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Transport Options for El Prat Barcelona Airport City Centre

The pros, cons & costs of the multiple methods for connections between downtown Barcelona and El Prat Barcelona airport terminals 1 and 2 in 2024

Updated: Nov 22, 2024 by: Barcelona Travel Hacks Views: 3.6k

Summary of Travel Options to & from Barcelona Airport

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.

Getting to and from Barcelona Airport

The most common and recommended transport methods between Barcelona Airport and Barcelona city centre, from cheapest to most expensive, are:

Getting to & from Barcelona Airport by Renfe Rodalies Train

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.

Getting to & from Barcelona Airport by TMB Metro

TMB (Transports Metropolitans Barcelona) runs a metro service to and from Barcelona airport to the outskirts of south Barcelona via L9 SUD. The Metro L9 Sud is my preferred transport choice, BUT ONLY if I am flying from terminal 1

The cards are valid for the time period purchased, starting from the time of first use in a ticket machine at a metro station, bus, tram or train station. I.e. you could buy the ticket several days before you first use it and it will still be valid for the number of hours that you purchased. The countdown only starts once you first use the ticket.

  • 2 days (48 h): € 15.75
  • 3 days (72 h): € 22.95
  • 4 days (96 h): € 29.97
  • 5 days (120 h) € 36.72
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Getting to & from Barcelona Airport by Chauffeur

it is also possible to book a 4, 6 or 8 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.

Meet the friendly driver at El Prat airport or your hotel. Get help with your heavy luggage and sit back in a comfortable, modern vehicle. Then, take in a great view of the city as you transfer to your destination. Arrive at your hotel or the airport after a stress-free journey.

Meet the driver at the exit, near the coffee shop called Go Natural. Look out for a sign with your name on it.

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Convenient and secure, you can organize your pickup from any address in Barcelona or whichever terminal you need at El Prat Airport. Your driver will assist you with your luggage to the vehicle and will greet airport pickups with a meet-and-greet signboard just for you.

Relax knowing your schedule will remain intact, with drivers tracking flights for airport pickups to ensure a punctual service no matter if flights are early, late or on-time. Make sure to include your flight number at the time of booking.

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Getting to & from Barcelona Airport by Taxi

Getting to & from Barcelona Airport by AeroBus

Barcelona Aerobus provides great 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.

€ 9.20 for a one way transport to or from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Plaça Catalunya in the centre of Barcelona.


€ 15.00 for return transport to and from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Plaça Catalunya in the centre of Barcelona.

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Getting to & from Barcelona Airport Low Cost Options

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.

Documents for Transport Options for El Prat Barcelona Airport City Centre

Click on any one of the 5 PDFs to view in full screen and download.

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