Public Transport in Barcelona
Barcelona boasts one of Europe’s most efficient public transport networks, making it easy for visitors to navigate the city. This guide covers all essential transport options and information, including how to travel from El Prat Airport to the city center.
Barcelona Tickets & Payment Methods
T-mobilitat Card
🟡 Best for: Residents and frequent users
How it works: Barcelona’s NFC/contactless transport card valid across metro, bus, tram, FGC, Rodalies.
Example Fare: T-casual (10-trip) from €12.55 (Zone 1). Not valid to/from airport via metro.
Can be anonymous or personalized • Recharge online/app • Info: t-mobilitat.cat
Hola BCN Travel Card
🔴 Best for: Tourists and unlimited travel
Unlimited public transport, including airport metro and funiculars.
Prices (Zone 1):
- 2 days: €18.10–€18.50
- 3 days: €25.50–€26.30
- 4 days: €33.30–€34.40
- 5 days: €40.80–€42.10
Buy at: Airport kiosks, metro stations, or holabarcelona.com
Hour-based from first validation (not calendar days) • Validation required at first use
Single Tickets
🔵 Best for: Occasional trips
Metro/bus fare: €2.65 (Zone 1, 75-min with transfers, no return)
Airport Metro ticket: €5.70 (L9 Sud only)
Available via:
- Ticket machines (metro, tram)
- TMB app (QR or mobile pass)
- Bus drivers (exact change only)
Validate before boarding • Not reusable • Airport ticket required for L9 Sud
Note: Single tickets are issued on a reusable cardboard card for €1 if you do not have a T-mobilitat card.
Special Passes
🟢 Best for: Families, students, young people
T-usual: €35.25 (Zone 1, 30-day unlimited)
T-jove: €70.45 (All zones, 90-day unlimited for under 30s)
T-familiar: 8-trip shareable pass, €11.05 (Zone 1) – €46.20 (Zone 6)
T-16: Free unlimited pass for children aged 4–16 (residency required)
Most passes available via T-mobilitat or atm.cat. Some require ID or registration.
Zones & Fare System
Metro, Bus, Tram & Train
Integrated ATM zone system – one ticket for metro, TMB bus, tram, FGC, and Rodalies (Renfe).
Zone 1 Ticket Examples:
- Single Ticket: €2.65 (75-min validity)
- T-casual (10 trips): €12.55
- T-usual (30 days unlimited): €22.00
Prices increase progressively by zone (Zone 2–6).
Airport Connections
Special fares apply for metro trips to/from El Prat Airport.
Main Airport Options:
- Metro Line L9 Sud: €5.70 (special airport ticket)
- Aerobus: €6.75 (Pl. Catalunya – airport, 24/7)
- R2 Nord Train (Renfe): Standard ticket (~€4.60, only from Terminal 2)
- Taxi: Flat rate €35.00–€40.00 to city center
The Hola BCN card includes the metro airport trip.
Barcelona Smart Travel Tips
Don’t Toss Your Ticket Too Soon
Keep your validated ticket until the end. Random checks happen inside trains and at exits.
Back of the Bus = Best Bet
Locals often crowd the front — walk to the back for open seats and breathing space.
Metro L1 & L5 Are Tourist Workhorses
These two lines hit most sights — but expect serious crowds during commute hours.
Hola BCN Includes Airport Metro
A single L9 Sud trip costs €5.70 — but it’s already included in Hola BCN cards.
Stand Right, Walk Left
Escalator etiquette matters: stand on the right side to let others pass on the left.
Train Only Serves Terminal 2
The Renfe airport train stops only at T2. From T1, take the free shuttle first — many travelers miss this detail.
Locals Don’t Talk on Metro
Barcelona’s metro is surprisingly quiet. Loud phone calls or group chatter may draw looks.
Beware Pickpockets in Busy Hubs
Stay alert at Sants, Catalunya, and Liceu. Avoid phones in back pockets or open bags.
Use NitBus After Midnight
Metro closes at midnight (Sun–Thu), 2:00 a.m. on Fridays, and runs 24 hours on Saturdays. NitBus routes run from about 22:20 to 6:00 from Plaça Catalunya to most neighborhoods. Most integrated tickets are valid, but Hola BCN and Barcelona Card are not accepted.
