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By public transport from/to Barcelona Airport

For the transfer, you have Metro, Aerobús, train, Bus 46, and night buses to choose from


Barcelona's airport is located about 15 kilometers outside the city. There are various easy-to-use and cost-effective public transport options for the transfer from Barcelona El Prat de Llobregat Airport to the city center.

Barcelona's airport – named 'Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat' since 2018 – is Spain's second-largest airport after Madrid. Despite passenger numbers more than doubling since 2000, it remains quite manageable, and getting to and from the airport is very straightforward.

Read on to find out which public transport options you can use to get from the airport to downtown Barcelona. You can book your tickets and transfers directly here.

In general, public transport is very easy to use and very reliable. The stops at the airport are well-signposted, and the transport services run frequently, so you don’t need timetables.

Apart from the train, which only has a station at Terminal T2, all transport options are available at all terminals.

Tickets for public transport to/from the airport

Here we list the tickets you can book here and the modes of transport they are valid for. Below we describe the individual modes of transport, how to get to the city center with them, and which tickets we recommend for each.

Hola BCN-Ticket

Hola BCN! ticket for public transport in Barcelona

  • Valid from the airport for Bus 46, Metro L9 from Terminal T1 and T2, and train to the city center
  • Ticket for 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours from the first use
  • Free and unlimited use of public transport throughout the city of Barcelona (Zone 1)
  • Super convenient and flexible: simply hop on the bus, metro, and other transport options and go
  • Booked tickets can be collected at both terminals and at the tourist information desk at the metro station

Info & booking

Barcelona Card - Free public transport and attractions

Barcelona Card

  • Valid from the airport for Bus 46, Metro L9 from Terminal T1 and T2, and train to the city center
  • Free and unlimited use of public transport throughout the city of Barcelona (Zone 1)
  • Booked Barcelona Cards can be collected at both terminals and at the tourist information desk at the metro station
  • Moreover, the Barcelona Card offers multiple benefits: free and discounted admission to many attractions, some entries without queuing
  • Audio guide app for your smartphone
  • A must-have for your stay in Barcelona

Info & booking

Tickets for the Aerobús

Ticket Aerobús

  • From Terminals T1 and T2, comfortably travel to the city center with the Aerobús (including Plaça Espanya, Plaça Catalunya)
  • You can book either a single ticket or a round-trip ticket
  • Frequent service around the clock, 365 days a year
  • Large luggage racks on the bus, included in the price

Info & booking

Our tip: Barcelona Transport Pass: Aerobús + Hola BCN

Barcelona Transport Pass: Aerobús + Hola BCN

  • The Barcelona Transport Pass is a combo package consisting of round-trip tickets for the Aerobús and the Hola BCN ticket
  • With the Hola BCN ticket, you can use public transport in the city for 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours from the first use
  • We recommend this combo offer especially if you arrive outside the opening hours of the Tourist Infos. You can show the Aerobús ticket on your smartphone, and then pick up the Hola BCN ticket for Barcelona's public transport with a magnetic stripe at the Tourist Info the next morning.

Info & booking

Barcelona Essentials Pass - Public transport+Sagrada Familia+Park Güell

Barcelona Essentials Pass

With the combo package 'Barcelona Essentials Pass', you have in addition to the public transport ticket (Zone 1 + airport) access to two of the most important attractions.

Included in the Barcelona Essentials Pass:

  • Free use of public transport in Zone 1 (airport, Barcelona city area): Metro, buses (TMB), tram (Tram), Funicular de Montjuïc (excluding the cable car), regional trains (Rodalies de Catalunya), airport ticket for the Metro
  • Skip-the-line entrance to Sagrada Familia and its museum
  • Optional tower visit can be added
  • Entrance to Park Güell
  • Sagrada Familia app with downloadable audio guide
  • Barcelona city walking tour: downloadable audio guide app covering over 100 attractions
  • Park Güell audio guide app with more than 10 points of interest for a self-guided tour

Info & booking


Terminals at Barcelona Airport (BCN)

Barcelona Airport has two terminals: the newer Terminal T1, which opened in 2009 with over 100 gates, and the older Terminal T2, which is divided into sections T2A, T2B, and T2C.

Barcelona Card

Free travel with train, Bus 46, and Metro L9 from the airport and within the city.

Terminal T1 is mainly used by Star Alliance (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, etc.) and Oneworld and SkyTeam, while Terminal T2 is primarily served by low-cost and charter airlines. Terminal T2C is exclusively for easyJet.

All terminals are very easy to navigate, whether you need to check in, collect your luggage, or find the transfer stations.

