Welcome / Barcelona / Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station

Getting from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

March 5, 2025

There are four transport options from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants. Located 15 kilometers from the airport, Barcelona’s main train station can be reached by taxi, private transfer, train, or a combination of bus and metro.

The quickest and most convenient choice is a Barcelona Airport taxi, which takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. A private Barcelona Airport transfer will take the same amount of time, but you’ll pay a competitive set price and be met by an English-speaking driver.

The cheapest way to travel is by train, which takes just 20 minutes from the airport to the station. Another affordable public transport option, though less convenient, is to take the Aerobus and then connect to the metro line. This option takes 30 minutes, not including wait or transfer times.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Barcelona at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€35	20min	24/7
R2 Train	€10.10	20min	17:42–23:38
Aerobus + Metro	€19.80	30min	05:00–00:00
Welcome Airport Transfer	€40	15min	24/7

How to get from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station?

The quickest and most convenient way to travel from Barcelona Airport to the train station “Sants” in Barcelona is by taxi. Barcelona Airport taxis are available 24/7 from both terminals, offering metered rates to the station. Official taxis are black and yellow, have a rooftop “TAXI” sign, and must display their license.

The journey takes around 20 minutes in light traffic, and standard taxis can seat four people and their luggage comfortably.

How much is a taxi from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station?

Your Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station taxi fare will be calculated using a taximeter. Rates are fixed by the local government and include a base rate and a per-kilometer rate that changes whether you are traveling during the day (on weekdays) between 08:00-20:00 or outside of these hours.

On average, a taxi from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants will cost between €30 and €35. A €4.50 airport surcharge fee and any road tolls will be added to your final fare.

*If you’d prefer a fixed price that you can pay in advance, you can pre-book your airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€35

Trip Duration

20 Min

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at Barcelona Airport are available throughout the day.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Barcelona taxis depart from both airport terminals. When you exit through the main doors of each Arrival Hall on the ground floor you will find a line of taxis at the designated stands.

Convenience

Taxis at Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) offer the most comfortable way to travel to Sants Train Station, allowing passengers to relax in a private vehicle with their belongings safely stored. Plus, there are no waiting times, and you’ll be dropped off directly at the entrance to the station, so you won’t need to carry your luggage.

Editor’s Note

Taxis are a great option for comfortable, on-demand service.

Useful Tips

A current price list should be on display inside the taxi; the minimum charge for a taxi from the airport is €21.

Groups of 5-8 people will be charged an additional €4.50.

It's not necessary to tip your taxi driver in Barcelona unless they go above and beyond.

If you're traveling during rush hour, consider taking the train instead as it can often be quicker.

How to get from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants by train

If you’re looking for a nice balance between convenience and affordability, the R2 train from Barcelona Airport to the train station in Sants is the way to go. Operated by RENFE, the R2 Line toward “Maçanet-Massanes” runs regularly throughout the day, taking just 20 minutes to reach Sants Station.

How much is the train from Barcelona Airport to Sants Station?

The price for a single one-way ticket is €5.05. Tickets can be purchased from the airport ticket counter or from one of the RENFE ticket machines located around the Arrivals Hall and at the airport’s train station.

Cost

€5.05

Trip Duration

20 Min

The train departs every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The RENFE train is available from 05:42 to 23:38.

Where do I get the train from?

The platforms for RENFE train services are located in the T2B sector of Terminal 2, across the street from the main airport building. If you are arriving at Terminal 1, a complimentary shuttle bus transports passengers from outside the terminal to the train station entrance.

Convenience

Taking the train is an inexpensive way to travel from Barcelona Airport to the Sants Train Station. Not to mention the short transit time, which can be less than a taxi during the daily rush hour. In addition, the train carriages offer plenty of storage space for luggage, along with extra amenities.

Timetables

R2 Train Timetable

Airport – Sants Station

Editor’s Note

The train is ideal for travelers who don't mind a short walk and have light luggage.

