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 €5.15 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 🙂
mike freeman
hi there, thanks for the very useful information – I’m thinking of staying at Passeig de Colom, 12, 08002 (Hotel Duquesa). It sits between 3 or 4 metro lines, Jaume being the closest. I’m trying to come up with a transport option that doesn’t involve too much changing or walking, but the best I can come up with is the Aerobus to university than 2 changes on the metro to get me to Jaume I with a 600 metre walk.
What would your suggestion be?
Ash
Hi Mike,
Thanks a lot for the kind words 🙂
It’s a bit of a mess and hard to understand looking at metro maps but all of these locations you’ve mentioned are really jammed quite close together in the city centre so I’ll try and make it easier for you…
First of all I would prefer you take the Aerobus to Plaça Espanya (the first stop, about 10 minutes before the other so saves time… you can’t miss it with the area and big Venetian towers) and then grab the green line of the metro from here.
Take it down to the Drassanes metro station and from here you’ll have a similar walk as the one you proposed, but you’ll have arrived there sooner which will make the trip shorter and only involve one change.
Ash
Sue
I am staying at 26 Ronda sant pere. I am thinking the easiest transport is the aerobus to placa catalunya. Is it then a short walk? The square looks huge – any tips on how to minimize the walk? We will be sleep deprived and have luggage.
Ash
Hi Sue,
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. Luckily the bus will leave you on the side of the square closest to your lodging. It’s really not a big deal, maybe 10 minutes tops but likely less.
From there, there will also be the option of taking a quick taxi for about €3-4 if you’re packing heavy bags or super tired after traveling.
Ash
Dor
Hi Ash,
We’re arriving on Tuesday afternoon at El-Prat airport and will be staying near the El Putxet metro station.
We’ll be staying until sunday morning.
What do you recommand for transportation and for sightseeing?
Should we get any of the Barcelona cards?
It’s our first time there and we would like to see as much as possible.
Thanks.
Ash
Hi Dor,
Whether or not you get any transport or discount cards really depends on the exact attractions you want to see. You’ll be a bit far out (not completely) and in need of quite a bit of transport… the question is, how many museums do you intend to see with the Barcelona Card?
Will you be seeing Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and using the Bus Turistic? In this case maybe the City Pass is best. For first time visitors this is usually the best option because it’ll give you a 20% discount on pretty much anything else you may purchase.
At any rate though please let me know more specifically what you want to see as far as attractions go and I’ll give you some more custom advice.
Ash
Sonia
Hi Ash,
My husband, daughter, and I, with just backpacks will be arriving on a Monday night late at 11:30pm at BCN from Marseille (short flight but late). In your opinion, what is the best way to get from the airport to our hotel so late at night? Our hotel is in Pineda de Mar, the address is below. I’m sure it will take a while to get there but is it safe or even possible to take public transportation that late and far, possibly arriving at 1:30am? What would be our cost difference of public transportation and a taxi? I’m sure huge, which is something we have to consider. Thank you so much and appreciate any help you can provide.
H-Top Pineda Palace
Paseo Marítimo, 9
08397 – Pineda de Mar (Barcelona) Spain
Ash
Hi Sonia,
Unfortunately you’re arriving in a bit of a dead spot for transport. Trains run between 5 am and 10 pm and buses are about the same.
Unless you wait at the airport for a considerable amount of time it seems like a taxi or private transfer is your only option.
This will unfortunately be quite expensive as it is quite a far ways up the coast.
There is a fare calculator here:
https://taxi.amb.cat/usuari/calcula-la-teva-ruta/cast/version-web
Which could be of some help.
Other than this I am not sure what to suggest 🙁
Ash
Stephanie Bawden
Hi Ash
Your website is a great find for a first time visitor to Barcelona, thank you! We are staying at Negresco Princess Hotel, 16-18 Roger de Lluria, 08010. What’s the best way to get there from El Prat airport please? Would it be the Aerobus? It’s just myself & my husband travelling.
Many thanks
Stephanie
Ash
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks so much for the kind words about the blog 🙂
You’re right… you can take the Aerobus from either airport terminal to the terminus stop (Plaça Catalunya) and then form here it will be a short walk.
Ash
Stephanie
Thanks so much for the advice & such a quick response- really appreciated. Have joined the FB group too which is also very helpful
Ash
No problem Stephanie, please let me know if you have any more questions 🙂
Teresa
Hi Ash.
Your website is the most helpful with providing answers quickly! We would like your input, we’ll be arriving as a couple to Barcelona on 8/29 at noon, stay until noon 8/31, before checking into our cruise ship, so essentially we have about 1.5 day stay. 1) where would be the ideal area to stay to hit most of the main attractions? 2) which mode of transportation would be best, from airport to hotel, then hotel to cruise port? (I read your post on different cards, but couldn’t narrow down which is the best) 3) what would you add on as addition to the 1-day itinerary since we have 1.5 day stay?
