Getting around Barcelona

Getting around Barcelona can seem daunting at first. However, with a large variety of transport options, regular service and extensive coverage, it’s easy to quickly master the art of Barcelona travel!

Still got those big city jitters? Don’t worry, we’re here to give you the basics. In this article we’ll provide you with information about tickets, timetables and more. Read on and use our local knowledge to get the know how about the following:

• Getting from the airport
• Metro
• FGC
• Bus
• Taxi
• Tram
• Renfe
• Cycling
• Car Hire

Getting from the airport

Getting from the airports surrounding Barcelona city centre is easy. Whether you’re arriving in El Prat, Girona or Reus, we’ve got the route for you.

El Prat.

El Prat is the nearest airport to Barcelona city centre. There are three different options for you to choose from if you are flying to El Prat.

Taxi

At both terminal 1 and 2, the taxi rank is easy to find, filled with taxis 24/7. The cost of a taxi of course depends on where you are staying. On average, a journey into the centre of Barcelona costs around 25–30€. If you notice the meter suddenly going up when you’ve arrived at your destination, don’t worry, this is normal! An additional supplement of 3,10€ is added to and from the airport as well as 1,00€ per suitcase in the boot of the car.

Aerobus

The Aerobus is one of the simplest and cheapest means of getting to and from El Prat. It serves both terminals and it’s pretty easy to know which one goes where, A1 to terminal 1, A2 to terminal 2. You can get this bus from Placa catalunya, Placa Espanya, Gran Via-Urgell and Placa Universitat. Travelling the entire route (from the first stop, Placa Catalunya, to the airport) takes about 35 minutes. It runs every day of the year, and has a frequency of every 5–10 minutes depending on the time of day. It’s also relatively cheap, costing 5,90€ for a single and 10,20€ for a return, valid for 9 days.

Metro

In February 2016, a new metro line opened, connecting El Prat to the city centre: the L9. However, the line itself stops in Zona Universitaria, which isn’t technically the city centre and isn’t near many of the hotels. It is possible to switch to different metro lines but this may take a little longer. A single journey costs about 4,50€, running from 05:00–00:00 Sunday-Thursday, 05:00–02:00 on Fridays and continuously on Saturdays.

Girona

Girona airport is 103 Km Northeast of Barcelona, but is described by some budget airlines as being “Barcelona”.

Taxi

A taxi from Girona to Barcelona city centre is the most expensive option, costing around 120,00€ for a one way trip. Taxi’s will be available from the taxi rank outside Girona airport.

Bus

You can get a bus directly from Girona airport to Estacion Del Nord, located in Barcelona city centre, 10 minutes walking distance from Placa Catalunya. The buses run in time with scheduled Ryanair flights to this airport. It takes about 75 minutes and costs 16,00€ for a single and 25,00€ for a return.

Train

It’s possible to get the train to Barcelona, however, you first need to get the train into Girona city centre. You can do this by taxi for 20,00€ or by bus and will take about 30 minutes. You can then take the high speed AVE train from Girona city centre which takes only 37 minutes. Ticket costs vary but start at as little as 8,50€.

Reus

Reus is situated 85 Km south west of Barcelona. Despite the distance, it’s still easy to connect to Barcelona city centre.

Taxi

You can get a taxi outside the airport to Barcelona. The cost will vary depending on where in Barcelona you are going to but should cost about 120,00€

Bus

A bus operates from Reus airport to Sants estacio. It takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and costs 13,00€ one way. The timetable is not so regular, so it’s best to check it out here.

Train

Travelling by train from Reus to Barcelona requires you to get a shuttle bus to Reus station, costing 2,00€. It then takes an hour and a half on a RENFE train. Similarly to the bus timetable, the trains do not run so regularly, you can view the times here. An alternative option is to get a taxi to Tarragona from Reus airport for around 25,00€. Here, the trains run more regularly.

You’re in the city.. Now what?

An integrated system.

Barcelona’s public transport network is highly integrated. Although run by different operators, the same tickets can be used for inner city travel. This is regardless of your mode of transport, the metro, FGC, bus and tram are all included. In addition to this, if you switch to a different means of transport within 1 hour 15 minutes, the additional journey is completely free.

Tickets can easily be brought from inside a metro or train station or in a tourist information office. Here you will find self service machines where you can pay by cash or card, operate in a variety of languages and select a variety of ticket types.

There are various types of tickets and passes available that are valid on different means of transport. The prices are as follows:

• Single Ticket: 2,15€
• Used for one journey by one person
• T-10 Ticket: 9,95€-
• Offering you 10 journeys and can be shared by two people
• Hola day passes: 2 days 14,50€, 3 days 19,08€, 4 days 27,50€, and 5 days 33,70€
• Offering you unlimited travel for X days

Metro and FGC

Barcelona’s metro system boasts impressive coverage of the city. As one of the world’s most modern, best designed subways, it’s easy to navigate.

There are 8 metro lines, easily recognised by their colour and number (e.g. L1 (red), L2 (lilac) etc…). You’ll easily find entrances to the metro on the street, indicated by a large red ‘M’ inside a diamond.

Once on the metro, luckily, it’s hard to miss your stop! Announcements are made before each stopping point in Spanish and Catalan. For those who don’t speak these languages, there’s no need to worry. Illuminated panels are present, displaying the next station the metro will stop at as well as its departure and end stop.

The metro system is supplemented by another train system, the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC). This is an urban and metropolitan rail network run by the Catalan government. Currently there are three lines within Barcelona city: the L6, L7 and L8.

