In a nutshell
- If you fly to Barcelona, you’ll most likely either land directly in Barcelona at El Prat de Llobregat Airport or at Girona Airport.
- There are various ways to transfer from the airports of Barcelona to the city center. We explain everything you need to know about each option.
- Our favorites are the Aerobus from El Prat and the Sagalés shuttle bus from Girona. The journey is comfortable and straightforward, and the value for money is simply excellent.
What Airports Are There in Barcelona?
There are two major airports in and around Barcelona:
- El Prat de Llobregat Airport (BCN)
- Girona Airport (GRO)
El Prat is located directly in Barcelona, just 15 kilometers from the city center. With the shuttle bus, you can reach the city center in about 35 minutes. It offers the largest selection of international flights.
Girona Airport is located about 90 kilometers north of Barcelona. A shuttle bus transfer from there to the city takes approximately 75 minutes. The airport is served by several low-cost airlines.
Barcelona Airports on the Map
We’ve marked the locations of both airports on our map.
You can clearly see that El Prat Airport is closer to the city center of Barcelona.
Transfer from El Prat Airport to the City Center
Here, we give you an overview of all the options you have to transfer from El Prat Airport to the center of Barcelona:
| Price | Travel time | |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobus Our recommendation | €9.20 | 35 min |
| Regular bus | €2.55 | 45 min |
| Metro | €5.15 | 45 min |
| Train | €4.60 | 20-30 min |
| Cab | €30 | 30 min |
| Private transfer | From €63 | 30 min |
Aerobus Transfer from El Prat Airport to Barcelona City Center
- Lines: A1 from Terminal 1 and A2 from Terminal 2
- Travel time: 35 minutes
- Operating hours: every day around the clock
- Frequency: every 5-20 minutes
Where does the bus stop? It serves 4 stops in the city center: Plaça Espanya – Gran Via-Borrell – Plaça Universitat – Plaça Catalunya
Note: On the return journey from the city center to the airport, the stops are not identical. You can board the bus at the following locations: Plaça Catalunya, Sepulveda-Urgell, or Plaça Espanya.
Where does the bus leave from? The bus stop at Terminal 1 is on level 0, directly in front of the terminal building. At Terminal 2 you can board at two stops in front of the building: T2B and T2C. All stops are clearly signposted.
How much does the Aerobus cost? A one-way ticket for the Aerobus costs 9.20 euros, while a round-trip ticket is 15 euros. The return trip must be used within 15 days of the outward journey.
Where do you buy the ticket? At the ticket machines near the bus stop (cash or credit card), directly from the driver (cash only, exact fare required), or online in advance on the Aerobus website or via GetYourGuide.
Book the Aerobus shuttle online
Pros:
- Luggage compartment for suitcases
- Convenient and straightforward
- Direct route to the city center without changing trains
- Operates around the clock all year round
- Tickets can be purchased online in advance
Cons:
- Not part of public transport, so not included in the Hola BCN Card
Public Bus Transfer from El Prat Airport to the City Center
- Lines: 46 or night bus N17 or N18
- Travel time: 45 minutes
- Operating hours: Line 46 from 04:50 AM – 11:50 PM. Night bus N17 from 09:55 PM – 04:45 AM. Night bus N18 from 10:20 PM – 05:10 AM.
- Frequency: every 15-20 minutes
Where does the bus stop? The bus stop where you get off with line 46 in the city center is Plaça Espanya. The night buses stop at Plaça de Catalunya.
Where does the bus leave from? Lines 46 and N18 have stops in front of both terminals. N17 only departs from Terminal 1.
How much does the bus cost? A one-way ticket costs 2.55 euros. If you plan to use public transport in Barcelona more frequently, we recommend the 10-trip T-Casual card for 12.65 euros.
Where do you buy the ticket? Best to buy it directly at the airport at the ticket machines or ticket counters (cash or credit card). You can only buy a one-way ticket from the bus driver, not the T-Casual.
