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How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
You can get from Barcelona Airport to the city by bus, train, taxi, shared or private transfer. You can also rent a car without a driver. Getting there by bus will take you about 1 hour and will cost EUR 2.15. The RENFE train will reach the city center in 55 minutes (including waiting time). This trip costs EUR 4.2. You can also get to the city center by Aerobus shared transfer (shuttle). The duration of a trip is 40min and the cost is EUR 5.9. Traveling by private transfer or taxi will cost you minimum EUR 44. The duration of such a trip is about 30 minutes. The price of car rental per day starts at EUR 17. The distance between the airport and Barcelona is about 16-17 kilometers.
If you are an experienced traveler who wants to save money, it is better for you to choose city transportation. Thus, you can take a bus or a train. You can always check current timetables for these forms of transport online, and you can also pay for these transport services with a T10 travel card. This card can be used when traveling through the city. If you are an inexperienced tourist, you can get to the destination by Aerobus. This type of transport is more comfortable and faster than buses or trains. But it’s more expensive, as well. Those who don't want to wait and need to observe the regime of the day (for instance, mothers with children) and aged tourists, we recommend taking a taxi or a private transfer. You can check current prices in our guide.
Order a transfer from Barcelona Airport
If you want not only to get to Barcelona but also have fun there, make sure to read our detailed digests in the new Travel.Blender project.
For those who prefer to explore the country through its gastronomic wonders, we have prepared an extensive guide "Cuisine of Barcelona and Restaurants you must experience".
Barcelona – the Pearl of Catalonia
Barcelona attracts tourists from all over the world all year round. Being one of the brightest cities of Spain, it is interesting for both independent tourists and those who take part in excursion tours. There are a lot of places to see: Ciutat Vella, the Gothic Quarter, the Royal Shipyard, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, the Parc de la Ciutadella, and City Zoo.
Barcelona Airport bus
from EUR 2.15
20 min
40+ min
Solo travelers
Barcelona Airport buses N46 and N17 (an overnight one) will take you from the airport to Avinguda del Paral.lel. They depart from the bus stops near the terminals. And they are shared vehicles for up to 30-60 passengers. The duration of the trip is about 30 minutes. The ticket price is from EUR 2.15. By the way, don't forget to check the bus timetable right before the trip. This type of transport suits experienced tourists who are traveling without small children or large luggage, know the language, and are not afraid of getting lost.
City buses from Barcelona Airport to city:
TBM N46 and NitBus N17 (nighttime bus)
Timetable:
24/7
Route:
Airport, T1 – T2B – T2C - Т2С — Autovia Castelldefels - Avinguda Granvia - Hospital Oncologic - Ciencies - Centre Commercial - Gran Via 2 - Centra del Prat – Granvia - Placa Espanya - Avinguda del Parallel
Travel time:
30+ min
Waiting time:
20 min
Comfort level:
low: seats for disabled passengers; 24/7
Cost:
from EUR 2.2; T10 travel card for 10 trips (for any kind of city transport) costs EUR 10.2
Clients:
Solo travelers without large luggage and small children who know the language and the route
How to find the bus stop at the airport:
It’s number 4 on the plan. The first bus stop is outside the terminal T2A to the left of the Aerobus stop (if you’re standing facing the airport). The next stop is near the T2C. The last stop is right in front of the T1.
Barcelona Airport train
from EUR 4.2
30 min
25 min
Couple
The Barcelona Airport train RENFE is another option to get to the city. The train runs between the train platform at the airport and El Clot station. It’s possible that you will have to stand in a carriage because sometimes there are not enough vacant seats there. The ticket costs EUR 4.2. This type of transport is suitable for experienced tourists who know the route and are travelling without small children and large luggage (there is no special room for luggage - it is placed in the aisle or under your feet). Although the train timetable is not often changed, we recommend you checking it right before the trip.
Timetable:
from 06:08 a.m. to 11:38 p.m.
