Barcelona Airport, also known as El Prat Airport or Josep Taradellas Airport is Catalonia's largest Airport with Catalunya having secondary regional airports in Girona and Reus.
Barcelona airport consists of two terminals, T1 and T2.
Transfers between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2) is via:
Is there a monorail or tram between T1 and T2? No. Make sure you go to the correct terminal or you will need to use a shuttle bus (with stops outside of T2B (below the bridge) and T1 (outside level 0). Allow up to 20 minutes for the shuttle bus between terminals taking into account passenger loading times. The Metro which has stations outside of T1 and T2 (20 minutes including walking time.) The airport terminal transfer Bus is free, the Metro is not.
Terminal 1 is the new modern building shaped like an aircraft. Most long distance international flights depart from here as well as the national carriers of Spain and other countries.
Terminal 2 is where the European low cost / budget carriers operate from. The building dates from the 1970s and is divided into three main zones for departures and arrivals T2A, T2B and T2C. Travel between the zones of terminal 2 is walking via an internal atrium, distance 1Km approximately.
This Link shows the terminal for each airline operating out of Barcelona airport. Verify with your carrier if in doubt.
The most common and recommended transport methods between Barcelona Airport and Barcelona city centre, from cheapest to most expensive, are:
Renfe (National train operator) runs a train service from Central Barcelona to the airport.
The Renfe Rodalies train to the Airport is my preferred choice but only if I am flying from terminal T2.
Renfe Rodalies (R2 NORD line) trains to and from the airport pass via Barcelona-Sants and Barcelona-Passeig de Gracia in the centre of Barcelona.
To connect with regional, AVE, and other Rodalies lines change at Barcelona-Sants.
To check train times use this Link.
TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) runs a Metro service to and from Barcelona Airport via the L9 Sud line. The Metro L9 Sud is my preferred transport choice, BUT ONLY if I am flying from Terminal 1.
The Hola BCN cards are valid for the time period purchased, starting from the moment of first use in a ticket machine at a Metro station, bus, tram or train station. For example, you can buy the ticket several days before you first use it and it will still be valid for the number of hours you purchased. The countdown only starts once you first validate the ticket.
it is also possible to book a 4, 6 or 7 seat private car to drive you to and from the airport from your hotel.
Note: when booking airport pick up allow time to clear customs and baggage reclaim because the driver can only wait one hour outside the airport as per airport regulations.
Barcelona's official taxi's are the black and yellow cabs and both terminal T1 and T2 have a taxi pick up and drop off service to and from anywhere in Barcelona Metropolitan and the suburbs.
Taxi is my preferred choice when I have elderly relatives visiting or if I am travelling to the airport with two or more people to share costs.
Barcelona Aerobús provides excellent transport links between Barcelona El Prat Airport and Barcelona Plaça Catalunya. Avoid the hassle of navigating the public transportation system before or after a long journey — instead, relax and enjoy the views of Barcelona from the comfort of your seat.
€10.57 for a one‑way journey to or from Barcelona El Prat Airport and Plaça Catalunya in the centre of Barcelona.
€16.62 for a return journey to and from Barcelona El Prat Airport and Plaça Catalunya in the centre of Barcelona.
There are a range of commuter bus routes that operate during the day and night to and from the airport that can be done as a trip on the T-casual card or single fare of 2.40 euros. Note that these busses stop frequently and could take up to one hour or more to get to the airport.
TMB route 46 bus from Plaza Catalunya to Airport T1 and T2.
Night Bus N18 from Plaza Catalunya to Airport T1 and T2.
Night Bus N17 from Plaza Catalunya to Airport T1.
Night Bus N16 from Plaza Catalunya to Airport T2.
Note: These busses would not be my recommended transport option to get to the airport because of the long journey time and frequent stops. The cost is the same as the R2 Rodalies train line and only about 3-4 euros cheaper than the Aerobus or Metro.
If your final destination is not Bacelona city centre and your destination is not served by frequent public transport consider renting a car.
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