Barcelona-El Prat Airport is a major transport hub that connects the vibrant city of Barcelona with destinations around the world. Located around 12 kilometres (southwest) from the city centre, the airport is one of the gateways for millions of people every year.

Barcelona Airport has the airport code "BCN", which makes it easy for travellers and airlines to recognise and identify it. Barcelona Airport is a medium sized airport and plays a crucial role in the region's transport sector. It was opened in 1916 and has since expanded and modernised to handle the growing number of passengers. Its name, "El Prat", is derived from the name of the neighbouring town, El Prat de Llobregat, where the airport is located.

Currently, the airport handles an average of around 200 flights daily, connecting Barcelona to destinations all over the world. Annually, more than 50 million passengers travel through Barcelona Airport, making it one of the busiest airports in Europe.

Travellers have several transport options available to reach the city centre from the airport. Find the best one for you or your group.

Metro from Barcelona Airport to/from Barcelona city centre

The airport has a direct metro line, L9 Sud (Terminal T1), which connects the arrivals terminal with the centre of Barcelona. The time taken to get from the arrivals area to the metro station is relatively short, taking only a few minutes on foot.

The duration of the metro journey from Barcelona Airport to the city centre varies depending on the final destination, but generally takes around 30 to 40 minutes. The price of the single ticket varies around €4.60. The interval between metro routes is generally 5 to 10 minutes for most of the day.

Metro Barcelona Airport - Barcelona City: Metro line L9 Sud - Terminal T1

Opening hours: 05h00 - 00h00

Duration: 30-40 mins (Airport - Barcelona centre)

Waiting time: 5-10 min

Price: EUR 4.60

Tickets: Automatic machines or customer service counters.

Tips: Purchase tickets in advance; validate your ticket before boarding the train to avoid fines.

Pros: Clean and comfortable seats; air-conditioned.

Cons: Limited seating; overcrowding at peak times; occasional disruptions and delays.

Public bus from Barcelona Airport to/from Barcelona city centre

The most common lines are Aerobús, line 46 during the day, and line N17 for night-time travel. The airport arrivals terminal is located opposite the airport terminals. It generally only takes a few minutes on foot to reach the bus station from the terminal.

The length of the journey can vary depending on traffic and the line chosen, but on average it takes around 30 to 45 minutes to get to the centre of Barcelona. The fare can vary depending on the line chosen but generally costs between €2.20 and €5.00. The buses operate at 10 to 30 minute intervals.

Bus Barcelona Airport - Barcelona City: Aerobús, line 46 and line N17 (night trips)

Schedule: 05h30 - 01h00

Duration: 30-45 minutes (Airport - Barcelona city centre)

Waiting time: 10-30 min

Price: EUR 2,20-5,00

Tickets: Vending machines; on board the buses (important to have the exact amount as change may not be provided)

Tips: Check bus timetables; use public transport cards for ease of purchase; at peak times, consider early departure to avoid overcrowding on buses.

Pros: Affordable price compared to other options; Frequent  and flexible connections; accessibility.

Cons: Traffic (travel time can be affected by traffic congestion); limited space; possibility of occasional delays; inconvenience for passengers with a lot of luggage.

Barcelona Airport taxi to/from central hotels in Barcelona

The taxi station is located opposite the airport terminals. It takes only a few minutes' walk to reach the taxi station from the terminal.

The taxi journey from Barcelona Airport to the city centre under normal conditions generally takes 20 to 30 minutes. The average cost of the taxi journey from Barcelona Airport to the city centre is approximately between €25 and €35. Taxis are in continuous operation ready to serve arriving passengers.

Taxi Barcelona Airport - Barcelona City Opening hours: 24h

Duration: 20-30 mins (Airport - Barcelona centre)

Waiting time: 0 - 5 min (depending on the existing queue for travellers taking taxis)

Price: EUR 25,00-35,00

Tickets: Driver, cash recommended.

Tips: Opt for licensed and properly identified taxis; communicate objectively to the driver the exact destination; plan your journey taking into consideration possible delays.

Pros: Convenience and speed; spacious; air-conditioned; direct travel.

Cons: Higher cost; Possibility of traffic congestion (peak hours); Dependence on the availability of taxis at the station (uncertain). Not suitable for large groups with lots of luggage

Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to/from central hotels in Barcelona

It is quick and easy to book a transfer from Barcelona Airport to the city centre. Passengers are usually met at the arrivals terminal by the designated driver, making the departure process quick and efficient. The private transfer service is usually responsive and efficient, providing a quicker journey compared to other transport options.

The private transfers offer a personalised and exclusive service, being programmed according to the passengers' individual needs.

Private Transfer Barcelona Airport - Barcelona City Opening hours: 24h

Duration: 20-30 mins (Airport - Barcelona centre)

Dwell time: 0

Price: EUR 19-61 (per vehicle)

Tickets: Online

Tips: Book the private transfer in advance to ensure availability; clearly communicate your arrival and departure details to the transfer driver.

Pros: Offers a high level of passenger comfort; speed and efficiency; modern and spacious vehicles; equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and comfortable seats; personalized and exclusive service, providing a quiet and relaxing experience; flexibility of schedules. Suitable for large groups or travellers with lots of luggage.

Cons: Possible delays due to unforeseen traffic or other external factors; if you are travelling alone, not the cheapest option (the bigger the group, the cheaper the service).

You can also travel from your hotel or flat to Barcelona airport on this transfer.

If you are arriving by train, you can choose this transfer to move to your accommodation. If you are arriving by cruise ship, you may choose this transfer to move to the airport.

If you want to get around Barcelona, you can also choose a transfer/shuttle from/to the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Girona or Andorra.