Route:
El Prat (T2B) – Sants-Estació - Passeig de Gràcia – El Clot
Travel time:
31 min
Waiting time:
30 min
Comfort level:
medium (few stops, no traffic jams, no travel sickness)
Cost:
EUR 4.2 (T10 costs EUR 10.20)
Clients:
tourists without small children and large luggage, who know the route and the language
How to find the train station at Barcelona Airport:
It’s number 2 on the plan. The entrance to the train station is in the T2B building (read about the route from T1 below). Go down the escalator leading to the departure hall, then cross the highway by walking along the covered pedestrian bridge. To get from the T1 terminal, you need to walk to the end of the platform and exit the airport building through the left door. There, you will find the stop for shuttles which will take you to the train station for free.
Barcelona Airport shuttle
from EUR 5.9
5 min
35-45 min
Family
The Barcelona Airport shuttle (Aerobus shared transfer) runs to the city center with minimum stops. That's the reason why its ticket price is a little higher. It's cheaper than taking a taxi, but more expensive than taking a city bus. It's a good option for those who are not in a hurry and are traveling without small children and large luggage. But this means of transport is not available at night.
Timetable:
from 05:00 a.m. to 01:05 a.m.
Route:
to Plaça de Catalunya (Plaça Espanya and Sepúlveda - Urgell stops)
Travel time:
35-45 min
Waiting time:
5 min
Comfort level:
medium: extra luggage places, few stops, comfortable seats, fast travel
Cost:
one way trip costs EUR 5.9, round trip costs EUR 10.2
Clients:
Solo travelers; couples without small children; couples with children of 5 years old and upwards
How to find the Aerobus shuttle stop at the airport:
Walk a little forward along the arrivals area, and then you will see the exit to buses on the right side. Go down the escalator, and you're there.
Barcelona Airport transfers and taxi
from EUR 44
5 min
25 min
Family
If you don’t want to wait for transport and would like to have a fast and comfortable trip to the city, you can take Barcelona Airport transfers and taxi. Taxis are available round the clock. You can take a taxi at the stand at the airport or book it in advance (private transfer). Your taxi will drop you off at the place you need without any stops on the way. The journey cost is from EUR 44. The duration of the trip is up to 25min. You can book a car for a group of people or add some child seats to your booking.
Timetable:
24/7
Route:
from the airport to your hotel/any address
Travel time:
25 min
Waiting time:
Taxi on the spot: 10-15 min, in a queue with other people
Pre-booked transfer: right upon arrival. The driver will meet you with a nameplate.
Comfort level:
Taxi on the spot: air-conditioning, no stops, no other passengers
Pre-booked transfer: child seats, fresh water, English-speaking operator
Cost:
from EUR 44
Clients:
families with children; inexperienced tourists; those who are in the country for the first time or don't know the language; aged tourists, groups of people; tourists with large luggage; those arriving at night
How to find the taxi stand at Barcelona Airport:
It’s number 3 on the plan. Taxi on the spot: taxi stands are near the terminals T1 and T2.
Online booking: meeting at the airport.
Car rental in Barcelona
from €17
from 1 day
from 1 year
If you rent a car from Barcelona Airport to the city center, you plan a trip yourself. You may see all the sights in Catalonia and drop off the car in different locations (for an extra fee). It is allowed to travel outside Spain in case you purchased international insurance in advance. The longer the rental period, the lower the price of car rental per day. Insurance is included in the rental price. You need to pay a deposit to start using a car. Drivers under the age of 25 have to pay at least €7 per day for the lack of driving experience. Those who are over 75 have to make additional payments too. It’s possible to rent a car at Barcelona Airport on the day of arrival.
How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city? Transportation:
Barcelona Airport buses
5 min
time
20 min
40+ min
15+/- min
Barcelona Airport train
15min
time
30min
25+ min
15+/- min
Barcelona Airport
transfers and taxi
5 min
30 min
Barcelona Airport shuttle
10 min
time
5 min
35 min
15+/- min
We hope this article will help you choose the best way to get from the airport to Barcelona, as well as choose the most comfortable Barcelona Airport transport option. We wish you a pleasant journey and a lot of bright impressions.
Those who already know how to get to their hotel should learn more about Barcelona City Transport: What types of buses and trains there are, where to buy a metro ticket and how to refill it. Plus, a lot of useful information about how to rent a car with or without a driver.
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