Which Airport Is Closest to Barcelona City Centre?

By Michael Ferguson

When planning a trip to Barcelona, one important factor to consider is which airport is closest to the city center. Barcelona is served by two main airports: Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Girona-Costa Brava Airport. Let’s take a closer look at both options.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Barcelona-El Prat Airport, commonly known as El Prat, is the primary airport serving Barcelona. It is located approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of the city center. This makes it the closest airport to Barcelona’s city center.

If you choose to fly into El Prat, you will have several transportation options available to reach the city center:

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. The journey from El Prat to the city center usually takes around 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
  • Airport Shuttle: The Aerobús shuttle service operates between El Prat and various locations in Barcelona, including Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça d’Espanya. The journey typically takes around 35 minutes.
  • Metro: The L9 Sud metro line connects El Prat with various metro stations in Barcelona, allowing for easy access to different parts of the city.

Girona-Costa Brava Airport

Girona-Costa Brava Airport is located approximately 103 kilometers (64 miles) northeast of Barcelona’s city center. While it is further away compared to El Prat, it can sometimes offer more affordable flight options, especially for budget airlines.

To reach Barcelona’s city center from Girona-Costa Brava Airport, you can consider the following transportation options:

  • Bus: There are several bus companies that operate direct services between the airport and Barcelona’s city center. The journey usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Train: You can take a train from Girona-Costa Brava Airport to Barcelona Sants station, which is a major transportation hub in the city center. The train journey typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if proximity to Barcelona’s city center is your main priority, then flying into Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the best option. It offers the shortest distance and a variety of transportation choices to reach your destination. However, if you are looking for more affordable flight options, Girona-Costa Brava Airport might be worth considering, despite its greater distance from the city center.

Remember to plan your transportation in advance based on your chosen airport to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to Barcelona’s vibrant city center!