Quick Guide to Barcelona Airport
Is your traveling destination the exotic Barcelona? Do you think that Barcelona’s main airport is El Prat Airport (BCN)? You are both right and wrong. El Prat Airport is the main airport serving the Barcelona area, and it is considered the second busiest airport in Spain and one of the largest, if not the largest, on the Mediterranean coast. In fact, it welcomed more than 55 million passengers in 2024, finally returning to its pre-COVID levels.
However, the airport has been recently renamed, receiving the name Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport as a tribute to the former Catalan president. What’s more, the airport of the Catalan capital city has several more nicknames. BCN Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, and El Prat Airport are only some of them.
In any case, Barcelona Airport is located in the city’s southwest, within an approximately 15 km/9.3-mile distance from Barcelona’s city center. It welcomes millions of passengers annually, hosting the majority of international and domestic airlines. It has two terminals and three runways, offers a variety of services and facilities, and is adequately connected to Barcelona’s city center. All in all, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the perfect place to start your journey to the beautiful Catalan city.
Airport Name: Barcelona El Prat Airport
IATA Code: BCN
ICAO: LEBL
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)
Airport Map: Barcelona Airport at Google Maps
Barcelona Airport’s History
Barcelona Airport has a long history. The first airport to open its doors in Barcelona was El Remolar, inaugurated in 1916. However, it didn’t meet the aviation needs. Thus, it was replaced by El Prat Airport in 1918. Regular commercial service began at El Prat in 1927, when Iberia flew to Madrid–Cuatro Vientos. This was both the airport’s and the airline’s first scheduled commercial flight.
In 1948, a runway was added to the airport’s complex, and flights to New York were inaugurated. Until 1952, one more runway was constructed, along with taxiways and a terminal building. A new control tower was built in 1965, while in 1968, a new terminal was constructed. It was the nowadays terminal 2B.
In 1970, Iberia introduced the “Air Shuttle”, the air route linking Barcelona to Madrid Barajas Airport. In fact, in 1976, a new terminal was inaugurated to serve this route. Moreover, Barcelona Airport also opened a cargo terminal. The airport underwent a major renovation in preparation for the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona. As part of this expansion, the existing terminal B was extended, and two terminals (terminal A and terminal C) were built.
Terminal 1 opened its doors in 2009. Since then, it has handled the majority of flights, while the old terminals A, B, and C became known as terminals 2A, 2B, and 2C. In 2011, the airport was officially named El Prat Airport. However, in 2019, it was renamed Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which has been its official name since then. In 2014, Barcelona Airport became the first airport in Spain to handle a daily Airbus A380-800 route to Dubai, operated by Emirates. However, it has since bounced back and even exceeded its pre-COVID passenger traffic.
Barcelona Airport’s Layout
Barcelona Airport consists of 2 terminal buildings. The two terminals aren’t adjacent to each other. Thus, passengers have to catch the free airport shuttles to travel between terminals.
Terminal 1 is the main terminal of BCN Airport. As a matter of fact, T1 underwent a massive renovation that was completed in 2009. From that moment, it is the one primarily handling Schengen and international flights. It is divided into 5 modules and houses a wide variety of shopping and dining options. On the other hand, the old terminal -terminal 2- mostly serves domestic and non-Schengen destinations, along with the majority of the airport’s low-cost flights. Furthermore, it is commonly referred to as T2A, T2B, and T2C, as it is spread over 3 interlinked sections.
Flights
The busy Barcelona Airport, the second busiest airport in Spain, handles a wide number of flights on a daily basis. Up until 2008, the ‘Puente Aéreo’ (Air Bridge)—the air route linking Barcelona and Madrid Barajas Airport—was the busiest in the world, with a very high frequency of flights each week. However, the introduction of a high-speed train connecting the two cities in 2008 led to a reduction in daily flights. Nowadays, the airport serves numerous flights to domestic and European destinations as well as a few intercontinental ones.
