Transportation

How to Get From Barcelona Airport to City Centre by Train, Bus, Taxi, Shared Shuttle & Private Transfer?

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![Som-hi cap a Barcelona – Beat the airport blues and hit the Ramblas in record time!.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Som_hi_cap_a_Barcelona_Beat_the_airport_blues_and_hit_the_Ramblas_in_record_time_f41f27f15c.jpg)

If you're landing at [**Barcelona El Prat**](https://www.hoppa.com/en/spain/barcelona-el-prat-airport), you're in for a treat\! The moment you step off the plane, you'll feel that gorgeous Mediterranean air, and Barcelona's incredible energy is just waiting for you, a short ride away. But before you can start exploring those winding streets in the Gothic Quarter or soaking up some sun on the beach, you'll need to sort out one last thing: getting from **Barcelona Airport to city centre**.

![Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Sagrada_Familia_in_Barcelona_7ce17f2698.jpg)

The good news is that **BCN Airport** sits just **13km** from the city, so if you're wondering **how far Barcelona Airport is from the city centre**, we can put your mind at ease – it's really not far at all\! The airport is brilliantly connected too, which means if you fancy treating yourself to a private driver or you're happy to hop on a local bus, there's definitely a transport option that'll suit both your style and your budget.

Som-hi cap a Barcelona – Beat the airport blues and hit the Ramblas in record time!

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✔ **Best balance:** Aerobus (Fast, frequent, with central stops).
✔ **Cheapest:** Bus 46 (€2.65) or Train (€4.90).
✔ **Most convenient:** Private transfer or taxi.
✔ **Good for Fira/South Barcelona:** Metro L9 Sud.

Key takeaways

![Quick Comparison_ Barcelona Airport to City Centre.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Quick_Comparison_Barcelona_Airport_to_City_Centre_f927318411.jpg)

Quick comparison: Barcelona Airport to the city centre transport modes

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![Know your Barcelona Airport terminal.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Know_your_Barcelona_Airport_terminal_bba3e2847e.jpg)

Before you choose your transport, check which Barcelona Airport terminal you are landing at.

* **Terminal 1 (T1):** The main terminal for major international airlines (British Airways, Vueling, Iberia, Air France, KLM, etc.).
* **Terminal 2 (T2):** Mostly for low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air).

➡ ***Important:*** The terminals are 4km apart. If you need to switch (e.g., to catch the train which only leaves from T2), there is a **free green shuttle bus** that runs between them 24/7. It takes about **10-15 minutes**.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of **how to get from Barcelona airport to city** using every available mode of transport.

Know your Barcelona Airport terminal

![How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by city bus.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/How_to_get_from_Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_city_bus_0e6072da5a.jpg)

How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by city bus?

For most travellers, the **Aerobus** is the sweet spot between cost and convenience. It is a dedicated express **Barcelona airport bus** that runs 365 days a year.

### Step 1: Locate the stop

* **At Terminal 1:** Head to the ground floor (Arrivals level). Walk outside and look for the bright blue buses. The stop is directly in front of the terminal building.
* **At Terminal 2:** The stops are located outside the *"Technical Block"* (between T2B and T2C). Follow the signs for *"Bus"* or *"Aerobus"*.

### Step 2: Buy your ticket

* **Online:** You can buy tickets in advance on the [official website or app](https://aerobusbarcelona.es/).
* **At the stop:** There are ticket vending machines (card/cash) at the stop.
* **On board:** You can buy a ticket from the driver (cash–try to have small change or pay by card).
* **How much does an Aerobus ticket cost?:** Approx. **€12.25** (Single) / **€18.50** (Return).

#### **Service frequency and schedule** 

The service operates **24 hours a day**, every day of the year (including weekends and public holidays). The frequency depends on the time of day:

* **05:00 to 06:40:** Every 10 minutes
* **06:40 to 21:55:** Every 5 minutes
* **21:55 to 00:35:** Every 10 minutes
* **00:35 to 05:00:** Every 20 minutes

### Step 3: Board and go

* Take line **A1** if you are at Terminal 1\.
* Take line **A2** if you are at Terminal 2\.
* Sit back for about 35 minutes. The bus terminates at **Plaça Catalunya**, with stops at **Plaça d’Espanya** and **Gran Via-Urgell**.

