What Is the Main Barcelona Airport?

By Robert Palmer

If you are planning a trip to Barcelona, you will most likely be flying into the main airport, which is called Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This airport is located about 12 km from the city center and is the second-largest airport in Spain.

History

Barcelona-El Prat Airport was first opened in 1916 as a military airfield. It wasn’t until 1927 that it began serving commercial flights. Since then, the airport has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

Terminals

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). T1 is newer and more modern, while T2 is older and has been renovated several times. Most international flights arrive at T1, while most low-cost airlines operate from T2.

Terminal 1 (T1)

T1 was opened in 2009 and is one of the largest airport terminals in the world. It has four floors and can handle up to 55 million passengers per year.

The terminal is divided into three areas: A, B, and C. Area A handles Schengen flights (flights within Europe), while Area B handles non-Schengen flights (flights outside Europe). Area C is for intercontinental flights.

Terminal 2 (T2)

T2 consists of three buildings: T2A, T2B, and T2C. Each building serves different airlines and destinations. For example, Ryanair operates from T2B, while EasyJet operates from T2C.

Transportation

There are several transportation options available from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city center. The most popular options include:

  • Metro: The metro is the cheapest and fastest way to get to the city center. Line 9 runs directly from the airport to several stations in Barcelona.
  • Aerobus: The Aerobus is a shuttle bus service that runs between the airport and Plaça de Catalunya in the city center.

    It operates every 5-10 minutes and takes about 35 minutes.

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside both terminals. The journey to the city center takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Conclusion

Barcelona-El Prat Airport is a modern and well-equipped airport that serves millions of passengers each year. With two terminals and several transportation options, getting to and from the airport is easy and convenient. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, Barcelona-El Prat Airport is a great starting point for your adventures in this vibrant city.