Domestic Departures from BCN Airport
The airport handles numerous flights to domestic destinations. Thus, there are frequent routes to Madrid Barajas Airport, A Coruña Airport, Almería Airport, Gran Canaria, Malaga Airport, Palma de Mallorca, and more.
Passengers heading to domestic destinations should be at the airport about two hours before the departure of their flights. The airport procedures aren’t overall challenging. Thus, they must check in at the check-in counters. Please note that most airlines offer web check-in as well. In that case, travelers with no hold luggage can simply proceed to the security control. Self-check-in kiosks are available at terminal 1, along with self-bag-drop-off points. Self-check-in kiosks and self-bag-drop-off points are available at Terminal 1. However, not all airlines provide this service. Once they check in, passengers go through security screening to reach the BCN airside area. Afterwards, they need to reach their boarding gate. It’s important to remember that the departing gates may change without prior warning, as El Prat Airport is a silent airport, where no announcements are made. Therefore, you should frequently check the flight information screens.
International Departures from BCN Airport
Numerous international flights arrive and depart from BCN Airport as well. Thus, the airport is connected to destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Amman, Dubai, Dublin, Kuwait, Malta, Mexico City, Oslo, San Francisco, and more.
International passengers are advised to be at the airport 3 hours before their flights, as airport procedures are time-consuming. In general, travelers prefer to check in online and print their boarding passes, or save them on their electronic devices. Still, not all airlines offer that service. Additionally, passengers who have to drop off luggage must also wait in line at the check-in counters. Self check-in and baggage drop-off kiosks can be found at terminal 1. The service is offered by some airlines. Once they check in, they must proceed through the security screening, while those traveling to non-Schengen destinations also go through passport control. After that, they must find their departing gate and keep a constant eye on the flight information boards, as boarding gates often change unexpectedly
Domestic Arrivals to BCN Airport
Passengers arriving at Barcelona International Airport from a domestic destination proceed to the baggage claim area of their terminal after disembarking from the plane. Once they retrieve their luggage, they must find the nearest exit to leave the airside part of the airport and access the landside Arrivals hall. From there, passengers can proceed to ground transportation, car rentals, or be picked up by friends or family.
International Arrivals to BCN Airport
Travelers landing at Barcelona Airport from international destinations typically take more time to exit their arriving BCN terminal. Indeed, those flying from non-Schengen countries must pass through passport control before reaching the baggage claim area. Additionally, they must go through customs. Once they complete these necessary procedures, they can exit the terminal and catch their preferred mode of transport to reach Barcelona or their final destination.
Connecting Passengers at BCN Airport
Do you have an onward flight from Barcelona Airport? If you are a transit passenger, you must check the departing terminal of your flight. If it isn’t the same you are landing at, you’ll have to travel between terminals, using the free airport shuttle service. Please note that terminals are connected landside. Otherwise:
- If you have a boarding pass to your final destination, all you’ll need to do is head to the departing gate of your next flight.
- If you don’t have a boarding pass, you’ll need to exit the airside area of the airport, check in for your next flight, and go through security control and passport control (if required) before proceeding to your departing gate.
- If your hold luggage is checked through to your final destination, you won’t need to retrieve it. Otherwise, you’ll need to collect it from your terminal’s baggage carousels, exit the Arrivals, reach the Departures, and drop it off at the check-in counters or the self-service baggage drop-off points.
Our Tip: Terminal 1 also houses self-check-in kiosks for connecting passengers.
Luggage at Barcelona Airport
Strict rules apply to both hand luggage and checked baggage at Barcelona El Prat Airport. In detail:
- Hold Luggage: Strict weight limits apply to hold luggage. In fact, each airline has its own rules regarding maximum weight and sets fees for bulky or excess luggage. Additionally, passengers can’t pack just anything; there are also prohibited items for checked luggage.