![How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by bus 46.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/How_to_get_from_Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_bus_46_75f68bb666.jpg)

How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by bus 46?

If you are travelling on a shoestring budget, the [**Bus 46** (Operated by TMB)](https://www.tmb.cat/en/barcelona/buses) is your best friend. It serves as a reliable link between the city’s major transport hubs and both airport terminals.

### Step 1: Locate the stop

* **At Terminal 1:** Turn left upon exiting Arrivals; the stop is located just past the Aerobus stop.
* **At Terminal 2:** You can catch the bus outside **Terminal 2B** and **Terminal 2C**.

#### **Key stops:** 

Unlike the express Aerobus, this route makes several convenient stops along the way.

➡ _**City start/end:**_ **Plaça d’Espanya** (connecting to Metro L1 & L3) and **Av Paral·lel**.

➡ _**Along the way:**_ It travels via Gran Via, stopping at **Plaça Europa** (connecting to L9) and **Hospital de Bellvitge** (connecting to L1).

➡ _**At the Airport:**_ It stops at **Terminal 2B**, **Terminal 2C**, and finally **Terminal 1**.

![Barcelona Airport to the city centre by bus 46.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_bus_46_0f37e7714a.jpg)

### Step 2: Buy your ticket

* **How much does a Bus 46 ticket cost?:** **€2.65** (Single ticket).
* **Payment:** You can pay the driver (contactless is preferred) or, for the best value, use a **T-casual** card if you have already purchased one at a tobacco shop or from ticket machines at the station.

### Step 3: The ride

* The journey takes approximately **40 to 55 minutes,** depending on traffic and the number of stops.
* It is the perfect choice if you are staying near **Plaça d’Espanya** or the **Fira Gran Via** area and want to save money for tapas\!

![How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by night buses.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/How_to_get_from_Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_night_buses_c67e175e61.jpg)



How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by night buses?

If you land after midnight when the metro and train have stopped, do not worry. The **NitBus** network makes sure you can still get from **Barcelona airport to the city centre** cheaply and safely.

### Step 1: Choose the right line for your terminal 

Depending on where you land, you will need to look for a specific bus number:

* **Line N17 (Terminal 1\):** This is the main night bus for T1. It takes a longer route through L'Hospitalet and El Prat before reaching the airport.

 ➡ **_Stops at Airport:_** Terminal 1 Departures (Level 3), Air Shuttle Corridor, and Terminal 1 Arrivals (Level 0).

* **Line N16 (Terminal 2\):** This line runs from Barcelona to Castelldefels, stopping at Terminal 2 along the way.

 ➡ **_Important to note:_** Because the bus stops are used for both directions, **check the screen on the bus** before boarding. Double check that it says *"Barcelona"* or *"Pl. Catalunya"* and ***not*** *"Castelldefels"*.

 ➡ **_Stops at Airport:_** Cargo Terminal, Terminal 2B Departures, T2B Technical Block, and T2C (external road).

* **Line N18 (Backup / Express):** This line connects **both** terminals (T1 and T2) to the city. It travels from Plaça Catalunya to T1, then to T2, and finally returns to Barcelona.

 ➡ **_Stops at Airport:_** T1 Departures & Arrivals, Cargo Terminal, T2B Arrivals, T2B Technical Block, and T2C.

### Step 2: Operating times and schedule 

All lines generally run every **20 minutes**, though frequency may increase during the summer months. The service operates all year round.

* **N17 Schedule:**

 * _From Terminal 1 to City:_ **21:55 to 04:50**.
 * _From City (Pl. Catalunya) to T1:_ **22:50 to 05:00**.

* **N16 Schedule:**

 * _From Castelldefels (via T2) to City:_ **23:10 to 04:40**.
 * _From City (Pl. Catalunya) to T2:_ **23:30 to 05:10**.

* **N18 Schedule:**

 * _From Terminal 1 to City:_ **00:18 to 04:33**.
 * _From City (Pl. Catalunya) to Airport:_ **00:05 to 04:50**.

### Step 3: Tickets and destination

* **How much does a NitBus ticket cost?** The standard fare is (**€2.65**). You can pay the driver (cash/contactless) or use a valid travel card like T-casual.
* **Final stop:** All these lines terminate at **Plaça Catalunya** (Ronda Universitat), dropping you right in the heart of Barcelona.

