Late Night Arrivals: How to Reach Barcelona City from El Prat Airport After Hours

Touching down in Barcelona when the rest of the city is hitting the dancefloor at Marula Café for an RnB vibe or sinking into a plush couch at Grand Hotel Central’s rooftop terraza tossing back a signature cocktail or two?

Fret not! Barcelona is a city that brings itself to you, whether you’re after a good night’s sleep in crisp hotel sheets before kicking off your tight sightseeing itinerary or planning to join chic parties that go loud and late into the night.

So, your plane glides in just past midnight, or you’re stepping off a delayed flight in the “wee small hours” before dawn. Barcelona never truly sleeps, and neither does its transport system.

From private drivers on standby to night buses, we’ve narrowed down the list of elegant and efficient ways to reach Barcelona city center from El Prat Airport after hours.

Arriving during the day? Be sure to visit our ultimate transportation guide for reaching Barcelona city center from BCN airport, covering all budgets and preferences.

Arriving late at Barcelona El Prat Airport?

Kiwitaxi’s private airport transfer ensures your ride from BCN Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to your destination, from an Airbnb tucked in the cobbled alleys of the Gothic Quarter, an upscale hotel in elegant Eixample, or a seafront suite in Barceloneta, is seamless and stylish.

Booking a private airport transfer means you can sit back and relax, knowing your journey is handled with utmost care, discretion, and attention to detail. Kiwitaxi’s professional driver tracks your flight in real time, greets you with a personalized nameplate, assists with luggage, and whisks you to your hotel in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle. With fixed pricing and round-the-clock availability, Kiwitaxi’s private airport transfer is the ideal choice for travelers arriving on red-eye flights or long-haul journeys who just want a stress-free start to their Barcelona trip.

A private transfer for a late arrival in Barcelona is best for travelers who prioritize convenience, comfort, and peace of mind over cost.

Trip duration: 25–35 minutes Fare: From €45–€65 (depending on car type and number of passengers) Availability: 24/7 with advance booking Best for: Stress-free arrivals, families, first-timers, and style-seekers

Fancy a specialty cocktail on a rooftop lounge before you stroll over to your boutique hotel? An unobstructed view of Barcelona’s night skyline while noshing on artisanal gourmet tapas?

With Kiwitaxi’s Chauffeur Hire Service you can transform your late-night arrival into a spontaneous night out and slide effortlessly wherever your mood or last-minute cravings take you. With our hourly service, you’re not tied to predefined routes or destinations. Book a chauffeur for as long as you need, even if your itinerary isn’t fully planned, and rock out beneath the incandescent lights of Macarena Club before retreating to your boutique hotel. Focus on what matters most, while Kiwitaxi takes care of your transportation, adapting to your schedule and needs Whether you’re hitting rooftop terrazas or hopping between late-night tapas spots, your dedicated chauffeur is just a message away, catering to your preferences and providing tailored solutions for your journey.

Kiwitaxi’s hourly Chauffeur Hire Service revolves around your unique schedule (or lack thereof), ensuring you travel in comfort and style.

Hourly rate: From €40/hour (minimum 2 hours) Availability: 24/7 (pre-booking required) Best for: Business travelers, city explorers, custom day trips, couples on a romantic getaway, and anyone wanting VIP-level comfort with full flexibility

Barcelona’s black-and-yellow taxis operate around the clock and are parked outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You won’t need to book ahead, but if you're arriving late, be ready for lines. Fares at night may creep up slightly due to surcharges. The meter starts at a base fare and adds extras like night surcharges (€3.10) and the airport supplement (€4.50). Tip: Some taxi drivers may prefer cash over a card, and not all speak fluent English, so having your hotel address written down helps. They don’t do guesswork at 2 a.m.

Trip duration: 25–35 minutes Fare: €35–€45 (metered + surcharges) Availability: 24/7 (official taxi ranks) Best for: Travelers who want a direct ride without advance booking

If you’re adventurous and on a budget, Barcelona’s NitBus network, Bus N17 (from Terminal 1) and N16 (from Terminal 2), run all night, every 20 minutes, from the airport to Plaça de Catalunya. It’s €2.55 a ride, but pack your patience, if you need to walk, catch another night bus, or grab a short taxi ride from there, depending on your final destination.

While much slower than a private transfer or a taxi, NitBus is very affordable and reliable. Just don’t expect much in terms of comfort, especially with luggage.

Trip duration: 60+ minutes Fare: €2.65 (or use T-Casual multi-ride card) Availability: 23:00–05:00 (every 20 min) Best for: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, night owls

Barcelona’s Aerobús Express is a sleek and efficient airport shuttle that runs 24/7, making it a solid option even for travelers landing after midnight. Departing from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 every 20 minutes at night, it takes you directly to Plaça Catalunya

Each modern bus is equipped with luggage space, USB charging ports, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, perfect for catching your breath and updating loved ones that you’ve arrived safely.

From Plaça Catalunya, you can walk, hop on a night bus, or grab a taxi to your final destination, depending on where you’re staying.

Trip duration: 35–40 minutes Fare: €7.45 (one-way), €12.85 (return) Availability: 24/7 (every 20 min by night) Best for: Late-night arrivals seeking a reliable, comfortable, and budget-friendly ride to central Barcelona