Barcelona–El Prat Airport, BCN

Barcelona–El Prat Airport, BCN, Spain

Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) is the main international airport serving Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, Spain. Located about 15 km southwest of the city center, it is the second-busiest airport in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. With two terminals (T1 and T2) and a wide range of services, it’s well-equipped for first-time visitors to Barcelona. This guide will walk you through all the essential information you need, from transport options and currency exchange to mobile services and car rentals.

General Information

Terminals:

  • Terminal 1 (T1): The larger, more modern terminal, handles most international and long-haul flights. It offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Mostly used for low-cost airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet. It’s smaller than T1 but still has essential services.

Both terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus running every 5-7 minutes, making it easy to move between them if needed.

Airport Services:

  • Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout both terminals.
  • ATMs: Located in both terminals, near baggage claim and check-in areas.
  • Duty-Free Shopping: Large selection of shops, including high-end brands and Spanish specialties.
  • Luggage Storage: Available in T1 if you want to store your baggage while exploring the city.

Public Transport from Barcelona Airport

Metro:
The L9 Sud metro line connects Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city center. The metro stops at both T1 and T2.

  • From the airport, you can travel directly to several important transfer stations such as Torrassa (for connections to L1 and L5) and Collblanc (for L5). The journey to the city center takes around 30-35 minutes.
  • You will need a specific airport metro ticket to travel on this line (around €5.15).

Bus:

  • The Aerobus service runs between both terminals and the city center, with stops at Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya. The bus runs every 5-10 minutes and takes about 35 minutes to reach the center. Tickets cost around €6 for a single ride and €11 for a return trip.
  • Local Buses (TMB): Route 46 and night buses N16, N17, and N18 also connect the airport with Barcelona, but they are slower than the Aerobus.

Train:

  • R2 Nord Line: The train station is located at Terminal 2 (T2). If you arrive at T1, you can take the free shuttle bus to the train station. The R2 line connects the airport to Barcelona Sants, the main train station, as well as other local stations like Passeig de Gràcia. Trains run every 30 minutes, and the journey takes around 25 minutes.
  • Tickets cost about €4.60.

Taxis:
Taxis are widely available outside both terminals. A ride to the city center costs between €25 and €35, depending on traffic and the exact location.

  • Taxis are metered, and there’s an extra charge for luggage and airport pick-up (€3.10 surcharge).
  • The journey to downtown Barcelona takes about 20-30 minutes.

Currency Exchange and Banking

Currency exchange desks and ATMs are available at both terminals. The main providers are Global Exchange and Exact Change.

  • Exchange rates at the airport are usually less favorable than in the city, so it’s recommended to exchange only what you need immediately.
  • ATMs offer competitive rates but check if your bank charges a foreign transaction fee.

Transport Cards: Barcelona Travel Passes

  • Hola Barcelona Travel Card: Offers unlimited travel on public transport, including the metro, buses, and trams, for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. Prices start from €16.40 for two days. This card is valid for airport transfers as well.
  • T-Casual Card: If you’re planning to use public transport only a few times, the T-Casual card (10 journeys) might be a better option. It’s valid on buses, metro, and the airport train but not the airport metro (L9).

Mobile SIM Cards and Connectivity

If you need local mobile connectivity, there are several options for buying SIM cards at the airport:

  • Vodafone and Orange have kiosks in both terminals offering prepaid SIM cards with data, calls, and texts.
  • Alternatively, international services like Lycamobile offer more budget-friendly options.

You can also purchase SIM cards at local convenience stores or at major shops in the city center.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

Taxis:
As mentioned earlier, taxis are readily available at the airport. The standard fare includes surcharges for airport pick-ups. Drivers are usually honest, but it’s good to ensure the meter is running when you start your trip. Most taxis accept credit cards, but having some cash on hand is recommended.

Ride-Sharing:

  • Services like Uber and Cabify operate in Barcelona, though Cabify is more commonly used in the city. You can order a ride via their apps, and pick-up locations are marked outside both terminals.

Car Rental Services

Barcelona-El Prat Airport offers several car rental options, including:

  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Hertz
  • Enterprise

The car rental desks are located in both T1 and T2, with pick-up areas in designated parking lots. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and the best rates.

Local Secrets and Tips

  • Barcelona’s Metro Ticket Machines: At the airport, ticket machines accept both cash and card payments. It’s often faster to use card for payment.
  • Tapas Near the Airport: If you have time to spare and want to try authentic Spanish cuisine, there are several tapas bars near the airport in the El Prat de Llobregat area.
  • Explore Nearby Beaches: If you have a long layover, consider visiting the nearby beaches like Castelldefels, just a short train or taxi ride away.
  • Skip Long Lines: Use fast-track security (for a fee) to avoid long queues, especially during busy holiday seasons.
  • Airport Lounges: Several lounges are available in Terminal 1, including the Sala VIP Pau Casals, offering comfort, food, and drinks. Some lounges accept Priority Pass or can be accessed for a fee.