Airport Transfers by Public Transport

From Barcelona El Prat de Llobregat Airport, also known since 2018 as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, there are several convenient and cost-effective options for transferring to downtown Barcelona using public transportation.

Bus Line 46

The city bus line L46 is the most economical way to reach the city center. However, it offers less comfort – there are no luggage racks, and the bus stops at numerous stops to pick up additional passengers.

Bus 46 is accessible for wheelchair users.

Bus 46 stops at the airport
  • Bus 46 stop at Terminal T1
    The route is the same as to the Aerobús stops: walk straight ahead after the security area until you reach the bus stops. The Bus 46 stop is about 150 meters away, and both stops are well signposted
  • Bus 46 stop at Terminal T2
    After the security area, go directly to the exit to the street, then about 100 meters to the right to reach the Bus 46 and N17 stops
Stops in Barcelona
  • The final stop at Plaça Espanya is on the side towards the exhibition center and Montjuïc hill.
    The entrance to the Espanya metro station (lines L1, L3, and L5, as well as several trains) is about 100 meters from the stop and is located near the two Venetian Towers.
  • The starting point of line 46 is on the other side of Plaça Espanya, in front of the outdoor elevator of the former Las Arenas bullring
Operating hours of Bus 46

Airport to Plaça Espanya:

  • Weekdays: 05:30 to 23:50
  • Saturdays: 05:30 to 23:05
  • Sundays and holidays: 05:30 to 23:08

Plaça Espanya to the airport:

  • Weekdays: 04:50 to 23:50
  • Saturdays: 04:50 to 23:50
  • Sundays and holidays: 05:50 to 23:50

Frequency and travel time:

  • On weekdays, the frequency is 13-20 minutes, on Saturdays 15-30 minutes, on Sundays and holidays 16-30 minutes.
    The shortest intervals are from 09:00 to 21:00.
  • The trip from Plaça Espanya to Airport Terminal T2 takes about 45 minutes, to Terminal T1 about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Although the buses are very reliable and punctual, you should allow for some extra time when traveling to the airport.
Tickets for Bus 46

You can use Bus 46 with the following tickets:

All these tickets include the Hola BCN pass, allowing you to use public transport within the city. Note: You can only collect your booked Hola BCN pass during the opening hours of the Tourist Info. Therefore, we recommend the Barcelona Transport Pass.

You can purchase single tickets from the driver on the bus, but not multiple-use or multi-day tickets. Tickets bought from the driver do not allow transfers.

When to use Bus 46
  • If you want to travel very affordably, Bus 46 is included in the Hola BCN Ticket, so you don't need to buy another ticket to transfer to the metro
  • The frequencies are very short, so you never have to wait long
  • Ideal during the day when you can pick up the Hola BCN at the airport
  • It serves both terminals
  • If you have little luggage
  • Please check the operating hours

Comfortable Transfer with Aerobús

Learn more about Aerobús

Aerobús is a shuttle bus service that takes you directly to the city center. The bus has ample luggage storage space, and you don't need a timetable as it runs frequently, sometimes every five minutes during the day.

Aerobús stops at the airport
  • From Terminal T1 with Aerobús
    Follow the signs to the bus stops: go straight ahead after the security area, pass the café on the right, and then take the second exit to the right leading to the bus stops (the first exit leads to the taxi stands). When you reach the lower ground floor, you will arrive directly at the Aerobús stop.
  • From Terminal T2 with Aerobús
    To reach the stop, go straight out to the street after the security area, then walk about 50 meters to the left. You will see the blue Aerobús there.
Aerobús stops + transfer options in Barcelona

Airport BCN -> Barcelona

  • Line A1: T1 Level 0 (Arrivals) -> Plaça Espanya -> Gran Via-Borrell -> Plaça Universitat -> Plaça Catalunya
  • Line A2: T2B (Arrivals) -> T2C -> Plaça Espanya -> Gran Via-Borrell -> Plaça Universitat -> Plaça Catalunya

Barcelona -> Airport BCN

  • Line A1: Plaça Catalunya -> Carrer Sepúlveda -> Plaça Espanya -> T1 Level 3 (Departures) -> T1 Level 0 (Arrivals)
  • Line A2: Plaça Catalunya -> Carrer Sepúlveda -> Plaça Espanya -> T2B

Transfer Options

  • Plaça Espanya: Metro (L1, L3), FGC trains
  • Gran Via-Borrell: Metro (L1)
  • Plaça Universitat: Metro (L1, L2)
  • Plaça Catalunya: Metro (L1, L3), FGC trains (L6, L7, S1, S2), Rodalies trains (R1, R3, R4, R12, RG1)
Operating hours of Aerobús

The Aerobús operates 24/7, 365 days a year, including all holidays and even on New Year's Eve.

