Panorama shot of Barcelona airport, with sign and part of an aeroplane tail

Barcelona Airport to City Travel Options

Best way to get to Barcelona from the airport? Your guide to the easiest, cheapest options from BCN (El Prat) to Barcelona city centre.
By Jo Cooke

Our guide for getting into the city from Barcelona Airport

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You won’t want to waste any time getting stuck into Barcelona’s best sights....Picture yourself enjoying sensational shopping, tapas treats and spectacular Gaudi architecture - all nestled between the sea and the magnificent Montserrat mountains. How to get there with the minimum of hassle? Here are a few helpful options for the best way to get to Barcelona from the airport.

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Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) International Airport (more commonly known as El Prat) is a convenient 10 miles from the city centre, so around 40 minutes by most modes of transport. Remember however that there are two terminals, T1 and T2, with different departure points depending on which way you choose to travel. But don’t panic - we’ll explain all your airport to Barcelona travel options.

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Shuttle bus from Barcelona airport

Aerobus, the Barcelona Airport Shuttle, is a fast and easy way to get to the city, running every ten minutes, all year round. In just 35 minutes it can whisk you directly to Plaça de Catalunya for just a few Euro. Good news - there’s even on-board wi-fi!

Don’t forget though that there’s an Aerobus for each Terminal - A1 from T1 and A2 from T2 (you’ll need to remember the right one for the return). Both make stops at three convenient city locations: Plaça d’Espanya, Gran Via-Urgell and Plaça Universitat, though it’s worth noting that the stops on the outward and return routes are not the same. Instead you can hop on board for the return leg at either Plaça de Catalunya, Sepulveda-Urgell or Plaça d’Espanya.

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It’s probably a good idea to buy your ticket online in advance. Once the outward journey is validated at the airport, the return ticket is valid for up to two weeks. You can also pick up a ticket at ATMs in both Terminals 1 and 2 - or onboard the bus, though change is not always given.

You’ll find the Terminal 1 Aerobus stop a floor lower than the arrivals hall. Simply walk to the bottom of the arrivals terminal and turn left towards the ramp that leads down to the stop. For Terminal 2 the Aerobus stop is located on the right as you leave the arrivals hall in the area nearest to T2a and T2b.

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Train from Barcelona airport

The train, operated by Renfe, is the cheapest way to get to Barcelona from the airport and can have you in reach of the action in around 25 minutes. Happily, the station is just three minutes’ walk from Terminal 2. Should you fly into Terminal 1 you’ll first need to take the free shuttle bus which connects the two terminals - it’s green so you can’t miss it!

Climb aboard a train on the R2 North line, departing every 30 minutes, and speed directly to the two city centre stops; Maybe you’ll head directly to Passeig de Gràcia, famous for its shopping and home to Gaudi masterpieces Casa Battlo and La Pedrera. Or Barcelona Sants (or Sants Estació - the main station) where you can connect to high-speed trains to other parts of Spain. At either stop you can switch to the metro to reach other parts of the city.

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Tickets are available at ticket offices and vending machines. You could also pick up a Hola BCN! Public transport card which is valid for all journeys on Barcelona’s public transport network for as many days as you choose.

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Metro from Barcelona airport

Hopping onto the Metro from the airport to the city centre is another convenient and affordable option, taking around 30 minutes.
Look out for the distinctive red and white Metro signs located at the exit of both T1 and T2 terminals and grab your ticket at a vending machine, which also supply BCN public transport cards.

There are 15 stops on the L9 line from the airport though, depending on where you want to go in the city, you may need to change. Change at Torrassa to take the red line linking to Universitat or Catalonia Square. Or change at Collblanc for the blue line towards Diagonal or Sagrada Familia.

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Bus from Barcelona airport

If bus travel is your bag, you’ll be wanting bus 46, which runs every 20 minutes from both Terminals 1 and 2. Look out for the TMB logo (Transport Metropolitans de Barcelona manages the buses in the city.) Another economical choice, the bus takes around half an hour to deposit you at Plaça d’Espanya, home of Barcelona’s famous Magic Fountains and perfectly placed for the Montjüic cable car.
Buy your tickets on the bus, where you can also choose a Hola BCN! public transport card.