Pros:
- The cheapest option
- Operates around the clock
- Part of the public transport system, so included in the Hola BCN Card
Cons:
- Longer travel time
- Less frequent than Aerobus
- No luggage storage available
Metro Transfer from El Prat Airport to Barcelona City Center
- Line: L9 Sud direction Zona Universitària
- Travel time: 45-50 minutes with change
- Operating hours: Mon-Thu and Sun 5 AM – 12 AM, Fri until 2 AM, Sat non-stop
- Frequency: about every 7 minutes
Where does the metro stop? At 15 stations. To get to Barcelona city center, however, you need to change trains. You can do this at these stops:
- Europa Fira: change to L8 towards Plaça Espanya
- Torrassa: change to L1 in towards Fondo to Plaça Espanya or Catalunya
- Collblanc: change to L5 towards Vall d’Hebron to Diagonal
Download the official metro map
Where does the metro leave from? You will find the Aeroport T1 stop at Terminal 1 on level 0. The Aeroport T2 stop at Terminal 2 is located in front of the terminal building. The routes are well signposted.
How much does the metro cost? You cannot use the standard one-way ticket for the metro, you need a special airport ticket. A single journey costs 5.15 euros.
Where do you buy the ticket? At the ticket machines in the metro stations. You can pay with cash or credit card.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Independent of traffic conditions
- Included in the Hola BCN Card
Cons:
- Transfer required to get to the city center
- Not always operating around the clock
Train Transfer from El Prat Airport to Barcelona City Center
- Line: R2 Nord (R2N)
- Travel time: 20-30 minutes depending on the station
- Operating hours: 5:42 AM – 11:38 PM
- Frequency: every 30 minutes
Where does the train stop? The R2N stops in the city center at the stations Barcelona – Sants, Passeig de Gràcia and El Clot-Aragó.
Where does the train leave from? El Prat Airport has its own train station (Aeroport), which you can reach on foot from Terminal 2 in just a few minutes via a covered pedestrian bridge. If you arrive at Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus to T2 and then walk to the train station.
How much does the train cost? A one-way ticket costs 4.60 euros in fare zone 4 of the Rodalies de Catalunya. Alternatively, you can use the T-Casual.
Where do you buy the ticket? Tickets are available at ticket counters and ticket machines.
Pros:
- Fastest option
- Direct route to the city center without changing trains
- Included in the Hola BCN Card
Cons:
- Does not run all night
- Does not depart directly from Terminal 1
- Low frequency
Taxi Transfer from El Prat Airport to the City Center
- Travel time: about 30 minutes
- Operating hours: around the clock
Where does the taxi leave from? At the taxi ranks in front of both terminals.
How much does the taxi cost? A 20-30 minute ride from the airport to the center of Barcelona costs around 30 euros. The minimum fare is 20 euros. An additional night-time rate applies between 8 PM and 8 AM.
Pros:
- Easy and convenient
- Takes you directly to your hotel in Barcelona
Cons:
- Expensive, unless you’re in a group
- No fixed price
- Even for a short ride, you’ll pay at least 20 euros
- Dependent on traffic conditions
Private Transfer from El Prat Airport to the City Center
- Travel time: about 30 minutes
- Operating hours: around the clock
Where does the private transfer leave from? The driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the terminal with a name sign.
How much does the private transfer cost? On GetYourGuide, for example, a transfer for 4 people costs 80 euros. If you’re traveling alone, the airport transfer is quite expensive: It will cost you 63 euros.
Book a private transfer from Barcelona-El Prat Airport on GetYourGuide
Pros:
- Can be booked online in advance
- Fixed price
- Easy and convenient
- Takes you directly to your hotel
- No need to search for the departure point
Cons:
- The most expensive option
- Dependent on traffic conditions
Transfer from Girona Airport to the City Center
To transfer from Girona Airport to Barcelona, there are three viable options: the shuttle bus from the private bus company Sagalés, a taxi, and a private transfer.
| Price | Travel time | |
|---|---|---|
| Sagalés shuttle bus Our recommendation | €19.50 | 75 min |
| Cab | €180 | 70 min |
| Private transfer | €198 | 70 min |
Sagalés Shuttle Bus Transfer from Girona Airport to Barcelona
- Line: 604
- Travel time: 75 minutes
- Frequency: depends on the flight times
Where does the bus stop? The bus goes directly to the Estació del Nord bus station in the city center. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Arc de Triomf, where many metro lines also depart.
