Flats in Barcelona

Arriving from Barcelona (BCN) Airport

Barcelona´s main airport is El Prat airport, which is situated approximately 13km from the city centre. There are a number of ways to reach the city centre from El Prat:

Bus: The Aerobus leaves El Prat Airport every day at regular intervals (every 15 to 30 minutes) between 6am and midnight. The journey takes between 20 and 40 minutes depending on traffic, and a single journey costs about 4 euros. You can get the bus at Plaza Catalunya, Plaza Espanya and Plaza Universitat, which are all centrally located with nearby Metro stations (Catalunya and Espanya also have regional train stations). The bus also stops at these destinations when returning from the airport.

Train: El Prat also has its own train station with trains departing approximately every 30 minutes. The train takes about 25 minutes to arrive at Barcelona Sants Estacio (a main train station) or Passeig de Gracia station, both of which are central stations with Metro links. If you are going to be using the Barcelona train, bus or Metro network again during your visit to the city, it is worth buying a T10 card, a metro pass which offers 10 journeys for only 7.70 euros.

Taxi: Arriving by taxi from the airport is a quick and easy mode of transport, especially if you have lots of luggage. There are plenty of taxis at El Prat airport, and the trip takes about 20 minutes (depending on traffic). You should expect to pay around 25 euros to get to the city centre. Be aware that taxis in Barcelona charge extra costs for each item of luggage, and there is an airport surcharge also.

Arriving from Girona or Reus Airports

Bus: There are bus services operating from Girona and Reus airports into the centre of Barcelona. From Girona the journey is about 1 hour 15 minutes, from Reus about 1 hour 30 minutes (but times may vary depending on traffic). One-way tickets are 11 to 12 euros. These buses tend to be scheduled to leave according to the arrival times of Ryanair flights from the UK.

Train: There are train stations in Girona and Reus cities, but not at the airports. In order to get trains from Girona or Reus, which is the cheapest option, you will need to travel from the airport to the closest train station.

Taxi: There are taxis available at the airports, however a direct trip to Barcelona is likely to cost at least 120 euros.

Getting Around Barcelona

Metro:

The Barcelona Metro (Subway / Underground) is excellent. It is the most efficient form of public transport within the city. The Metro will take you to basically anywhere you need within the city. The Metro stations are marked by signs with the letter M enclosed in a red diamond shape.

Opening hours are 5am-12am Sun-Thurs, 5am-2am Fridays, and 24 hours on Saturdays and selected public holidays.

The Metro is generally clean and air conditioned, making travelling through the city during the hot Summer months very comfortable. It can, however, get crowded during peak hours.

Be aware that pickpocketers do operate on the Barcelona Metro. Ensure that your belongings are secure and that keep an eye (or hand) on them at all times.

If you plan to use the Metro for multiple journeys, there are a number of different passes that you can purchase. These passes can also be used on some of Barcelona´s buses, trains and trams. For further information, check the Barcelona Metro website, or visit your nearest Metro station upon arrival in the city.

Bus:

There are a great number of bus routes that will take you to most places in Barcelona, and they run frequently. Buses are cheap, and you can use your Metro pass on the bus too. Although not as efficient as the Metro, as the buses have to battle with the traffic of the city, it is still an effective way to get around the city. Barcelona also has a nightbus service, Nitbus, which operates from 11pm to 4am.

Taxi:

Barcelona taxis, identifiable by their black and yellow colour, are plentiful in Barcelona. A green light signifies when they are vacant. Taxis are reasonably priced at about 10 euros for a 15 minute journey, and they are a quick and efficient way to get across the city. Ensure that the meter is running once you are in the taxi, so as not to be charged a false rate for the journey. Note also that taxis charge extra per piece of luggage. There are plenty of wheelchair accessible taxis available.

Cycling:

Barcelona is designed very well for cyclists. Riding a bike is one of the best ways to see the city. With the numerous bike lanes throughout the city, cycling in Barcelona is safe. Given the huge number of cyclists in the city, drivers are used to sharing the roads with cyclists and are therefore more patient and cautious than in other parts of the world. There are many bike rental and bike tour companies in Barcelona, and there is no better way to get around this beautiful city.

Aside from organised tours, Barcelona has recently introduced a community bicycle program for its resident (both temporary and permanent). The system, called Bicing, includes over 200 bike stations stacked with bikes and strategically situated throughout the city in convenient spots. The idea is that you take a bike from any station, and they can be returned at any station. Bicing provides a great intencive to reduce traffic on the roads and to explore the city.

Tram:

Barcelona is also serviced by a few tram lines. Although not a very extensive network, a pleasant way to see the city as the trams travel above ground. If you have the time to travel by tram, I would suggest doing so. Metro passes can be used on Barcelona city trams, and it is often less crowded than the Metro.

Walking:

Barcelona may not be as big as you think, particularly in regards to its main tourist attractions, most of which are situated within or close to the city centre. Walking through the city centre, as well as other parts, is a pleasant and safe experience. With many pedestrianised areas and pedestrian crossings everywhere, Barcelona is a safe city to get around on foot. On top of this, the centre of the city is basically flat, so it shouldn´t be a struggle!

Walking around the city allows tourists to really take in the amazing design and architecture located throughout the city. By walking, you will also discover many of the city´s less known treasures: beautiful old buildings, countless plazas, fascinating bars, and the city´s finest eateries.

Train:

The RENFE system, which operates across the country, transports to the outer suburbs of Barcelona and to other parts of Spain. To the outer suburbs of Barcelona, the Metro pass can be used on the RENFE trains. This service is a cheap and effective way to travel the country.

Car:

Unless you have special needs or are travelling to or from places outside Barcelona, cars should be avoided in the city. There is minimal parking, and traffic can be slow, not to mention stressful!