What is Barcelona Airport’s Real Name Anyway?
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 49.9 million passengers in 2023. Even so, it hasn’t recovered yet 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 Catalonian president. What’s more, the airport of the Catalonian 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 Catalonian 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 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.
BCN Airlines
Barcelona Airport is not only the busiest airport in Catalonia, but it is also one of the most occupied 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.
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.
Transit Options
Do you want to travel from BCN Airport? Are you wondering which are the transit options from Barcelona Airport to downtown? You’ll have several alternatives in your hands. Thus, you can take:
- an airport taxi
- a bus / the Aerobus
- the Metro Orange L9 Sud Line
- the RENFE R2 Nord Line
- a Barcelona airport transfer
- a car rental
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 are also connecting the airport to the city center. Finally, many private transfer companies operate at El Prat Airport and offer reliable, fast, and comfortable travel services.