Where does the bus leave from? When you exit the terminal, you have to walk about 50 meters to the right and you’ll arrive directly at the bus stops. There are signs everywhere, so you will find your way easily.
How much does the bus cost? A one-way ticket from the airport to the city center costs 19.50 euros. A round-trip ticket costs 30 euros.
Where do you buy the ticket? At the ticket machine or the ticket counter at the bus stop. If you want to buy the ticket in advance, you can do so on the official website or via GetYourGuide. However, on GetYourGuide, you can only purchase a one-way ticket.
Book the Girona Airport bus transfer to the city center
Pros:
- Cheapest option
- Luggage compartment for suitcases
- Easy and convenient
- No transfers or stops
- Schedule aligned with flight times
Cons:
- Not part of public transport, so not included in the Hola BCN Card
Taxi Transfer from Girona Airport to Barcelona
- Travel time: about 70 minutes
- Operating hours: around the clock
Where does the taxi leave from? At the taxi rank directly in front of the terminal.
How much does the taxi cost? You will pay around 180 euros for a taxi transfer from Girona Airport to Barcelona. At night, at weekends and on public holidays there is a surcharge of 5 euros.
Pros:
- Easy and convenient
- Takes you directly to your hotel
Cons:
- Expensive, only makes sense for groups
- Takes almost as long as the shuttle bus
- Dependent on traffic conditions
Private Transfer from Girona Airport to Barcelona
- Travel time: about 70 minutes
- Operating hours: around the clock
Where does the private transfer leave from? The driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the terminal with a name sign.
How much does the private transfer cost? We found the provider TouristTransfers. We haven’t had personal experience with them, but we really like their professional website. For a car with up to 4 people, you’ll pay around 200 euros. So, it only makes sense financially for a group.
Pros:
- Can be booked online in advance
- Fixed price
- Easy and convenient
- Takes you directly to your hotel
- No need to search for the departure point
Cons:
- The most expensive option
- Dependent on traffic conditions
Barcelona Airport Transfer with the Hola Barcelona Card
There is a practical card for tourists using public transport in Barcelona: the Hola Barcelona Card or Hola BCN Card. It allows unlimited travel on public buses, metro, trams, and trains for 2 to 5 days.
For each option for your Barcelona airport transfer to the city center, we’ve indicated whether it’s part of the public transport system and included in the Hola BCN Card.
Buy the Hola Barcelona Card online
FAQ about Barcelona Airport Transfer
Which airport in Barcelona is more central?
El Prat Airport is more central. It is located in the suburb of El Prat de Llobregat, about 15 kilometers from the city center.
Girona Airport is 90 kilometers north of Barcelona.
Which transfer option is best when traveling with children?
If you’re traveling to Barcelona with kids, the most relaxed airport transfer is a private transfer. You won’t have to wait and will be driven directly from the airport to your hotel.
Shuttle buses from Aerobus and Sagalés are also a great option, as they run very frequently and you don’t need to change.
Usually, you can take a stroller or travel buggy on the buses without any issues, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific regulations with the bus company.
Is the Barcelona airport transfer wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all options are wheelchair accessible.
If you’re taking a taxi or private shuttle from the airport to Barcelona, you can request accessible transport in advance with the provider.
The shuttle buses from Aerobus and Sagalés are also accessible for wheelchair users. If you’re unsure, it’s best to double-check with the respective bus company beforehand.
Can I get from the airport to the city with a Barcelona City Pass?
Yes, both the Turbopass and the Barcelona Card include public transportation.
With the Barcelona Pass, you get a discount on the Hola BCN Card, the multi-day ticket for public transport in Barcelona.
These were our tips for the Barcelona airport transfer
Do you have any tips for the Barcelona airport transfer? Then please share them with us in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you!