Barcelona Night Bus N17: Complete Guide (2026)
The N17 Nitbus is Barcelona’s essential night bus route, connecting the city center (Plaça de Catalunya) with El Prat Airport Terminal 1. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly choice for late-night arrivals, early departures, or nightlife returns, operating when metros and most trains stop.
Route Overview
The N17 operates between Plaça de Catalunya (central hub near La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia) and Aeroport T1 (main terminal for most international flights), serving 34 stops across Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, and El Prat de Llobregat. The full journey takes about 50–55 minutes, depending on nighttime traffic, roadworks, or passenger volume—expect slight delays on weekends.
Key Stops on the N17 Route
- Plaça de Catalunya-Bergara (City Center hub, easy access from hotels and sights)
- Ronda Universitat - Plaça Universitat (near student areas and late-night bars)
- Gran Via - Plaça Espanya (Montjuïc cable car and museums nearby)
- Gran Via - Ildefons Cerdà (industrial areas and quick highway access)
- Hospital de Bellvitge (medical center for emergencies)
- Mas Blau (El Prat residential zone)
- Aeroport T1 (Terminal 1, serving both Departures drop-off and Arrivals pick-up levels)
The bus also serves neighborhoods in L'Hospitalet and El Prat, providing wide coverage for locals heading to work shifts or visitors exploring beyond the center—use the Moovit or TMB app for exact stop maps.
Timetable & Frequency
- Operating hours: Approximately 22:50 to 05:00 from Plaça Catalunya (last bus around 4:55 AM), and 21:55 to 04:50 from Terminal 1 (first bus aligns with early flights).
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes nightly (increases to every 10 minutes during summer peaks, festivals like La Mercè, or high tourist seasons from June–September).
- Journey time: Around 50–55 minutes end-to-end; shorter hops like city center to Espanya take 15–20 minutes.
Ticket Price & Payment
- Single ticket: €2.55 (2025 price, cash or contactless on board).
- Integrated travel cards: Most TMB cards like T-Casual (10-ride, €12.15), T-Usual (unlimited monthly), or T-Familiar are accepted, but Hola Barcelona and Barcelona Card tourist passes are not valid on Nitbus—buy a single or T-Casual instead.
- Tickets available directly from the driver (exact change helpful), at airport/station machines, or via TMB app; validate immediately upon boarding.
Why Choose N17?
- Runs all night, ideal for red-eye flights, club closings around 6 AM, or avoiding pricey daytime taxis.
- Direct connection between Barcelona’s main square and the airport’s primary terminal, no transfers needed.
- Cheaper than taxis (€35–50), Aerobus (€6.75), or private shuttles, especially for solo travelers or groups splitting fares.
- Frequent departures mean waits under 20 minutes; buses have space for luggage and are wheelchair-accessible with ramps at key stops.
- Real-time tracking via TMB App or Google Maps ensures you never miss one.
Night Bus N17 Summary
The N17 Nitbus stands out as the most convenient and affordable night transport between Barcelona’s vibrant city center and El Prat Airport Terminal 1. With frequent departures, a straightforward route through key areas, low fares, and easy payment options, it’s the top pick for budget-savvy travelers needing reliable overnight transit—safer and greener than rideshares late at night.

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