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, Airbnb, or holiday apartments are in the city’s southwest (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 🙂
Asif
Hi Ash!
We will be arriving on 16th December. There are three of us (one of whom is a 2.5 year old maniac).
We will have one bug suitcase, two hand luggages and a fairly big pram. I would like to take a private taxi but the large ones seem too expensive.. it seems cheaper just to rent a car..?
Please help!
Asif
Ash
Hi Asif,
It depends what you’re doing it for… are you just getting central for the visit? Let me know where your hotel is and I can help you further. What would your budget be?
Cheers,
Ash
Asif
Sorry about that!
I’m staying at
Apartment: Eric Vökel Bcn Suites
Address: Passatge Grassot 4 , 08015
Thanks
Asif
I don’t really have a budget per se. I just want the cheapest option. Are there any providers that you would recommend?
Ash
Hi Asif,
I wouldn’t rent a car. What you can do though is to download the Free Now app (which uses the city taxi system) and using the instructions above – you’ll get a €5.00 discount on your first trip if you use the code mentioned.
You should be able to get to the hotel for around €30.00.
The private ones will be more expensive.
Cheers,
Ash
Anna
Hi there. We are a family of four arriving on Dec 21 8:30pm at BCN. Our bnb is at Ronda de Sant Pere near the Mercadona. What do you recommend for reaching the accommodation fast and conveniently? Aerobus till Pl Catalunya and then a cab ? I hope Cabify works as of now
Ash
Hi Anna,
If you’re going to do an Aerobus and then a taxi with four people you might as well just get a taxi the whole way. I would just sign up to Free Now using the link above and take the €5.00 discount, and pay about €30.00 for the direct taxi. The way you’ve proposed it, it would be about the same price and maybe slightly more for the combination Aerobus/taxi trip.
Cheers,
Ash
Rose
Hi,
Thank you for the great info. We will be staying at Hotel Rec Barcelona and our flight is landing around 11am. What would be the best way to get to the hotel from BCN?
Thank you!
Rose
Ash
Hola Rose,
No problem 🙂
Grab the Aerobus and get off at the last stop Plaça Catalunya.
From here it’ll be just a short 10-15 minute walk. If you don’t wanna brave the luggage you can even grab a cheap cab from there.
Cheers,
Ash
Rose
Thank you so much!
Ash
No problem 🙂
Ranjani
Hi ash,
We will be reaching Barcelona at 10.30PM. We are staying in hotel Evenia Rossello. Could you please suggest which transport is good and which card we should buy ( should include airport transfer )We will be staying for 3 days with a group of 9 people ..
Thanks in advance
Lucile
Hola Ranjani,
I recommend you to take the train R2N to Passeig de Gràcia and walk 10 minutes, but trains only run every half hour… You can also take metro L9S to Collblanc and then metro L5 (Vall d’Hebron) to Diagonal and walk 5 minutes.
I suggest you to buy Hola BCN travel cards, a convenient unlimited transport pass, it includes all public transport and metro or train from the airport 😉
Cheers,
Lucile
Iva
Hi Ash… awesome website. My google search stopped at your site. It was exactly what i was looking for and I thank you for putting the effort and leaving all these informations available to us plus taking time to answer our questions.
My question is what would be the fastest way to get to Barcelona Nord bus station from the Barcelona airport? My plane lands at 8:35 pm and i need to catch a bus leaving from Barcelona Nord to Murcia at 10 pm. What would you suggest? Thank you in advance for your help. You rock 🙂
Ash
Hi Iva,
Thanks for your very kind words! Always glad to help 🙂
Honestly especially if your plane doesn’t land exactly on time you’re going to be looking at quite the squeeze time-wise. By the time you get your luggage and get to a train or bus it may be 9:00/9:15 and you’ll be in panic mode!
I would just play it safe and take a taxi. It’ll run you about €35.00 but it’s cheaper than having to rebook the bus!
Cheers,
Ash
Iva
Thank you Ash for the fast response. I was thinking in the same direction. First time in Barcelona .. I dont think i will manage on time with all the changes between the buses or bus and metro, plus the lost time at the airport. Taxi is the only safe option. Is there any particular taxi that i should be looking for, or any taxi driver would take me to Barcelona Nord for the same price? Thank you again 🙂
Ash
Hi Iva,
There is a reliable taxi service which is the black and yellow city cabs. They’re everywhere. You can’t go 10 seconds in the city centre without seeing one and at the airport there will be a taxi stand where you can get one almost immediately.
