Barcelona & Catalonia Public Transport Guide 2026

TMB for Barcelona Metro, Tram & Buses

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona runs the Metro service, trams and Barcelona city buses.

TMB ticket types

Barcelona city buses, trams and Metro are all within fare zone 1 of the Barcelona integrated fare zone system.

• T‑Casual: generally used by residents of Barcelona. This ticket allows 10 trips. A trip is defined as a journey where you can change from one transport system to another as long as the transfer occurs within two hours of last validating your ticket at a gate or on a bus/tram. I have also used the T‑Usual for unlimited monthly trips when commuting daily to an office.


• Hola BCN: ideal for tourists, as it offers an unlimited number of trips using the Metro, buses and trains within Barcelona metropolitan area fare zone 1. Hola BCN cards are sold as 1‑day, 2‑day and up to 5‑day passes, and include the Barcelona Airport Metro stations.


• T‑Grup: a multi‑person ticket valid for 70 trips over a period of up to 30 days. For example, 70 people can make the same trip once, or 45 people can make the same trip twice, etc.


• Note: Use a TMB ticket on the bus. TMB tickets (T‑Casual, Hola BCN, etc.) can be purchased at Metro stations, Renfe stations, FGC stations, some tobacco shops and some newsstands.


• Note: When you board a bus or tram in Barcelona you must validate your ticket by inserting it into one of the machines on board. Ticket inspectors do perform checks by scanning your ticket to ensure you are not travelling without paying. Fines start from 100 euros.

Tickets that include Hola BCN travel cards

TMB planned works, outages & service alterations

The TMB website has a comprehensive real‑time service update section: for Metro and for buses.

You can also sign up for real‑time service disruption updates via email or the TMB app.

Renfe Rodalies Commuter Rail for Barcelona Suburbs

The Renfe Rodalies Network covers the Barcelonès area of Catalonia and comprises 8 lines: R1, R2, R2 Sud, R2 Nord, R3, R4, R7 and R8. The network reaches along the south coast, the north coast, interior towns and the Pyrenees Mountains.

Renfe Rodalies Rail Network Train Times

To check train times, use the timetable link on the Renfe website.

From the results page you can select return train times for the same day.

Renfe Rodalies Rail Network – Travelling With

It is possible to travel on Rodalies trains with pets, luggage and sports equipment such as skis or bicycles. The bicycle area is located in the middle of the newer trains and at the front of the older trains. Generally, the older trains operate on the R3 line and the newer trains on the rest of the Rodalies lines. You may be refused entry during the morning rush hour if the train is very crowded. Dogs must wear a muzzle. For more information, consult the “Travelling With” section of the Gencat Rodalies website.

Renfe Rodalies Rail Network Tickets

The Rodalies rail network is part of the TMB integrated fare zone system of Barcelona. There are six zones, and single or return tickets can be used, as well as monthly or season tickets for the relevant zone. Note that the R3 line goes outside Zone 6 to reach the Pyrenees towns, so a monthly or season ticket cannot be used for these stations — a return or single‑fare ticket must be purchased. Information about the integrated zoned fare system can be found on the Gencat website.

Renfe Rodalies offers combined entry and rail tickets to some popular tourist attractions. See the Gencat Combined Tickets page for details.

Renfe Rodalies Planned Works, Engineering Works & Service Outages

For Renfe Rodalies and Regional train services, the Gencat website can be consulted to check for planned engineering works or major service disruptions.

The information in English is only a brief overview. For more detailed information about start and end dates/times of engineering works, this Gencat website link can be used. For major works, greater detail is provided, but the information is only available in Spanish.

Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) Commuter Rail

This is a Catalan‑owned railway service consisting of two major branches:

• Llobregat–Anoia lines: run from Plaça Espanya to Montserrat, Manresa and Igualada.
• Vallès lines: run from Plaça Catalunya to Sant Cugat, Sabadell and Terrassa.

The FGC website has recently been upgraded, but it is still a bit confusing to navigate and, in my opinion, worse than the previous version. Here are some tips on how to find information.

FGC Train Times

When checking train times on the FGC website, you must first select the Llobregat–Anoia or Vallès lines.

From here, you enter the origin station, which loads another page with an auto‑completing form.

FGC Travelling With

It is possible to travel on FGC trains with pets, luggage and sports equipment such as skis or bicycles. The bicycle area is located at the front of the trains. You may be refused entry during the morning rush hour if the train is very crowded. Dogs must wear a muzzle. For more information, consult the “Norms and Terms of Service” page on the FGC website.

FGC Rail Network Tickets

The FGC rail network is part of the TMB integrated fare zone system of Barcelona. There are six zones, and single or return tickets can be used, as well as monthly or season tickets for the relevant zone. Information about the integrated zoned fare system can be found on the Gencat website.

On the integrated TMB commuter rail map you can check which zone a station is in.

The FGC website lists prices for single and return trip tickets. If you are making frequent journeys on the Catalan rail networks, including FGC, then the T‑Mobilitat travel card is probably the better option.

