Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is well-connected to downtown Barcelona via various transportation options. Located approximately 12 kilometers from the city, most transfers take around 40 minutes, including wait times.
The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, and departure points differ for each mode of transport. Below is a guide to the available transfer options.
Barcelona El Prat Airport
1. Aerobus: The Official Shuttle Service
The Aerobus is a fast and affordable shuttle that connects the airport to the city center. It operates from both Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2) and stops at key locations, including Plaça Espanya, Gran Via-Urgell, and Plaça Universitat, with Plaça Catalunya as the final destination.
Details:
- Duration: 35 minutes.
- Cost: €12.25 (one way), €18.50 (round trip).
Schedule:
- From T1: 5:35 AM – 1:05 AM.
- From T2: 5:35 AM – 1:00 AM.
Return trips start at 5:00 AM and end at 12:30 AM.
- Frequency: Every 5 to 10 minutes
Tickets can be purchased online, at vending machines in the terminals, or directly from the driver (cash payments must not exceed €20). Children under 4 travel for free.
Stops:
- T1: Located one floor below the arrivals hall, near the ramp at the terminal’s end.
- T2: To the left of the arrivals hall; passengers at T2C should head to T2A or T2B to find the stop.
2. Train (Renfe Service)
Trains provide a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel from Terminal 2 to central Barcelona, stopping at Estació Sants and Passeig de Gràcia. For those arriving at Terminal 1, a free green shuttle bus connects to Terminal 2.
Details:
- Duration: 30 minutes.
- Cost: €5.50 (one way).
- Schedule: First train departs T2 at 5:42 AM; the last train leaves at 11:28 PM. Return trips start at 5:08 AM from Passeig de Gràcia.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or ticket counters at the train station. Alternatively, the Hola BCN card offers unlimited access to public transportation, including the airport train.
3. Metro (Line 9)
Barcelona Airport is connected to the metro network via Line 9 (L9), with stations at both T1 and T2. While L9 does not go directly to the city center, passengers can transfer at Torrassa for Line 1 or at Collblanc for Line 5 to reach destinations like Plaça Catalunya or Sagrada Familia.
Details:
- Duration: 30 minutes.
- Cost: €5.50.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased at vending machines in metro stations or online via the Hola BCN card for extended city travel.
4. City Bus (Line 46)
Bus 46 provides a budget-friendly option to travel from both terminals to Plaça Espanya.
Details:
- Duration: 30–35 minutes.
- Cost: €4.60 (one way).
- Schedule: Operates from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM.
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased onboard or through the Hola BCN card for broader public transport use.
5. Night Bus (Lines N16, N17, and N18)
For late-night arrivals, the night bus is the only public transport option to reach the city center.
Details:
- Duration: 30–40 minutes.
- Cost: €5.50.
- Schedule: Operates from 9:55 PM to 4:45 AM.
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Routes:
- N17 serves Terminal 1.
- N16 serves Terminal 2.
- N18 serves both terminals and acts as a backup during peak hours.
By choosing one of these convenient transportation options, travelers can easily navigate their way from the airport to the vibrant heart of Barcelona. Each option caters to different schedules, budgets, and preferences, ensuring a seamless start to the journey.
Barcelona El Prat Airport T1: A Complete Guide
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