City Avatar

Heading on a Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona? Discover all transfer options from Barcelona Airport (BCN) to the cruise terminals — including private transfers, Aerobús + Port Bus, RENFE train + metro, taxis, and cruise line shuttles.

Barcelona isn’t just Spain’s second-largest city — it’s one of the world’s top cruise capitals. Each year, millions of travelers begin or end their Mediterranean adventures here, boarding ships bound for the French Riviera, Italian coast, or Greek Islands.

Nare
By Nare
6 min

Setting Sail from Port of Barcelona (Puerto de Barcelona)

Set ready for the cruising life? From the joie de vivre of the French Riviera to the sunwashed pastel hues of the Amalfi Coast, and the dazzling panoramic views of Barcelona’s coastline, the allure of a Mediterranean cruise is nothing short of irresistible.

Get swept up in the effortless glamor of cruise life: sea-gaze by day and star-gaze by night drinking a signature cocktail or two, kayak off the marina platform, lounge by the ship’s pool, indulge in exquisite culinary experiences from casual tapas bites to fine dining under the stars, rejuvenate with a facial or get a head-to-toe detox in panoramic saunas or salt-water flotation baths, visit the charming Mediterranean cities by day and discover hidden islands and caves. The best part? Each morning greets you in a new destination, without ever having to repack your luggage.

Whether you’re heading to the Greek Islands or French & Italian Rivieras, you’re likely setting sail from the Port of Barcelona, one of the busiest embarkation points and a major gateway for Mediterranean cruises.

Barcelona’s cruise terminal, located in the south of La Rambla, consists of two main areas: the World Trade Center terminals, conveniently close to the city center, and the Moll Adossat pier, home to most large cruise ships.

But before you set sail, there’s one more leg to cover: getting from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to Barcelona cruise port. The distance between the airport and the port is about 15 km (9 miles). But not all transfer options are created equal.

From seamless private transfers to budget-friendly shuttles and local public transport, the ride from the airport is the first impression of your vacation. A smooth and stylish airport transfer sets the tone for the entire trip. With that in mind, we’ve curated a complete guide to help you navigate all the ways from BCN airport to Barcelona cruise terminal, so your vacation starts the moment you land.

Want to linger a little longer? Extend your cruise with a few extra days in Barcelona for a healthy dose of Catalan culture and lifestyle, marking an unforgettable end to your cruise journey.

Setting Sail from Port of Barcelona (Puerto de Barcelona)

Private Airport Transfer

With Kiwitaxi’s private airport transfer from El Prat Airport to Port of Barcelona, your journey from land to sea feels as effortlessly stylish as it takes. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your entire cruise crew, each ride is tailored to your schedule.

Our experienced drivers handle every detail, from navigating the fastest routes to managing your luggage with care, and handling the extras (car seat, pet transportation). No need to focus on traffic; just sit back, take a deep breath, let go of your responsibilities, and shift smoothly into vacation mode. Real-time flight and cruise monitoring means you arrive at your terminal exactly when expected, with time to spare for a final sangria before boarding. As you approach the Port of Barcelona, you’re already relaxed and ready to embark.

Trip duration: 25–35 minutes Fare: From €45 (fixed) Availability: 24/7 (advance booking required) Best for: Cruise travelers who want a smooth, door-to-door experience

Private Airport Transfer

Chauffeur Hire Service

Disembarking in Barcelona? Kiwitaxi’s Chauffeur Hire Service ensures your post-cruise exploration of Barcelona is as memorable as the cruise itself.

The moment you step off your ship, your dedicated chauffeur will greet you, handle your luggage, and whisk you away into the city. From the Gothic Quarter’s medieval streets to Gaudí’s resplendent Sagrada Família, and El Born’s buzzing nightlife, Kiwitaxi will help bring a stylish end to your cruise.

Explore Barcelona’s barrios at your own pace. Relax in the backseat, sipping a glass of sangria, with a curated playlist of your favorite tunes matching the excitement of your trip. Take it a step further: enjoy a post-cruise picnic en route, nibble on tapas, or savor something more indulgent. Kiwitaxi’s Chauffeur Service revolves uniquely around your schedule, offering thoughtful touches that transform your ride into a personalized experience and make your post-cruise exploration as memorable as the cruise itself.