No schedules are needed: during the day, buses run every 5 minutes, every 10 minutes in the morning and evening, and every 20 minutes at night.

The trip from the airport to Plaça Catalunya and vice versa takes approximately 35 minutes.

Tickets for Aerobús

With the following tickets, you can use the Aerobús:

The Barcelona Card and the Hola BCN! Ticket are not valid here. The trip to the city center takes about 35 minutes.

When to use the Aerobús

Especially if you want a comfortable trip to Barcelona. The Aerobús goes to the central transportation hubs Plaça Espanya and Plaça Catalunya, from where you can reach your hotel on foot, by other public transport, or by taxi.

The buses run around the clock with a short frequency, 365 days a year.

We believe the Aerobús is the best transfer option from the airport in most cases. The Barcelona Transport Pass is our recommended ticket.


Taking Metro L9 Sud to the city


Since 2016, Barcelona Airport has been connected to the metro network. The L9 Sud metro line runs from both terminals into the city. You can either transfer at Collblanc station to the L5 line, which takes you directly through the Eixample district, or you can ride to the final stop at Zona Universitària and transfer to the L3 line, which takes you directly to the old town. However, this journey takes significantly longer than the Bus 46 or Aerobús.

Stations of Metro L9 Sud and Transfer Options

There is a stop for Metro Line L9 Sud at Terminals T1 and T2. Both stations are well signposted and easy to find. From the security area, you only need to walk a few steps to reach the metro stations.

Transfer Options

  • T1: Terminal T1
  • T2: Terminal T2A,B,C; Rodalies R2 Sud
  • El Prat Estació: Rodalies
  • Europa / Fira: FGC L8
  • Can Tries / Gornal: Metro L10 Sud
  • Torrassa: Metro L1, L10 Sud
  • Collblanc: L5, L10 Sud
  • Zona Universitària: Metro L3, Tram

You can consult the Metro and Rodalies train map to see further metro connections.

Operating hours of Metro L9 Sud

The Metro L9 Sud operates according to the regular schedule of the Barcelona Metro. It starts daily at 05:00 AM. The closing times vary depending on the day of the week:

  • Monday to Thursday: until midnight
  • Friday and eve of holidays: until 02:00 AM
  • Saturdays: continuous operation
  • Sundays and holidays during the week: until midnight
  • December 24th: until 11:00 PM
  • December 31st: continuous operation

The last trains depart from the terminus of each subway line at the specified closing time.

Tickets for the Metro L9 Sud

Here are the tickets you can use to access the L9 Sud:

If you do not have the Hola BCN! Ticket or one of the combination tickets, you will need a special airport ticket priced at €4.50.

When to use Metro L9 Sud

In some situations, the Metro L9 Sud can be a good choice:

  • If you want to reach directly to the vicinity of the stations, e.g., the Congress Centre (Fira or Europa | Fira station) or the University (Zona Universitària station).
  • If you need to transfer: L1 (Torrassa station), L3 (Zona Universitària station), L5 (Collblanc station). However, you can also do this at other transfer points.
  • During peak hours, the Metro can be faster than buses. Consider the transfer times, though.
  • And sometimes, it's also worth considering if it's raining heavily and you'd rather not wait outdoors at Plaça Espanya for the Bus 46, for example.

Night Buses (Nitbus)

Metro and regular bus services in Barcelona do not operate 24/7; they cease operation at night. However, you can stay mobile with the night bus lines (Nitbus) that radiate from Plaça Catalunya in a star-shaped pattern. The circular route N0 circulates around the square, allowing you to travel around the city center without always needing to transfer.

Nitbus services commence when other transport modes cease operations and operate at intervals of approximately 10-20 minutes. These buses are regular public buses, and there are numerous stops for boarding and alighting.

Night bus lines and stops from Barcelona Airport (BCN)

There are two night bus lines that run from and to the airport to Barcelona city center: N17 and N18. While the N17 only stops at Terminal T1, you can board the N18 buses at both Terminals T1 and T2B (one stop for boarding and alighting) and T2C.

Both lines go to Plaça Catalunya - Pelai stop, but the route is different.

The Plaça Catalunya - Pelai stop is easy to find: it is located by the monument at the southwest corner of the square. The Rambla and C. Pelai meet here.

A third night bus line, the N19, runs from the airport terminals T1 and T2B to Castelldefels.

In the airport itself you will find the stations very well signposted (square sign "N17 Nit Bus").

Tickets are available on the bus.

