Metro (Subway) in Barcelona – Information, Tickets, Route Map
Tips for Passengers in 2025
Barcelona’s metro system has been operating since 1924. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive network of 12 lines and over 180 stations.
Below, you’ll find essential information and practical tips for navigating the subway in Barcelona.
The metro is a well-developed and highly popular mode of transport, appreciated by both locals and tourists. It offers a fast and efficient way to get around the city, avoiding road traffic and congestion. (Image: P. Sableman, CC 2.0 license)
Unified Ticketing System
- Barcelona’s metro system operates under a unified ticketing and fare structure, managed by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM).
- Tickets are valid across both operators (TMB and FGC).
- Passengers do not need to differentiate between operators when using the metro.
Metro: A Reliable and Efficient Choice
- The metro is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to travel in Barcelona, independent of road conditions and unaffected by traffic jams.
- Given the city’s high traffic density, the metro offers an unparalleled advantage for getting around quickly.
Logos of the two metro operators – “TMB” above, “FGC” below. (Image: Fototenes, CC BY-SA 2.0 license)
How to Choose the Right Ticket for the Barcelona Metro
Public transportation in Barcelona is managed by the “Autoritat del Transport Metropolità” (ATM) and operates under a unified fare system. This means tickets are valid across all participating transit services.
Whether you’re looking for a single ticket, a 10-trip pass (T-Casual), or a “Hola BCN” day ticket, you’ll find all the key information and current prices here.
Follow our tips to quickly and easily choose the right ticket for your Barcelona stay.
Tip #1: Hola Barcelona Travel Card – Ideal for Only Use of Local Transport
The “Hola BCN Card” is the best choice for most visitors to Barcelona. Here’s why:
Benefits at a Glance:
- Unlimited Travel:
- Use the metro, bus, tram, and suburban trains (Rodalies) for the entire validity period.
- Includes the metro connection to and from the airport (normally €11 per trip).
- Flexible Validity Period:
- Choose a card for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days.
- Affordable Prices:
- Daily rates in 2025 range between €8.15 and €8.75—a great deal for a European city.
Convenient and Time-Saving:
➡️ Purchase your Hola BCN Card online in advance through an English-language website.Stress-Free Travel:
With the Hola BCN Card, there’s no need to worry about fare zones or ticket options. Just start your journey and enjoy your vacation.
Hola BCN Ticket: easy & cheap use of public transport, including airport transfer. Tip: You can buy the ticket online
Tip #2: Barcelona Essential Pass – The Right Ticket for Visiting Top Attractions and Using Public Transport
The Barcelona Essential Pass is a combined ticket for public transport and sightseeing in Barcelona. It includes:
- Unlimited travel on Barcelona’s public transport.
- Entry to the Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
- A 10% discount on admission to other attractions, including Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Camp Nou, the hop-on hop-off bus, and more.
Advantages of the Barcelona Essential Pass
- Focuses on the most important attractions without unnecessary extras.
- More cost-effective compared to other sightseeing passes.
Tickets for the spectacular Sagrada Familia church are often sold out, so be sure to book early!
Important Information and Recommendations for the Barcelona Essential Pass
Why should you book the Barcelona Essential Pass early?
- Visiting times for attractions are reserved when purchasing the pass.
- Last-minute bookings are often not possible, as tickets for the Sagrada Família and Park Güell sell out quickly. High season considerations: Tickets are often sold out well in advance!
No spontaneous ticket purchases on-site:
- Sagrada Família and Park Güell can only be accessed with online tickets!
- Traditional ticket offices are no longer available on-site.
- Daily ticket quotas are limited: Once sold out, visits are not possible.
Our recommendation: Book your Barcelona Essential Pass as early as possible.
➡️ Click here to go directly to the provider.
➡️ Online tickets for the Sagrada Família
➡️ Online tickets for Park Güell
The right ticket can help you save both time and money (Image: ©travelguide.barcelona)
The Barcelona Metro Network: Lines and Map
As of 2024, the Barcelona Metro network consists of 12 lines, with further expansions planned for the future.
Instead of individual names, the lines are numbered from L1 to L12. Each line is assigned a unique color, making navigation more intuitive.
DOWNLOAD: A digital version of the metro map (2024) is available for download.
Additionally, free printed copies can be obtained at any ticket office.
Overview of Current Metro Lines (2025):
By Metro from El Prat Airport to Downtown Barcelona
Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the city center. The Barcelona metro provides a fast and reliable connection between the airport and downtown. However, there are some ticket-related specifics you should be aware of.
In this article, you’ll find all the essential information about travel times, stops, and tips for buying tickets.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport: Quick, Direct, and Affordable Metro Access to Downtown Barcelona.