![How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by train.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/How_to_get_from_Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_train_cec8d20aab.jpg)

How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by train?

If you are arriving at Terminal 2, taking the **train from Barcelona airport to city** is a brilliant choice. The **R2 North line** (Rodalies) is the budget-friendly speedster that connects you to the main city stations.

### Step 1: Locate the station and know your route

* **At Terminal 2:** Follow the signs for *"Renfe"* or the train icon. You will walk across a covered bridge that connects the terminal to the station. It takes about 5 minutes.
* **At Terminal 1:** You **cannot** catch the train directly. You must first **take the free green shuttle bus** to Terminal 2, then cross the bridge to the station.
* **Stops:** The train makes limited stops, making it very fast. *Note:* *"**Aeroport**"* stands for *"Airport"* on signs and timetables.

 ➡ **From Airport to City:** Aeroport de Barcelona ➔ Estació Sants ➔ Passeig de Gràcia ➔ El Clot.

 ➡ **From City to Airport:** El Clot ➔ Passeig de Gràcia ➔ Estació Sants ➔ Aeroport de Barcelona.

### Step 2: Buy your ticket

You have two main options for buying your train tickets: using the station machines or booking in advance online for peace of mind.

**A. Buying at the station**

* **Vending machines:** Go to the orange/red ticket machines in the station lobby. There are five machines at the airport station. They operate in **English, German, Spanish (Castellano), Catalan, and French**.
* **Payment:** Machines accept **cash** (coins and notes of €5, €10, €20, €50) and **credit/debit cards**. You can buy multiple tickets in a single transaction.
* **Staff assistance:** If you struggle with the machine, look for staff wearing **high-visibility jackets**; they are there to help you purchase your ticket.
* **How much does a train ticket cost?:** A **single ticket** is roughly **€4.90**.

 ➡ ***Tip:*** If you plan to use public transport in the city as well, it is best to buy a *‘**Hola Barcelona**’* travel card or a *‘**T-casual**’* card here, as the airport train journey is included.

 ➡ **T-Casual:** **€12.55**. This card includes **10 journeys** and is valid on the Airport train, buses, and the Metro (but *not* the Airport Metro L9 stop). You can share it or use it for the rest of your trip.

 ➡ **Hola Barcelona travel card:** If you plan to use public transport extensively, this pass gives you **unlimited travel** on the network, including the airport train.

#### **Operating times and frequency**

Trains generally run twice every hour.

* _**From Barcelona Airport:**_ First train: **05:40** | Last train: **23:38**
* _**From Estació Sants:**_ First train: **05:13** | Last train: **23:09**
* _**From Passeig de Gràcia:**_ First train: **05:08** | Last train: **23:02**

➡ **Check the official schedule:** Operating times can vary during the year. It is best to check the official [**RENFE website**](https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/horarios) for your specific dates.

![Advance train ticket booking with hoppa.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Advance_train_ticket_booking_with_hoppa_e7e1fcebb3.jpg)

**B. Advance booking with hoppa** 

If you prefer to have everything sorted before you land, you can book your train tickets in advance through [**hoppa**](https://www.hoppa.com/en/trains).

* **Skip the queues:** Avoid the stress of figuring out ticket machines after a long flight.
* **Easy comparison:** Enter your route (e.g., "Barcelona Airport" to "Barcelona Sants") to see all available train times and prices in one place.
* **Secure e-tickets:** Receive your ticket directly to your email. In most cases, you can simply scan this from your phone to pass through the gates.
* **Global coverage:** hoppa partners with major rail operators like Renfe Viejeros and TMB, meaning you get official prices with no hidden fees.

### Step 3: Board and go

* Pass through the turnstiles and go down to the platform.
* Trains run every 30 minutes.
* Get off at **Barcelona Sants** (for high-speed connections) or **Passeig de Gràcia** (for the city centre/Gaudí architecture). The ride takes roughly **20-25 minutes**.

![How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by private transfer.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/How_to_get_from_Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_private_transfer_f836347f9d.jpg)

How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by private transfer?

For a stress-free arrival where you don't need to lift a finger, a private transfer with **hoppa** is the gold standard. With hoppa, you get professional drivers who ensure you travel safely and efficiently to your destination.