Nitbus operating times

Nitbus N17

  • Plaça Catalunya (Pelai stop) -> Terminal T1: from 22:50 to 05:00 (last departure)
  • Terminal T1 -> Plaça Catalunya (Pelai stop): 9:55 p.m. - 4:50 a.m. (last departure)
  • Interval is 15 minutes, journey time 60 - 75 minutes
  • Here you can download the N17 timetable and stop plan

Nitbus N18

  • Plaça Catalunya (Pelai stop) -> Terminal T1, T2 AB, T2 C: 00:05 - 04:50 (last departure)
  • Terminal T1 (via T2 AB, T2 B, T2 C) -> Plaça Catalunya (Pelai stop): 00:18 - 04:33 (last departure)
  • Interval is 15 minutes, journey time 60 - 75 minutes.
  • Here you can download the timetable and stop plan for the N18

Nitbus N19

  • Pg. del Pitort Campus PMT (Castelldefels) -> T2 A-B (the bus continues to El Prat de Llobregat): 23:45 - 05:15 (last departure)
  • Terminal T2 A-B (via T2B, T2C and T1) -> Pg. del Pitort Campus PMT (Castelldefels): 00:18 - 05:48 (last departure)
  • Interval is 30 minutes
  • Here you can download theN19 timetable and stop schedule

Travel times vary depending on traffic conditions. To be on the safe side, plan more time accordingly.

When to take the night bus

In general, the night buses in the Barcelona city area are very useful if you want to travel outside of the operating hours of the regular buses and the metro. In general, you can get to almost anywhere easily with the lines that converge in a star shape to the central Plaça Catalunya and the ring line N0.

To get from the airport to the city center, we often do not consider the Nitbus to be the best choice. The N17 and N18 lines stop at 35 and 28 stops respectively (including the start and end stops). The journey takes a correspondingly long time. However, the intervals of 10-15 minutes are short enough.

However, if your destination is near one of the stops, then taking the Nitbus can make sense. As a rule, however, we recommend the Aerobús because it is simpler, faster and more comfortable. The Aerobús also runs all night.


Transfer by train


If you want to travel further along the Costa Dorada or Costa Maresme, the train from the airport is an excellent option. The Rodalies R2 Nord train also takes you to Barcelona city centre.

However, for most destinations within the city, other modes of transport are usually the better option.

Train station at Barcelona Airport

There is a pedestrian bridge from the terminal building to the airport train station opposite Terminal T2-A, which makes the journey easier, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

If you are arriving via Terminal T1, you can take the free shuttle bus from T1 to T2B. From T2B it is about a 3-5 minute walk to the train station.

Airport train stations and transfer options

You can see an overview of the R2 Nord stations in the image above, but the most relevant stations are the main Sants Estació station, where you can change to the L3 and L5 metro and 14 other train lines.

You can get directly to the Eixample district by getting off at Passeig de Gràcia. Here you can change to the L2, L3 and L4 metro lines and eight other Rodalies trains.

Train operating times

Trains run every 20 minutes between the airport and the city center from 5:42 a.m. The last train leaves the airport at 11:38 p.m.

The journey from the airport to the main train station Sants Estación takes 20 minutes.

The R2 is the only train that goes to the airport.

Tickets for the train

With the following tickets you can use R2 Nord for the transfer to Barcelona:

  • Hola BCN! Ticket: Airport transfer and free use of buses, trains, metro and trams in the city
  • Barcelona Card: Hola BCN! Ticket and additionally many free and reduced entry to sights
  • Barcelona Essentials Pass: Hola BCN! Ticket + Sagrada Familia + Park Güell
  • Barcelona Transport Pass: Aerobus + Hola BCN (but you don't need the Aerobus if you want to use the train, it is only listed here for the sake of completeness)
  • Single tickets for more distant destinations are available from machines in the station.
Why take the train

The Rodalies R2 Nord train takes you directly from the airport to Barcelona city centre. You can change to metro lines L3 and L5 at Sants station to reach the old town, or go straight to Passeig de Gràcia station in the Eixample district, where you can access metro lines L2, L3 and L4.

Whether the train is really the best choice for your journey depends on which terminal you arrive at. If you arrive at Terminal T1, you will still need to take the shuttle to Terminal T2. Your exact destination in Barcelona also plays a role.

We recommend the R2 Nord especially if you want to change to another train to continue on to the Costa Dorada. Destinations such as Casteldefels, Sitges, Salou, Tarragona, Cambrils or the PortAventura World theme park are easily accessible.

To do this, take the R2 North from the airport to the El Prat de Llobregat or Bellvitge train stations, where you can change to the R2 (to Castelldefels) or the R2 South, which also stops in Sitges.

