Transfer Options from Barcelona Airport to City Center
BCN Airport is efficiently connected to the city center. Both public and private transportation options are available, allowing passengers to choose the alternative that best suits their needs and, of course, their pocket! Thus, the airport public transportation system is being handled by the RENFE train, the subway, the day and night public buses, and the fast Aerobus. On the other hand, Barcelona airport taxis are always waiting outside both terminals, while numerous private transfer and car rental companies operate at BCN Airport.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 35-40€ | 35-40$ | 25 min |
| Bus 46/N17/N18 | 2.55€ | 2.55$ | 35 min |
| Aerobus | 7.25€ | 7.25$ | 30 min |
| Train | 4.90€ | 4.90$ | 20-25 min |
| Metro | 5.50€ | 5.50$ | 32 min |
Barcelona Airport to City Center by Taxi
A Barcelona airport taxi is undoubtedly the most comfortable and convenient way to reach your accommodation in the city center. Barcelona’s black and yellow taxis have a distinctive “TAXI” sign on their roof with a green light on it, indicating whether they are available or not. The official taxi stands are located just outside each terminal building, and airport taxis are always to be found waiting in line.
Barcelona taxis are metered, meaning that the final tariff is calculated by a taximeter, based on the traversed distance. Airport transfers have a minimum fare of 21€/21$, but in general terms, a ride from El Prat Airport to the city center costs 35-40€/35-40$ during the day shift, whereas at night, on Saturdays or during holidays, you should expect to be charged approximately 40€/40$. Overall the taxi ride lasts about 25 minutes, depending on the traffic and the exact location of the destination point.
We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Barcelona Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.
- Local English-speaking drivers
- Flat, pre-paid fee
- Flight monitoring for delays
- 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation
Barcelona Airport to City Center by Bus
If you decide to reach Barcelona city center by bus, then you’ll have two alternative options. The TMB Bus 46 and the Nitbus N17 and N18 offer affordable and reliable transfer services from and to the airport. Bus Line 46 operates from 05:30 am to 11:50 pm, passes every 15-20 minutes from both terminal buildings, and takes about 30-35 minutes to arrive at Plaça España. On the other hand, the Night Bus N17 runs from 09:55 pm to 04:50 am every 15 minutes and takes 40 minutes to reach the city center. However, N17 stops only at the T1 bus stop, whereas N18 departs from both terminals. It has available routes every 15 minutes from 00:18 am to 04:33 am (from 00:25 am to 04:40 am from terminal 2). The bus ticket costs just 2.55€/2.55$. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t opt for those buses if you are in a hurry (as they make a lot of intermediate stops), or if you carry lots of baggage.
Alternatively, you can use the fast Aerobus lines. The Aerobus A1 departs from T1 every 5-20 minutes (depending on the time of the day), while the Aerobus A2 runs at a 10-20-minute frequency, departing from the T2B and T2C sections’ bus stops. Both lines need about 35 minutes to get to Pl. Catalunya. Their cost is higher (a single ticket costs 7.25€/7.25$ and a round trip 12.50€/12.50$), but they have plenty of storage space, offer Wi-Fi and charging ports, and run 24/7.
Our Tip: The tickets for public buses can be bought through the airport’s automatic machines or online. Alternatively, passengers can purchase them onboard using contactless payment. On the other hand, the Aerobus tickets are available online, and through the BCN terminals’ automatic devices. Moreover, they can be bought from the Customer Service Office of terminal 1.
Barcelona Airport to City Center by Train
The RENFE R2 Nord Line connects the airport to the city of Barcelona. Departing every 30 minutes from the Airport Train Station located outside the T2 terminal building, the R2 Nord Line runs from 5:42 am to 11:38 pm. Thus, if your arrival terminal is T1, you’ll have to take the free shuttle bus that connects the 2 terminals. The free shuttle buses are always available at the airport and need about 10 minutes to get from one terminal to the other. The Train R2 Nord takes 20-25 minutes to get to the Metropolitan area of Barcelona and costs 4.90€/4.90$.
Our Tip 1: Line R2 has 3 sublines. Only R2 Nord passes through the airport.
Our Tip 2: The train stations aren’t exactly located in the city center. Thus, you should choose wisely your disembarkation station and either walk on foot or change to another metro/train line.
Barcelona Airport to City Center by Metro
The Orange L9 Sud Line connects the airport to the city center, passing from both terminal buildings. The Barcelona airport metro runs every 7 minutes from 5:00 am to midnight, and from 5:00 am to 2:00 on Fridays, and on public holidays (on Saturdays it runs all night long). Its travel time is about 32 minutes and the ticket costs 5.50€/5.50$.
Our Tip: Same as the train, the metro stations aren’t to be found at the exact heart of the city. Hence, you’ll have to change lines to reach your destination. Get off the L9 Sud Line at the final Zona Universitaria Station and hop on the Green Line 3, or transit to the Blue Line 5 at Collblanc Station.
Car Rental from Barcelona Airport to City Center
Do you want to be completely independent? Are you planning on renting your own car and reaching your accommodation in Barcelona city center stress-free, without having to use either public transportation means or a private transfer? As long as you make your car rental reservation in advance, you’ll find out that traversing the distance from BCN Airport to downtown isn’t a demanding task.
Thus, if you are landing at T1, you should head to the highway B-22 and reach the C-31 to Barcelona. After 11km, you should continue to Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. From that point, you’ll have to use the local roads to reach your exact destination. On the other hand, if your departure point is T2, you’ll have to get to C-31 via C-32B and follow the same route.
Private Airport Transfers from Barcelona Airport to City Center
Private transfers are the most up-to-date transportation method, especially when it comes to airport rides. There is nothing more relaxing and comfortable than knowing that your personal driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals hall of BCN Airport, escort you to the vehicle of your choice, and drive you to Barcelona city center in peace and ease. Plenty of private transfer companies function at the airport. Hence, the most low-cost private transfer and the best deals are only a web search away.
FAQs
How much is the train from Barcelona Airport to city center?
The R2 Nord train ticket costs 4.90€/4.90$ for a single transfer. However, if you are planning on using Barcelona’s public transportation network, you should choose one of the Hola Barcelona Travel Passes, which allows you to travel unlimitedly, using any public transportation means, for 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours in a row.
How much is a taxi from Barcelona Airport to city center?
Barcelona airport taxis are metered, and therefore, the exact fare is calculated via a taximeter. Nevertheless, you should expect to pay approximately 35-40€/35-40$ during the day and 40€/40$ at night, on Saturdays, or during public holidays.
How far is Barcelona Airport from the city center?
Barcelona Airport is located close to the city center, approximately 15km/9.3 miles from the heart of the city. Thus, a taxi ride from BCN Airport to the city center lasts around 25 minutes, while the R2 Nord Train takes 20-25 minutes to get to its final stop. The L9 Sud metro line needs 32 minutes to traverse this distance. Finally, the travel time with Buses 46, N17, and N18 is 35 minutes, whereas the fast Aerobus reaches the downtown area in 25 minutes.