You can get from Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Barcelona city center by taxi (from €35), metro (€5.90), train (€4.90), Aerobus (€7.25), local bus (€2.65), or a Welcome Pickups private transfer (from €40). Barcelona Airport is located about 15 km southwest of Plaça de Catalunya and has two terminals (T1 and T2) that are 4 km apart.
Choosing the wrong transport for your terminal is one of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make, as the R2 Nord train only serves Terminal 2, while metro journeys to the city center require at least one line change. Understanding the various transport options from Barcelona Airport can save time, avoid unnecessary transfers, and make your arrival much smoother.
6 options to get from El Prat Airport to Barcelona
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €42 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Great for families, groups, late arrivals, and travelers who want to avoid queues, transfers, and carrying luggage through public transport. | ||||||
Taxi | €35 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Good for families, groups, and travelers with heavy luggage who haven't booked a ride in advance. | ||||||
Metro | €11.80 | 30min | 05:00–00:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Best for travelers who are comfortable changing metro lines and whose accommodation is close to a metro station. | ||||||
Train | €9.80 | 20min | 05:42–23:38 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Best value for travelers arriving at T2 and staying near Sants or Passeig de Gràcia. | ||||||
Aerobus | €15.50 | 35min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The easiest public transport option for first-time visitors who want a direct ride to central Barcelona without changing trains. | ||||||
Local Bus | €8.70 | 40min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Best for budget travelers who want to save money and don't mind a slower journey with more stops. | ||||||
Video guide - getting from Barcelona airport to city center
The official Barcelona Airport taxi takes around 20-35 minutes to central Barcelona and uses a taximeter, with a €4.60 airport surcharge and a €21 minimum fare for journeys starting at the airport. Official taxis are available at the designated ranks outside Terminals 1 and 2.
Cost of a taxi from Barcelona Airport to the city
A Barcelona Airport taxi costs between €30-45, price starts at €21 including all airport supplements, while the final fare depends on distance, traffic and the applicable tariff. The 2026 daytime rate (from 08:00 – 20:00) is €1.35/km, while the night (from 20:00 – 08:00), weekend and holiday rate is €1.66/km, plus the €4.60 airport surcharge.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Official taxis are available at the designated taxi ranks outside the Arrivals areas of Terminals 1 and 2. Follow the airport signs for “Taxi,” take only black-and-yellow taxis, and avoid drivers offering rides inside the terminal.
Convenience
Taxis provide 24/7 transport, making them convenient for families and travelers with heavy luggage. However, the meter means the final fare increases with traffic and waiting time, particularly during busy periods.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreMetro Line L9 Sud connects Barcelona Airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with the city in around 30-32 minutes. The metro ticket costs €5.90, and the airport stations are Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2.
How much is the train from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
A single Barcelona Airport Metro Ticket costs €5.90 in 2026. Standard single tickets and T-casual tickets are not valid for travel to or from Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 on L9 Sud, although eligible airport-valid travel cards such as Hola Barcelona can be used. You can purchase your tickets from the vending machines at the airport or any metro station.
Barcelona metro runs from 05:00 until 00:00. Excluding Fridays when the metro runs until 02:00 and Saturdays, when the metro operates 24 hours.
Where do I get the metro from?
The Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 metro stations are located at their respective terminals and are clearly signposted. Follow the “Metro” signs after leaving Arrivals and take L9 Sud toward the city.
Convenience
The metro is a good choice for travelers staying near L9 Sud or a convenient connecting metro station, but most central tourist areas require a transfer. Carrying large suitcases can also be inconvenient during transfers and busy periods.
Timetables
L9 Sud Metro
Map
Airport Ticket Information
Prices
Useful Tips
The R2 Nord commuter train (at €4.90) connects Barcelona Airport with Barcelona-Sants and Passeig de Gràcia, taking roughly 20-30 minutes depending on your destination. The terminals are 4 km apart, and many travelers discover too late that the train only departs from T2.
How much is the train from Barcelona Airport?
A standard 1-zone single ticket costs €4.90 in 2026. The R2 Nord airport service is part of the Barcelona commuter rail network, and the ticket should be purchased at the airport station before boarding.
The Renfe R2 Suburban train operates from 05:42 until 23:38.
Where do I catch the train?
The R2 Nord commuter train station is connected to Terminal 2. If you arrive at Terminal 1, take the free airport shuttle to Terminal 2 and follow the signs for the train station.
Convenience
The train is one of the best options for travelers staying near Barcelona-Sants or Passeig de Gràcia, because it provides a direct rail connection without changing trains. However, it is less convenient for T1 arrivals and travelers whose accommodation is far from the train stations.
Timetables
R2 Train Fares
R2N Timetable
Useful Tips
The Aerobús A1 and A2 provide a direct airport shuttle to central Barcelona 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A one-way ticket costs €7.75, and the buses connect Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with Plaça Espanya, Sepúlveda-Urgell and Plaça Catalunya.
How much is the bus from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona?
A one-way Aerobús ticket costs €7.75, while a return ticket costs €13.30. Children under four travel free, and Aerobús tickets are valid for 90 days from purchase.
The Aerobus services run 24 hours a day from El Prat.
Where do I catch the bus?
