Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is Spain's second busiest airport after Madrid-Barajas, located approximately 12 km southwest of Barcelona city center. Serving over 50 million passengers annually, it is the primary hub for Vueling and a major gateway to the Mediterranean.

The airport has two terminals with distinct layouts and airline assignments:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The newer, larger terminal opened in 2009. Handles most international flights and serves as Vueling's main hub. Air France, British Airways, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Ryanair (most flights), and most intercontinental carriers operate here.
• Terminal 2 (T2): The older terminal complex, subdivided into three connected modules: T2A, T2B, and T2C. Primarily serves easyJet (its main Spanish base), some Ryanair flights, Wizz Air, and various charter operators.

Critical note: T1 and T2 are located on opposite sides of the runway complex and are not connected by walkway. A free shuttle bus runs between terminals (approximately 15 minutes journey time). Plan accordingly for connections.

BCN is located 12 km southwest of Barcelona city center (Plaça Catalunya). Multiple transport options connect the airport to the city:

Method	Time to Plaça Catalunya	Cost
Aerobus	35-40 min	€7.75
Metro L9 Sud	45-55 min	€5.15
RENFE train (T2 only)	25-35 min	€4.60
Taxi	25-35 min	€39-47 (flat rate)
Cabify	25-40 min	€30-50

Traffic can extend road journey times significantly during rush hours (8-10 AM, 6-8 PM weekdays).

Important: Uber and Lyft do not operate effectively in Barcelona due to local regulations. The primary rideshare alternative is Cabify, which works similarly to Uber.

Taxis

Official taxis (black and yellow) use regulated flat-rate pricing to central Barcelona:

• To Barcelona city center: €39 (T1) / €39 (T2) flat rate
• Surcharges: €4.30 airport supplement included in flat rate; night surcharge (8 PM - 8 AM) may apply on metered routes
• To cruise port: €39

Taxis queue outside both terminals 24/7. Journey time: 25-35 minutes (longer in traffic).

Flat rates apply to Barcelona city center destinations. Trips outside the city use the meter.

Cabify

Cabify is the main rideshare option in Barcelona.

• Pickup: Designated rideshare zones at each terminal
• Fare to city center: €30-50 depending on traffic and destination
• Availability: Good, but can be limited during peak hours

Tip: Download the Cabify app before arrival. Payment is handled through the app.

FreeNow

FreeNow (formerly mytaxi) connects you with licensed taxis via app. Useful for booking ahead and avoiding queues.

Aerobus (Recommended for Most Travelers)

The Aerobus is a direct express bus connecting both terminals to Plaça Catalunya.

Fare: €7.75 one-way / €13.65 round-trip (return valid for 15 days)

Journey time: 35-40 minutes

Stops at BCN:

• A1 (Blue): T1 → Plaça Espanya → Plaça Universitat → Plaça Catalunya
• A2 (Orange): T2 → Plaça Espanya → Plaça Universitat → Plaça Catalunya

Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes (peak hours) / Every 10-20 minutes (off-peak)

Operating hours: 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM (varies slightly by direction)

How to take the Aerobus from T1:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Aerobus"
2. Purchase ticket at the stop, on the bus (card only), or via the Aerobus app
3. Board the A1 bus toward Barcelona
4. Alight at Plaça Catalunya (final stop) for central connections

Tip: Buy tickets via the app to skip queues. Round-trip tickets offer savings.

Metro L9 Sud

The Metro L9 Sud line connects both terminals to the Barcelona metro network.

Fare: €5.15 (airport supplement included) - standard T-Casual tickets are not valid

Terminals served: Separate stations at T1 and T2

Key connections:

• Torrassa: Transfer to L1 (red line) for Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia
• Zona Universitària: Transfer to L3 (green line) for Plaça Catalunya, Diagonal
• Collblanc: Transfer to L5 (blue line) for Diagonal, Sagrada Família

Journey time to Zona Universitària: ~35 minutes

Operating hours: 5:00 AM to midnight (Sunday-Thursday) / 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM (Friday-Saturday)

Note: L9 does not go directly to central Barcelona. You must transfer at least once. For most travelers, the Aerobus is faster and more convenient.

RENFE Cercanías Train (T2 Only)

The RENFE R2 Nord commuter train connects T2 to central Barcelona stations.

Fare: €4.60 one-way

Journey time: 25-30 minutes to Passeig de Gràcia

Station: Located at T2, walkable from all T2 modules (approximately 10 minutes from T2B)

Key Barcelona stops:

• Passeig de Gràcia: 25 min (central location for shopping, Gaudí architecture)
• Barcelona Sants: 20 min (main train station for AVE high-speed trains)
• Clot: 30 min (transfer to L1, L2)

Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Operating hours: Approximately 5:40 AM to 11:40 PM

Important: The RENFE station is only at T2. If flying into T1, take the free shuttle bus to T2 (adds 15-20 minutes) or use alternative transport.

