WHICH TRAVEL CARD SHOULD I GET?
BARCELONA CARD or HOLA BCN?
PRICES
(swipe right if you're on a mobile)
DURATION | BARCELONA CARD Adults | BARCELONA CARD Children (4-12 years) | HOLA BCN Adults and Children |
|---|---|---|---|
48 HOURS | €19 (no free passes) | €19 (no free passes) | €13.77 |
72 HOURS | €42.75 | €19.95 | €20.14 |
96 HOURS | €52.25 | €25.65 | €26.12 |
120 HOURS | €57.00 | €30.40 | €32.01 |
BENEFITS
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Caracteristic | Barcelona Card | Hola Bcn |
|---|---|---|
Unlimited Public Transport airport connections (train, bus, metro), metro, day bus, tram, funicolar) | YES | YES |
Online Discount | YES | YES |
Easy Pick-up at the Airport or Plaça Catalunya (the Barcelona Card can also be picked up at Sants Estació, Plaça Sant Jaume, the Columbus Statue, Plaça Espanya and Sagrada Família) | YES | YES |
Eliminates Stress (of continually buying tickets at ticket machines) | YES | YES |
Avoids Pickpockets at Ticket Machines | YES | YES |
Free Attractions | YES | NO |
Discounts on City Attractions | YES | NO |
Avoids Lines at Barcelona's Biggest Attractions | NO | YES (combined with single attraction tickets) |
Clicking on the buy links on this page will take you directly to the Barcelona Tourism Office where you'll be able to buy your transport pass - and a ton of other things.
In buying from this public entity you'll facilitate the development of tourist services online, including this blog, with the ultimate goal of helping you love your holiday :-)
AshWebmaster, Barcelonahacks.com
FAQ
(applies to both transport cards)
WHERE DO YOU PICK UP THE PASSES?
AT "BARCELONA TURISME" WINDOWS!
These are the Barcelona Tourism Office information points.
At the airport you'll find them in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, right outside the arrivals hall.
In Plaça Catalunya you'll find it near the Hard Rock Cafe under an unmistakeable 'I' sign.
IS IT EASY TO FIND THE AIRPORT TRAIN?
YES!
Just follow the train signs above. From Terminal 2 there's only one track so it's impossible to mess up! (From Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 there's a free shuttle - read our article about airport connections)
WHEN DOES THE VALIDITY KICK IN?
The moment you use it for the first time (NOT at the moment of pickup) - from that point on the time is ticking on your validity. For example, if you first use a 72 hour pass on January 1st at 2 PM you will have until January 4th at 2 PM to travel free.
CAN I TAKE THE AEROBUS?
NO!
ARE THEY VALID FOR THE CABLE CAR?
NO!
The cable car is run by a private company. You can however use them for the Montjuic Funicolar.
IS IT VALID FOR ALL OF BARCELONA?
YES!
DO YOU HAVE TO PRINT THE VOUCHER?
YES! OR YOU CAN SHOW A DIGITAL COPY USING YOUR SMART PHONE.
The voucher will be sent at the time of purchase.
IS IT EASY TO FIND THE 46 BUS?
YES!
Just follow the bus signs above. It departs from both terminals.
IS IT EASY TO FIND THE METRO AT THE AIRPORT?
YES!
Follow the metro signs. The metro can be found in both Terminal 1 (outside the arrivals) and Terminal 2 (a few metres from the train)
THEY ONLY ASKED FOR ONE NAME... IS THAT NORMAL?
YES!
You'll have to give any additional names at the time of pickup.
IS IT VALID FOR CONSECUTIVE DAYS?
YES!
CAN I USE THEM FOR THE NIGHT BUS?
NO!
The night bus is run by a private company.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, my advice would be to get the Barcelona Card if you're looking to see a lot of attractions - otherwise just get the Hola Bcn for getting around. Keep in mind that if you come in high season (July, August, September, New Year's Eve and holidays) the odds of getting stuck in massive lines are high! In this case I'd get the Hola Bcn and complement it with single attraction tickets.
Still haven't decided? While you're thinking, please continue reading: