Barcelona transportation

From Barcelona Airport

Barcelona’s airport is 12km (7.5mi) southwest of the city centre at El Prat de Llobregat.

By car

Barcelona is 13 km, 8 miles north-east of the airport, access is by the C-246 highway – Autovia de Castelldefels. Journey time: 20-30 minutes.

Taxis

Taxis are available outside the terminals. Journey time to central Barcelona is around 20-30 minutes.

Train

The airport station is connected by moving walkways from the terminals. Trains operate every 30 minutes from 06:13 – 23:40. Journey times to: Barcelona Sants 20 mins, Placa Catalunya 25 mins, Arc de Triomf 27 mins, Clot-Arago 31 mins. Information is available on Tel: 902 24 02 02.

Bus

The Aerobus service to Barcelona runs every fifteen minutes between 06:00 and 24:00. The service picks up from each terminal and arrives Plaza Catalunya. Journey time is 30 minutes. Buses are equipped to take wheelchairs.  Information is available at: 906 42 70 17.

Public Transport

Barcelona city centre has rapid transport links, including nine metro and FGC lines, two tram lines and an extensive fleet of buses. The ring roads, or rondes, have eased traffic congestion in the city. Eleven thousand taxis, with their yellow and black livery, provide a rapid and efficient service, and are available at all times either by pre-booking or by hailing them in the street.

Getting around in Barcelona. Barcelona transportation options

Getting Around Barcelona

The city offers visitors as well as residents a variety of ways to move about the city. On this page Short-stay Apartments Barcelona provides useful information about getting around the city with ease.

Barcelona Card

One card with oodles of vacation benefits. The Barcelona Card provides users with free unlimited transport on trams, buses and underground throughout the city centre Zone 1 as well as free entrance or discount 18 participating museums, shows and tours. The obvious benefit no need to stand in ticket lines. Here’s the deal: Purchase on line, pick it up from Barcelona airport tourist information station and receive free transport on the RENFE train to the city centre plus tourist guide (available in Catalan/Spanish/English or French/German/Italian), a map of Barcelona and a map of the city’s metro network. The Barcelona Card from the tourist information offices within the city.

• For details call 0870 050 1980 within the UK and +44 203 027 9807 outside the UK.

The Barcelona Tourist Bus

One of the easiest way to get an impression of the city it to purchase a tourist bus pass that allows passengers to get on and off at predetermined stops along the route as frequently as desired. During the winter months two routes are available – northern (red) and southern (blue) with a third route option during the warmer months.

Take El Tram

The Barcelona tram system covers areas that are not on the metro or city bus routes. Trams have ample space for luggage, wheelchairs, strollers, prams or bikes. While it is possible to buy a single ticket for the tram most of the time purchasing an Integration Ticket makes more sense because it can be used on the metro, bus or and tram within the city. The most popular for vacationers is the T10 valid for – you guessed it – 10 trips. Purchase tickets at the ticket machines near tram stations, metro stations, and (oddly enough) at tobacco shops referred to as tabacs. Each ticket must be validated prior to travel.

• Tram Helpline +34 90 070 1181

Ride the Blue Trolley

The Tramvia Blau, (Blue Trolley) is the city’s last remaining trolley and provides passengers with a nostalgic journey en route to Tibidabo, one of Barcelona’s famous hilltops. The trolley stops halfway to the top at Plaça Dr Andreu a picturesque romantic spot with terraced restaurants and neighbourhood bars.

• Tramvia Blau – Linea 194 TMB (Plaza de John Kennedy) Avenida Tibidabo, 2 to Plaça Doctor Andreu 08022
• Tel: +34 932 987 000

Take Funicular de Tibidabo

For those wishing to reach the top of Mount Tibdabo, the most efficient way is to transfer to the funicular. Once at the top you will find a vintage amusement park (an updated version of its 1889 original) with a whimsical carousel. Additional points of interest include a 4-D cinema, Robot Musuem, Marionetàrium Puppet Center, Krüeger Horror Hotel, and the neo-Gothic church – ‘Temple de Sagrat Cor’. Here’s the deal. Anyone arriving by Tibibus and purchasing amusement park tickets will be reimbursed the bus fare at the ticket office.

• Tibidabo Hilltop Amusement Park
• Tel: +93 211 79 42