A1 serves Terminal 1 and A2 serves Terminal 2. Follow the Aerobús signs outside the terminal to the dedicated airport bus stops and check the electronic displays for the next departure.
Convenience
Aerobús is one of the easiest public transport options but it can be slower than the train when traffic is heavy and requires you to continue by foot or public transport from the final stop.
Timetables
Barcelona Aerobus Timetable
Aerobus Overview
Barcelona Airport Bus Timetable
Aerobus A1: Terminal 1 to Placa Catalunya
Barcelona Airport Bus Timetable
Aerobus A2 : T2B and T2C to Placa Catalunya
Barcelona Airport Bus Tickets
Fares and Travel Cards
Useful Tips
The TMB bus route 46 connects Barcelona Airport with Plaça Espanya, while NitBus services provide nighttime (21:55 – 04:50) connections when regular public transport options are limited. A standard 2026 TMB single ticket costs €2.90, making the local bus one of the lower-cost options for reaching the city.
How much is the local bus from Barcelona Airport?
A standard TMB single bus ticket costs €2.90 in 2026. Other integrated travel cards can also be used on eligible TMB bus services, including tickets that cover multiple journeys.
Bus 46 operates from 05:30 until 23:50 on weekdays, from 05:30 to 23:05 on Saturdays, and between 05:30 to 23:08 on Sundays and public holidays. Bus N17 operates between 21:55 and 04:50.
Where do I catch the bus?
The Line 46 airport stops are outside the airport terminals. Follow the signs for public buses and check the stop information before boarding because routes and departure points vary by terminal. TMB No 46 Airport bus route stops at both terminals 1 and 2 before heading to the city.
Convenience
Local buses are a good option for budget travelers who are not in a hurry, but they make more stops than Aerobús and are affected by road traffic. They are also less convenient with large luggage than a train, taxi or private transfer.
Timetables
All Buses
Bus Map Barcelona
Bus N17 Timetable
Night Bus from Terminal 1 to Plaza Catalunya
Useful Tips
A Welcome Pickups private transfer from Barcelona Airport to the city center takes around 24 minutes and starts at €42 during the day for a sedan transfer. Your driver meets you at the pre-arranged airport meeting point, while the fixed fare is paid in advance with no hidden fees.
How much is a private Barcelona Airport transfer?
A Welcome Pickups Barcelona Airport transfer to the city center costs €39 during 08:00-19:59 and €42 during 20:00-07:59. Larger vehicles are available, with a minivan for up to eight passengers starting at €67 and a minibus at €108.
You can get a quote for your ride online or in the Welcome Pickups app by entering your contact information, flight number, and pickup time to secure your quote. The fare is fixed, so you won’t pay more if traffic makes the journey longer.
Private transfers are available 24 hours a day from Barcelona El Prat.
Where do I meet my driver?
Your driver meets you inside Arrivals. You receive the driver’s name, phone number and recent photo before your journey. Follow the pickup instructions provided in your booking rather than joining the regular taxi queue.
Convenience
A private transfer can be booked in advance, with your driver meeting you at the airport and taking you directly to your destination. It also offers fixed pricing, while some also include flight monitoring and waiting time for delayed arrivals.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 4 passengers
€31Starting from 7.8 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 8 passengers
€50Starting from 6.3 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€81Starting from 6.8 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
A pre-booked transfer is the most convenient and best option to get from Barcelona Airport to the city center, as you get a confirmed meeting point and fixed-fare ride directly to your accommodation. Traveling from the airport can be confusing because the two terminals are 4 km apart and offer different transport options. You can also opt for a taxi, metro, train, local bus, or Aerobús based on your preferences.
How much is the Aerobus from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
A one-way Aerobús ticket costs €7.75 in 2026, while a return ticket costs €13.30. The A1 connects Terminal 1 with Plaça Catalunya, while A2 serves Terminal 2, and both operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How much is the Metro from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
The Barcelona Airport Metro Ticket costs €5.90 for a single journey from Aeroport T1 or Aeroport T2 on L9 Sud to the rest of the metro network. The metro reaches Barcelona in about 32 minutes, although most central destinations require a connection to another metro line.
How do I get from Barcelona Airport to the city center after midnight?
A pre-booked private transfer or the Aerobús are the simplest transport options after midnight because they both operate 24/7. Barcelona also has NitBus night buses and taxis.
Is there a direct connection from Terminal 1 to the city center?
Yes. Terminal 1 has direct Aerobús A1 service to Plaça Catalunya, operating 24 hours a day. T1 also has an L9 Sud metro station, but reaching most central tourist areas by metro requires a connection to another line.
How much is the train from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
The R2 Nord train from Barcelona Airport is priced at €2.90 in 2026. The train runs from the airport’s Terminal 2 station to central stations including Barcelona-Sants and Passeig de Gràcia.
What is the cheapest way from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
The cheapest standard public transport option is the €2.90 one-zone TMB (bus number 46) single bus ticket. However, buses get crowded, and you may need additional transport to reach your destination.
How long does it take to get from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
The journey usually takes around 20-40 minutes, depending on the transport mode, destination, and traffic. The L9 Sud metro takes about 32 minutes to Barcelona’s metro network, while Aerobús and the airport train generally take around 30-40 minutes to central Barcelona; taxis and private transfers can take around 20-35 minutes depending on traffic.
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