![Barcelona Spain.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Barcelona_Spain_da70e28052.jpg)

### Step 1: Easy booking

Regardless of whether you book in advance or on the go, booking with hoppa is simple:

* Visit the [**hoppa website**](https://www.hoppa.com/en/spain/barcelona-el-prat-airport) or download the [**hoppa app**](https://www.hoppa.com/en/download-app).
* Enter your **pick-up and drop-off points**.
* Choose your **vehicle type**. Options include **cars** (great for solo travellers/couples), **SUVs & MPVs** (ideal for families needing extra luggage space), or **minibuses & coaches** (perfect for larger groups).
* Add any **extras** you might need, such as **child and infant seats**, **wheelchair accessible vehicles**, or **extra luggage space** for sports equipment.
* ***How much does a private transfer from BCN Airport to the city centre cost?*** Starts from just **£31** per private car (4 people).

### Step 2: Secure payment

Confirm your booking. Paying is as simple as can be. You can use a range of major credit and debit cards, as well as online wallets. Whichever method you prefer, you can rest assured that your booking is secure and encrypted.

![Barcelona Airport to the city centre by private transfer.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_private_transfer_09b98e093c.jpg)

### Step 3: Meeting your driver

We want to make your journey as stress-free as possible.

* Once you’ve booked, you´ll receive an e-ticket via email, and this document contains all the necessary information you need for your trip, including **clear instructions on where to meet your driver**.
* If you have any questions, you can reach our **24/7 support team** via the contact details provided in your e-ticket.

### Step 4: Travelling in comfort

Once you’ve met your driver, sit back and relax. hoppa´s trusted partners provide professional drivers who will get you to your destination safely and on time, taking the most efficient routes possible.

![How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by shared shuttle bus.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/How_to_get_from_Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_shared_shuttle_bus_fe0806df40.jpg)

How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by shared shuttle bus?

If you want the ease of being dropped at your hotel door but want to save money, the **hoppa shared shuttle** is an excellent choice for **transfers from Barcelona airport**.

### Step 1: Book online

* Visit the [**hoppa website**](https://www.hoppa.com/en/spain/barcelona-el-prat-airport) or download the [**hoppa app**](https://www.hoppa.com/en/download-app).
* Enter your travel details, including your **pick-up and drop-off points**.
* Select *"Shared Shuttle"* when choosing your vehicle type.
* Lock in your price and confirm booking for your shared shuttle from Barcelona airport to the city centre securely.
* ***How much does a shared shuttle from BCN Airport to the city centre cost?*** Starts from just **£8.61** per person.

![Barcelona Airport to the city centre by shared shuttle bus.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_shared_shuttle_bus_1be3d1b74f.jpg)

### Step 2: Meeting your driver

* Just like with private transfers, you will receive **clear instructions** on where to meet your driver or representative at the airport (usually a specific desk or meeting point in Arrivals), all included in your e-ticket.

### Step 3: The ride

* ***Note:*** As it is a shared service, you might have to wait up to 45 minutes for other passengers to arrive and board.
* You will travel in comfort with professional drivers who will drop you off at your hotel or a designated nearby point.

![How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by taxi.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/How_to_get_from_Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_taxi_460776ac5e.jpg)

How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by taxi?

Sometimes, you just want to jump in a car and forget about stress, waiting in line for a long taxi queue. You have **two main choices** here: the ***traditional taxi*** rank or the ***modern ride-hailing*** style service.

![Barcelona taxi rank.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Barcelona_taxi_rank_b4e7154d7f.jpg)

### Option A. The official taxi rank

Grabbing a **taxi from Barcelona airport** requires no prior planning.

#### Step 1: Locate the rank

* **At Terminal 1:** Go to the ground floor (Arrivals). Walk out the main doors and follow the *"Taxi"* signs.
* **At Terminal 2:** There are ranks outside T2A, T2B, and T2C.

➡ In case you need more information or support, the official taxi service booth is on the ground floor of T1.

