Barcelona – El Prat Airport is the main gateway to Barcelona. In this guide we will look at how to get from Barcelona – El Prat Airport to Barcelona city centre and other useful tips. The article also includes a map with all the important information for getting from the airport to the city.
BARCELONA AIRPORT – EL PRAT
El Prat Airport is located approximately 12 km south-west of Barcelona city centre and is an important link for Barcelona and the whole of Catalonia.
- Here is a link to the official airport website.
The airport facilities are modern and easy to navigate. The airport is open 24/7 and offers a full range of facilities including shops, restaurants, lounges and car rental. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Drinking water can be refilled in the fountains available by the toilets.
If you’re travelling with children, there’s good news – there are also several play areas at the airport to keep the kids entertained.
☞ With the Hola Barcelona tourist card you can enjoy unlimited public transport throughout Barcelona – the card is valid for the metro, buses, trams, trains, the Montjuic funicular and transport to and from the airport. The card is available for 48 to 120 hours and can be activated simply with the first use.
The alternative is Barcelona Essentials Pass which includes unlimited free transport and entry to 2 of Barcelona’s most popular attractions – the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
How many terminals are there at Barcelona – El Prat Airport?
Barcelona El Prat Airport has two main terminals, T1 and T2, 4 km apart.
- T1 is a newer and larger terminal designed by Ricardo Bofill, and handles most international and long-haul routes. For example, the Spanish airline Vueling flies here.
- T2 is older, but after renovation. It is divided into three interconnected sections (T2A, T2B and T2C) and usually serves low-cost carriers and some domestic flights. If you are flying with Ryanair or Eurowings, Terminal T2 (or T2B) applies to you. The terminals are easily accessible on foot – just follow the signs to get directions.
How do I move between terminals at El Prat Airport?
Do you need to get from T1 to T2 or vice versa? No problem!
All terminals are connected by an airport shuttle bus that will get you to your desired terminal in no time and free of charge. The bus runs continuously and at frequent intervals of 5-10 minutes (intervals may be longer at night). The journey from T1 to T2 (and vice versa) takes about 10-14 minutes.
Follow the signs at the airport to guide you to the transfer buses: at T2, there is a stop in front of T2B under the bridge, where Aerobús also stops, and at T1 there is a stop right in front of the terminal. The buses are green, with T1-T2B-T2C on the front.
Hotels near El Prat Airport
If you have a late arrival or an early departure, there are hotels near the airport:
- Salles Ciutat del Prat Barcelona Airport: Design hotel with swimming pool and roof terrace, airport transfer
- Hotel Barcelona Aeropuerto: Modern, 4* hotel with free airport transfer
- Airhostel Barcelona: cheap accommodation in shared or private rooms with full facilities
- Centre Esplai Albergue: cheap, two-star hotel near the airport
HOW TO GET FROM EL PRAT AIRPORT TO BARCELONA
El Prat Airport is just 12 km from the city centre and can be reached easily by train, bus, metro or taxi. We will now take a closer look at all the possibilities.
METRO
- Ticket price: €5.15, free with HolaBCN or BCN Essentials Pass
- Travel time: maximum 35 minutes, but depends on the final station
- Frequency: 7 minutes
The orange L9 Sud metro line connects Barcelona with Terminal 1 (Aeroport 1 station) and Terminal 2 (Aeroport 2 station).
Children up to 4 years of age travel for free, older children and adults pay € 5.15 per trip. You can buy your metro ticket directly from the ticket machine at the airport, where you can choose a special “airport” ticket.
If you have a card Hola BCN (for unlimited use of transport in Barcelona), the metro from the airport is included. This also applies to the card BCN Essentials Pass.
The metro line L9S operates without exception from 5:00-00:00.
Where does the L9S metro stop?
Unlike other modes of transport, the L9S metro line does not stop at any of the city centre stops. The final station is the Zona Universitària near Camp Nou Stadium, where you can change to the green L3 metro line. From the airport, the L9S metro takes 35 minutes to reach the final stop.