Metro Stops at El Prat Airport: Travel Time to the City Center
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the airport have dedicated metro stops, which are well-signposted and easy to locate.
Trains run every 7 minutes, and the journey to the city center takes approximately 31 minutes. This makes the metro a reliable alternative to the often congested roads.
Each of the two terminals at Barcelona’s El Prat airport has its own metro stop.
What is the cost of taking the metro to the city center?
Important: Standard single tickets and 10-trip passes (T-Casual) are not valid for travel between the airport and the city center.
Instead, you have the following options:
Option 1: Airport Ticket
- Price: €11 (round trip, as of 2024)
- Availability: Ticket vending machines
- Eligibility: Valid for passengers aged 4 and older
Option 2: Hola Barcelona Travel Card – Our Tip
A multi-day pass for unlimited travel on all public transport in Barcelona (metro, bus, tram).
This card also includes airport shuttle coverage, eliminating the need for a separate airport ticket.
Prices for 2024:
- 2 days (48 hours): €17.50
- 3 days (72 hours): €25.50
- 4 days (96 hours): €33.30
- 5 days (120 hours): €40.80
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card is an easy and affordable way to explore the city while covering your airport transfer. You can purchase the card online!
Why Choose the Hola Barcelona Travel Card?
Cost-effective: For just €6.50 more than the airport ticket, the 48-hour Hola BCN! card allows unlimited local transport.
Convenient: Purchase online in advance and avoid dealing with fare systems upon arrival. ➡️ Click here to go to the provider
Stress-free: Save time and start your trip relaxed.
Flexible: Use all metro, bus, and tram services in the city.
➤ Local Transport in Barcelona: Tickets, Fares, and Prices 2024
➤ Hola Barcelona Travel Card (Hola BCN!): Is It Worth It? Tips and Details
Direct Metro Ride from Barcelona Airport to the City Center
The L9 Sud metro line connects Barcelona’s El Prat Airport to the city, featuring 15 stops along its route:
- Aeroport T1
- Aeroport T2
- Mas Blau
- Parc Nou
- Cèntric
- El Prat Estació
- Les Moreres
- Mercabarna
- Parc Logístic
- Fira
- Europa | Fira (transfer to L8)
- Can Tries | Gornal (transfer to L10 Sud)
- Torrassa (transfer to L1, L10 Sud)
- Collblanc (transfer to L5, L10 Sud)
- Zona Universitària
This setup allows you to reach Barcelona’s central squares with just one transfer.
DOWNLOAD: Complete Map of Barcelona Metro Lines
The metro will get you from the airport to the city quickly and without traffic (photo: © John Carter).
Our Tips for Passengers Using the Barcelona Metro
- Validating Tickets: At the platform entrances, you will find machines that validate your ticket. If your ticket is valid, the turnstile will open automatically.
- Using the Correct Validators: Insert your ticket on the designated side of the turnstile—a common mistake for first-time visitors to Barcelona. After validation, remember to retrieve your ticket and carry it with you.
- Keep Your Ticket: Retain your ticket until you exit your destination station. Inspectors may request to see it. Additionally, some stations require ticket validation upon exiting.
Insert the ticket on the left and pass through on the right (Image: © travelguide.barcelona).
Metro Operating Hours in Barcelona
The Barcelona metro operates daily starting at 5:00 a.m.. Special schedules may apply on holidays and during Christmas.
Regular operating hours are as follows:
- Monday–Thursday: Closes at midnight.
- Friday and the night before holidays: Service runs until 2:00 a.m.
- Saturday: Non-stop service (24 hours).
- Sunday: Service ends at midnight.
Traveling with Dogs on the Metro
Traveling with dogs or pets on the Barcelona metro is subject to specific rules and restrictions. Here’s an overview:
Assistance and Service Dogs
- Assistance, guide, and patrol dogs are always allowed on the metro.
Dogs and Pets in Carriers
- Pets in carriers are permitted, provided they do not disturb other passengers.
Microchipped and registered dogs
Dogs that are registered and microchipped in the municipal pet registry may travel under these conditions:
- Muzzle Requirement: Dogs must wear a muzzle as soon as they enter the metro station.
- Leash Rules: Use a non-extendable leash no longer than 50 cm. Keep the dog close at all times.
- No Seats for Dogs: Dogs are not allowed to sit on metro seats.
Travel Time Restrictions for Dogs
- School Days (September 11–June 24): Dogs are not allowed during peak hours (7:00–9:30 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m.).
- Off-Peak Hours, Weekends, and Holidays: Dogs may travel without time restrictions.
- Overcrowding: In crowded trains, dogs may be prohibited from boarding.
- One Dog Per Adult: Each adult may accompany only one dog. Dog owners are responsible for any damage or misconduct caused by their pets.
