Best Way To Travel From Barcelona Airport To City Centre
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, it’s a cosmopolitan place with a culture and architecture that attracts millions of tourists every year. If you are planning to visit Barcelona, one of the first things you have to figure out is how to get from the airport to the city centre.
Barcelona airport
Barcelona airport, also known as El Prat airport, is located about 12km southwest of the city centre. It's the second-largest airport in Spain and one of the busiest in Europe, with more than 50 million passengers per year. The airport has two terminals (T1 and T2) that are connected by a free shuttle bus service.
Transport options
There are several transport options available at Barcelona airport to get to the city centre:
1. Metro
The metro is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get to the city centre. There are two metro lines that connect to the airport: L9 Sud (orange line) and L2 (purple line). You can catch the metro from both terminals, and it runs every 5-10 minutes. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on your final destination.
Tip: If you plan to use public transport regularly during your stay in Barcelona, consider purchasing a Hola BCN transport card, which offers unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and trams for a set period.
2. Aerobus
The Aerobus is a shuttle bus service that operates between Barcelona airport and the city centre. The buses run every 5-10 minutes, and there are two routes: A1 (to Plaça Catalunya) and A2 (to Gran Via-Urgell). The journey takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tip: You can purchase your Aerobus ticket online in advance to save time and money.
3. Taxi
Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport, and they offer a convenient door-to-door service. The journey time to the city centre is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost of a taxi ride is around €30-€40.
Tip: Make sure that the taxi driver turns on the meter before starting the journey, and be aware that there may be additional charges for luggage, night-time journeys, and public holidays.
4. Private transfer
If you prefer a more comfortable and private transfer, you can book a private car or shuttle service in advance. This option is especially useful if you are travelling with a group or have a lot of luggage. The cost of a private transfer varies depending on your final destination.
Tip: Make sure to book your private transfer in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Conclusion
There are several transport options available from Barcelona airport to the city centre, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. To choose the best option for your needs, consider factors such as cost, convenience, and travel time.
