General
Overview
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) is Spain’s second-busiest international hub, featuring two main terminals.
Transfer Options
The following transport options are available from/to Barcelona Airport:
Spain has a history of transit strikes. TMB metro/bus routes (L9 Sud) and the Aerobús can be disrupted with little notice. Check the TMB service status before you travel. The Official Taxi is the reliable fallback when public transport is suspended.
Luggage Storage
Operated by Excess Baggage Company in T1 (Floor 0).
Visitor Cards and Passes
Skip ticket queues by purchasing passes at Barcelona Turisme information desks in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or inside Sants Station.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card
Best for transit. Includes unlimited metro, bus, tram, and Zone 1 regional trains (Rodalies). Crucially, this includes the €5.90 Airport Metro supplement.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 48h | €18.70 |
| 72h | €27.30 |
| 96h | €35.60 |
| 120h | €43.60 |
Barcelona Card
Ideal for sightseers. Includes all public transit plus free entry to 25+ museums.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 48h | €39 |
| 72h | €59 |
| 96h | €69 |
| 120h | €79 |
T-casual
A 10-journey integrated card (€13.00 + €0.50 for the card). Note: This does not include the Airport Metro (L9), but it does include the Airport Train (R2 Nord).
Source: TMB - T-casualChildren’s Fares
Under 4 travel free on all TMB metro/bus routes and on the Aerobús - no ticket needed.
Ages 4 and over pay the full adult fare on TMB metro/bus and on the Aerobús. The T-16 resident card is for Catalan residents only and is not available to tourists.
Source: TMB - Transport Ticket Fares 2026 Source: Aerobús Barcelona - RatesUse the TMB App to manage your tickets and check metro/bus times, and use the Rodalies de Catalunya app to check real-time platform numbers and delay alerts for commuter trains.
Purchase the Hola Barcelona Travel Card via the TMB website or TMB App to receive a 10% discount. You will receive a voucher code to print your physical card at any station ticket machine.
NOTE: The official TMB App allows you to top up cards digitally. However, certain “personalized” digital tickets require ID verification that can take up to 48 hours. For a first-time visit, it is safer to buy a physical card at station machines.
Public Transit
Train (R2 Nord)
The R2 Nord train costs €5.05 (4-zone single) or counts as Zone 1 if using a T-casual. It takes 27 minutes to reach Passeig de Gràcia. The station is located only at Terminal 2.
Source: Rodalies de CatalunyaMetro (L9 Sud)
Costs €5.90 for a special airport ticket (unless using a Hola Barcelona card). It is frequent but requires a transfer at Torrassa to reach the city center, taking roughly 50 minutes. You must scan your ticket both when entering and exiting.
Source: TMB - Airport TicketExpress Bus
Aerobús: Costs €7.75 one-way or €13.30 return. It features dedicated luggage racks and takes 35 minutes to reach Plaça de Catalunya. A1 Bus serves Terminal 1; A2 Bus serves Terminal 2.
Source: Aerobús Barcelona - FaresIf you land at Terminal 1, you must take the free green shuttle bus to Terminal 2 to access the train. For Aerobús, ensure you board the correct line (A1 or A2) for your terminal.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Barcelona Airport is fully accessible. The Barrier Free service (Sin Barreras) provides free assistance (look for yellow vests). We recommend booking 48 hours in advance.
Source: Aena (Barcelona Airport) - Barrier Free serviceSafety
Be vigilant in the Aerobús queue and near the Metro L9 entrance. Watch out for the “distraction” scam (e.g., pointing out a “stain” on clothes).
Essential Services
Lost & Found
Located in T1 Floor 1. Contact: (+34) 932 596 440 or objetosperdidosbcn@aena.es.
Source: Aena Barcelona Airport - Lost PropertyFirst Aid & Pharmacies
- Pharmacies: T1 Floor 3 (Departures) and T2B Floor 0 (Arrivals).
- Medical: A first-aid station is located on T1 Floor 0 (Arrivals).
Arrival
Official Taxi
Official Taxi colors are black and yellow. Follow “Taxi” signs to the lower levels. Fare to center: €30–€40. There is a mandatory €4.60 airport supplement and a minimum fare of €21.
Taxi drivers must display a list of official surcharges (station pickup, luggage, night hours) on a sticker on the rear passenger window. If the price seems incorrect, ask for a printed receipt (“Recibo”).
Rideshare
Licensed rideshare vehicles (VTC) in Spain must display a blue license plate at the rear. Always verify this matches your app for safety.
ATMs and Currency
Always choose “Decline Conversion” at ATMs and pay in Euros. Letting the ATM do the conversion to your home currency (USD/CAD/GBP) can cost an extra 5-10% in hidden fees.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
Arrival Time
For US/Canada bound flights, arrive 3 hours early. Terminal 1 is massive; walking to Gates D or E (Non-Schengen) can take 20 minutes. For European flights, 2 hours is sufficient.
Check-in
Check-in counters are on Floor 3 in Terminal 1 and Floor 0 in Terminal 2.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Located on Floor 3 (T1) and Floor 1 (T2). You must remove liquids (100ml containers) and large electronics from your bag. There is a “Family and Reduced Mobility” lane available.
Passport Control
Required for all non-Schengen departures (Gates D and E in T1, Gates M, N, O, P, Q, R in T2). EU citizens can use automated e-gates.
Source: Aena - Priority AccessHigh-speed platform numbers are often announced only 20 minutes before departure; boarding closes strictly 2 minutes before the train leaves. At the airport, staff are accommodating to passengers with limited mobility in security lanes.
VAT Refunds
Location
In Terminal 1, DIVA kiosks are on Floor 3, near the security entrance. In Terminal 2, they are in the T2B check-in hall.
Process (DIVA System)
- Scan tax-free forms at a DIVA kiosk before checking bags. Kiosks are on Floor 3 in T1 and in the T2B check-in hall.
- If the screen turns green, you are validated. If red, see the Civil Guard officer adjacent.
- Collect cash or credit refunds at Global Blue or Planet desks after passing through security.
Customs officers may inspect purchases. Keep high-value items in your carry-on; if you pack them in checked luggage, you must visit the DIVA kiosk before the airline check-in counter.