If your destination is on the Costa de Maresme, you can also travel by train. At Sants station, change from the R2 North to the R1 or R11 train, both of which go to Maçanet-Massanes. These trains take you to Blanes, Malgrat de Mar, Santa Susana, among others.

Here you can find the route maps of the Rodalies and the Metro map of Barcelona.


Arriving from the airport by taxi

Taking a taxi is an easy way to get to your hotel. Taxi availability is very good, but expect to wait in line. Don't expect the taxi drivers to speak English or even German.

If you want to use a taxi for the return journey, we recommend booking it in advance by phone or using a taxi app such as FreeNow. During trade fairs and when it rains, many people use taxis and free taxis are often difficult to find.

Taxi stands at the airport

At Terminal T1, you can get to the taxi ranks by walking straight ahead for about 30 meters from the security area and then taking the exit down. The taxi ranks are clearly signposted.

At Terminal T2 (A+B), the taxi rank is located directly in front of the terminal building.

At the taxi ranks, you have to join the queue.

Prices and surcharges

From the airport to the city center the minimum fee is €21.00. Additional fees apply for some locations and services:

  • Airport: €4.50 (one way/one way)
  • Special night rates from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on the following nights: 23/24 June, 24/25 December, 31 Dec./01 Jan.: 4.50 €
  • For larger taxis (5-7 passengers): 4.50 €
  • Wheelchairs and guide dogs are free

From the airport to the city center, a taxi costs around 40-60 €, depending on where you want to go and what the traffic is like. There are also surcharges for luggage and possible night travel.

You can get to the cruise port for a fixed price of €45 (surcharges may apply).

Complaints

Even though taxi drivers often have a bad reputation, we would like to speak up for this profession: in the vast majority of cases, the drivers will take you directly to your destination without unnecessary detours. The drivers will tell you about detours, for example because of a construction site or the risk of traffic jams during rush hour. The drivers often have a tip for where to stop and will usually help you unload your luggage.

To be on the safe side, check whether the driver has switched on the taximeter. You are only obliged to pay the amount shown. Ask for a receipt ("ticket"), which must contain the license number. If the driver takes an incomprehensible detour, point out that you want the direct route. Make a note of the taxi license number and name, these must be clearly visible in the taxi.


Shuttle bus between the terminals

The airport offers travelers a free bus transfer between terminals T1 and T2. The stops are clearly signposted.

Terminal shuttle route and stops

The inter-terminal shuttle runs in a circle and stops at four stations:

  • Terminal T2B (connection to L9 Sud, R2 Nord train, buses N18, N19, 46, A2, PR1 and L77)
  • Terminal T2C
  • Terminal T1 Level 3 (departures)
  • Terminal T1 Level 0 (arrivals)

From both T1 stations you can connect to the L9 Sud metro and buses N18, N19, 46, A2, PR1 and L77 and the private buses Alsa, Hife, Empresa Plana, Bus Garraf, Sagalés Airport Line, Sarfa, Andbus, Direct bus

Operating hours

The shuttle runs every day of the year with short intervals:

  • From 05:00 to 08:00: every 8 minutes
  • From 08:00 to 20:00: every 6 minutes
  • From 20:00 to 00:00: every 8 minutes
  • From 00:00 to 05:00: every 11 minutes

Travel time:

  • T1 to T2B and C: 10 minutes
  • T2 to T1: 14 minutes
  • T2A to T2B: 2 minutes on foot, you don't need the shuttle
  • T2B to T2C: 5 minutes walk, 1 minute shuttle
When do you need the shuttle?
  • If you have to change between two flights in Barcelona. Also take into account the time for collecting your luggage.
  • If you want to go from Terminal T1 to the train station
  • All means of transport, except the train, leave from both terminals, so if you are travelling to Barcelona you will not need the shuttle here

Our recommendation for the airport transfer

We have a very clear opinion: we think the Aerobus is the best transfer option for getting from the airport to Barcelona city center. It is quite comfortable, even with large luggage, relatively fast as there are few stops, and it goes to the most important transport hubs Plaça Espanya and Plaça Catalunya without having to change. From there you can easily get to your accommodation.

Also important: it runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can get on the aerobuses with your ticket booked here regardless of the opening times of the tourist information offices.

Of course, the price is more expensive than the Hola BCN ticket, but significantly cheaper than a taxi. You can buy the ticket in a package with the Hola BCN ticket, which we think is a pretty good combination deal. You can either pick up the included Hola BCN ticket at the airport or, if you are running late, at one of the tourist information offices in the city. In any case, you will get to Barcelona and back stress-free.

Book here tickets for the public transport

(Click on the product images to display prices and availability)