Dog in the Barcelona metro – actually he should wear a muzzle (Image: A.Bhat, CC 2.0 licence)
Accessibility of the Metro in Barcelona
Metro Use for People with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility
The Barcelona metro, in operation since 1924, has not been fully adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities or reduced mobility. While efforts are ongoing to improve accessibility, retrofitting elevators and other features in older stations is a costly and complex process.
Out of nearly 190 metro stations, 8 are currently not fully accessible, posing challenges for wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and others who rely on barrier-free facilities.
The following stations lack full accessibility:
- Line L1: Clot, Plaça de Sants, Espanya, Urquinaona
- Line L3: Espanya, Vallcarca
- Line L4: Maragall, Verdaguer, Urquinaona, Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica
- Line L5: Plaça de Sants, Virrei Amat, Maragall, Verdaguer
Non-Accessible Transfers (Both Directions)
Certain transfers between lines are also not fully accessible:
- Line L1: Catalunya (L1/Rodalies ↔ L3/FGC, including L6/L7 and Rodalies)
- Lines L1/L2: Clot (L1 ↔ L2)
- Lines L2/L4: Passeig de Gràcia (S-Bahn ↔ L3/Rodalies)
- Line L4: Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica ↔ Trambesòs
Recommendations for Wheelchair Users
To ensure a safer and more convenient journey, TMB (Barcelona’s metro company) advises wheelchair users to board the metro at the second door of the first carriage. This position enables the train driver to have a clear view and provide assistance if required.
Funicular de Montjuïc – A Part of Barcelona’s Metro Network
Connecting Montjuïc with the City
The iconic Montjuïc Funicular links the Paral·lel metro station (serving lines L2 and L3) with the Montjuïc hill, making it an essential part of Barcelona’s public transport system. It is conveniently marked on many metro maps for easy navigation.
Discovering Montjuïc: History and Panoramic Views
Montjuïc, standing at 127 meters, has been strategically significant for centuries due to its location by the Mediterranean Sea and the Llobregat River. The hill’s name, derived from Latin, translates to “Jewish Mountain.”
Today, Montjuïc is a top destination for visitors, offering breathtaking views and numerous photo opportunities. The hill is home to a sprawling park originally created for the 1929 World’s Fair. Key attractions include sports facilities and the magnificent Palau Nacional (National Palace).
The Funicular de Montjuïc is very popular with visitors to the city. You can use the same tickets as on the metro. (Image: © Yeagov_Cat)
Riding the Montjuïc Funicular
The Montjuïc Funicular operates like a metro line, connecting two stations:
- Paral·lel (at the base)
- Parc de Montjuïc (at the top)
Metro tickets are valid for the funicular, including the convenient Hola BCN Travel Card. This seamless integration makes it easy for visitors to explore Montjuïc without additional transportation costs.
Separate tickets are required for the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car, which offers an elevated ride to additional attractions on the hill (image: © @joanlopezphoto).
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2024
How much does a metro ticket cost in Barcelona in 2024?
The Barcelona metro is an affordable way to get around the city. In 2024, a single metro ticket costs €2.55.
For visitors, the “Hola BCN” travel card is a convenient option. This card provides unlimited access to the following public transport options during its validity period (available for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days):
- Metro (including the airport shuttle)
- City buses
- Tram
- Suburban trains (Rodalies and FGC, Zone 1)
- Funicular de Montjuïc
For detailed pricing and tips, visit our online travel guide.
Where can I find a map of the Barcelona Metro?
The Barcelona metro system currently (as of 2024) consists of 12 lines and 180 stations.
You can download a detailed metro map from our travel guide.
Is the Barcelona metro wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility in the Barcelona metro varies due to the network’s long history—it has been operational since 1924. While many stations have been updated, retrofitting older ones is challenging and expensive.
As of 2023: 8 stations out of nearly 190 are not fully accessible. These stations may be difficult to use for wheelchair users or those with strollers.
A list of accessible stations is available on our website.
How to fet from Barcelona Airport to the city center by metro?
Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about 15 km southwest of the city center and is connected by its own metro station. The metro offers a quick and easy way to reach the city center.
Important: Special ticket rules apply when traveling from the airport. Check out our travel guide for tips to save time and money on tickets.
Are dogs allowed on the Barcelona Metro?
Yes, dogs are permitted on the Barcelona metro under specific conditions:
- Assistance dogs, including guide dogs and patrol dogs, are allowed at all times.
- Pets in secure transport containers are permitted, provided they do not disturb other passengers.
- Registered dogs (with an ID chip) may travel on the metro, but specific rules apply.
For more details on traveling with pets, consult our travel guide.
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