Airport to City
Barcelona Airport to the City: Metro, Aerobus or Taxi
El Prat is unusually close to the city, only eight miles out, which means every option is reasonable and the choice comes down to price and where you are staying.
Route at a glance
- From
- Barcelona El Prat
- To
- Barcelona city centre
- Distance
- About 8 miles
- Typical time
- 20 to 45 minutes
Comparing your options
Typical characteristics rather than live prices or timetables. Always check the operator on the day you travel.
| Option | Typical journey | Cost character | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobus | 35 min to Plaza Catalunya | About 7 EUR | Central hotels |
| Metro L9 Sud | 35 to 45 min with change | About 5.50 EUR | Budget travel |
| Rodalies R2 train | 25 min to Sants | About 2.60 EUR | Sants and onward rail |
| Taxi | 20 to 35 min | 35 to 45 EUR | Groups, late arrivals |
Two terminals, different options
Terminal 1 handles most long haul and major carrier traffic. Terminal 2 serves many low cost airlines and is the only terminal with a direct Rodalies commuter rail station. A free shuttle bus links the two terminals every few minutes and takes around 10 minutes.
The Aerobus and the L9 Sud metro serve both terminals, so those are the simpler defaults unless you specifically want the train.
Aerobus versus metro
The Aerobus is a dedicated express coach with luggage racks running to Plaza Espanya and Plaza Catalunya. It is comfortable, frequent and easy to find. The L9 Sud metro is cheaper but requires a change to reach the centre and uses a special airport fare that is not covered by standard multi journey tickets.
Taxis and fixed supplements
Barcelona taxis are metered with a fixed airport supplement and a minimum fare. A trip to the Eixample or Gothic Quarter typically lands between 35 and 45 EUR. Ranks are clearly marked outside both terminals and queues move quickly.
Practical notes
- The airport is close enough that traffic rarely ruins a transfer, though the Ronda Litoral can slow at rush hour.
- Keep valuables secure at Plaza Catalunya, a known pickpocket area.
- Night bus services cover the hours when the metro and Aerobus reduce frequency.
- If you are continuing by high speed rail, the R2 train to Sants is the most direct link.
Keep reading
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