You can get from Barcelona Airport (BCN) to the city centre of Barcelona using both public transport and a private transfer. You have four transport options in total: train, metro, taxi and bus. The fastest option is taking a Barcelona airport taxi, while the cheapest option is the bus, which takes around 40 minutes to reach the city centre. Another cheap option is the train. Tickets cost only €4 per person, and will reach the city centre in 40 minutes. The fourth and final option is the metro. The ride takes 30 minutes, and tickets cost €4.5.
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Getting from Barcelona Airport to City Centre
March 9, 2022
Comparison of the options
How to get from Barcelona airport to the centre by taxi
The most convenient way to reach Barcelona city centre from El Prat Airport is by taxi. There’s only one type of taxis in Barcelona , which are painted black with yellow doors. Be aware that there is always a queue for the taxis, which means you will have to wait for your ride. Under normal circumstances, the journey takes 20 minutes from Barcelona airport to the city centre of Barcelona. It’s advisable to pre-book your Barcelona airport taxi transfer in order to avoid miscommunication issues with local drivers.
Taxi fare from Barcelona airport to the city centre
Taxis in Barcelona have no flat fee from the airport to the city centre, nor the city ring of Barcelona. However, a taxi from Barcelona airport has a minimum charge of €20, even if your hotel is 5 minutes away from the airport.
Daytime rate, Monday to Friday (08:00 – 20:00): The price of a ride to the city centre can range between €35 and €40.
Nighttime rate (20:00 – 8:00): If you travel by night remember that the ride will be a little more costly (+€3.1).
It is recommended to book your Barcelona airport transfer in advance in order to save time and to ensure that there are no communication issues with the drivers.
Taxi prices
Day time
(05:00–24:00)
(05:00–24:00)
Night time
(00:00–05:00)
(00:00–05:00)
Duration
FROM BCN - TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE
€35
€42
23 min
FROM BCN - TO CITY CENTRE
€35
€42
23 min
FROM BCN - TO SANTS TRAIN STATION
€35
€42
21 min
FROM BCN - TO PICASSO MUSEUM
€35
€42
26 min
FROM BCN - TO CRUISE TERMINAL
€45
€45
24 min
FROM BCN - TO SITGES
€68
€88
35 min
FROM BCN - TO TARRAGONA
€135
€155
2h 10 min
FROM BCN - TO GIRONA
€200
€220
2h 30 min
Photos (3)
Taxis at Barcelona Airport
Cost
€35
Trip Duration
20 Min.
*Rates may vary unless you prebook your taxi.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money
You can always find a taxi at the Barcelona airport.
Where do I get it from?
You can locate the taxi stand outside the arrivals at terminals 1 and 2.
Convenience
Traveling into the city by taxi is ideal for a quick transfer. If you are in a rush, and want to get to your destination and avoid the busy airport crowds, hiring a taxi is the best option.
Editor’s Note
Taxis are a sure and convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel in the shortest amount of time. However, taxis can be quite costly. If you want to get out of the busy airport and to your destination as quickly as possible, opt for a taxi ride – alternatively, seek other modes of transport.
Useful Tips
How to get from Barcelona Airport to centre by Metro
The good news is that Barcelona Airport (El Prat) is directly connected with the metropolitan area of Barcelona by metro. You need approximately 30 minutes to reach the city centre of Barcelona, while you need 20 minutes to reach Fira Gran from Barcelona airport. The bad news is that the metro doesn’t work after midnight from Monday to Thursday.
How much is the metro from Barcelona airport to city centre?
Tickets cost €4.5 and you can buy them from the machines outside of the metro station.
Photos (4)
Metro station at Barcelona airport
Cost
€4.5
Trip Duration
35 Min.
Waiting time is around 7 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money
The metro runs from 05:00 to midnight. On Fridays the metro runs until 02:00 and on Saturdays, the metro runs 24 hours.
Where do I get it from?
There are metro stations located both in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Convenience
The L9 metro line goes directly from El Prat airport to the city centre. The line is quite new, having opened in February 2016, and is very convenient as it runs every 10 minutes. Each train has 15 stops, so it can drop you off close to your final destination. It also stops at both airport terminals T1 and T2.
Editor’s Note
The L9 Line is relatively new and a cheap option. The L9 line is not a direct connection to the city centre but provides a quicker route as it is underground.
