General Information about Barcelona Airport Transfer

Most of the tourists who travel by plane to Barcelona are landing at El Prat (BCN), a large and busy airport approximately 24 km from center of Barcelona – around 30 minutes by car. This is the international airport of the city, most of the flights lands here (mainly at Terminal 1). Nevertheless, in the surroundings are situated another two small airports. These are less significance but several planes land there too (mainly the low-cost flights, such as Ryanair). One of them is the Girona/Costa Brava airport (GRO) near Girona; it is approximately 1 hour drive from Barcelona. The other one is the airport of Reus (REU) in Costa Daurada, which is also 1 hour from the center of Barcelona.

Private Transfer

Barcelona Airport Private Transfer is a fast, comfortable and safe option for traveling to and from the airport. Comparing it with the regular airport taxis, this is a more personal service that focuses entirely on your most special needs. However, Barcelona’s airport private arrival transfer is considered the most expensive method for traveling from the airport to Barcelona.

This method is mainly recommended for those who are in a hurry, have large luggages, an accommodation outside the centre of Barcelona or are traveling during the night-time. Furthermore, it is advantageous for passengers with disabilities, families and large groups, but also for couples (for additional information – Hotels in Barcelona, Romantic Vacation in Barcelona, Visit Barcelona at night, Accessibility in Barcelona and Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer).

Shared Transfer

Barcelona Airport Shared Transfer is a less personalized service than the airport private transfer since you need to travel together with several other people. This results in a lower price but also in a quite quick and convenient service.

It is a suitable transfer option for disabled tourists and for night-time travellers. Nonetheless, large groups, families and those who have heavy luggages might have difficulties with this kind of service (for additional information – Accessibility in Barcelona, Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer, Visit Barcelona at night and Kids and Families in Barcelona).

Airport Taxis

Barcelona Airport Taxis are a direct, comfortable, reliable but expensive transportation method, which makes them very favorable for disabled travellers, families, groups and also for those who spend a romantic vacation in Barcelona. It is suggested to avoid them during the night because then you will be charged with an extra night-time fee (for additional information – Accessibility in Barcelona, Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer, Kids and Families in Barcelona and Visit Barcelona at night).

Aerobus

Aerobus Barcelona is a shuttle bus that operates between the international airport of Barcelona and the city. It is owned by Serveis Generals de Mobilitat i Transporta (SGMT), which is a private company; therefore it does not belong to Barcelona’s public transportation network, operated by TMB.

This service is dedicated particularly to tourists and due to this fact, it is quicker and more comfortable than the regular public buses. The price of the tickets is also advantageous, compared to those of the taxis and transfer vehicles (for additional information – Barcelona Airport Private Transfer, Barcelona Airport Shared Transfer, Barcelona Airport Taxis, TMB Airport Bus (Number 46) and Airport Night Buses).

It is a reasonable option for those who are traveling alone, but also as a couple; families and larger groups can find other, more favorable services. It is also recommended for visitors with mobility problems and those who have heavy luggages (for additional information – Accessibility in Barcelona, Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer and Kids and Families in Barcelona).

TMB Airport Bus (Number 46)

TMB Airport Bus (Number 46) can be considered the cheapest transportation method between El Prat and the city during the day-time. Nonetheless, it is quite uncomfortable and slow.

These buses are popular among tourists who are on a strict budget and want to save money. They are also fully accessible for disabled travellers; however, traveling by this service might be inconvenient for tourists who carry many luggages (for additional information – Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer and Accessibility in Barcelona).

Airport Night Buses

Similarly to TMB Airport Bus (Number 46), the Airport Night Buses provide a cheap but slow and less convenient transfer between El Prat and Barcelona. They are dedicated to passengers who are travelling during the night (for additional information – Visit Barcelona at night).

Night buses are advantageous mainly for those who are travelling alone, but also as a couple; however, taking a private transfer is rather suggested for groups and families (for additional information – Kids and Families in Barcelona and Barcelona Airport Private Transfer).

Like the other public bus lines in Barcelona, all of the airport night buses are fully accessible for wheelchair users (for additional information – Public Transportation in Barcelona, Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer and Accessibility in Barcelona).

Trains from the Airport

Trains from Barcelona Airport are a good option mainly during the rush hours, when the traffic is heavy. Furthermore, they are recommended for every tourist whose accommodation is near a train station, such as Passeig de Gracia and Sants (for additional information – Hotels in Barcelona, Hotels near Passeig de Gracia and Hotels near Sants).

If you have mobility problems, be aware that not all of airport trains and stations are adapted for wheelchair users. Thus, it is advised to check with them before you buy a train ticket (for additional information – Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer and Accessibility in Barcelona).

Metro Line 9 (orange)

Among the public transportation methods, we can also mention Metro Line 9 (orange); however, it is not a highly recommended option since it does not take you directly to the center of the city; moreover, except weekends, it is unavailable during the night (for additional information – Visit Barcelona at night).

Car Rental from the Airport

Due to the heavy traffic, the old, narrow streets in the city center and the unfavorable parking conditions, Car Rental from Barcelona Airport can be advantageous just for those who plan to visit the city during an extended road trip in Catalonia, Spain or Andorra. For these visitors, the traveling experience will be a comfortable, direct and quick one (for additional information – Car Rental in Spain).

Additionally, disabled travellers need to do a careful research in order to find a company suitable for them since the number of adapted cars is limited (for additional information – Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer and Accessibility in Barcelona).

Tips and Recommendations

• If you want a personalized and convenient service, you can book a transfer company or a taxi but remember to announce your special needs in advance, if required (for additional information – Barcelona Airport Private Transfer, Barcelona Airport Shared Transfer and Barcelona Airport Taxis).
• For any taxi ride from El Prat to Barcelona, you have to pay a minimum fixed fare of 20€. Therefore, it is advised to refrain from ordering a taxi, if your hotel is close to the airport.
• Avoid getting scammed by choosing official taxi services. These companies focus on transparency and their prices are determined and controlled by IMET (Metropolitan Taxi Institute).
• While many shared and private transfer companies offer price reduction for disabled passengers and/or for small children, the biggest part of the regular taxi companies do not grant any discount for them (for additional information – Accessibility in Barcelona and Accessibility of Barcelona Airport Transfer).
• On Aerobus Barcelona and TMB Airport Bus (Number 46) children under 4 years of age do not need to pay for their ticket (for additional information – Kids and Families in Barcelona).
• Regardless of the transportation method, be prepared for any possible delays at all times. Because these delays happen due to the heavy traffic, trains are the best option if you are in a hurry.
• If you accidentally arrive at the wrong terminal, there is a free shuttle bus that travels between the two terminals.
• The only train station available at the airport is at Terminal 2. Hence, if your flight arrives at Terminal 1, you need to use the free shuttle bus that is operating between the two terminals.