Transport

Overview

Barcelona boasts one of Europe’s most efficient and sustainable public transport networks, making it easy for US visitors to explore the city’s iconic sights, neighborhoods, and beaches. The city’s metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains are all integrated under a single fare system, and taxis, bikes, and tourist buses offer additional options for every traveler’s needs.
Tip: Barcelona’s city center is walkable, but public transport is essential for reaching major attractions and neighborhoods.

Public Transport Options

• Metro: 12 lines, 180 stations, fast and reliable. Runs 5am–midnight (Sun–Thu), until 2am (Fri), all night (Sat). Covers most tourist sights.
  Single ticket: €2.55 (~$2.68). For multiple rides, buy the T-Casual card (10 trips for €12.15, ~$12.75).
• Buses: Over 1,000 buses, including night buses. Fully accessible and covers all city areas.
• Trams: Modern, accessible, and connect key districts.
• FGC & Rodalies (Suburban Trains): Connect Barcelona to nearby towns and suburbs.
• Bikes: Over 200 km of bike lanes; bike rentals and bike-sharing available for visitors.
• Taxis: Readily available, mostly hybrid/electric. Uber and other ride-hailing apps also operate.

Tickets & Travel Cards

• T-Casual: 10 rides on metro, bus, tram, FGC, and Rodalies within Zone 1. Best for short stays.
• Hola Barcelona Card: Unlimited travel for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. Includes airport metro and train.
• Single Tickets: Valid for one journey; not cost-effective for multiple trips.
• Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, online, or via the Hola Barcelona app for convenience.
  All tickets (except single tickets) allow transfers between metro, bus, tram, and train within 75 minutes.

Tourist Transport Options

• Barcelona Bus Turístic: Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus covering major attractions.
• Telefèric de Montjuïc: Cable car with panoramic city views.
• Catalunya Bus Turístic: Day trips to Montserrat, Girona, and other destinations.

Accessibility & Sustainability

• All metro stations and most buses are wheelchair accessible.
• Public transport prioritizes clean energy and sustainability.

Getting from the Airport

• Aerobús: Express bus to city center (Plaça Catalunya) every 5–10 minutes.
• Metro L9 Sud: Connects airport terminals to the city’s metro network.
• Train (Rodalies R2 Nord): Connects Terminal 2 to city center and main stations.
• Taxis: Flat rate to city center (approx. €30–€35).

Tips for US Visitors

• Public transport is safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Tap water is safe to drink.
• Most transport staff speak some English, but signage is mainly in Catalan and Spanish.
• Contactless payment is widely accepted for tickets and taxis.
• Consider walking between nearby attractions in the old city.