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Getting from Barcelona Airport to the city

Monday, April 17, 2023

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, attracting millions of tourists every year. As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona boasts an impressive array of cultural, artistic, and architectural landmarks that make it a must-visit destination. However, before you can start exploring the city, you need to figure out how to get from the airport to your accommodation.

At Flight-Delayed.co.uk, we understand that the journey to your destination can be frustrating, especially if you've experienced a flight delay or cancellation. That's why we're here to help you claim the compensation you're entitled to. Under British and EU regulations, you may be entitled to up to £520 of compensation and/or a full ticket refund for your disrupted flight at Barcelona Airport. In addition to helping you with flight compensation, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to getting from Barcelona Airport to the city.

Barcelona Airport is located about 12 kilometres from the city centre, and there are several transportation options available to get you there. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to getting from Barcelona Airport to the city, covering everything from buses to taxis to car rentals. Whether you're a budget traveller or a luxury seeker, we've got you covered with the best transportation options to suit your needs. So, let's get started and explore the different ways you can travel from Barcelona Airport to the city!

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By Aerobús

The Aerobús is a shuttle bus service that operates between the airport and the city centre, with stops at key locations such as Plaça Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya.

Both Line A1 and A2 operate 24/7 all year, departing from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 respectively. They run every 5- 20 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on your destination and the traffic conditions. You can check the timetable of the buses before arriving in Barcelona.

To use Aerobús, you can purchase tickets online, at ticket machines located near the bus stop, or directly from the bus driver. The cost of a one-way ticket is €6.75, while a round-trip ticket costs €11.65. Children under the age of 3 can travel for free, and there are discounts available for larger groups.

By other buses

In addition to the Aerobús, several other bus lines operate between Barcelona Airport and the city centre. These include the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) bus service and the NitBus night bus service.

TMB buses run every day from early morning until late at night and offer several routes to different parts of the city. The bus fare is €2.40 for a single ticket, or you can purchase travel cards, which allow you to travel at a discounted rate.

The NitBus service operates generally between 10 pm and 5 am and offers several night routes to different parts of the city. These include N17 which operates from T1 and N18 which operates from both T1 and T2. The fare for a single ticket is €2.40, and most travel cards can also be used on this service.

Barcelona public transport. (M.R./Unsplash)

By car (Car rental)

If you're looking for more freedom and flexibility, renting a car at Barcelona Airport might be the best option for you. Several car rental companies operate at the airport, including Hertz, Europcar, Avis, and Sixt.

To rent a car, you must have your passport (or ID), a valid driver's licence, and be at least 21 years old. You'll also need a credit card in your name to make the reservation and pay for the rental.

Driving from Barcelona Airport to the city centre takes about 20-40 minutes, depending on your destination and traffic conditions. There are several routes to choose from, including the C-31, C-32, and B-20 highways.


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By taxi

Taxis are a convenient and comfortable way to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre. You can find taxis waiting outside the terminals, and they operate 24 hours a day.

The taxi fare is on an average of €25.00-€30.00 for a journey to the city centre, depending on the hour and time of the day. It takes about 20-40 minutes to get to the city centre, depending on your destination and the traffic conditions.

It is important to note that there is a €4.30 surcharge for trips to and from the Airport, and the minimum fare from the airport is €20. There are four types of taxi fares at Barcelona Airport, so it's always a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver before getting in the taxi to avoid any surprises.

Taxi in Barcelona. (Ruben Boekeloo/Unsplash)

By train

Another popular transportation option for getting from Barcelona Airport to the city centre is the train. The RENFE R2 Nord Line connects terminal 2 to several locations in Barcelona, including Sants, Passeig de Gracia, and Clot-Aragó.

You can purchase tickets at the airport train station, located next to Terminal 2, or online in advance. The journey takes about 25-30 minutes, depending on your destination, and trains run every 30 minutes, from early morning at 05:19 until late night at 23:46.

The train fare starts at €4.60 for a one-way ticket, you can get the tickets at a ticket machine at the station. If you will travel more with public transport, you can also purchase a T-Causal travel card for 10 public transport travel within a zoned area, or the Hola Barcelona Travel Card which allows for unlimited travel on all public transport in Barcelona for 2 to 5 days, depending on the purchased ticket.

By metro

The L9 Sud metro line connects Barcelona Airport to the city centre, with stops at key locations such as Zona Universitària, Collblanc, and Torrassa. You can access the metro station from both terminals and run every 5-10 minutes, from early morning until midnight.

The metro fare starts at €4.60 for a one-way ticket. You can also purchase a T-Causal travel card or the Hola Barcelona Travel Card if you are planning to travel more frequently with public transport.

Barcelona metro. (Lucía Garó/Unsplash)

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About Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Europe, famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning architecture. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or a beachgoer, there's something for everyone in Barcelona.

In Barcelona, you'll find a mix of old-world charm and modernity, with stunning landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, and Park Guell coexisting with contemporary art galleries, trendy bars, and designer boutiques. The city is also famous for its culinary scene, with a diverse range of restaurants and bars serving traditional Catalan cuisine, as well as international dishes.

Barcelona is served by Barcelona Airport (BCN), which is located about 14 km southwest of the city centre. The airport is the second busiest in Spain, after Madrid-Barajas, and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Vueling, Ryanair, and Iberia.

The airport offers direct flights to over 180 destinations worldwide, including major cities in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Some of the popular airlines operating at Barcelona Airport are British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Delta, and Air France.