Barcelona Airport Departures

Barcelona El Prat Airport

Barcelona Airport, commonly known as El Prat Airport after its location, is officially named Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport after the former Catalan president. It changed its name quite recently, in 2019, amid protests from those who disagreed with the decision. It is the second busiest airport in Spain and one of the busiest hubs in Europe. Consequently, the airport often gets crowded, and airport procedures can be time-consuming, especially during peak periods.

The Two BCN Terminals

Barcelona Airport has two terminal buildings. Terminal 1 is the newest building, added to the complex in 2009. It handles the majority of flights departing and arriving at BCN Airport. Flights to Schengen and non-Schengen destinations depart from T1. The terminal spreads over three levels. Departures are on its first floor, while some boarding gates can also be found on its third level. On the other hand, terminal 2 is divided into three sections. T2B, the airport’s former main terminal building, now primarily handles Schengen flights, mostly domestic and operated by low-cost airlines. T2A, later added to T2’s structure, serves non-Schengen destinations, while the also-later-added T2C is dedicated to easyJet flights. Departures are located on the T2’s upper level. However, some boarding gates lie on the Ground level as well. Terminal 2 mainly accommodates domestic flights and budget air carriers. Thus, each terminal’s assignment is defined by the operating airline and not the destination. The two terminals lie within a  4 km/2.4-mile distance of each other. Passengers can travel between terminals using the free airport shuttles. Overall, the shuttle buses take around 10-14 minutes to get from one terminal to the other.

BCN Airport Airlines

How Early to Arrive at BCN Airport

Wondering how early you should arrive at Barcelona Airport to enjoy a smooth travel experience without rushing through the airport procedures? If you’re flying to a domestic destination, arriving 1.5-2 hours before the flight should be enough to complete the departure process. The same generally applies to flights to Schengen countries. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport approximately 2 hours before the flight’s departure. On the other hand, if your destination is a non-Schengen city, you should plan to be at the airport around 3 hours before departure, as you’ll need to go through passport control to reach your gate.

The Departure Procedures at Barcelona Airport

Passengers departing from Barcelona International Airport must check in upon arrival at the airport. Check-in counters are available in the Departures areas of both terminals, as well as in all sections of T2. A check-in desk (sometimes more) is assigned to each airline, where passengers can line up to check in and receive their boarding passes. That being said, most travelers prefer to check in online. Web check-in is available 24 to 48 hours before the flight departure. If you decide to check in through your PC, remember to print the documents. Otherwise, you may have to pay a small fee to have them printed at the airport. If you check in via your mobile phone, simply download the boarding pass and save it on one of your electronic devices. Checking in through the airline’s app, if available, is also recommended, as it allows you to keep all your documents and flight details in one place. If you’ve checked in online and are traveling with hand luggage only, you can proceed directly to security control, skipping the check-in process. On the other hand, if you have hold luggage to drop off, you must wait in line at your airline’s desk to print the baggage tag, weigh your bags, and have them checked in.

Make sure to arrive at the correct terminal to avoid wasting time traveling between the two BCN buildings. Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a complimentary airport shuttle, while you can walk between the three sections of terminal 2. In any case, you should check your air ticket before heading to the airport to ensure you go to the right terminal.

Barcelona Airport also features self-service check-in points. The service is available only for certain airlines and only at terminal 1. The self-service machines can be found near the check-in desks in terminal 1, as well as in boarding areas A and B for connecting passengers to Schengen destinations and before the connecting security point for passengers flying to non-Schengen countries (Floor 2). Four airlines also offer self bag drop services. In other words, you can issue the baggage tag at the self-bag drop machine and drop it off at the designated baggage belts. Overall, self-service check-in and bag drop typically have much shorter waiting times than waiting in line at the check-in counters.

All passengers completing the check-in process—regardless of the method—must go through security screening. They need to present their boarding passes and proceed through the metal detectors. In the meantime, their carry-ons and personal items, placed in trays, pass through X-ray machines. Finally, both terminals’ security checkpoints feature a Fast Lane, dedicated to the airlines’ premium passengers.

Pack your hand luggage properly, following the airport’s rules on liquids and removing restricted items to minimize security screening times.

Are you traveling to a non-Schengen destination? After passing through security screening, you’ll proceed to passport control. There, you’ll need to present your passport, and depending on your destination, you may also be asked for additional documentation (vaccination certificates, visa, UK ETA, etc.). Passport control is considered the most time-consuming part of the departure procedures at BCN Airport.

