The metro is one of the best ways to get around in Barcelona. If you’re arriving at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, there are several budget-friendly options to reach the city center. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to make the most of Barcelona’s metro system and the most affordable ways to get from the airport to the city.
How to Use the Barcelona Metro
The Barcelona metro is extensive and covers most major attractions. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate it easily:
1. Metro Map and Lines
Barcelona’s metro consists of multiple lines, each identified by a number and color. You can check the official metro map at stations or on the TMB website.
2. Operating Hours
The metro runs on the following schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
- Saturday: Operates all night
- Sunday: Until 12:00 a.m.
3. Ticket Options and Prices
To travel around the city, you can purchase different ticket types.
Each ticket can be used for 1h15 minutes for those in zone 1, Barcelona. During this time you can use the train, subway, tram or bus. But you cannot repeat the transport, I mean, you cannot use 2 buses, because it will take 2 tickets. But, if, for example, getting to your destination from the airport you need to take the train, then the metro and bus you will only use one ticket.
What I always recomend to my frends is:
- T-casual: A popular ticket offering 10 rides, perfect for short stays. If you are 2 persons, you need to buy 2 tickets for each. For same travel you can not use same ticket twice same hour.
- T-usual: If you plan to stay more than 5-6 days.
🚨 Important: The T-casual is NOT valid for airport metro travel. If you plan to take the metro from the airport, you’ll need a special airport ticket.
BUT don’t worry, next, I will share with you how you can use your T-casual or
T usual for your travel from airport to Barcelona.
Cheapest Ways to Get from Barcelona Airport to the City Center
There are multiple transport options from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to downtown, but these are the most affordable:
1. Train (Rodalies R2 Nord) – Cheapest Option
- Route: Airport (T2) → Sants → Passeig de Gràcia (City Center)
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 25 minutes to the center
- Ticket: The T-casual and T-usual is valid, making this the cheapest option.
🚨 If you land at Terminal 1 (T1), take the free airport shuttle bus to T2 to access the train.
2. City Bus (Line 46) – Budget Option
- Route: Airport (T1 & T2) → Plaça Espanya
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic
- Ticket: A single ticket or the T-casual and T-usual can be used.
3. Metro (L9 Sud) – Convenient but More Expensive
- Route: Airport (T1 & T2) → Zona Universitària
- Duration: 32 minutes
- Ticket: Airport metro ticket required (T-casual is not valid).
Final Tips
✔ Plan your route: Choose the best option based on your final destination.
✔ Consider your luggage: The train (Rodalies) has more space for large bags.
✔ Check nighttime transport: Some services have limited schedules at night.
For a visual guide and more travel tips, check out this video:
🚇 Cheapest Way from Barcelona Airport to the City
With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore Barcelona efficiently and affordably from the moment you land. Enjoy your trip! ✨