Useful Tips

The airport train station is located at Terminal 2. If you land at another terminal, a shuttle bus is available and will take you directly to the Barcelona Airport station.

WiFi and AC are among the available amenities on board.

If you are confident of your travel times, you can also buy your tickets in advance on the RENFE website.

Once activated, your train ticket is valid for 2 hours across the RENFE network.

Travelers staying in Barcelona are encouraged to purchase the Barcelona card which provides access to all means of transportation within the district of greater Barcelona.

Getting from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station by bus and metro

While there isn’t a direct bus from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station, it’s still possible to use this mode of transport when paired with the metro. However, since the total trip takes 30 minutes – without wait or transfer times – and requires one connection, it’s not the most convenient choice. The only upside is that each service departs more regularly than the train and operates longer hours.

If you do opt for this transport method, you’ll need to take the Aerobus from either terminal until you reach Placa Espanya around 20 minutes later. From there, walk across to the metro station and board the green L3 line toward Zona Universitària; Sants Train Station is the next stop, and the trip is just 2 minutes.

How much is the Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station bus and metro trip?

A one-way ticket on the Aerobus to Placa Espanya Station costs €7.25 per person. Tickets can be purchased online, in cash from the driver or airport staff (no change above €20), or from ticket vending machines using a credit or debit card.

You’ll then need to pay €2.65 for a single ticket on the metro, bringing the total cost to €9.90 per person. Tickets for the metro can be purchased from self-service kiosks and ticket counters at the station.

This brings the total cost of the trip from Barcelona Airport to the train station to €9.90 per person.

Cost

€9.90

Trip Duration

30 Min

The Aerobus departs every 5-10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes between 01:05 until 05:35. The metro departs every 3-5 minutes during peak hour and every 7-10 minutes at all other times.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

A1 and A2 Aerobuses are available 24/7. The metro operates between 05:00 and midnight during the week, until 02:00 on Fridays, and 24/7 on Saturdays.

Where does the bus and metro depart from?

The Aerobus service has two services: Line A1 departs from Terminal 1 outside the Arrivals Hall, and Line A2 departs from outside the Arrivals Hall at T2C (Terminal 2). There is no difference between the A1 and A2, so there is no need to transfer between terminals.

At Placa Espanya, simply refer to the electronic departures board to find the L3 platform.

Convenience

The combined bus and metro journey between the airport and Sants Train Station is more expensive and slower than the train, making it the least convenient public transport option. The only advantage to this method is that services run more frequently, which means you could still reach your destination sooner rather than waiting for the train.

Alternatively, you can opt for a pre-booked private transfer from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station and skip waiting altogether!

Timetables

A1 and A2 Aerobus Information and Timetable

El Prat Airport - Plaça Espanya Station

L3 Metro Line Timetable

Plaça Espanya Station – Sants Train Station

Editor’s Note

This option should only be considered if you are arriving late at night when the train has stopped running. Otherwise, there are much more convenient and straightforward transport options available.

Useful Tips

If you're arriving after midnight during the week, you can take the Aerobus to Placa Espanya and catch a 5-minute taxi to the station.

A return ticket on the Aerobus costs €12.50 per person.

Children under the age of 4 travel for free on the Aerobus.

It's also possible to take the L94 bus from Placa Espanya Station, which takes a few minutes longer than the metro.

How to get from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station by private transfer

If you don’t want to rush around the airport looking for a taxi, a private Barcelona Airport transfer offers the most convenient and reliable transport option between Barcelona Airport and Sants train station. No need to stress about making your train, the trip will take 25 minutes or less in light traffic, and you’ll enjoy several added benefits such as a guaranteed fixed fare price, a local English-speaking driver, a meet-and-greet at the airport, and flight monitoring.

Furthermore, with Welcome’s flexible cancellation policy, you can feel rest assured that if your plans change, you can simply contact our 5-star rated customer service team for support.

