How Long Does It Take to Get From Barcelona Airport to City Centre?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a trip to Barcelona and wondering how long it takes to get from Barcelona Airport to the city center? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will explore the different transportation options available and provide you with an estimate of the travel time for each option.

1. Taxi

If convenience is your top priority, taking a taxi is the way to go.

Barcelona Airport has a designated taxi rank just outside the terminals where you can easily find a cab. The journey from the airport to the city center typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

2. Aerobus

The Aerobus is a popular shuttle service that operates between Barcelona Airport and various locations in the city center.

It offers a comfortable and affordable option for travelers. The estimated travel time on the Aerobus is approximately 35-40 minutes, taking into account traffic conditions.

2.1 Aerobus A1

If your destination is Plaça Catalunya or Gran Via-Urgell, then you should hop on Aerobus A1. This line connects Terminal 1 with these two key points in the city center.

2.2 Aerobus A2

Aerobus A2 is another option if you are headed to Plaça Catalunya but need to reach Terminal 2 first. This line connects Terminal 2 with Plaça Catalunya via strategic stops along the way.

3. Train

The train is a convenient mode of transportation for travelers who prefer public transport options.

From Barcelona Airport, you can take a train operated by RENFE, which connects directly to Barcelona Sants station in the city center. The train journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

4. Metro

The metro is an efficient way to reach the city center from Barcelona Airport, especially if your destination is closer to one of the metro stations.

Line L9 Sud connects both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with various metro stations along the way, including Zona Universitària, Collblanc, and Plaça de Sants. The travel time on the metro is around 30-35 minutes.

5. Bus

Barcelona Airport also has several bus lines that provide convenient transportation options to different parts of the city. The travel time by bus can vary depending on your destination and traffic conditions, but it generally takes around 30-45 minutes to reach the city center.

5.1 Bus 46

If you are headed to Plaça d’Espanya or Gran Via-Urgell, you can take bus line 46 from Barcelona Airport. This bus route offers a direct connection between the airport and these key points in the city center.2 Night Bus N17

If you arrive late at night or early in the morning, you can rely on Night Bus N17 to get to Plaça de Catalunya or Plaça d’Espanya from Barcelona Airport.

  • Pro tip: Before using public transportation in Barcelona, make sure to purchase a T-10 ticket or a Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which offer unlimited rides within a specific time frame.
  • Note: Travel times mentioned in this article are approximate and may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors.

In conclusion, getting from Barcelona Airport to the city center is relatively quick and hassle-free. Whether you choose a taxi, shuttle bus, train, metro, or bus, you can expect to reach your destination within 20-45 minutes.

Now that you have an idea of the travel times for different transportation options, you can plan your journey accordingly and start exploring the beautiful city of Barcelona!