Thanks so much,
Teresa
Ash
Hi Teresa,
Thanks so much for the kind words 🙂
Ideally you would stay in either the Gothic Quarter or El Born for this type of trip. I have info on both of these areas in my post on the best area to stay in Barcelona.
The mode of transport would depend on where your hotel is but in general for both the areas above you could take the Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya and then be quite close. From the hotel to the cruise port you’re probably best off taking a taxi instead of fooling around with bags etc.
One thing I’d ask you to consider, which works well on limited time, is the Bus Turistic… it’ll show you around town quickly, take you to any places to may want to visit from the inside, and give you a ton of information with the audioguides.
I’ve actually got a line on a pretty handy pass that includes the Bus Turistic, Park Guell, and Sagrada (the two can’t-miss attractions) in my Port Day Pass article. This is something to consider.
In addition to my one day itinerary I would also think about tacking on the Picasso Museum, Camp Nou, or the Barcelona Cathedral (depending on tastes).
Please let me know if you need any more guidance 🙂
Ash
Teresa
Hi Ash,
Thanks for the tips! I replied to your email but thought I posted the reply on here in case it didn’t go through. What about the area of La Rambla or Eixample in end of August? Also I’m looking at the Barcelona City Pass, is it worth it to purchase over the Bus Turistic with our 1.5 day? I see that it mentions roundtrip airport transfer, that means it can only do BCN airport to hotel and vice versa? But cannot use it from from hotel to cruise port?
Thanks so much!
Ash
Hi Teresa,
OK, I will reply here so others have the benefit of the information as well.
The reason I didn’t suggest the City Pass is because I already knew it wouldn’t be good for such a short itinerary where you ca n’t take advantage of the 20% discounts. If you read the above response, you’ll see that there is another pass perfect for cruise ship visitors called the Port Day Pass. I suggest you strongly consider this option.
La Rambla is a great place for cruise ship vicinity but I usually advise against it because it’s tourist trap hell and at night it gets quite ‘antisocial’ with drug dealers, prostitutes, and all sorts. Other than Boqueria Market I don’t suggest spending much time there.
As for Eixample you’ll need to be more specific as this is a vast neighbourhood which could be 15 minutes from the port or 45 depending. If you’ve found a place please let me know and I can say what I think!
Ash
Teresa
Thank you Ash for your suggestions. Will cross off La Rambla for our area of stay. For Eixample area, which specific Eixample areas do you recommend that would be close to the main attractions, taking into account of walking and public transportation? I’m looking at La Isla Hostal, near Arc de Triomf – do you recommend this area or know anything about the hostal or other hotels in that area?
Marianne
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!!!
Ash
Hi Marianne,
Public transport is a good option though it may take a while (about 70 minutes) as you’ll have to take the airport train to Sants Estacio and then take the green line of the metro to Liceu and then walk about 5-10 minutes from there.
As for the HoHo vs Hola BCN this would depend on whether you’re venturing outside of the major tourist roads/attractions… in general what I would do would be to get the Bus Turistic for 2 days for the major sightseeing… and then a T-10 pass for the transport as there’s no quick expiry date, it’s interpersonal and can be shared with family/friends, and you get 10 rides for €10.20 (bought at any metro station, including the airport). You could buy it at the airport on day one and use it for your airport transport.
Ash
Lynda Alexander
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
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
Lynda
Thanks Ash.
We will be staying at Calle De Castilla. I believe there is a purple metro line close by. Not sure about travelling late on trains! What do you think? Also, should we get a Hola BCn card and tourist bus.
Lynda
Sent from my iPad
Ash
Hi Lynda,
I’m not seeing anything for Calle de Castilla… perhaps you mean Carrer de Castella?
If you’re getting the Hola BCN I would grab the airport train to El Clot Arago and from here it’s just a 12-15 minute walk (or very short taxi). Very straight forward.
It’s hard for me though to recommend anything to you without more information… how many days are you staying? is this your first time or have you visited before? are you primarily interested in seeing the sights or more here to relax on the beach and eat? How much traveling do you intend on doing?
Please let me know and I can give you a better answer to the question 🙂
Ash
Julie Block
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
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
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
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
Thank you Ash
Ash
No problem 🙂
Brian King
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Many thanks for your reply and I will order my Aerobus ticket online now. Cheers
Terry
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
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
Hi, may i ask the aerobus return trip ticket can be used for different day or have to be same day?
Ash
Hi Jun,
There Aerobus tickets are open tickets so can be used any time 🙂
Ash
Andy Anderson
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
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
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
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
Ashley,
Great info, thanks. Which stop should we get off at from the Aerobus if going to Carrer de Nàpols, 189? Thanks!
HD
Ash
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