- Hand Baggage: There are strict regulations regarding prohibited items, liquids, and other restricted goods inside carry-on luggage. Moreover, hand luggage must comply with certain size conditions to fit into the plane’s overhead compartments
BCN Airlines
Barcelona Airport is not only the busiest airport in Catalonia, but it is also one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe. Expectedly, it serves flights to numerous destinations (domestic, international, or even intercontinental). Moreover, it houses all the major airlines, from international or conventional air carriers to domestic or low-cost providers. BCN Airport is a hub for Iberia, Vueling, Level, and Air Nostrum, as well as a focus city for easyJet and Ryanair.
The Necessary Documents
What documents are necessary to travel from El Prat Airport? The answer depends on your destination. Overall, you must carry with you the following paperwork:
- Boarding pass
- ID or passport (depending on destination country)
- Visa (required for certain countries)
- Vaccination certificate (for specific destinations)
- Other necessary documents, such as those required when traveling with a minor or travel authorization forms like ESTA (US) or ETA (UK)
An Overview of Barcelona Airport Services and Amenities
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is a modern and bustling aviation hub, meeting all the criteria that rank it among the most efficient and pleasant airports in the world. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that it offers various services and amenities to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for all its passengers. Additionally, special services are available for travelers in need, including passengers with disabilities, minors, elderly individuals, and pregnant women.
Transit Options
BCN Airport offers several transit options not only for rides from Barcelona Airport to downtown but also to other destinations within or beyond the city limits. Hence, airport taxis and private airport transfers are available around the clock at the airport, while bus rides and metro journeys are also popular transit options. Moreover, the RENFE R2 Nord Line serves the airport as well, while several car hire companies offer their services to BCN passengers.
Barcelona Airport Taxis
Barcelona airport taxis are available around the clock at the taxi ranks located outside the Arrivals halls of all terminal buildings (terminal 1 and all the sections of terminal 2). They offer reliable and efficient services, driving passengers to the exact location of their destinations. Taxis in Barcelona are metered. Overall, the airport ride to the city center costs around 35€-40€/35$-40$, including the extra fee applied to airport taxi journeys. However, rides are costlier during the night (from 08:00 pm), and on weekends and public holidays.
Barcelona Airport Bus Lines
Several buses depart from El Prat Airport. Thus, the Metropolitan Bus 46 links the airport to downtown during the day, while there are also buses traveling to the city center during the night. Additionally, other bus lines run from the airport to other parts of Barcelona. That being said, the most popular buses from Barcelona Airport are the express Aerobus lines. There is one Aerobus line serving each terminal, providing fast connections to the heart of Barcelona.
Barcelona Airport Subway
The L9 Sud Metro Line is an affordable and traffic-free way to reach Barcelona. Unfortunately, it doesn’t reach the city center, requiring a change of lines if Barcelona downtown is your final destination. The metro line departs from the airport every 7 minutes and takes around 32 minutes to get to Barcelona. BCN Airport houses two metro stations. Aeroport 1 serves terminal 1, whereas Aeroport 2, located next to the train station outside Terminal 2, is the station for that terminal.
Barcelona Airport Train
The R2 Nord Line links the airport to the city of Barcelona, traveling to Maçanet-Massanes. The train leaves the airport train station, located right outside terminal 2, at a 30-minute frequency. Therefore, passengers arriving at or departing from Terminal 1 must transfer between terminals if they use the train to get to or from the airport. The suburban train takes about 20–25 minutes to reach Barcelona, making 21 stops in total before terminating at Maçanet-Massanes.
Car Rentals from Barcelona Airport
While a Barcelona airport car rental may not be ideal for travelers planning to stay within the city, it is the perfect option for those looking to explore the region’s hidden gems and experience the full beauty of Catalonia. Both terminal buildings house several car hire companies. Local providers and international agencies are present at BCN Airport, offering a wide range of services and often tempting deals and special discounts.
Barcelona Private Airport Transfers
Airport taxis may be efficient and mass modes of transit cheap, but Barcelona private airport transfers are the ultimate way to reach your destination in Barcelona, especially if you value comfort and luxury during your travels. Door-to-door rides, numerous extra amenities, highly skilled drivers, and premium vehicles are among their key advantages, while travelers especially appreciate the personalized service tailored to their needs.