I would just go with the old reliable here and not try and get too fancy 🙂
Cheers,
Ash
Clarissa
Hi Ash! Wonderful website! I am arriving at the Barcelona airport and staying at the Midtown Apartments. Travelling as a family of 4 with 2 young kids. What would you suggest for airport transfer? Thank you so much!
Lucile
Hola Clarissa,
I assume that with 2 young kids the fastest and most direct way is the best. In this case, I recommend taking the Aerobus from the airport to Plaça Catalunya and then walk 5 minutes to Midtown Apartments 😉
Cheers,
Lucile
mylust
Aerobus is the fastest way to reach Barcelona city Centre with public transport. There are two lines that connect T1 and T2 with Placa Catalunya.
Aysh
Hello,
I have been using your amazing website to help plan a trip to Barcelona this Wednesday.
We are staying at Hotel Acta Atrium Palace (Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, 656 08010 – Barcelona) and were wondering the best/cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel.
Thanks for your help in advance
Lucile
Hola,
The fastest way would be the Aerobus (10,20€ return ticket) from the airport to Plaça Catalunya and then walk 5 minutes. It takes approximately 45 minutes. You can buy your tickets online here.
You can also take the metro L9S (4,60€ single ticket) to Torrassa and then line L1 to Urquinaona and walk 5 minutes.
Cheers,
Lucile
Jerry
Ash,
We are flying into Barcelona first week of December and trying to figure out the easy transportation from the airport. We arrive at 9am and we are staying at the Alexandra Barcelona Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. Is the Aerobus my best option? Thanks for your help.
Ash
Hi Jerry,
The Aerobus would indeed be the fastest option but it’ll involve a bit of a slightly uphill walk.
I myself would take the airport train (not the metro) to Passeig de Gracia and then from here it’s just a short walk. The best part is it will only cost just over a euro for the individual trip if you get a T-10 pass for the transport.
Cheers,
Ash
Ron
Hi Ash,
Your site has been a lifesaver in planning and figuring out what to do in Barcelona. Thank you for the great info!! I have a question and hope you can help.
I cant quite make up mind my mind on which airport transportation option to take when arrive in Barcelona in late November around 230PM. Which do you think would be a good option, the Aerobus and then taxi or just taxi from Airport.I am staying Mila Apartments on Carrer de Mila i Fontanals. There will be three of us and each with a carry on bag. I will have to make the same journey back to airport a week later for a 6AM flight to Amsterdam.
Ash
Hi Ron,
No problem at all, thank you for the kind words 🙂
How you get there depends… obviously a direct taxi will be the easiest but cost about €35.00. The cheapest would be to take the airport train to Passeig de Gracia and then from there change to the yellow line of the metro up to Joanic. From here it’s just a quick walk. This will be about one quarter of the price especially if you get a T-10 card for the transport.
For the 6 AM flight back I’d recommend a taxi since the Aerobus won’t be running and the metro is shut and a series of buses will just be annoying. If you’re dividing it three ways then €10.00 a piece isn’t so bad.
Cheers,
Ash
Ron
Thank you for your advice!!
What is the difference between the T-10 ticket vs T-10 card?
Lucile
Hola Ron,
It is the same thing, a travel card including 10 public transport rides 😉
Cheers,
Lucile
Ron
ahh lol. Thanks 🙂
Stephen
Hi Ash,
Your service seems excellent.
I have just booked at Hostal Lami for 1 night in June 2020. I am arriving at BCN at 21.20. I can change the booking if needed. I am boarding for a cruise the next day and am on a budget. What would you recommend as the best airport transfer and transfer to the port? Would it be a better option financially to stay in a hostel in the city centre? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Stephen
Ash
Hi Stephen,
Honestly you’re fairly far out so it’s not going to be the easiest. I would take the L9 metro from the airport and then get off at Zona Universitaria and then here you’ll need to grab the L51 bus. Stay on until Laureà Miró – Pl. Sta. Magdalena and then you’ll have a short walk.
To get to the port I’d do the same thing in reverse except that I’d grab the green line at Zona Universitaria and take that all the way to Drassanes. From here you’ll grab the port bus at the Columbus Statue to the cruise ships.
Honestly, it seems like a hassle… unless your currently lodging was really really cheap or amazing I don’t see how it’s a better deal than spending €15.00-20.00 a night to stay central.
Any specific reason you chose that place?
