When planning a trip to Barcelona, 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 (BCN) and Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO). Each airport has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your priorities when making your choice.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Location: Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located about 12 kilometers southwest of the city center, making it the closest airport to downtown Barcelona.
Accessibility: The airport is well-connected to the city center by various transportation options, including trains, buses, and taxis. The Aerobus is a popular choice for travelers, as it offers direct service from the airport to Plaça de Catalunya in the heart of Barcelona.
Airlines: Barcelona-El Prat Airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Vueling and Ryanair. It offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it a convenient choice for travelers from all over the world.
Amenities: The airport boasts numerous amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges. There are also car rental services available if you plan on exploring more of Catalonia during your visit.
The Pros:
- Convenience: Barcelona-El Prat Airport’s proximity to the city center makes it a convenient option for travelers who want to minimize travel time.
- Airlines: The airport offers a wide range of flight options from various airlines, ensuring that you have plenty of choices when booking your tickets.
- Amenities: With its extensive range of amenities, Barcelona-El Prat Airport provides a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
The Cons:
- Crowds: As Barcelona’s main airport, Barcelona-El Prat can get quite crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. Be prepared for long lines and potential delays.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Location: Girona-Costa Brava Airport is located about 103 kilometers northeast of Barcelona, near the town of Girona.
Accessibility: While Girona-Costa Brava Airport is farther from Barcelona than Barcelona-El Prat, it is still easily accessible by bus or train. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Airlines: The airport primarily serves low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, offering flights to various European destinations.
Amenities: Girona-Costa Brava Airport has fewer amenities compared to Barcelona-El Prat but still provides essential services like shops, restaurants, and car rental facilities.
- Budget-friendly flights: If you’re looking for budget-friendly flight options, Girona-Costa Brava Airport is a great choice. Low-cost carriers often offer competitive fares from this airport.
- Avoiding crowds: As a smaller airport with fewer flights, Girona-Costa Brava generally has fewer crowds and shorter wait times compared to Barcelona-El Prat.
- Exploring Girona: If you have the time, flying into Girona-Costa Brava Airport allows you to visit the charming city of Girona before making your way to Barcelona.
- Travel distance: Girona-Costa Brava Airport is located quite far from Barcelona, which means you’ll need to factor in additional travel time and costs.
- Limited flight options: As primarily a hub for low-cost carriers, Girona-Costa Brava Airport has fewer flight options compared to Barcelona-El Prat. You may have limited choices when it comes to airlines and destinations.
In conclusion, choosing the best airport to fly into Barcelona depends on your priorities. If convenience and a wide range of flight options are important to you, Barcelona-El Prat Airport is likely the better choice.
However, if budget-friendly fares and avoiding crowds are more significant factors, flying into Girona-Costa Brava Airport might be worth considering. Regardless of your decision, both airports offer their unique advantages and will provide you with an exciting start to your Barcelona adventure!