Timetable

Metros and FGC’s run frequently, arriving every three-five minutes during peak time. From Sunday-Thursday, they run from 05:00 until midnight. On Fridays and public holidays, 05:00–02:00 and on Saturdays and nights before public holidays they are continuous.

Bus

Although traffic may mean they’re not the fastest option, Barcelona buses sometimes provide a better option if you want to get closer to a particular attraction. For example, Parc Guell is much closer to a bus stop than a metro stop. With over 1000 buses and more than 2000 stops this comes as no surprise. However, this does mean that it is often a little more complicated to navigate which bus route you need to take! You can find information about routes here and of course, you can always ask at your hotel reception for more information.

Although you can use various ticket types to travel by bus, when on board, you can only buy single tickets. It’s possible to buy the other ticket types at metro/ train stations, the airport and tourist information offices. It’s also important to note that you don’t give the driver your ticket to validate. Instead, on the buses you’ll see small machines to put your ticket into. If in any doubt- watch the people in front!

Timetable

Running times vary from route to route and day of the week, however most begin at 4:25am and finish at 11:00pm. They are fairly frequent, ranging from 10–30 minutes although, again, this is again dependent on the route. You’ll find exact details at bus stops, with many using LED displays to inform you of the time until the next bus arrives.

Nightbus

You have may have heard the saying that Barcelona is a city that never sleeps. Well the public transport doesn’t either! Barcelona’s night bus (Nit bus) offers a much cheaper alternative to a taxi when you want to get back to your hotel after a late night out. These buses start operating between 22:40 / 23:30 and remain in operation until 05:00 / 06:00. They cover a large majority of the city, all beginning and ending their route in Placa Catalunya. You’ll find more information about exact times at bus stops, just look for the buses beginning with an N, e.g. N17.

Taxi

Hailing a taxi in Barcelona is easy. They’re easy to recognise by their yellow and black colouring and taxi sign on top. Barcelona has only one kind of licensed taxi and despite different companies operating them, they all look the same.

With over 10,500 taxi drivers, finding a taxi is easy. On main roads, you’re likely to find one at any time of day. If it’s got a green light on top, it means they’re vacant and you’re free to hail them down. There are also more than 300 designated taxi ranks throughout the city which usually have taxi’s present 24/7.

Although Uber is illegal in Barcelona, there are various apps you can use to prebook a taxi, for example MyTaxi and Hailo. You can of course ring taxi companies to pre book. As not all taxi staff speak English, if you can’t speak Spanish or Catalan, getting your hotel receptionist to do this may be a good option.

Prices

Within the city, there are three different tariffs for different times of day, ranging from a price of 1,10€ to 1,40€ per KM. There are also supplements that are added in particular cases. For example, a supplement of 3,10€ to and from El Prat airport, 2,10€ to and from Fira Gran Via and a 1,00€ per bag that goes in the boot. More information can be found here.

Most taxis have credit card machines, although it is always best to check with the driver first.

Tram

Despite being abolished in 1971, in 2004, Barcelona’s Tram network made a comeback. It’s a great option for those who are environmentally conscious or those who prefer a more scenic journey; the view is slightly more appealing than the underground tunnels of the metro. However, unfortunately, it does not cover a lot of the city.

There are currently two main tram lines in the city:

• The Trambaix (T1, T2 and T3), running from Francesc Macia in Diagonal to Cornella De Llobregat
• The Trambesos (T4, T5 and T6), which runs from Ciutadella Villa Olimpica, near barcelona Zoo, to Port Olympic, ending in Badalona.

Timetable

The tram runs 7 days a week. From Sundays to Thursdays and Public holidays it runs from 05:00 until 00:00. On Fridays, Saturdays and days before public holidays its extended, operating from 05:00 until 02:00.

Renfe

Barcelona’s overground train network is primarily used for travel outside of Barcelona city centre. They are commonly used for travel to neighbouring towns or to El Prat airport. The FGC and metro are much more common modes of train transportation within the city.

Barcelona’s biggest station is Sants Estacio. Here is where the majority of RENFE trains operate, providing high speed service to Madrid and Paris as well as overnight trains to countries such as France and Italy.

Cycling and walking

Barcelona is a relatively small city. This means that getting round the city on foot is often a nice option. It provides you with the opportunity to take in the sights of Barcelona and is of course, free!

Cycling is also a very popular means of transport in the city. You may notice Bicing stands around the city, however, these are unfortunately only available to local residents. However, renting a bike is easy and you’ll find many rental shops dotted throughout Barcelona.

Hiring a car

There is always the option to hire a car in Barcelona. However, be aware, driving in Barcelona can be quite chaotic and daunting. It’s also relatively hard to find places to park your car and if you do find a space, it can be quite expensive. If you do decide you want to rent a car, you’ll be able to find a variety of car rental companies at all airports.

Getting to Mobile World Congress

With the introduction of the L9 in February 2016, getting to the Mobile world Congress venue is easier than ever. You can get the L9, orange line, directly from the airport to Fira Gran Via. On this route you’ll find connections to the L1, L3, L5 and L8.

If you are staying in a hotel in Barcelona centre that is not near any of the L9 stops, you can get on any FGC train from Placa Espanya Metro station. This is a well connected metro station so it’s easy to get to from many locations across the city. It’s three stops on the metro from Placa Espanya, taking about seven minutes.

Alternatively you can take the H12 bus to the venue. You can get the H12 to Fira Gran Via, a one minute walk to the south Entrance of Mobile World Congress. The bus runs through the centre of Barcelona, going through Passeig de Gracia and Placa Espanya.

Of course, there is always the option of getting a taxi. There are two taxi ranks located outside Mobile World Congress, located at the North and South entrances. These will be full of taxis during the event.