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How to get from Barcelona airport at night

If your flight gets in late, don’t despair - the night bus is stll a good way (in fact the only way) to reach the city centre. It departs every 20 minutes from 9.55PM to 4.45AM
You’ll need N17 from Terminal T1 or N16 from Terminal T2 (with a number N18 also laid on when there is especially heavy traffic)
The N16 (and N18) bus stops are found at the exits of terminals T2a, T2b and T2c. You’ll find the N17 (and N18) bus stop at the exit of Terminal 1 on the left of the flight exit.

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Taxi from Barcelona airport

Unsurprisingly the easiest and fastest way to hit the city is to jump in a taxi from the airport. If you are a family or a group it needn’t even be too expensive. Taxis in Barcelona are efficient and well-organised; they’re easy to see (black and yellow) and easy to find at the exit of Terminals T1 and T2.
Be aware that there is no standard rate from the airport to the city centre but you can expect to pay around 30€-35€ for the 20-25 minute ride. The minimum fare from the airport is 20€ (which includes the mandatory airport entry & exit fees). So even if you are travelling to an address close to the airport you’ll pay a minimum of 20€. There is an additional night rate for passengers travelling between 8PM and 8AM.

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Chauffeur from Barcelona airport

If you really want to start in style - and waste no time - why not consider booking a driver in a private or shared car, which again could prove more economical than you may imagine? You’ll have the reassurance of knowing that you have a ride waiting, whatever time your plane arrives - and you have a ride direct to your hotel door or other Barcelona destination.

We hope that's helped you plan your journey and wish you happy travels. Remember if you’re looking to sightsee and save then Go City is always the right way to go!

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Panoramic view of Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter
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Barcelona in September

Seeing out summer, September marks the beginning of a transitive period for Barcelona. Offering the best of both worlds of summer and the coming low season, the city is widely considered to be at its best in this period. No matter your travel preferences, you’re bound to find that the Catalan capital delivers. From fantastic weather to bustling nightlife complementing the cultural, historical and gastronomic feast on offer year-round, there is an endless array of things to do in Barcelona in September that are guaranteed to offer you a rewarding experience on all fronts. Tourism in September For Barcelona, September offers an experience that combines the appeal of visiting both in summer and in fall. With summer break drawing to a close, the family-dominated waves of peak-season tourists decline throughout the month, making way for other types of travelers. As such, the city typically isn’t quite as busy as during previous months, but it certainly isn’t quiet either. For many, that’s exactly the benefit of visiting in this period. A healthy influx of visitors is precisely what gives Barcelona its world-renowned bustling atmosphere – particularly when it comes to nightlife. That does, however, mean that you should expect large crowds at some of the city’s top attractions. Be sure to plan accordingly and book your visit in advance should you want to include the likes of Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia in your trip. Weather in September September offers something of a sweet spot when it comes to weather. Working somewhat in parallel to the tourism rate, temperatures drop just slightly from the summertime peak and rest typically between the mid-60s and high-70s. In essence, that makes for ideal summer temperatures without the higher highs and more imposing humidity of July and August. Combine that with the fact that many schools and colleges start their new academic year in September, and you get the best of Barcelona’s sunshine and heat without quite the same droves of summer break tourists. Why not take yourself for a pleasant dip in the Mediterranean and bask in the sun on Barcelona’s famous beaches or in its many renowned green spaces? Best Attractions in September September is one of the few times throughout the year when just about all of Barcelona is at its best. Aside from making the most of the idyllic weather, this is a great time to visit the city’s best attractions and cultural sites. No matter your travel style, you’re sure to find the city catering to your preferences. For those interested in Barcelona’s rich architectural diversity, this period serves as a fantastic time to take a tour of some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Explore the likes of Casa Milà, Illa de la Discòrdia and the Gothic Quarter to see how the Catalan capital brings together both traditional Gothic and contemporary Modernist styles with surprising grace. Should you be looking for your share of cultural inspiration, then the city’s wealth of celebrated museums has you covered. Discover the life and work of Barcelona’s most honored artists at the Museo Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró, or take a stroll through history at the Museo de Historia de Barcelona or the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. If you’re in the market for more of a culinary experience or want to get in on Barcelona’s famous nightlife scene, be sure to explore the many bars, restaurants and charming squares throughout the Gothic Quarter in particular. In the evening, make your way toward the seafront and La Barceloneta for some of the city’s best clubs, bars and live music venues – or simply take some drinks to the beach! Local & Cultural Events Festes de la Mercè – Toward the end of September, a number of areas throughout Barcelona become host to various combined celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Grace, Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy). Typically taking place over the course of a few days to a week, many key streets and parks come alive with live music performances, street art, cultural activities and light displays. As with many street festivals held throughout the year, you can expect processions of giant characters and religious figures, along with ‘devils’ performing correfocs (fire runs) throughout the week. Beginning on September 24 with Día de la Mercè, a public holiday, many independent stores and businesses will be closed for the day. Held in conjunction with this celebration is the BAM Festival. Short for Barcelona Acció Musical (Barcelona Musical Action), this is an alternative musical festival hosted to bring an even greater diversity of music to the Mercè festivities. Big names in the local and international music scene from a vast array of genres offer concerts and performances over the course of a week. Diada Nacional de Catalunya – September 11 in Barcelona is a celebration of all things Catalan. Held in commemoration of the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession, the day is often split between cultural events and independence movement demonstrations. For those with an interest in Catalan culture and local politics, this could be a great opportunity to see a deeper side to Catalonia, while also benefiting from free entry to the likes of the MNAC and the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. For everybody else, it’s best to avoid the city center, as it can become very crowded with demonstrations, and being a public holiday, many stores and businesses will also be closed for the day. Festa Major de la Barceloneta/del Poblenou – Much like the Festes de la Mercè, these festivals transform their respective neighborhoods into a lively street party, complete with live music, street food, art displays, cultural activities and high spirits all around. And, of course, both also offer their own parades of giants and devils, saints and sinners. Wrapping Up If you’re looking for a fantastic summer trip to Barcelona, September offers a slightly different experience from the peak season months. In the absence of families on summer break and the plethora of music festivals taking place throughout the preceding months, September instead offers idyllic weather and a whole host of local and cultural events. Whether you’re looking to tick off all of the city’s key attractions or want to join in on its famed nightlife scene, or even just want to take a load off and sunbathe on its popular beaches, a trip to Barcelona in September is the perfect opportunity to see the city at its best.
Robert Heaney
Caga Tió among a festive display
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Christmas in Barcelona