FGC Cremallera & Funicular Lines

I have detailed the FGC Cremallera and Funicular trains on their own pages, explaining what to see and do.

• Cremallera & Funiculars de Montserrat
• Cremallera Vall de Núria
• Funiculars de Vallvidrera

Renfe Regional Rail to Lleida, Girona & Tarragona

The Renfe Regional rail network can be described as an inter‑province railway system linking Lleida, Barcelona, Girona and Tarragona. It shares the Rodalies de Catalunya branding but operates as a medium‑distance service as opposed to the commuter rail around Barcelona city. This is not high‑speed rail, but Renfe Regional services do run faster than commuter trains between cities and towns.

The Renfe Regional rail network has three main branches:

• North Branch: served by the R11 and RG1 lines to Girona, Figueres and Portbou or Cerbère (in France).
• Southern Branch: served by the R14, R15, R16 and R17 lines to towns in the Tarragona region along the Costa Dorada and to interior towns.
• Western Branch: served by the R12, R13 and R14 lines to Lleida via Manresa or Tarragona.

The Renfe website is a mess and it can be tricky to find the relevant information. There is no specific section dedicated to Regional services, so I will attempt to run through the main points here.

Renfe Regional Train Tickets & Train Times

Regional train times can be checked on the main Renfe webpage.

The results table shows train times and fares for outbound and return journeys. Not all tickets can be purchased online. Tickets bought at station ticket machines are 3.5% more expensive.

For frequent travellers, there are several passes available if you make the same journey multiple times for work or leisure. For more details, see this section of the Gencat Rodalies website.

Renfe Regional – Travelling With

It is possible to travel on Regional trains with pets, luggage and sports equipment such as skis or bicycles. The bicycle area is normally at the front of the train. You may be refused entry during the morning rush hour if the train is very crowded. Dogs must wear a muzzle.

Renfe luggage policy: You can carry up to 3 pieces of hand luggage, provided that the total weight does not exceed 25 kg. The maximum dimensions allowed are 85 cm × 55 cm × 35 cm, although I have never seen this enforced.

Renfe bicycle policy: For Regional trains, the rules are the same as for Media Distancia (mid‑distance), Cercanías or FEVE trains.

Renfe pets policy: Pets can be transported in a carrier, with one pet per passenger. I have travelled on Regional trains with small dogs outside of a carrier but with a muzzle. However, it is best to ask at the station before travelling, as rules may depend on the line.

Renfe Regional Planned Works, Engineering Works & Service Outages

For Renfe Rodalies and Regional train services, the Gencat website can be consulted to check for planned engineering works or major service disruptions.

High Speed Rail Network (AVE, AVLO, SNCF, OUIGO)

The Adif high‑speed rail network is separate from the regional and commuter networks and was built within the last 20 years. The high‑speed rail network supports services running at 250 to 300 km/h and links major cities within Catalunya to the rest of Spain, primarily via Madrid. Note that ADIF maintains the infrastructure (tracks, stations, tunnels, bridges, etc.) while Renfe operates the trains. The high‑speed rail network also connects to France’s high‑speed network after Figueres.

There are multiple operators and services that run on the high‑speed network:

• AVE: the Renfe‑operated Alta Velocidad Española, connecting major cities of the autonomous regions to Madrid.


• AVLO: a new low‑cost Renfe AVE service.


• Ouigo España: a low‑cost high‑speed operator with services linking Barcelona–Madrid, Valencia–Madrid, Zaragoza–Barcelona, Zaragoza–Madrid, Zaragoza–Camp de Tarragona, Camp de Tarragona–Madrid and more routes.


• Iryo: a new high‑speed operator with services linking Barcelona–Madrid, Barcelona–Camp de Tarragona, Barcelona–Zaragoza, Alicante–Madrid, Alicante–Albacete, Alicante–Cuenca, Albacete–Madrid, Antequera–Córdoba, Antequera–Madrid, Antequera–Málaga, Zaragoza–Camp de Tarragona, Camp de Tarragona–Madrid and more.


• SNCF: the French rail operator, running services from France to Barcelona‑Sants via the Spanish high‑speed rail network.

Renfe High‑Speed Rail

The AVANT are high‑speed trains that perform regional commuter services using older Iberian‑gauge railway lines, although some trains can switch gauge to travel on the high‑speed network.

High‑speed trains depart from Barcelona‑Sants station. Passengers must pass through airport‑style security with X‑ray machines. Allow time for this security check — at least half an hour before departure.

Renfe High‑Speed Train Times and Tickets

Renfe high‑speed train times can be consulted on the main Renfe webpage.

The results table shows two tabs: train times and fares for outbound and return journeys. For AVE, AVLO and AVANT trains, I recommend purchasing tickets online.

Clicking on a train produces a popup at the bottom of the window to select the train and add it to your cart. Repeat the process for the return train and follow the on‑screen instructions to complete payment.