Useful Tips
How to get from Barcelona airport to centre by train
A direct train connects Barcelona Airport (El Prat) to the city of Barcelona. If you are heading from Barcelona airport (El Prat) to “Estacio Sants” station, “Passeig de Gràcia” station or “El Clot” station, then the local train might be your best transportation option.
The local train reaches Barcelona’s railway station (Barcelona Sants), “Passeig de Gràcia”” or “Clot”, which are also metro stations. Unfortunately, there’s a seven minute walk from your exit gate to the train station. You cannot reach the local train station by foot if you are arriving from Terminal 1. In order to reach the train station you have to take the free shuttle from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.
How much is the train from Barcelona airport to city centre?
The local train (RENFE) from Barcelona El Prat airport costs €4 (one-way ticket) to the stations in the city centre.
Photos (1)
Train (RENFE) at Barcelona airport
Cost
€4
Trip Duration
35 Min.
Average waiting time is around 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money
The train departs from the airport train station every 30 minutes and travels to the centre of the city (station Sants Estacio, Passeig de Gracia or El Clot). The train runs from 06:00 to 23:00
Where do I get it from?
The train is located in Terminal 2 which is a few minutes walk from any arrivals gate. Just follow the train signs once you exit the arrivals hall.
Convenience
The R2 suburban line is considered less convenient. A train departs from the city centre or the airport every 30 minutes but it stops at only the T2 terminal. If you are headed to T1 you will have to take a free shuttle from there.
Editor’s Note
A ride by the train is ideal of newcomers. Who would want to pass at a first glance of the city you are visiting? Romanticism aside, the suburban line connecting El Prat airport with the city is far from ideal but really cheap.
Useful Tips
How to get from Barcelona airport to centre by bus
There are 3 available bus transits from Barcelona airport (El prat) to city the centre of Barcelona. The bus number 46, the night bus N16 / N17 / N18 and the famous Aerobus.
The cheapest way to reach Barcelona city centre is by bus number 46. The disadvantage of this bus is that it has a lot of unnecessary stops, and has limited luggage space. Bus number 46 reaches both terminal 1 and 2 of Barcelona airport.
Aerobus is the direct bus, connecting the city of Barcelona and Barcelona airport – Terminal 1 and 2.
How much is the bus from Barcelona airport to city centre?
N16- N17 – N18 One-way ticket: €2.15
N16- N17 – N18 Round trip ticket: €4.30
Aerobus One-way ticket: €5.90
Aerobus Round trip ticket: €10.20
Photos (3)
Bus at Barcelona airport
Cost
€5.9
Trip Duration
40 Min.
Buses run every 5 to 10 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money
The number 49 runs from 06:30 to 23:50. The N17 works from 10:00 to 05:00 and the N16 is from 23:30 to 05:00 a.m. The bus leaves the airport every 20 minutes. The first Aerobus from the city centre is at 05:00 and runs until 01:00. The bus departs every 20 to 30 minutes.
Where do I get it from?
If you land at Terminal 1, you can catch bus number 46 and the two night buses at the same stand located outside the arrivals gates. The Aerobus is also located outside the arrivals.
All buses, including the Aerobus, can be located in the underpass of Terminal 2. Just follow the signs for buses and taxis down to the basement of the terminal, where you will find the Aerobus stop, as well as the number 46 and the N16 / N18 night bus (the N17 does not travel to Terminal 2).
Convenience
Buses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there are many lines to choose from. This means that no matter what time of day you land at Barcelona Airport, you will be able to jump on a bus.
Editor’s Note
The Aerobus is one of the most popular mode of public transport from the city centre to the airport. However, if you are on a budget, or you travel at night, opt for the public buses.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Barcelona. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
Read morePrices
DAYTIME
€35NIGHTTIME
€42 Same price as a regular taxi from the line
PRICES FOR
Sedan Car
4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage
Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
How much does taxi cost from Barcelona airport to city centre?
There is no flat fee for this taxi ride so the taxi fare from Barcelona Airport to the city centre can range between €35 and €40.
How much is the train from Barcelona airport to the city?
The local train (RENFE) costs €4 for a one-way ticket. You can also use the metro direct line which costs €4.50 per person.
Is there a train station at Barcelona airport?
Yes, Barcelona Airport is connected local train and metro line. The local train station is located at terminal 1. The train station is connected to the airport via an underpass.
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