The Christmas season is often a magical time to travel, no matter where you go. So long as your destination celebrates the religious holiday, you can be sure to expect some fantastic cultural festivities to complement your trip. And Christmas in Barcelona is no exception. A country with deep Catholic roots, much of Spain typically goes out of its way to celebrate its religious festivals in style. As you might expect, that means that Christmas is a particularly big event – especially in Barcelona. Expect a month of high spirits, bizarre traditions, mouth-watering seasonal foods and holiday festivities. Visiting Barcelona Around Christmas Should you choose to visit Barcelona throughout December, you’re in for a real treat. Typically renowned the rest of the year as a rich hub of art, culture, cuisine and nightlife, the Christmas season sees the Catalan capital transform into somewhat of a winter wonderland. While white sheets of snow aren’t a common sight in Barcelona – with snowfall typically a once-in-a-decade occurrence for the city – you can bet your bottom dollar on all the other troupes of a Christmas city. Holiday displays in just about every store window, seasonal treats at every bakery and festive lights adorning iconic streets as far as the eye can see. Taking a trip to Barcelona in winter means that, while you may not get the best weather the city has to offer, you’ll be able to explore much more freely without battling huge crowds. The Christmas season does naturally bring in more tourists than other winter months, but you should usually be able to book any attraction you want on the same day, not to mention you’ll also have your pick of the litter of hotels at off-season rates. If you’re planning to be in Barcelona over Christmas itself, just be aware that Christmas Day and Boxing Day are public holidays, meaning most stores, restaurants and services will be closed for the day. Many of these will still operate on December 24, though some opt for half days, so be sure to do your last-minute shopping in the morning. Christmas Markets Europe is world famous for its holiday markets. While Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic are some of the most renowned destinations, Barcelona can more than hold a candle to their spirited selection of merry merchants. Throughout the city, you can explore a multitude of markets selling all manner of festive fare, from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts. Local artists also take the holiday season as an opportunity to sell their crafts, baked goods, artisan wines and spreads, homemade candies and Christmas ornaments, among a multitude of other things. You’ll find plenty of different markets dotted around the city, but the largest and most famous market is Fira de Santa Llúcia. Found on Avinguda de la Catedral, this market dates back over 200 years to 1786. Given its history and popularity, it’s wise to give yourself plenty of time to visit should you want to pick up some souvenirs from your trip, as crowds are almost inevitable. Christmas Traditions Christmas Cuisine – Perhaps one of the most anticipated aspects of Christmas celebrations around the world is the seasonal food that comes with it. In Catalonia, Christmas is a time when most families splash out for some of the most luxurious foods to share with their families. Popular inclusions of a traditional Catalan Christmas meal are Carn d'Olla (a sort of meat broth) served with Galets pasta and tapas dishes with various meats and fish (most notably ham and eels). After the main meal, many will then turn to festive sweet treats, such as turrón nougat and polvorón shortbread, all washed down with a hearty glass of local Cava. Even if you aren’t actually celebrating Christmas in Barcelona, you can still find various seasonal treats on sale throughout many retailers and Christmas market stalls throughout the city. Whether you’re keen on trying some almond-based sweet treats, grabbing yourself some local meats and cheeses or taking home a bottle of authentic Catalan Cava, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice. Caga Tió – Early in December, the Caga Tió makes an appearance in many Catalan homes and Christmas market stalls. The Caga Tió is a relatively small wooden log with two front legs and a jolly face, often adorned with a traditional Christmas