Barcelona is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting city, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which airport to fly into.
Barcelona is served by two main airports – Barcelona El Prat Airport and Girona-Costa Brava Airport. Let’s take a closer look at each of these airports to help you decide which one is the best fit for your travel needs.
Barcelona El Prat Airport
If you’re looking for convenience and proximity to the city center, Barcelona El Prat Airport is your best bet. Located just 12 kilometers southwest of downtown Barcelona, this airport offers excellent transportation options that will have you in the heart of the city in no time.
- Transportation: The airport is well-connected to Barcelona’s public transportation system. You can easily reach the city center by taking the Aerobus, a shuttle bus service that operates between the airport and Plaça de Catalunya.
Alternatively, you can hop on the RENFE train from Terminal 2, which provides direct access to several major train stations in Barcelona.
- Airlines: Barcelona El Prat Airport serves as a hub for numerous international airlines including Iberia, Vueling Airlines, and Ryanair. This means you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing your preferred carrier.
- Amenities: The airport boasts a wide range of amenities including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange services, and car rental facilities. Whether you need to grab a quick bite or do some last-minute shopping before your flight, Barcelona El Prat Airport has got you covered.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option and don’t mind a slightly longer journey to Barcelona, Girona-Costa Brava Airport is worth considering. Although located approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Barcelona, this airport offers some advantages that may make it the right choice for certain travelers.
- Transportation: While Girona-Costa Brava Airport is further from Barcelona than El Prat, there are still convenient transportation options available. You can take a direct bus from the airport to Barcelona’s Estació del Nord bus station.
The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Airlines: Girona-Costa Brava Airport is primarily served by budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. If you’re looking to save money on your flight, flying into this airport may be a good option.
- Amenities: Although smaller than Barcelona El Prat Airport, Girona-Costa Brava Airport still offers essential amenities such as duty-free shops, cafes, and car rental services. Just keep in mind that the range of options may be more limited compared to El Prat.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
The choice of which airport to fly into ultimately depends on your priorities and travel preferences. If you value convenience and want to minimize travel time to the city center, Barcelona El Prat Airport is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a slightly longer journey, Girona-Costa Brava Airport can be a cost-effective choice.
No matter which airport you choose, both offer easy access to one of Spain’s most vibrant and captivating cities. So pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready to explore the wonders of Barcelona!