How much is your private Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station transfer?

One of the advantages of booking a private transfer is knowing the exact cost before you travel. Plus, when you pay for your trip in advance, you can avoid inflated ATM withdrawal fees on arrival. Booking is easy and takes less than a minute; simply visit our website or download the Welcome Pickups app, enter a few personal details and your flight information, and select a pick-up time.

For a transfer to the train station in a stylish and air-conditioned sedan, you’ll pay €40 for up to four passengers and one suitcase each. For larger groups with up to eight passengers, our spacious minivans cost €66 and allow plenty of room for luggage and stretching out.

Cost

€40

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*When booked in advance your personalized vehicle will be waiting on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfer can be arranged 24/7 from Barcelona Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

As you land at Barcelona Airport, Welcome’s local English-speaking driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. After greeting you and taking care of your luggage, they will show you to your pre-selected vehicle. While you enjoy your Barcelona Airport transfer to the station in comfort and style, your driver will answer any questions you might have and point out some of Barcelona’s famous landmarks along the way.

Convenience

While an airport taxi is a great choice of transport, nothing beats the convenience of being greeted by an English-speaking driver upon arrival and knowing that all your travel arrangements have been taken care of. On top of that, when you book a Barcelona Airport transfer with a company like Welcome, you can relax knowing you’ll have access to 24/7 customer support and unbeatable fixed fare prices.

Editor’s Note

This is the ideal luxury option for any travelers wanting a safe, comfortable ride and help with luggage.

Useful Tips

Your driver's details will be emailed to you a few days before you travel so that you recognize them on arrival.

At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.

Any customizations can be made at the time of booking or through the app. This includes requests for a wheelchair-adapted vehicle, baby boosters seats, and minivans.

We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 40 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

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.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€35

NIGHTTIME

€42

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Sants Train Station from Barcelona Airport?

There are four ways to reach Sants Train Station from Barcelona Airport: taxi, private transfer, train, or a combined bus and metro trip.

A taxi and private transfer offer the quickest and most direct option, taking just 20 minutes in light traffic. The next best option is the train, which takes 20 minutes.

The least convenient option is the combined Aerobus and metro journey, which takes around 30 minutes but departs more regularly than the regular train.

How much is a taxi from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station?

From Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station, the taxi price should be around €30-€35, not including fees and surcharges. Since your fare will be calculated using a taximeter, factors such as the time of day and traffic levels can impact the final cost.

How often do trains run from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants?

Direct trains run every 30 minutes between 5:42 to 23:38 daily. The trip takes roughly 20 minutes.

How far is Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station?

The distance from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants train station is 15 kilometers, which usually takes around 20 minutes by car.

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How to get from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station?

How much is a taxi from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station?

Cost

€35

Trip Duration

20 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at Barcelona Airport are available throughout the day.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants by train

How much is the train from Barcelona Airport to Sants Station?

Cost

€5.05

Trip Duration

20 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The RENFE train is available from 05:42 to 23:38.

Where do I get the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

R2 Train Timetable

Airport – Sants Station

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station by bus and metro

How much is the Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station bus and metro trip?

Cost

€9.90

Trip Duration

30 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

A1 and A2 Aerobuses are available 24/7. The metro operates between 05:00 and midnight during the week, until 02:00 on Fridays, and 24/7 on Saturdays.

Where does the bus and metro depart from?

Convenience

Timetables

A1 and A2 Aerobus Information and Timetable

El Prat Airport - Plaça Espanya Station

L3 Metro Line Timetable

Plaça Espanya Station – Sants Train Station

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station by private transfer

How much is your private Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station transfer?

Cost

€40

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfer can be arranged 24/7 from Barcelona Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Sants Train Station from Barcelona Airport?

How much is a taxi from Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station?

How often do trains run from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants?

How far is Barcelona Airport to Sants Train Station?

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