hat. Children are given the responsibility of taking care of the Caga Tió throughout the season, typically putting a blanket around it and feeding it fruit, nuts, bread and candy, much like kids elsewhere might leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus. Should you ever be fortunate enough to spend Christmas with a Catalonian family, you’ll then get to see the true colors of the Caga Tió. Translated literally as ‘pooping log’, children will beat the Caga Tió in hopes of having it ‘poop out’ gifts which, if they looked after it well, they should find beneath the blanket. El Caganer – Often depicting various celebrities, public figures and fictional characters going number two, El Caganer is a staple of Catalan Christmas. Originally depicted between the 17th and 18th Centuries as a young peasant caught short between the three wise men in the nativity scene, many families now adorn their own scenes with their favorite Caganer. Contrary to the apparent profane nature of the display, El Caganer is viewed as a sign of good luck to the people of Catalonia. Harking back to ancient pagan beliefs, the Caganer’s ‘deposit’ is supposed to represent the fertilization of the soil and high productivity in the fields for the year ahead. El Caganer figurines make for a humorous and festive gift to bring home to your loved ones. Be sure to look for your favorite celebrity, public figure or fictional character while exploring the city’s many Christmas market stalls! Kings’ Day – In tribute to the day that the Three Kings were said to have visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, Barcelona welcomes their ceremonial arrival on the evening of 5 January. The Three Kings arrive by boat before beginning their annual procession through the streets of Barcelona. Traditionally, children in Spain write letters to the kings in place of Santa Claus, and they typically receive their main gifts on Kings’ Day rather than Christmas Day. If you happen to be visiting around Kings’ Day, be sure to catch the parade and take part in some of the many local festivities. Locals are likely to be throwing parties, and stores and bakeries will be full of festive sweet treats to try out, most notably Tortells de Reis, or Kings’ Cakes. All Fools’ Day – While not explicitly a Christmas celebration, All Fools’ Day takes place on December 28 and serves as Spain’s equivalent of April Fools’ Day. Participation often varies, but you can expect news outlets publishing bizarre and false stories playing on current events and friends playing practical jokes on one another throughout the day. A common prank you may see during your visit is people sticking a paper silhouette of a man onto their victim’s back to see how long it takes them to notice – resulting in greater hilarity the longer the joke goes on.
Robert Heaney
Black Friday blog hero
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Win a Cloud Cities Experience and dive with sharks this Black Friday

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. Whizz up to the 30th floor and marvel at 360° views of Barcelona – get a stunning new perspective from 125-meters above the city. You’ll get the VIP experience on a private tour of the tower before you head to the Skydeck for your very own photoshoot. A professional photographer will guarantee you remember the experience with picture perfect vacation snaps. You’ll also get access to the Cloud Cities Experience – an interactive installation from artist Tomás Saraceno. Move through over 100 different cloud spaces and re-imagine what an observatory can be, inside the changing shapes of passing clouds. As if the heights of Glòries Tower aren’t daring enough, you’ll also win a diving with sharks experience in Barcelona Aquarium. An expert instructor will teach you all you need to know about diving signals, breathing and moving around underwater, buoyancy control and using a regulator. Then it’s time to jump in and meet your hosts – you’ll find yourself surrounded by sharks, moray eels, rays and more. See Barcelona from above then dive into the deep with some of the sea’s most scary locals. How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any of our Barcelona passes between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions.
Alice Padfield

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