Trip duration: Fully flexible: from hourly to multi-day hire to match your itinerary Fare: From €45/hour (fixed, all-inclusive) Availability: 24/7 with advance booking Best for: Post-cruise explorers seeking a stylish, stress-free transition between sea and city life

Chauffeur Hire Service

Airport Taxis

If you’re after a no-fuss arrival, look no further than Barcelona’s iconic black-and-yellow taxis. The taxis are parked just outside Terminals 1 & 2, ready to whisk you directly to the cruise port without any pre-booking. Slide into the back seat, hand over your terminal number, and relax as the city rolls by. Trip duration: 25–35 minutes

Fare: Fixed flat rate (T4) of €45 including all surcharges for the cruise port terminals at Moll Adossat. Availability: 24/7 (official taxi ranks) Best for: Travelers who want direct service without booking in advance Pro Tip: Tell your driver which cruise terminal (A, B, C, or D) you’re heading to.

Downsides compared to private transfer:

No guaranteed vehicle type — difficult with large luggage or special requests. Drivers may not always speak English, making communication harder. No flight monitoring — if your plane is delayed, the taxi won’t wait. Payment methods vary; not all accept cards reliably. No extras like child seats, pet-friendly rides, or advance comfort customization.

Airport Taxis

Aerobús + Cruise Shuttle

Combining the Aerobús with the Port Bus (Cruise Shuttle) is a popular and cost-effective way to get from Barcelona Airport to the cruise terminals. This option balances convenience with a reasonable price, though it does require a two-part journey. First, hop on the Aerobús outside Terminals 1 or 2 and get to Plaça Espanya or Plaça Catalunya in central Barcelona. From there, transfer by cruise shuttle bus (offered by many lines) or Portbus to your terminal.

Option 2: After arriving at Plaça d'Espanya, if you need to get to the pickup point for the official cruise shuttle, known as the Port Bus (T3), take the L3 (Green Line) metro from Plaça d'Espanya to Trinitat Nova and get off at the Drassanes station. You’ll board the Port Bus (T3) near the World Trade Center (Moll de Barcelona). Trip duration: 45–60 minutes Fare: ~€13-€14 per person (combining the Aerobús, metro, and Port Bus tickets). Availability: Aerobús runs every 5–10 minutes (5:35 AM – 1 AM);

The Port Bus schedule is coordinated with cruise ship arrivals and departures. Buses run typically every 20-30 minutes, or more often during peak boarding/disembarking times Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, travelers with light luggage who don’t mind handling their own transfers

Pro Tip: If your cruise line offers a shuttle from Plaça Catalunya or Sants Station, check if it’s included in your cruise fare or bookable in advance.

Aerobús + Cruise Shuttle

RENFE Train + Metro + Port Bus (Budget-Friendly Choice)

If you’re arriving at Terminal 2 and want to stretch your budget, this three-step route is one of the cheapest ways to reach the Barcelona Cruise Port. Start with the R2 Nord RENFE train to Passeig de Gràcia or Sants Estació, then connect to the L3 (Green Line) Metro to Drassanes. From there, it’s a short walk to the World Trade Center, where the Port Bus (T3) shuttles passengers straight to their cruise terminal.

Trip duration: 50–60 minutes Fare: Around €11 per person (€5.05 train + €2.65 metro + €3 Port Bus). A T-Casual card can be used for the train and metro parts of this journey, making the per-trip cost even lower, but it will not cover the Port Bus.

Availability: Daily, aligns with train and metro schedules; Port Bus runs every few minutes when ships are in port Best for: Budget-conscious travelers arriving at Terminal 2 who don’t mind a few transfers

RENFE Train + Metro + Port Bus (Budget-Friendly Choice)
Airport transfers illustration

Kiwitaxi Airport Transfers

Relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that every detail is managed for your peace of mind

Explore