How to get to Barcelona

So, How do you get to Barcelona? This article will cover the best means of transport, enabling you the easiest way to get to the city and out of the town.

Barcelona is one of Europe’s top ten leisure destinations and has a long-standing tradition in business tourism. For this reason, it has exceptional connections with the rest of Spain and the rest of the world.

Arriving by plane

Barcelona airport, with several terminals, is 16 kilometers south of the city and is also known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat. Transport links from other regional airports, including Girona, Reus, and Lleida-Alguaire, can also reach the town.

Note: Click here to find out the best flights.

Arriving by train

Barcelona operates several direct high-speed rail routes to cities in France and more than 30 destinations across Spain, including Madrid and the southeast and southern regions. Its main termini also operates suburban and regional rail services to travel around Catalonia comfortably and conveniently.

Arriving by car

Barcelona is well connected and has a large number of car parks. The motorway and road network will take you anywhere in the city by car, although it’s worth bearing in mind that traffic can be heavy during rush hour.

Arriving by bus

Barcelona Nord Bus Station is the bus station with the most national and international connections. Buses also depart from Barcelona Sants station and other areas of the city.

Arriving by boat

Barcelona has become the Mediterranean’s leading cruise ship harbor. It has nine passenger terminals, seven cruise liners, and four ferries. So, it has good connections with the Balearic Islands and the other principal Mediterranean ports.

How to get from the airport to the city center?

Airport transfer service

The most comfortable way to get from the airport to the city center is by booking a private airport transfer service. The chauffeur will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal with a sign with your name on it. The fare costs € 49 (US$ 54.10) for a standard-sized vehicle. By booking an Airport transfer service, you’ll avoid any language barrier.

Aerobús

A bus company connects El Prat Airport with the city center. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.

The Terminal 1 line runs every 5 to 10 minutes, while the Terminal 2 line runs every 10 to 20 minutes. The first departure is between 5:30 and 6 a.m., and the buses run until 1 a.m.

A one-way ticket costs € 5.90 (US$6.50), and a return ticket costs € 10.20 (US$11.30).

Most importantly, you can buy your Aerobús ticket online, in the specific vending machines at the airport, or directly from the bus driver.

Train

If you land or depart from Terminal 2, you can catch the L2 train that connects the airport to the city center. The train departs from Terminal 2 and stops at Passeig de Gràcia or Barcelona Sants Railway Station every 30 minutes. The journey to Passeig de Gràcia takes approximately 25 minutes, stopping along the way. The first train departs at 5:40 am, and the last departs at 11:25 pm.

If you wish to take the train but land in Terminal 1, a free bus connects both terminals.

Metro (TMB)

L9 sud metro line connects the city and Barcelona airport (T1 and T2) every 7 minutes.
Approximate journey time: 32 minutes (from Zona Universitària).

For further information: www.tmb.cat

Taxi

Although it is the most expensive option, it is also the most pleasant way to get to your hotel, especially if you are traveling with your family or a group of friends and have many suitcases.

It takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs € 25 (US$27.60)—€ 30 (US$33.10). Note that if you carry a large suitcase, you must pay for additional supplements.