in Zone 2 of the TMB network so the Hola Barcelona won’t be applicable 🙁
Cheers,
Ash
Rhona
Hi – we are arriving on Sunday October 6th and staying for 4 days. Our apartment is at Verdi, 53-55 Gracia, 08012, Barcelona. We are a party of 3 adults and 4 teenagers.
What would our best transport option be from the airport? On return we need to be at the Airport around 7.30am.
We hope to visit Camp Nou, Sagradia Familia, possibly the hop on hop off bus tour, the beach and
maybe a flamenco show as well as general food / shopping.
Which discount pass would you recommend?
Is a walking tapas tour worth considering? are under 18s generally accepted?
Thank you for any advice
Ash
Hi Rhona,
You’re in a bit of a dead spot for the metro/train/bus from the airport… it will involve two modes of transport and usually I’d recommend the Aerobus/metro combo but if there are 7 of you and you’re paying €6.00 for that plus another €2.00 each for the metro that’s gonna add up to the same or more as a taxi.
Here’s what I’d do.
Download the Free Now app using the instructions in my article on Barcelona taxis and claim your €5.00 discount on your first ride. Then book an 8 person van taxi and get it right to your hotel door.
You can use this app for the return trip as well. I think it’ll save a lot of headaches and walking around with luggage etc.
Ash
Ash
And oh sorry! Was way too quick on the trigger there 😉
If you’re doing all of the activities you mentioned but are NOT using the Aerobus (as per my instructions) and not considering any other attractions entrances then I’d just buy my tickets individually and forget about the discount pass.
Under 18s are accepted in the walking food tours. I saw teens and even small children on both the Devour and the Wanderbeak ones and they were having a blast… both of these would be highly recommended.
Cheers,
Ash