Barcelona Airport Transfers

Are you eager to get to Barcelona and start enjoying your trip? Then read these tips on how to get to Barcelona from the airport and before you know it you will be walking the streets of the city and marveling at its genuine corners.

The trick to arrive at your travel destination full of energy is actually quite simple: avoiding public transportation to get from the airport to the city will save you queues, crowds, and in this day and age, it is the least safe option.

Therefore, I recommend you to book a private transfer to get to your hotel from the airport. Barcelona has only one airport, popularly known as El Prat, so in this case you will not have to worry about choosing your arrival airport.

How do private transfers between the airport and Barcelona work?

With this option you will arrive at your accommodation in Barcelona from the airport in less than 30 minutes, whatever time it is because they operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When booking your transfer online you must provide your flight details. This way, the transfer operator is aware of any delays or problems with your flight, and the driver knows exactly where to wait for you with the car at the airport exit.

You must also provide your hotel address and a contact phone number: this way, the driver will take you directly to your destination and if you have any problems or can not find the transfer vehicle you will be able to contact the company.

The vehicles are high-end, have air conditioning and WiFi on board, are adapted for all needs and ages and you will not have to worry about where and how to place your luggage, unlike public transport. When you meet your driver, he will help you with your luggage (which can be a maximum of one suitcase and a handbag, but if you have additional luggage you can communicate it by email after making your reservation).

You also have the possibility to hire a transfer from the airport to the port of Barcelona to arrive in a very comfortable way and embark on your cruise, with this private transfer.

The transfer back to the airport

If you book a private transfer to the airport from your hotel in Barcelona, you will have to provide your flight details. This way the company will know what time to pick you up at your accommodation so that you arrive at the airport in plenty of time to avoid missing your flight.

I recommend that you book your transfer in advance so that the driver will be waiting for you on arrival and avoid long cab queues.

In case you opt for public transport to get to Barcelona from the airport or go from your hotel, it will take between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the method of transport you choose. Here is a complete guide to know everything in advance and lose as little time as possible to start enjoying as soon as possible:

Arriving in Barcelona by Aerobus from the airport

This service is one of the cheapest of all the options you have to get to Barcelona from the airport, with a ticket costing 5,90 € (one way) or 10,20 € (round trip).

Normally, the bus leaves every 5 or 10 minutes within a fixed schedule, and you can catch it at the designated stops in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The Aerobus will take you to the city center, and you can get off at Plaza España or Plaza Cataluña, as well as other stops that you can check at the bus shelter or on the official Aerobus website.

You can also book your Aerobus ticket in advance on official websites such as Hellotickets, and you can select one-way or return tickets, the latter valid for up to 15 days. You will avoid the hassle of having to get the tickets on arrival at the airport.

Arriving to Barcelona by Bus 46 from the airport

This bus operates only during the day, with transfers to and from the airport to both terminals, stopping first at T2 and then T1. Compared to the Aerobus, the 46 has more stops in the city and the big advantage is that you can use the T-Casual transport ticket, which I recommend you purchase for your trip to Barcelona.

Getting to Barcelona from the airport on the 46 bus will still be cheaper than the Aerobus, but the crowds and discomfort may not be worth it.

Arriving in Barcelona at night by NitBus N17 from the airport

This service is pretty much the same as the 46 bus transfer, but operating at night, which means that if you are arriving on an early morning flight this is your option if you want to save (although in this case, I highly recommend booking a transfer in a private vehicle, it will make your life much easier).

As with the 46 bus, you can use the T-Casual card on the NitBus N17.

Getting to Barcelona by train from the airport

RENFE trains run approximately every 30 minutes from the airport to the city and vice versa, with a transfer time of approximately 25 minutes, which means that on a bad luck day it could take you about an hour to get to Barcelona from the airport.

On the airport transfer you can get off at Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or Clot, and take the metro there to go to your destination anywhere in the city. If your flight lands at Terminal 1, a shuttle will take you to the train station from outside the terminal.

Getting to Barcelona by metro from the airport

Line 9 of the Barcelona metro connects the city with the airport, which has two stops: Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2. The price of a one-way ticket is 5,15 € and the best thing about the Barcelona metro is that it has a fairly extensive schedule, from 5:00 to 24:00 hours.

For me, it is the most uncomfortable option for having to go up and down stairs with the suitcases on your back, but if you travel very light or with just a backpack, it can be a very good alternative to other methods of transport.

Once you've figured out how to get from the airport to your hotel, it's time to start planning the activities, routes or monuments you want to visit in the city. I recommend, whatever your tastes, that you do not miss the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, icons of Barcelona. I leave you here my practical guides to get you warmed up: Barcelona Park Güell Tickets and Tours y Sagrada Familia - Skip The Line Tickets.