Night Bus (NitBus)

After midnight, the N17 and N18 night buses connect the airport to Barcelona.

• N17: T1 → Plaça Catalunya
• N18: T2 → Plaça Catalunya

Fare: €2.55 (standard TMB fare)

Frequency: Every 20 minutes

Journey time: 45-60 minutes

BCN offers multiple parking options at both terminals.

T1 Parking

Lot	Location	Daily Rate	Notes
P1 Express	Adjacent to T1	€34/day	Covered, 2-min walk
P1	Adjacent to T1	€24/day	Covered, 3-min walk
Long Stay T1	Short walk from T1	From €9/day	Pre-book for best rates

T2 Parking

Lot	Location	Daily Rate	Notes
P2 Express	Adjacent to T2	€34/day	Short stays only
P2	Adjacent to T2	€24/day	Covered
Long Stay T2	Short walk from T2	From €9/day	Pre-book for best rates

Tips:

• Book online through AENA (airport operator) for discounts up to 60%
• Long Stay lots offer the best value for trips over 3 days
• Express lots have height restrictions - check before parking larger vehicles

BCN offers a variety of dining options in both terminals, with T1 having the better selection.

Terminal 1

Landside (before security):

• Viena: Popular Catalan fast-casual chain, good sandwiches and coffee
• 100 Montaditos: Budget-friendly Spanish mini-sandwiches
• Flax & Kale Airport: Healthy options, smoothies, plant-based meals

Airside (after security):

• Enrique Tomás: Spanish ham (jamón) specialist - excellent for authentic Spanish cured meats
• TAPA TAPA: Traditional tapas in a sit-down setting
• El Nacional Airport: Upscale Spanish cuisine with multiple food stations
• Starbucks: Multiple locations throughout
• Burger King, McDonald's: Fast food options

Best for quality: El Nacional Airport (pricey but excellent) and Enrique Tomás for Spanish specialties.

Terminal 2

T2 has fewer options but adequate for quick meals:

• Rodilla: Spanish sandwich chain
• Cervecería: Spanish beer and tapas
• Fast food outlets: Standard options available

Tip: If you have time before a T2 flight, eat at T1 before taking the shuttle. T1 has significantly better dining variety.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals.

Network name: "Airport_Free_Wifi_AENA"

How to connect:

1. Select the network
2. Open browser - redirected to AENA portal
3. Register with email or social media account
4. Accept terms to connect

Details:

• Duration: Unlimited
• Speed: Adequate for browsing, email, and light streaming
• Quality can degrade during peak hours

Tip: For faster, more reliable connections, use lounge WiFi if you have access.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though prices are higher than in the city.

Airport Locations

Terminal 1:

• Vodafone: Arrivals hall
• Orange: Near check-in
• Press shops and convenience stores: Prepaid SIMs available

Terminal 2:

• Limited carrier presence; best to purchase in the city if arriving here

Major Spanish Carriers

• Movistar: Best overall coverage
• Vodafone: Strong network, good airport presence
• Orange: Competitive pricing
• Yoigo: Budget option

Pricing

Prepaid tourist SIMs start around €15-20 for 10-15GB. Airport prices are typically €5-10 higher than city shops.

Tips:

• For better prices, buy a SIM at any Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar store on Passeig de Gràcia or Portal de l'Àngel
• EU roaming is included on all standard Spanish SIMs
• eSIM options (Airalo, Holafly) can be purchased and activated before arrival

ATMs are available throughout both terminals in arrivals and departures areas.

Major banks with ATMs at BCN:

• CaixaBank (most common)
• Santander
• BBVA
• Euronet (avoid - high fees)

Currency: Euro (€)

Currency exchange: Bureaux de change are available but offer poor rates (5-10% markup typical). Use ATMs for better rates or exchange currency before arrival.

Tips:

• Use bank ATMs (CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA) rather than independent ATMs (Euronet, Travelex) to avoid excessive fees
• When ATMs ask "with or without conversion" - always choose without for your bank's rate
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted throughout Spain
• Some small vendors and traditional markets may prefer cash

BCN offers extensive retail and duty-free shopping, primarily in Terminal 1.

