Cruise Port Transfers

Here we describe the various transfer options between the port, Barcelona city center, and the airport.

Find detailed information here on how to get to and from the airports of Barcelona and Girona.

If you prefer luxury and simplicity, we have a selection of private transfers for you.

And if you want to know what you should definitely see during your shore excursion in Barcelona and how to stay mobile in Barcelona, it is worth reading on.

The Cruise Terminals at the Port of Barcelona

At the cruise terminals A, B, C, D, E, and E-Helix of the dock "Moll Adossat" or "Muelle Adosado," the large cruise ships of Aida, Costa, MSC, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival dock.

At the "Moll de Barcelona," there are the South Terminal S (Moll 18C), the East Terminal E (Moll 18B), and the North Terminal N (Moll 18A), which are grouped around the "World Trade Center," an office and convention building. These terminals are currently not available for cruise ships due to the America's Cup.

Boarding a cruise ship is comparable to checking in at the airport. In front of the docks, there are processing halls where you must check in with your tickets and drop off your luggage.

Tickets for the Port Transfer with Public Transport

Here we describe how you can book tickets for the various transfer options and transportation within Barcelona. We explain what and how to use them effectively below.

Transfer options for shore excursions

Shuttle with the Cruise Bus

The Cruise Bus takes you from the cruise terminals to the city center of Barcelona, or currently due to the America's Cup, only to Torre de Jaume I., the middle tower of the cable car over Port Vell. From there it is about 400 meters to the Columbus Monument, which is very prominently visible. Behind the monument, the Ramblas lead through the old town.

Tickets are available from the driver for 3 € (one-way ticket) or 4.50 € (round trip ticket, only valid on the same day). The Cruise Buses are wheelchair accessible.

To get into the city for a day trip with just light luggage, the Cruise Bus is certainly an inexpensive and easy option and therefore our clear recommendation.

By taxi to the city

Taxis are undoubtedly a simple means of transportation to get from the port to one of the sights. Taxis are fast and save you the hassle of transfers.

Taxis are waiting for passengers in front of the terminals. Occasionally you may have to queue for a free taxi.

From the port, the taxi costs a surcharge of 4.50 € plus surcharges for larger pieces of luggage and minivans. The port surcharge is also due if you take a taxi from the city center to the cruise terminal.

With a private transfer

A private transfer is clearly the most stress-free, comfortable, and luxurious travel service. Upon arrival at the cruise ship, the driver will greet you, take you to your vehicle, and reliably take you to your destination.

More general information and an overview of private transfers can be found below.

On foot - not a good idea (but here are the facts)

To put it simply: walking from the ship to the city center is not a good idea. It takes about 30-45 minutes. The route is really not nice, unless you like concrete jungles and diesel fumes. The footpath over the bridge is also quite narrow and buses, large trucks, and taxis thunder past you.

We think that for safety reasons alone, the 3 € for the Cruise Bus ticket is money well spent.

Transfers between cruise port and airport

With public transport

There are many ways to get from the cruise port to the airport by public transport. Here is the easiest and fastest way, especially if you have large luggage:

• Cruise Bus: Start the transfer with the shuttle buses (single tickets for 3 € from the driver) that stop in front of each terminal and take you directly to the final stop near Torre de Jaume I. Tickets are available from the driver.
  The iron middle tower of the cable car is a prominent and striking structure in the port. The stop for the return to the ships is nearby.
  The Cruise Bus runs every 20 minutes, more frequently if needed.
• 500 meters on foot: Walk from the Moll de Barcelona to the right to the Columbus Monument, a landmark about 60 meters high at the edge of the port, topped by a statue of Christopher Columbus. From there, head towards the city center / Ramblas.
• Metro L3: On the left, you will see a high-rise building in front of which is the entrance to the metro line L3 (Drassanes station). Buy a single ticket at the machine and travel in the direction of Zona Universitaria. Get off at the "Espanya" station (third station after Drassanes).
• Aerobús: The shuttle bus to the airport departs in front of the former bullring "Las Arenas" directly in front of the glass elevator. Note: The stop to get off from the airport is on the other side of the square. The Aerobús is very comfortable and fast, even with lots of luggage. In about 30 minutes you will be at Terminal T2 (Bus A2) or Terminal 1 (Bus A1).
  Here you can find more information about the Aerobús and book tickets.

If you want to get from the airport to the cruise ship, the route is the same in reverse. You just need to note that the Aerobús stops at Plaça Espanya are on different sides of the square.

By taxi

The taxi stands at the airport and the port are in front of the terminals, where you have to queue and occasionally wait for a free vehicle.

Otherwise, there is not much to say: load your luggage into the trunk, get in, and tell the driver where you want to go: airport or cruise port. Usually, this works in English as well.

Taxi prices are also simple: 45 € fixed price including surcharges.

Private transfers between port and airport

A private transfer takes you directly from the airport to the port or from the port to the city center - of course, also in the reverse direction. You save time, as there are no waiting times, and the driver picks you up directly in the arrival hall.

Several providers offer different vehicles: from minivans to luxury limousines. And all at a fixed price.

Transfer between Girona Airport and the port

You can also travel to your cruise ship completely using public transportation from Girona Airport (GRO).

• By Public Transport: From Girona Airport, the Shuttle Bus to Barcelona is a very good option. It will take you directly to the final stop at "Estació del Nord". From there, you can take Metro L1 and transfer at "Plaça Catalunya" to L3 towards "Zona Universitària".
  At Drassanes station, disembark and walk approximately 400-500 meters to the Cruise Bus stop. The shuttle bus is described above.
• Public Transport + Taxi: It is much easier to take a taxi from Estació del Nord to the cruise port.

Driving to the cruise ship

The approach to the departure areas for the ships is well-signposted. Whether you are coming from the north, west, or east, take the B10, Ronda del Litoral, which runs directly past the ferry terminal.

• From the North: The A2 merges into the B10 as you enter the city area.
• From the West: The C-32 intersects the A2/B10 on the outskirts of the city.
• From the East: Take the C-32, which transitions into the C-31 in the city and later crosses the B10. If you have taken the B20, it also crosses the B10, so this is not a problem.

For your GPS system, it is best to enter the following addresses:

• Short-Term Parking in Front of the Cruise Terminals for Luggage Unloading:
  Cruise Terminal, Moll Adossat, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
• Long-Term Parking:
  World Trade Center Barcelona, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Barcelona, Spain
  Moll de la Fusta Parking, BSM Moll de la Fusta, Passeig de Colom, 27, Barcelona, Spain

Please also note that you need to register your vehicle to enter the environmental zone.

Here you will find information about parking in Barcelona and tips for affordable long-term rates. The cruise line with which you booked your cruise may also provide information on whether and where discounted parking rates are available.