Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (code BCN) is Spain's second airport, with direct flights from many European and intercontinental cities. It lies south-west of the city, in El Prat de Llobregat, about 15 kilometres from plaça de Catalunya. It is part of the Barcelona guide.
Terminals
The airport has two terminals, about four kilometres apart and linked by a free shuttle bus every 5-10 minutes:
- T1, the main terminal designed by Ricardo Bofill, used by Vueling, Iberia, ITA Airways and most full-service airlines.
- T2, divided into T2A, T2B and T2C, used mainly by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.
Check your terminal on your ticket: it changes the most convenient way into town.
Ways to reach the centre
| Transport | From | Arrives | Time | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobús | T1 and T2 | Plaça d'Espanya, Gran Via, plaça de Catalunya | about 35 minutes | around 7 euros |
| Metro L9 Sud | T1 and T2 | Zona Universitària, with changes for the centre | 40-50 minutes to the centre | airport ticket 5.90 euros |
| R2 Nord train | T2 (shuttle from T1) | Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, Clot | 20-25 minutes to Sants | standard ticket or T-casual |
| City bus 46 | T1 and T2 | Plaça d'Espanya | 30-40 minutes | standard ticket |
| Taxi | T1 and T2 | Any address | 25-35 minutes | about 35-40 euros with surcharges |
By Aerobús
The Aerobús is the simplest option: direct blue buses with plenty of luggage space, leaving every 5-10 minutes from both terminals (separate lines for T1 and T2) and stopping at plaça d'Espanya, the Gran Via and plaça de Catalunya, in the heart of the city. It runs from early morning until after midnight. Tickets are sold online, at machines or on board by card; a return ticket is better value.
By metro
Line 9 Sud (orange) links both terminals with the city, but doesn't reach the centre directly: change at Torrassa (line 1), Collblanc (line 5) or Zona Universitària (line 3). You need a special airport ticket costing 5.90 euros, because standard single tickets and the T-casual aren't valid for airport stations; the Hola Barcelona travel card and some passes are valid. It suits those staying near lines 1, 3 or 5.
By train
The Rodalies R2 Nord train leaves from the airport station, linked to T2 by a footbridge (from T1 take the shuttle first), roughly every 30 minutes. In about twenty minutes it reaches Sants, then Passeig de Gràcia and Clot. With a T-casual the trip counts as zone 1, so it is the cheapest option. Ideal if you're catching a train at Sants or staying in the Eixample.
By taxi
Barcelona's official taxis are black and yellow. From the airport you pay the meter plus an airport surcharge; a ride to the centre usually costs 35-40 euros. Taxi ranks are outside both terminals. Ride-hailing apps and pre-booked private transfers are also available.
Alternative airports
Some low-cost airlines also use:
- Girona-Costa Brava Airport, about 100 km north, linked to Barcelona by direct buses in about an hour and a quarter;
- Reus Airport, near Tarragona, about 110 km south, with buses to Barcelona in an hour and a half.
Work out transfer times and costs before booking a flight to these airports.
Tips
- Arriving at T2 and heading to the Eixample, the R2 train is cheap and fast.
- Arriving at T1 and staying in the old centre, the Aerobús to plaça de Catalunya is most convenient.
- The Hola Barcelona tourist card covers metro trips to and from the airport.
- Watch out for pickpockets at the airport and on the metro too, especially with luggage.
For getting around the city see getting around Barcelona.