Barcelona Airport Transfers

Are you itching 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'll be wandering the streets of the city and marvelling at its unique sights.

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

That's why I recommend booking 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 don't 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, as they operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you book your transfer online you must provide your flight details. This way, the transfer company is aware of any delays or problems with your flight, and the driver knows exactly at which exit of the airport to wait for you with the car.

You must also provide your hotel address and a contact telephone number: this way, the driver will take you directly to your destination and if you have any problems or cannot find the transfer vehicle you will be able to get in touch with the company.

The vehicles are top of the range, have air conditioning and WiFi on board, are adapted for all needs and ages and you won't 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 let him know by email after making your booking).

You also have the option of hiring a transfer from the airport to the port of Barcelona to get there in comfort and embark on your cruise, with this private transfer.

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 from 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 to avoid long taxi queues.

If you opt for public transport to get to Barcelona from the airport or from your hotel, it will take you between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the method of transport you choose. Here's a complete guide to find out everything you need to know beforehand and waste as little time as possible so you can start enjoying yourself as soon as possible:

Getting to Barcelona by Aerobus from the airport

This service is one of the cheapest of all the options you have for getting to Barcelona from the airport, costing £5.90 (one way) or £10.20 (return).

The bus normally leaves every 5 to 10 minutes on a set timetable, and you can catch it at designated stops in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The Aerobus will take you to the city centre, 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 having to worry about getting your tickets on arrival at the airport.

Getting 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 at 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 buy 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.

Getting to Barcelona at night by NitBus N17 from the airport

This service is pretty much the same as the 46 bus transfer, but operates at night, which means that if you're arriving on an early morning flight this is your option if you want to save money (although in this case, I highly recommend booking a private car transfer, 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 then take the metro to your destination anywhere in the city. If your flight lands in 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 single ticket is €5.15 and the best thing about the Barcelona metro is that it has a fairly long timetable, from 5am to midnight.

For me, it's the most uncomfortable option because you have to go up and down stairs with your luggage on your back, but if you're travelling very light or with just a backpack, it can be a very good alternative to the other methods of transport.

Once you've sorted 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. Whatever your tastes, I recommend that you visit the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, icons of Barcelona. Here are my practical guides to get you warmed up: Barcelona Park Güell Tickets and Tours: how to buy and prices y Sagrada Familia - Skip The Line Tickets: how to buy and prices.