This guide compares all available airport transfers at Barcelona Airport (BCN) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and official links to book or buy tickets.
Public and private transfers from the airport to the city
Barcelona Airport (BCN), also known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is the main international airport of Barcelona and is located about 14 km southwest of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Barcelona by Public Bus, Express Bus, Public Train, Metro, Taxi, Private Transfer (Welcome Pickups) or Uber.
Transfer comparison from BCN airport to downtown
Overview of all transfer options from Barcelona Airport to the City Center (Plaza de España, Plaça de Catalunya)
| Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Public Bus | 45 Min. | 2,40 € | Details |
|
Express Bus | 35 Min. | 7,50 € | Details |
 |
Train | 35 Min. | 4,60 € | Details |
 |
Metro | 50 Min. | 5,15 € | Details |
 |
Taxi | 25 Min. | 30‑40 € | Details |
 |
Private Transfer |
25 Min. | 40 € | Details |
 |
Uber | 25 Min. | 30 € | Details |
Notices:
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
45 minutesCost:
2,40 € ppDescription:
Public bus line ’46’ from Barcelona Airport (Bus stop in front of Terminal 1 & 2) to “Plaza de España” in the city center of Barcelona, here you can change to metro lines ‘L1’ and ‘L3’
Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
35 minutesCost:
7,50 € ppDescription:
Aerobús line ‘A1’ (Bus stop at Terminal 1) or line ‘A2’ (Bus stop at Terminal 2) from Barcelona Airport (BCN) to “Plaza de España”, “Plaça de la Universitat”, “Plaça de Catalunya”. Few stops and free WiFi
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
35 minutesCost:
4,60 € pp (4 zones)Description:
RENFE train line ‘R2-Nord’ from Barcelona Airport (Station “Aeroport” in front of Terminal 2) to city center stations “Barcelona-Sants”, “Barcelona-Passeig de Gràcia” or “Barcelona-El-Clot”
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
50 minutesCost:
5,15 € ppDescription:
Metro line ‘L9 Sud’ from Barcelona Airport (Station “Aeroport” in front of Terminal 1 & 2) to “Torrassa Station”, change here to Metro line ‘L1’ to “Plaça de Catalunya”, right in the centre of Barcelona
Official local taxis
Travel time:
25 minutesCost:
30‑40 €Description:
Taxi from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (Taxis in front of Terminal 1 & 2) to the center of Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
25 minutesCost:
40 €Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Barcelona Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya or to your accommodation in the city
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
25 minutesCost:
30 €Description:
Uber from Barcelona Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to central Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya or directly to your accommodationBarcelona Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Barcelona:
Things to know about Barcelona:
1. Barcelona is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2. With the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona got its own 4.5 km long bathing beach
3. Pablo Picasso spent his formative years in Barcelona and studied at its School of Fine Arts