#### Step 2: Payment

* ***How much does a local taxi from BCN Airport to the city centre cost?*****:** Taxis in Barcelona run on a meter. Expect to pay between **€35 and €45** to the city centre.
* **Supplements:** Please note that there is an [official airport supplement](https://infotaxi.amb.cat/tarifesdeltaxi) of **€4.50** added to the final fare. The minimum fare for any trip leaving the airport is **€21.00**.

![hoppa ride-hailing app (Book on the go).jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/hoppa_ride_hailing_app_Book_on_the_go_cef10fb93f.jpg)

### Option B. hoppa ride-hailing app (Book on the go)

If you prefer using an app to waiting in line, you can easily book an **airport taxi on the go,** right in the palm of your hand, with hoppa.

#### Step 1: Download and book

* Download the [**hoppa app**](https://www.hoppa.com/en/download-app) before you land.
* Enter your details and choose ***"Ride Now"*** to book a car on the spot.

#### Step 2: Track and meet

* On-demand bookings will include a **text message with a web link to track your driver** in real-time.
* The app will give you **clear instructions** on where to meet your driver.

#### Step 3: Ride and pay

* **Enjoy safe payment methods.** Everything is handled securely via the app using your credit card or online wallet, so you don’t need to worry about cash.

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Download the hoppa app now

Arrive ´appy with hoppa

![How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by metro.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/How_to_get_from_Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_metro_b0d07b2574.jpg)

How to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by metro?

The L9 Sud line connects the airport to the city network, but it acts more like a connector line than a direct route to the tourist centre.

### Step 1: Locate the station

* **At Terminal 1:** The station (*"Aeroport T1"*) is on the ground floor, near the bus station.
* **At Terminal 2:** The station (*"Aeroport T2"*) is next to the train station, accessible via the walkway.

### Step 2: Buy a special ticket 

* **Where to buy?**: Go to the vending machines at the station.
* **How much does it cost?:** **€5.70** (You must select the *"Billete Aeropuerto"*).

➡ _**Important note:**_ Standard single tickets, T-casual, and T-grup cards are **NOT** valid for airport entry/exit.

➡ _**Passes:**_ The journey is included if you have a **Hola Barcelona** card, **Barcelona Essentials Pass**, or **City Pass**.

![Barcelona Airport to the city centre by metro.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Barcelona_Airport_to_the_city_centre_by_metro_997df43f6a.jpg)

### Step 3: The journey 

The **Orange L9 Sud Line** stops at both terminals. The ride takes about **30 minutes**, but because it skirts the edge of the city, reaching central spots like Las Ramblas usually takes around **50 minutes** total with transfers.

➡ **To Plaça Catalunya:** Take L9 to **Torrassa**, then switch to the **Red Line (L1)**.

➡ **To Sagrada Família:** Take L9 to **Collblanc**, then switch to the **Blue Line (L5)**.

➡ **To Zona Universitària:** Stay on L9 until **Zona Universitària**, then switch to the **Green Line (L3)**.

#### **Operating times and notes:**

* **Frequency:** Trains arrive roughly every **7 minutes**.
* **Hours:** 05:00–00:00 (Mon-Thu & Sun), 05:00–02:00 (Fri), **24 Hours** (Sat).
* **Luggage:** There is no dedicated luggage storage on the trains.
* **Return Trip:** Remember to keep your ticket or buy a new "Airport Ticket" to exit the station when returning to the airport.

![Start your Barcelona adventure the right way.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Start_your_Barcelona_adventure_the_right_way_15c1817b6b.jpg)

Getting around a new airport doesn't have to be stressful at all. Now that you know exactly **how to get from Barcelona airport to the city centre**, you can make the choice that suits your budget and your travel style perfectly.

![Book Barcelona airport transfers.jpg](https://devcms.hoppa.com/uploads/Book_Barcelona_airport_transfers_9b2d33217d.jpg)

Regardless of whether you're drawn to the budget-friendly value of **Bus 46**, the speed of the **Aerobus**, or the door-to-door luxury of a **private transfer**, the city is easily within your reach. However, for the ultimate peace of mind, we'd recommend sorting your transport before you fly.

Booking your **Barcelona airport transfers** or train tickets in advance with **hoppa** means you can skip the confusion at ticket machines, avoid those long queues at the taxi rank, and head straight for your first plate of tapas.

Safe travels, and enjoy every single moment in Barcelona\!

Start your Barcelona adventure the right way

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