Duty-Free

Terminal 1:

• World Duty Free: Large flagship store after security with Spanish wines, spirits, perfumes, and luxury goods
• Specialty shops: Spanish products including Lladró porcelain, olive oil, and turrones (nougat)

Terminal 2:

• Smaller duty-free selection
• Basic convenience shops

Notable Stores (T1)

• FC Barcelona Official Store: Team merchandise and memorabilia
• Desigual: Colorful Spanish fashion brand
• Tous: Spanish jewelry brand
• Custo Barcelona: Designer fashion
• Cacao Sampaka: Premium Spanish chocolate

Spanish Products Worth Buying

• Jamón ibérico: Vacuum-packed ham (check import rules for your destination)
• Spanish wine: Rioja, Priorat, Cava
• Olive oil: Premium extra virgin varieties
• Turrones and polvorones: Traditional Spanish sweets

Tip: Terminal 1 has the best shopping. Allow 30-45 minutes if you want to browse thoroughly.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Sala VIP Pau Casals (T1, Schengen, after security): The main Priority Pass option at T1. Located near gates B. Hot and cold buffet, alcoholic beverages, showers available. Can be crowded during peak hours. Hours: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM.

• Sala VIP Joan Miró (T1, Non-Schengen): For non-Schengen departures only. Similar amenities to Pau Casals. Located in area D/E.

Terminal 2:

• Sala VIP Canudas (T2A): Smaller lounge, basic amenities. Hot food limited. Hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM.

Airline Lounges

• Iberia Sala VIP Dalí (T1): For Iberia Business Class, Iberia Plus Platinum, and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire. High-quality lounge with Spanish cuisine.
• Vueling Lounge (T1): For Vueling Premium passengers and Club members.

Credit Card Access

• American Express Platinum cardholders can access Priority Pass lounges
• Some premium Visa and Mastercard products include Priority Pass

Pay-Per-Use

Day passes are available at most lounges (€35-50) and can be booked online through services like LoungeBuddy.

At the Airport

• Hotel Barcelona Airport (by Melia): 4-minute shuttle from T1 and T2. Modern business hotel with pool, restaurant, and fitness center. From €120/night.

Near the Airport

• Ibis Barcelona Aeropuerto Viladecans: Budget option, 10 minutes from terminals. Free shuttle. From €60/night.

• Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto: 10-minute shuttle. Mid-range option with pool. From €85/night.

• Pullman Barcelona Skipper (city): If you prefer staying in the city, this beachfront hotel is 25-30 minutes from the airport. From €180/night.

For Early Departures

For early morning flights, consider staying near the airport or in Plaça Espanya (15-20 minutes to airport via Aerobus, which starts running at 5:00 AM).

Tip: Hotels at Plaça Catalunya or Passeig de Gràcia offer better value and restaurant options than airport hotels, with easy Aerobus access.

Barcelona is one of Europe's most vibrant cities, blending Gothic architecture, modernist masterpieces, beaches, and renowned cuisine.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time from Airport	Route
La Rambla	40-50 min	Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + 2-min walk
La Sagrada Família	55-70 min	Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + Metro L2/L5
Park Güell	60-75 min	Aerobus + Metro L3 to Vallcarca
Barceloneta Beach	50-60 min	Aerobus + Metro L4 to Barceloneta
Camp Nou	45-55 min	Aerobus to Plaça Espanya + Metro L3/L5
Gothic Quarter	40-50 min	Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + 5-min walk

Must-See Attractions

• La Sagrada Família: Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Book tickets well in advance (often sold out 2+ weeks ahead).
• Park Güell: Gaudí's whimsical park with city views. Reserve timed entry online.
• La Rambla and Boqueria Market: The famous pedestrian boulevard and covered food market.
• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): Medieval streets, Barcelona Cathedral, hidden plazas.
• Casa Batlló and La Pedrera: Gaudí's iconic modernist buildings on Passeig de Gràcia.

Neighborhoods to Explore

• El Born: Trendy bars, boutiques, the Picasso Museum
• Gràcia: Village-like atmosphere, local cafés, Plaza del Sol
• Barceloneta: Beach, seafood restaurants, promenade
• Eixample: Modernist architecture, upscale shopping, LGBTQ+ scene

Transport Tips

• Purchase a T-Casual card (10 trips, €11.35) for metro and bus - valid on all Zone 1 transport (not valid for airport metro)
• The Hola BCN travel card offers unlimited transport for 48-120 hours including airport metro
• Walking is the best way to experience the Gothic Quarter and El Born
• Taxis are reasonably priced for groups (€10-15 for most city trips)

Day Trips

• Montserrat: Mountain monastery, 1 hour by train from Plaça Espanya
• Sitges: Beach town, 40 minutes by train from Passeig de Gràcia
• Girona: Medieval old town, 40 minutes by AVE high-speed train from Barcelona Sants
• Figueres: Dalí Theatre-Museum, 1 hour by train

Food and Drink

• Tapas: Try patatas bravas, pan con tomate, jamón ibérico
• Paella: Best enjoyed in Barceloneta (though it's a Valencia dish)
• Vermouth: Traditional pre-lunch drink; try Bar Calders in Sant Antoni
• Cava: Catalan sparkling wine - cheaper and often better than champagne