How to get to the city center from Barcelona Airport
All the information you need about transport options from Barcelona Airport to City Center.
So your airplane landed at Barcelona Airport and your Erasmus adventure is about to begin. You just have to collect your huge luggages and get to your apartment or hostel. With that in mind, we can give you some tips on how to get to the city center from Barcelona Airport! Thought the journey usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, there are several public transport options for you to choose. Here is a list of options that we recommend you. Start planning!
RENFE & Metro Train
The RENFE train service runs approximately every 30 minutes to and from Barcelona airport and the city center. The travel time is approximately 25 minutes. Along the way from the airport to the city center, you can get off at either Barcelona Sants (Sants Estacio), Passeig de Gràcia or Clot stops which are also serviced by metro trains. Once you leave the RENFE station’s platform, you can transfer to Barcelona’s metro platform to get to your final destination.
Please note that you need a T10 ticket to get into the RENFE or Metro train.
Renfe & Metro Train Fare
Single TMB ticket: €2.40
T10 (10 trips) TMB ticket: €11.35
Aerobus
The Aerobus service is an express bus service that normally runs every 5 to 10 minutes within its fixed hours of operation between the airport and the city center. You can catch the Aerobus from outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The Aerobus will then take you to the city center. Along the way, it stops at several locations including Plaça Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya.
If you are leaving from T1, the Aerobus is just right in front of the building. For Terminal 2, the Aerobus leaves from T2B and T2C. The Aerobus stops always have a blue machine booth where you could buy your Aerobus ticket. Most of the time, there is an Aerobus waiting outside one of the terminals. If not, you will have to wait a few minutes for one to arrive depending on the time of day. You will have access to free Wi-Fi and USB charging in the bus.
Aerobus Fare
Single Ticket: €5.90
Return Ticket: €10.20
Return Ticket Valid: 15 days
Public Bus/Night Bus
The metropolitan transport of Barcelona (TMB) bus number 46 runs from 5am to 11:50pm from both airport terminals to Plaça d’Espanya. During the night, the bus N17 (from T1) and bus N16 (from T2A, T2B, and T2C), operated by MOHN, runs from the Airport. Bus schedules may change so it is best to check the official website for the exact times.
Although the airport public buses and night buses are cheaper than the Aerobus but they do not run frequently (2 per hour), are slower and may have very limited luggage space.
Bus Fare
Single TMB ticket: €2.40
T10 (10 trips) TMB ticket: €11.35
The single ticket can be purchased on the bus, but not the T10 ticket. At the airport, you can buy them at either airport tobacco shops or at the entrance to the RENFE train station inside the airport.
Airport Taxis
Although traveling by taxi is the most expensive public transport to the city center, it is the most convenient method to get to your destination without having the trouble of hauling your luggage around the metro station nor lifting it up the stairs in the case of a broken elevator. You would not have to bother with keeping an eye for pickpockets while you guard your backpack and pieces of luggage, especially during peak hours.
Look for the TAXI sign after you claimed your luggage and exited. There is a taxi stand outside all the main terminal exits: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 A, Terminal 2 B, and Terminal 2 C. Once you are queuing at the taxi stand, you will see a long line of taxi waiting for its passengers so you do not have to worry about not getting a taxi nor wasting time waiting for a taxi to grab you. Also, taxis are available all night so be assured that you will get one regardless of whatever time you arrive in Barcelona.
Approximate taxi fare
T1: €35.00
T2: €30.00
Remember that surcharges are added for traveling on weekends, late night travel, during a fiesta or for pickup or drop off at the airport or cruise terminals.
Car Hire
There are a number of companies that offer cheap car hire from the airport. However, please note that if you are not intending to travel the countryside or other towns, driving in the city center can be slower and more stressful than simply taking the metro. The roads of Barcelona can be congested especially during peak hours. Some parts of the city center have narrow streets and touring is more pleasant by foot. Barcelona has an efficient metro system that can take you around the city.
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