Passengers traveling to Schengen destinations, after completing security control, and travelers to non-Schengen countries, after passport control, enter the airside part of their terminal. There, they have access to a wide variety of shopping and dining facilities, as well as various services and amenities, including lounges, beauty treatments, and children’s areas. Terminal 1, the largest and main terminal of the BCN complex, offers the most diverse range. Once you reach the post-security zone, you can explore your terminal’s amenities. However, you should always keep in mind the final part of the departure process: the boarding procedure. Make sure to locate your departing gate and allow enough time to reach it once it opens. Moreover, always keep an eye on the flight information screens to check for unexpected changes on departing gates. Barcelona Airport is a silent airport, where no announcements are made. As soon as the boarding gate opens, you’ll present your ID or passport and your boarding pass and make your way to the aircraft for your flight.

How to Spend your Free Time at BCN Airport

Have you completed the check-in, security and passport control procedures, and have time to spare until boarding the plane? Now it’s time to explore the airport and discover its numerous services and amenities. Taste mouthwatering Spanish tapas or indulge in international flavors, enjoy a rejuvenating coffee or a refreshing drink, or browse the shops. The BCN shopping and dining facilities are numerous and worth exploring, with terminal 1 offering the greatest variety. T1 also houses a chapel and a prayer room, while both terminals have spa facilities, well-equipped children’s areas, and luxurious lounges. Alternatively, if you want to rest before your flight, you can visit the Hotel Sleep&Fly, the airport hotel located in the pre-security area. In that case, plan your schedule carefully, as you’ll need to go through all departure procedures after checking out.

How to Get to Barcelona Airport

Planning your journey to El Prat Airport for your flight? Make sure to arrive 2-3 hours before departure (depending on your destination), while also allowing enough time for the ride to BCN. A car ride from Barcelona city center to BCN Airport takes around 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, it can take much longer if the roads are congested. Therefore, keep traffic in mind when traveling to the airport by taxi or private airport transfer. On the other hand, bus journeys last approximately 30-35 minutes. If you prefer the metro, the trip takes around 32 minutes. However, there is no metro line directly connecting downtown Barcelona to El Prat Airport. Lastly, the RENFE R2 Nord Line links the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona to BCN in about 20-25 minutes.

Where to Park at BCN Airport

Have you settled on arriving at Barcelona Airport with your own vehicle? Knowing your parking options is crucial to avoid wasting time finding a spot upon arrival. Which is your departing terminal? Terminal 1 is served by the T1 General Car Park, located close to the terminal doors. Premium parking services are also available within a designated area of the multi-story parking facility. On the other hand, the General Car Park of terminal 2 can be found within a 2-3-minute walk from the terminal building. Looking for luxurious parking? You should make use of the VIP Services, with your car picked up and dropped off right at the terminal entrance. Finally, a long-term parking lot is also available exclusively for passengers departing from terminal 1 who have made a prior reservation.

Express Car Parks for Drop-Offs

If you don’t want to park your vehicle but only drop off passengers at BCN Airport, you should use the Express Car Parks. Two facilities are available, each located outside the terminal buildings. Apart from their location, the Express Car Parks are recommended for drop-offs, as the first 10 minutes are free of charge. That being said, if you stay longer, you’ll pay the relevant fees.

Delayed Departures from BCN Airport

Why arrive early at the airport if your flight is delayed or, even worse, canceled? You can track all changes to the BCN flight schedule by checking our flight status table. Search for your flight by its number, airline, destination, or departure time. Stay updated on your flight’s departure and make your way to the airport accordingly.

Alternatively, the flight schedule is also available on the official airport’s website. Additionally, the airport’s customer support operates 24/7. You can contact the customer service at (+34) 913 211 000. Lastly, if you’ve already arrived at the airport, you can check your flight status on the numerous information screens throughout the Departures area. Additionally, information counters are available in both terminals, where travelers can request any necessary assistance.

FAQs

Which terminal is for departures in Barcelona?

Both terminals at Barcelona Airport handle departures. Overall, each terminal is assigned based on the operating airline and not the destination or the distinction between arrivals and departures. Therefore, most flights arrive at terminal 1, whereas terminal 2 primarily serves domestic routes and low-cost air carriers.

What terminal is for international departures at Barcelona?

In general terms, both Barcelona airport terminals handle international departures. However, most flights operate from terminal 1, which manages the majority of routes. Terminal 2 also serves some international destinations, typically operated by low-cost airlines.

How early should I arrive at Barcelona Airport?

If you’re flying to a Schengen destination, you should plan to arrive at the airport about 2 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight. On the other hand, if your destination is a non-Schengen country, arriving at the airport 3 hours before the flight departure is recommended to complete the departure procedures stress-free.