Ash
STEPHEN
Hi Ash,
Thank you for your advice; it looks like you have saved me from my incompetence.
I have cancelled the hotel and have booked at an Airbnb at Carrer d’Alcolea, 79, 08014 Barcelona. Hopefully that is a better location. What would you recommend as the best travel option from the airport and to the cruise terminal?
Thanks again
Stephen
Ash
Hi Stephen,
OK now we’re talking! 😉
You can grab the airport train (not metro) to Sants Estacio and from here it’ll be a short walk. There will barely be any area easier to reach unless you were staying right over the city’s main square. This seems much better.
To get to the cruise terminal you can get the metro at Sants Estacio. Take the green line down to Drassanes and then from here you grab the cruise bus from the Columbus Statue.
Cheers,
Ash
Nicole
This site is wonderful! I’ve spent a few hours trying to figure out what the best public transportation options are for me.
I am flying in on a Sunday, and will be staying at Hotel Teatre Auditori. What would you recommend for transportation. I am staying for 3 nights, and will be flying out very early Wednesday morning.
I have already bought by ticket for La Sagrada Familia, but am still trying to figure out if any of the discount/travel cards are beneficial for me.
Thanks for the help!
Ash
Hi Nicole,
Thanks so much! Always glad to help 🙂
For the airport transportation you’re in a bit of a strange spot… you’re just close enough to the centre to be called ‘central’ but just far enough for it to be annoying to walk most places 😉
I would get off the first stop of the Aerobus at Plaça Espanya and transfer to the red line of the metro there. Using the metro you’ll get off at Glories. From here it’s just a short walk.
About the passes… the City Pass certainly won’t be worth it if you’ve already got there Sagrada ticket. My question now would be… what else are you trying to see? Only then could I say for certain.
That said, since you’re a bit far out (not TOO much as I said, but not walkable to much) the Hola BCN should be a good option.
Cheers,
Ash
Simone
Hello, we arrive the 13th dec for 2 nights staying at the moods catedral Hostal boutique. This page has been a godsend for all the information. Do you recommend we get the fast bus?
Ash
Hi Simone,
Thanks for your very kind words 🙂
Indeed, I’d grab the Aerobus and get off at the last stop and from here you’ve got a 10-15 minute walk or just a short taxi if the luggage is too much to handle.
Cheers,
Ash
Norman
Hi Ash we are going to Barcelona in Dec. 26 at 10:pm and going to an Airbnb at Carrer Esteve Grau, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. What would you recommend for us using to get to the Airbnb?
Thanks,
Norman
Ash
Hi Norman,
I’d take the airport metro.
You’ll just need to take it to Collblanc and then from here change to the blue line to Pubilla Cases. From here it’ll be just a short walk.
Cheers,
Ash
Laura
Love your site!! We will be arriving in Barcelona on December 7th. I believe we are staying at Hotel Granvia (haven’t book yet, but pretty certain this is what we’re going with). What would you suggest?
Thank you!
Ash
Hi Laura,
It can’t be any easier! Just grab the Aerobus to the last stop at Plaça Catalunya and then from there it’s just a 3-4 minute walk 🙂
Cheers,
Ash
Ranjani
Hi ash,
We will be reaching Barcelona at 10.30PM on 26th dec.. We are staying in hotel Evenia Rossello. Could you please suggest which transport is good and which card we should buy ( should include airport transfer )We will be staying for 3 days with a group of 9 people ..
Thanks in advance
Kristy Schmitt
Staying at NH Collection Barcelona Pódium Hotel for a meeting and have to get our own transportation. What do you suggest? We are arriving at BCN?
Ash
Hi Kristy,
I’d grab the Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya (last stop) and then from here it’ll be a 10-15 minute walk or a short taxi. Very central, should be easy 🙂
Cheers,
Ash
Ciaran
Hi ASH
I have about 4 hours to kill brtween flights. I dont think I would have enough time to go to the city centre. Is there any place close to airport that might be worth a visit
Ash
Hi Ciaran,
The area around the airport is quite industrial, or there’s the town of El Prat which doesn’t offer much. This is a tough call… even if you arrived exactly on time and grabbed your bags with no issues you’d be in a bit of a rush.
If I had to, if it were a law to leave during the 4 hour break, I would take a taxi to the seaside town of Castelldefels which is only about 10-12 minutes away… though it may be the case that there isn’t much open in November or December.
Your choice 🙂
Ash