You can get off at one of the earlier transfer stations and change to another metro line. This makes it easy to get to the centre and anywhere in Barcelona. The transfer stations on the L9S route are:
- Europa | Fira – transfer to the L8 metro and change trains
- Torrassa – transfer to metro lines L1 and L10S
- Collblanc – transfer to metro lines L5 and L10S
Tip: The L9S line passes through L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, which offers great metro connections to the centre, plus plenty of places to stay. From budget accommodation to four-star hotels that are better value thanks to their location outside the centre, here are some tips for great hotels:
- Leonardo Royal Hotel: Stylish hotel with rooftop pool at a great price
- Hotel Porta Fira: Modern hotel with quality service and rich breakfast
BUS AEROBUS
- Ticket price: one-way ticket €6,75, return ticket €11,65
- Travel time: 35 minutes
- Frequency: nonstop, every 5-15 minutes during the day, once every 30 minutes at night
The Aerobús shuttle bus will be the easiest way for most people to get to and from El Prat Airport. Aerobús connects the airport with the centre and stops at several stations, including Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça d’Espanya. At the last stop, Plaza Catalunya, you’ll arrive in about 35 minutes.
All stops can be found in the picture a little bit below. I have marked their exact location on the map at the end of the article – you can download the map to your mobile phone.
The buses are light blue with Aerobús on the side. They are low-floor and provide ample space for luggage storage.
The buses run continuously throughout the day and night – during the day until night with a frequency of 5-15 minutes, and at night once every 30 minutes or so (the website says the frequency is slightly more frequent, but in reality it is slightly longer).
The bus operates on two routes:
- A1 – from Plaza Catalunya to T1 terminal and vice versa
- A2 – from Plaza Catalunya to T2 terminal and vice versa
You’ll know whether it’s the A1 or A2 line as soon as the bus arrives – it’s marked right on the front of the bus, or you’ll be told by a member of staff (if they’re standing there).
How much does Aerobús to Barcelona cost?
A one-way ticket costs €6.75, a return ticket €11.65. Children under 4 years travel free of charge. The ticket is not tied to a specific day, so you can use it for any connection on any day you need.
You can buy a ticket online, from a member of staff on site, from the driver or from a ticket machine, which are usually available at selected stops.
You can then scan the QR code with a staff member at the bus stop or with the driver before boarding the bus.
Please note: Aerobús is a private company and is not covered by the Barcelona public transport tickets or the HolaBCN card.
TMB BUS
- Ticket price: €2.40, free with HolaBCN, BCN Essentials Pass and T-Casual
- Travel time: 45-60 minutes
- Frequency: 15-20 minutes, replaced at night by night buses N17 and N18 which run once or twice an hour
Redbus no. 46 with the TMB sign of Barcelona’s integrated transport system is the cheapest option to get from El Prat Airport to the city.
In addition, you can use your HolaBCN or T-Casual card for 10 rides. Children up to 4 years of age travel for free, older children pay full fare.
The price for a single ticket is €2.40. You can buy a ticket at the turnstile in front of the driver, where you just need to insert your contactless card.
On the other hand, you have to take into account that the bus is not express and stops at more stops than Aerobús. In Barcelona, however, buses only stop at the signal, so the final time may be slightly shorter. There’s also less storage space for luggage.
By bus no. 46 will take you to Plaça d’Espanya, one of the most important transport hub in the city. Here you can change to the metro or bus, depending on where you are going.
The bus runs along the main artery of Avinguda de la Granvia de l’Hospitalet between the airport and Plaza de España. On the map at the end of this article you will find marked stops along the way where you can wait if you are going to the airport.
☞ Check out the description and itinerary map of how to spend 4 days in Barcelona.
Buses run every 15-20 minutes during the day from 4:50-23:50. At night they are replaced by night buses N17 and N18.
- N17 stops at T1 terminal. Here is the timetable and map of the N17.
