Barcelona Airport is approximately 15 km from the city center, between the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi de Llobregat.
Barcelona Airport has two terminals: T1 and T2.
The T1 terminal at Barcelona Airport is the main and largest terminal, handling the majority of international and domestic flights. It is used by major airlines, including full-service carriers such as Iberia, Vueling, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
It offers more services and amenities compared to T2, including a wider range of restaurants, shops, VIP lounges, and transportation options.
The distance between T1 and T2 at Barcelona Airport is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles).
There is a free shuttle bus that connects both terminals 24/7, running every 5 to 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes at night. The ride takes about 10 minutes.
🚇 Ways to Get to Barcelona Airport (El Prat) from the City Center
🚆 1. RENFE Train (Rodalies R2 Nord)
- Departure from: Barcelona-Sants station (also stops at Passeig de Gràcia and Clot-Aragó).
- You can reach Sants Estació via two metro lines:
- 1️⃣ L3 (Green Line) → Stop: Sants Estació
- 2️⃣ L5 (Blue Line) → Stop: Sants Estació
- You can reach Passeig de Gràcia Station via three metro lines:
- 1️⃣ L3 (Green Line) → Stop: Passeig de Gràcia, very near
- 2️⃣ L2 (Purple) → Stop: Passeig de Gràcia, 5-10 minutes walk
- 3️⃣ L4 (Yellow) → Stop: Passeig de Gràcia, 5-10 minutes walk
- You can reach Clot-Aragó via two metro lines:
- 1️⃣ L1 (Red Line) → Stop: Clot
- 2️⃣ L2 (Purple Line) → Stop: Clot
- You can reach Sants Estació via two metro lines:
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Duration: About 20-25 minutes to T2 (does not go to T1).
- Price: €4.60 (single ticket).
- Note: If your flight departs from T1, you need to take the free shuttle bus between terminals.
✅ Ideal if you’re near Sants, Clot-Aragó or Passeig de Gràcia and traveling light.
Link to RENFE SchedulesIn my opinion, it is not the best option. In Catalonia, we have many problems with RENFE, including breakdowns, delays, cancellations…
🚍 2. Aerobús (Express Bus to the Airport)
- Departure from: Plaça Catalunya (stopping at Sepúlveda-Urgell and Plaça Espanya).
- Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes.
- Duration: 35 minutes to T1 or T2.
- Price: €6.75 (one way) | €11.65 (round trip).
- Schedule:
- Aerobús A1 (to T1) → 24/7 (including night service).
- Aerobús A2 (to T2) → 04:30 – 23:00.
✅ The fastest and most comfortable option from the city center.
Link to Aerobús websiteIt’s the option I always use when I need to get to the airport.
🚇 3. Metro L9 Sud (Orange Line)
- Departure from: Zona Universitària.
- Frequency: Every 7 minutes.
- Duration: 30-35 minutes.
- Price: €5.50 (special airport fare).
- Stops at the airport: Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2.
❌ No direct connection from Plaça Catalunya (requires transfers).
✅ Good option if you’re near the Diagonal or Universitat area.
🚌 4. Metropolitan TMB Buses
1️⃣ Bus 46 (from Plaça Espanya → Airport T1 and T2)
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes.
- Duration: 40-50 minutes.
- Price: €2.55 (single ticket, valid with the T-casual pass).
2️⃣ Night Buses N16 & N17 (from Plaça Catalunya → Airport)
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
- Schedule: 23:00 – 05:00.
- Stops: N16 goes to T2, N17 goes to T1.
✅ Cheapest option, but slower than Aerobús.
🚖 5. Taxi
- Time: 25-30 minutes (depending on traffic).
- Price: €30-40 (fixed airport fee).
- Availability: 24/7 at official taxi ranks.
✅ Best choice for convenience, especially with luggage or at night.
🚗 6. Ride-Sharing & Private Transfers
- Uber, Bolt, Cabify → Prices vary (€30-50).
- Private transfer services → Can be booked in advance.
✅ Comfortable and hassle-free option for groups or families.