Barcelona Airport guide: how to go from Barcelona Airport to the city center

Remember those stomach flips you used to get before a trip? The frantic worry about not knowing how to reach your hotel or getting lost in a foreign city? Been there, panicked there! But what if I told you those days are over?

This post is your magic carpet ride from Barcelona Airport to the city center, minus the rug-sweeping business. I have been to Barcelona four times and landed in both airports. We’ll navigate from the arrival halls of Barcelona and Girona Airports to the city’s heart.

Relax and get ready to plan your trip to Barcelona, my lovely anxious travelers, because I’m about to reveal every single way to get there – from the most budget-friendly option (because tapas don’t buy themselves, do they?) to the speediest route for those times you’re on a flamenco-dancing time crunch.

And the best part? I’m throwing in all the handy links you need to book your chariot so you can sit back, relax, and fantasize about churros and sangria (or maybe that’s just me?).

Let’s ditch the travel jitters and get this Barcelona bonanza started!

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How to go from Barcelona Airport to the city center

Airport bcn Barcelona El Prat

How to get to Barcelona from Barcelona El Prat Airport?

Our first stop on this Barcelona escapade is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, a mouthful of a name for a place that promises pure Spanish sunshine. Don’t worry if you get a bit tongue-tied – locals know it by all sorts of nicknames, from BCN Airport to El Prat.

This bustling hub sits just a stone’s throw (a 15km taxi ride) from the city’s heart, where most international flights touch down. Think of it as a magic portal that whisks you away from the ordinary and deposits you at the doorstep of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces and tapas-laden Ramblas.

With two terminals, three runways, and a connection to the city center that’s smoother than a flamenco dancer’s twirl, this airport is the perfect springboard for your Barcelona adventure. So, loosen your belt (because churros await!), and let’s get you navigating your arrival like a seasoned traveler!

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How to reach Barcelona from El Prat Airport by Aerobus:

The Barcelona Airport express shuttle bus is the cheapest option to take you from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to the city center in 35 minutes (bus stops are outside each terminal).

​The main stops are in Placa de Catalunya and Placa de Espana. You can buy bus tickets at a big blue ticket machine at the bus stop, but many tourists complain they are often out of service, so it is better to buy them online to save time and stress.

See Barcelona Airport express shuttle bus tickets.

How to reach Barcelona from El Prat Airport by Train:

The RENFE train service from the Airport every 30 minutes takes you to the city center in 25 minutes. From Terminal 2, follow the indications to the train station and walk around 5 mins. From Terminal 1, a shuttle bus will take you to the train station entrance.

Ticket costs: 4.60  euros and you can purchase the ticket at the ticket machine.

​To return to the Airport, catch the train at Clot, Passeig de Gracia, or Sans Estacio’s direction airport.

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How to reach Barcelona from El Prat Airport by Metro:

You can catch the L9 Sud metro to the city center and back to the airport, which stops at both terminals. The ticket price is 5.15 euros.

It all depends on where you have to go. Choose which transport is better for you.

How to reach Barcelona from El Prat Airport by taxi:

You can hire a taxi outside El Prat Airport at each terminal. I highly recommend booking it in advance if you are worried about the language barrier or end up having to wait to get a taxi available.

Kiwitaxi is my favorite website for booking an airport transfer. It is a global airport transfer service founded in 2010. They operate in 100+ countries and 1,500+ cities worldwide, providing reliable and affordable transportation services, including airport transfers, point-to-point transfers, and hourly hire services.

​How to go from Barcelona to El Prat Airport:  

​From Placa de Catalunya outside the Corte Ingles shop, look for the Aerobus A1 that goes to Terminal 1 and Aerobus A2 to Terminal 2. From Placa de Espana, the Aerobus stop is the second on the right side when you come from Avenida Paral.el.

See ticket prices for the Barcelona airport shuttle bus.

You can catch the Metro line L9 Sud (get to this line from the line closer to your accommodation) and get to the airport in the same way you can reach the city center, or you can book a private transfer as I always prefer to do.

How to go from Barcelona to El Prat Airport at Night:

Keep in mind that there are no trains or metro at night. There are the Barcelona Airport Night buses from Placa de Catalunya to the Airport:

​MOHN operates the N16 (T2A, T2B, and T2C) and stops at Terminal 2. Make sure to get off at Terminal 2, or the bus will keep going away from Barcelona.​ There is also the N18, which stops at all terminals. The N17 goes to Terminal 1. Costs: 2.55 euros.

Girona airport to Barcelona

How to get to Barcelona from Girona Airport:

The Girona Airport is situated 103 km/ 64 miles from Barcelona. It is very often the cheapest way to reach Barcelona. If your city is connected with both airports, I highly recommend you check out Girona Airport because, most of the time, flying there is way cheaper than flying to El Prat Airport.

There are different options to get to Barcelona from Girona Airport.

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How to get to Barcelona from Girona Airport by Bus:

This is the easiest and fastest way to get to Barcelona. I used it when I flew to Barcelona from my hometown (flights to Girona were much cheaper than to El Prat). These buses’ departures coincide with the flights so you won’t have to wait too long for the transport. 

But always check if there is a bus at the time of your arrival (it’s always better to double-check these things when traveling).

See Girona Airport return ticket prices and availability.

How to get to Barcelona from Girona Airport by Train:

You can reach Barcelona from Girona by train, but remember that Girona Airport is not in Girona’s city center. You must hire a taxi or bus to the train station first. 

To reach Girona train station (SIXT Alquiler de Coches Girona Renfe) from Girona Airport, you must catch the bus n.601 outside Girona Airport. It will take you there in around 20 minutes (you can purchase the bus ticket at the Airport). You can catch the train from Girona Train Airport that will take you to Barcelona-Sants train station in 40 minutes.

See train schedule and prices.

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How to get to Barcelona from Girona Airport by Private Transport:

If you prefer to go straight to your accommodation and have a private driver, booking a private airport transfer is a good solution. You will reach Barcelona’s city center in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

My favorite website for hiring an airport transfer is KiwiTaxi. I love to save time when getting to my destination by not having to look for the bus or train station and wait for their departure.

See Girona airport private transfer.

Before you go…

So there you have it, my lovely anxious travelers! You’re now equipped to conquer Barcelona from either airport, armed with the knowledge of every transfer option under the Spanish sun. Remember, knowing how to get there and being super organized are the keys to a smooth arrival.

Speaking of organization, did I mention I have a free guide packed with tips and tricks to become a travel zen master? Download my guide to plan a super-organized trip and kiss travel anxiety goodbye! Now, enough chit-chat; go forth and explore the vibrant city of Barcelona, and don’t forget to send me a postcard (or at least a drool-worthy Instagram picture of your paella)!