- The N18 stops at all terminals – on the way to the airport the first stop is T2, then it ends at T1. Here is the timetable and map of the N18.
- The price for night buses is the same as for regular public transport tickets in Barcelona – €2.40. HolaBCN does not apply to night buses.
The most popular tourist cards in Barcelona:
TRAINS
- Ticket price: €4.60, free with HolaBCN, BCN Essentials Pass and T-Casual
- Travel time: 20-30 minutes
- Frequency: 30 minutes
Commuter trains connect the airport with Barcelona’s main train stations – Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia and El Clot. This is the R2N line.
Just be aware that there is also an R2 train line in Barcelona, but it doesn’t go to the airport and ends one stop earlier. So look for trains with an N at the end (Nord for short).
The train station is located at the T2B terminal. If you are arriving or departing from T1, you must first take the free airport bus to T2. From there, cross the covered bridge to the train station.
A one-way ride costs €4.60. With the HolaBCN card, you get a free train ride from the airport or you can use the T-Casual (a card for 10 rides). Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machine at the station, as well as T-Casual.
Trains run twice an hour from about 5am to midnight. You can find the current connections on the website of the train operator Renfe.
TAXI
Taxis in Barcelona stop right outside terminals T1 and T2. Just follow the signs that will direct you to the taxi rank. They are orange-black in colour and there are more than enough of them, so advance reservations are not necessary.
The price varies depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. The minimum fee is €21. From T1 to Barcelona you will usually pay €40 and from T2 to the city you will pay €30. Additional charges can be found directly in the taxi, or in the taxi rank. please check before you travel.
☞ With the Hola Barcelona tourist card you can enjoy unlimited public transport throughout Barcelona – the card is valid for the metro, buses, trams, trains, the Montjuic funicular and transport to and from the airport. The card is available for 48 to 120 hours and can be activated simply with the first use.
The alternative is Barcelona Essentials Pass which includes unlimited free transport and entry to 2 of Barcelona’s most popular attractions – the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
BARCELONA AIRPORT – EL PRAT ON THE MAP
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map on how to get from El Prat Airport to Barcelona. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the article about transport from the airport to Barcelona. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
These were our tips and guides for Barcelona – El Prat Airport and how to get from the airport to the city. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Barcelona
THIGS TO DO IN BARCELONA: Plan your trip with our 3-day itinerary for Barcelona. Check out the description and itinerary map on how to spend 4 days in Barcelona.
Here are the best things to do in Barcelona (photos, map, practical information). In the next article we share tips on things to do in Barcelona with kids.
We have also prepared a article on how to visit the Sagrada Familia (attractions, how to avoid queues, entrance fees, etc.)
BARCELONA GUIDE: Here is a detailed guide to transport in Barcelona. We’ve put together tips on the best places to stay in Barcelona (the best areas and hotels). In the next article we share tips on how to save in Barcelona.
FAQ: How to get from the airport to Barcelona
If you are travelling from El Prat Airport to Barcelona, there are buses, trains, metro and taxis to choose from. The price varies depending on which transport you choose, ranging from €2.40 to €6.75 for a one-way trip. The HolaBCN card includes airport transport – TMB buses, trains and metro.
Journey by red buses no. 46 costs just €2.40 and you can buy your ticket using a contactless card at the driver’s turnstile.
If you have a HolaBCN or BCN Essentials Pass, travel from the airport is included – choose from the L9S metro, R2N trains and buses No. 46.
The price varies depending on which shipping method you choose. The cheapest option is the TMB bus no. 46 for €2.40 and the most expensive Aerobus for €6.75, which on the other hand is express and comfortable. For a detailed overview of the different transport options from Barcelona Airport, see the article.
Take the orange metro line L9S. Just keep in mind that this is a special line where regular public transport tickets in Barcelona do not apply. In this case, the ticket costs €5.15 and can be bought from a machine at metro stations in the city and at the airport.
If you have purchased a HolaBCN or BCN Essentials Pass for unlimited free transport within Barcelona, you have the metro to the airport included.