Getting to Central Barcelona & Beyond
From Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
🚇 Metro Line L9 Sud to City
💰 €5.70 (special airport ticket)
⏱ ~35 min to Zona Universitària
🔄 Not direct to city center (requires transfer)
⏰ Trains every 7–10 minutes
🚌 Aerobus A1/A2 to City Center
💰 €9.75 one-way / €14.65 return
⏱ ~35 min to Plaça Catalunya
📍 Direct service from both terminals
🕒 Every 5–10 minutes, 24/7
🚉 Renfe R2 Nord Train (T2 only)
💰 €4.60 (single ticket)
⏱ ~25 min to Sants or Passeig de Gràcia
📍 Departs from Terminal 2 (free shuttle from T1)
🕒 Every 30 minutes
🚖 Taxi to Central Barcelona
💰 €35–40 flat rate (luggage included)
⏱ ~25–35 min depending on traffic
📍 Stands at both terminals
💼 Night surcharge after 8 PM
🚌 TMB Bus 46 to Plaça Espanya
💰 €2.65 (standard ticket)
⏱ ~40–50 min
📍 Runs from both terminals
🕒 Every 15–20 minutes (daytime only)
🌙 NitBus N17/N18 to City (Night Only)
💰 €2.40–€2.65 (standard ticket)
⏱ ~40–60 min to center
📍 From Terminals 1 & 2, hourly
🕒 Runs 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Barcelona Tourist Travel Passes
These passes make getting around Barcelona easier and more affordable — and some include museum or attraction access too.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card
- Unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, FGC (Zone 1), Rodalies (Zone 1), Montjuïc funicular
- Valid for 48, 72, 96, or 120 consecutive hours from first use
- Includes airport metro access (L9 Sud)
- Not valid on Aerobus, NitBus, or Montjuïc Cable Car
Price: From €18.10 (48h) – holabarcelona.com
Buy PassBarcelona Card
- Unlimited public transport (metro, bus, tram, FGC, Rodalies, Montjuïc funicular, airport train/metro)
- Free entry to 25+ museums and 70+ discounts on tours, shops, and attractions
- Available for 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days
- Not valid on Aerobus, NitBus, or Montjuïc Cable Car
Price: From €57 (3 days) – barcelonacard.org
Buy PassAlternative Transport in Barcelona: Bikes, Scooters & Boats 🚲🛴⛵
Bicing: City Bike Sharing
- 🚲 Annual membership required (€35–€50)
- 🛴 Electric & mechanical bikes available
- 📍 500+ stations citywide
- 📱 App required to unlock bikes
- ⚠️ Residents only; tourists cannot use Bicing
TIER, Dott & Lime: E-Scooters
- 🛴 ~€1 unlock + €0.20–0.25/min ride
- 📍 Available across central Barcelona
- 📱 Use TIER, Dott, or Lime app
- 🪪 Minimum age 18 with ID
- 🪖 Helmet mandatory for all users
- 🚳 No riding on sidewalks; use bike lanes/road only
- 🅿️ Park only in designated zones
- ⚡ Speed limit: 20 km/h
Las Golondrinas: Port & Coast Tours
- ⛵ 40-min port tour or 60-min coastal tour
- 🌆 See Barcelona’s skyline from the sea
- 📍 Departures from Moll de les Drassanes (Port Vell)
- 🎟️ Tickets from €9–€15
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly, wheelchair accessible
Pro Tip: Bikes and scooters are ideal for exploring Barcelona’s flat neighborhoods and beaches, while boat tours offer a breezy view of the city’s coastline.
Barcelona’s Most Scenic Transport Routes
From vintage trams to high-tech metro lines, explore Barcelona with views to remember
Tram T4 – 22@ Innovation District
Cruise through Barcelona’s revitalized tech and design neighborhood, where old factories meet futuristic towers and seaside breezes.
Bus 24 – Uptown to Parc Güell
This scenic ride ascends from central Passeig de Gràcia through Gràcia’s bohemian streets to Gaudí’s mosaic masterpiece above the city.
Cuca de Llum (Tibidabo Funicular) – Forested Ascent
Ride through the Collserola forest to the iconic Tibidabo summit, with spectacular views and a vintage amusement park awaiting you.
L9 Metro – Airport to Sea
This modern metro line glides from Barcelona–El Prat Airport to the coast, offering a cross-section of suburban and seaside life.
Montjuïc Cable Car – Waterfront Views
Soar above the port and beaches with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, then explore Montjuïc Castle and lush hilltop gardens.
Official Website