For frequent travellers on AVE and AVANT services, Renfe offers multi‑use tickets and passes on the website.

Renfe High‑Speed Train – Travelling With

The rules about travelling with luggage, animals and bicycles are strictly enforced on AVE and AVANT trains.

Hand luggage is limited to two bags per customer with a total weight of 25 kg, and the larger item must not exceed 70 cm × 50 cm × 25 cm.

Travelling with bicycles on AVE or AVANT is difficult, as Renfe has strict rules. You must disassemble the bicycle and carry it in a bicycle transport bag. The rules can be read at the link above, but I recommend visiting the AVE/AVANT ticket office at Sants Station and asking directly.

Travelling with pets is also possible. The rules specify a maximum weight of 10 kg and require pets to be in a carrier with minimum dimensions of 60 cm × 35 cm × 35 cm. The rules also state that the carrier must allow removal of any residue from the animal. I recommend checking at the AVE/AVANT ticket office at Sants Station, as rules may vary. Guide dogs are allowed.

Barcelona-Sants Station Renfe Railway Hub

ADIF maintains the infrastructure (tracks, stations, tunnels, bridges, etc.) while Renfe operates the trains.

ADIF provides downloadable plans of all stations on their website. Below is the plan for Barcelona‑Sants station. I have added additional notes to indicate which ticket machines to use for each type of train service.

Note: Barcelona‑Sants railway hub is currently being renovated and renewed, so many useful shops such as the pharmacy, tobacco shop, and gifts and book stores have been removed as part of the renovation process. The ticket and concourse area remains open, as this is the main Barcelona railway hub, so trains will continue running without major disruptions during the station renewal works. You will notice how unattractive the station is and will see fenced‑off zones where works are being carried out.

The ADIF promotional page shows how the station is intended to look in the future, but considering the speed at which major construction projects progress in Catalonia (the Sagrera railway hub has been under construction for more than 20 years with no end in sight!), I would not anticipate these works being completed within the next 10 years.

Estacio del Nord - Principal Bus terminal for Barcelona

Estacion del Nord is the main bus terminal for Barcelona and is located next to Arc de Triomf Metro and Rodalies train station.

I will detail bus services per attractions as there are too many bus operators and routes to make a concise guide here.

T-mobilitat - Discontinuation of Paper Tickets

Barcelona is currently phasing out paper tickets and replacing them with a new ticketing and validation system for public transport that uses contactless technology — T‑mobilitat.

T‑mobilitat has four methods of use, called supports:

1. Mobile device: Register for T‑mobilitat with the TMB App and select the Mobile option in the T‑mobilitat section. When you activate your mobile device support, the e‑wallet will be downloaded and automatically linked to your user account and phone, where you can store your tickets. You only need to pay 1 euro before uploading your first ticket. Upload your chosen ticket and you will be ready to validate via your mobile.
2. Personalised card: A reusable plastic personalised card containing a contactless validation chip, which enables you to upload your transport tickets. It costs 4.50 euros and has a five‑year guarantee period. Register for T‑mobilitat at TMB Tickets or via the TMB App. Enter the T‑mobilitat section of your personal area and select Choose your support. You can upload a ticket to the card at the same time. The card is sent by post and must be activated.
3. Targeta Anònima: A cardboard card with a contactless validation chip, which enables you to upload transport tickets without signing up to the T‑mobilitat system with personal details. It costs 0.50 euros and has a six‑month guarantee period. The anonymous cards can be purchased from any ticket machine on the Metro network. When you buy the card, you then select which ticket to upload to it. Once the ticket has been used, you can upload a new ticket to the card.
4. T‑usual cardboard card: A cardboard card with a contactless validation chip, which enables you to upload your T‑usual travel pass without signing up to the T‑mobilitat system with personal details. It costs 0.50 euros and has a six‑month guarantee period. It can be purchased from any ticket machine in the Metro network. You will receive the T‑usual travel pass on the card immediately. It only allows you to upload the T‑usual travel pass. Once you have used up all the journeys, it is not possible to upload a different ticket, but you can change the number of zones covered by the travel pass.

T‑mobilitat works on the Renfe Rodalies network and the FGC network. For more information and to register, visit the T‑mobilitat section of the TMB website or the T‑mobilitat website.

Hola Barcelona - A travel Card for Tourists

The Hola Barcelona (Hola BCN) travelcard is designed for tourists and short‑term visitors and includes unlimited travel on the Metro, buses, tram, FGC and Renfe trains in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (Zone 1 fare zone). The Hola BCN card also includes travel to the airport via train or Metro without having to pay the Metro airport supplement. Children under 4 travel for free.

The Hola BCN card does not include privately run transport such as the Cuca de Llum Tibidabo funicular, the Teleférico del Puerto red cable car from Barceloneta to Montjuïc, or the cable car to Montjuïc Castle.

Documents for Barcelona & Catalonia Public Transport Guide 2025