Transfer Between Terminals
The two terminals of Barcelona-El Prat Airport are linked via a free airport shuttle service. Shuttles run every 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the time of day, operating 24/7. The ride takes about 10 minutes from terminal 1 to terminal 2, and approximately 14 minutes in the opposite direction. On the other hand, passengers can walk between the three sections of terminal 2.
Parking Facilities
Both terminals are equipped with adequate parking premises. T1 houses a car park with a total 9000-spot capacity, an Express Parking Lot, and offers VIP and first-class services as well, whereas T2 has a main car park with 8000 parking spaces and an express parking facility, and provides valet services too. On the other hand, a long-term parking area is to be found within a 2 km/1.2-mile distance from the terminal buildings.
Services and Amenities
The busy El Prat Airport is fully equipped, providing its passengers with top-quality services and amenities. Explicitly, some of the BCN services are:
- Many retail options and Duty-free areas
- Restaurants / Bars
- Baggage wrapping / Cleaning / Luggage storage
- Meeting rooms / Business facilities
- Pharmacies /Medical services
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Family services / Childrens’ areas
- Lost & Found offices
- Chapel / Multidominational chapel
- Pet relief zones
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Air Rooms – Shower facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
- Drinking fountains
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport
Address: 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Phone Number: (+34) 913 211 000
Official Website: https://www.aena.es/
The City of Barcelona
With so much history and such an impressive cultural background, Barcelona captivates its visitors. It is, after all, a European city, along with being the capital of Catalonia, hence, radiating diverse vibes. Here, you’ll find an amazing variety of museums, galleries, sites, and attractions, while if you are also a foodie, you’ll be simply amazed by its culinary options. Do you think the days are exciting in Barcelona? You’ll find out that nights in the beautiful Spanish city are thrilling! Verily, its vibrant nightlife -from the coastal bars and vivid clubs to the scenic local spots- leaves no one unimpressed. Overall, if you are about to visit Barcelona, you should expect an unforgettable traveling experience.
FAQs
What are the two airports in Barcelona?
Barcelona is actually served only by one airport, the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, located 15km from the city center. However, Girona Airport and Reus International Airport, located respectively at 100km/62.1-mile and 120km/74.5-mile distances from Barcelona, are also disposable to passengers whose journey end is the Catalonian capital. Choosing the right destination airport depends on several factors, such as cost and time.
What is the airport in Barcelona called?
The airport in Barcelona used to be called El Prat Barcelona Airport. However, recently it changed its name to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, honoring the Catalonian politician and former president as a tribute to the 30th anniversary of its death. In any case, several nicknames, such as BCN Airport or El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, are still being widely used.
How busy is Barcelona Airport?
Barcelona Airport is the second largest airport in Spain, after Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, and the busiest airport by passenger traffic in Catalonia. Furthermore, it is considered one of the largest airports serving the Mediterranean coast.
How many runways does Barcelona Airport have?
Barcelona Airport has 3 runways, two parallels to the coastline, and one crossover. The parallel runways are the busiest ones, while the third runway is mainly used during the night or under severe weather conditions.
How far is Barcelona Airport from the city center?
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is approximately 15 km/9.3 miles away from the city center. However, the airport’s connection to the heart of Barcelona is more than satisfying. Hence, transferring from and to the city center is less of a hassle for travelers, whether they use public transportation means or benefit from the airport’s private transfer options.
How do I get from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
There are 4 ways to get from Barcelona Airport to city center. The convenient airport taxis are available around the clock outside Barcelona airport terminals, while public buses and Aerobus frequently traverse the 15km/9.3-mile distance to the city of Barcelona. Additionally, trains and subways also connect the airport to the city center. Finally, many private transfer companies operate at El Prat Airport and offer reliable, fast, and comfortable travel services.