Barcelona-El Prat – Airport Guide
Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Spain’s second-largest airport, serves as the main international hub for the city of Barcelona.
Our up-to-date airport guide (2025 edition) provides you with useful information and practical tips for traveling to and from Barcelona Airport as well as the city center.
Transfer: Airport ↔ Barcelona City Center and Surrounding Areas
Barcelona-El Prat Airport is situated approximately 14 km southwest of the city center and is well-connected by public transportation. You can reach the city center quickly and easily via metro, shuttle bus (Aerobús), or train.
Additionally, our ticket-buying tips will help you save both time and effort.
By Metro to the City Centre
Since 2016, the airport has been directly connected to Barcelona’s metro network.
- Enjoy a fast and reliable connection to the city centre.
- A budget-friendly transfer option.
The L9 metro takes you quickly to the center of Barcelona (Image: travelguide.barcelona)
By Aerobús to the City Centre
The Aerobús provides a direct connection from the airport to the heart of Barcelona.
- Stops at major landmarks like Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya.
- A quick and convenient choice for travellers.
The Aerobús runs directly from El Prat Airport to Barcelona city center (Image: travelguide.barcelona)
Take the R2 Nord Train to the City Centre
The R2 Nord train connects the airport to the city centre. The ‘Aeroport’ train station is located in Terminal 2, section 2B. From there, you can reach Barcelona-Sants, the main station, in just 20 minutes.
The R2 North train line takes you directly from the airport to the city center without changing trains (Image: © Luis Rentero Corral)
Cost of Airport Transfer – Current Prices 2025
There are various means of transport available for transfers from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city center, each with different fares:
- Metro (Line L9 Sud): €5.70 for the special Airport Ticket. Standard tickets, such as the single ticket or the 10-trip T-Casual ticket, are not valid for the airport route.
- Aerobús: €7.25 for a single trip, €12.50 for a return ticket (valid for 90 days).
- R2 Nord Train: €4.90 (zone 4) for a single trip.
Our Tip: The Hola Barcelona Travel Card as a Low-Cost Alternative
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card offers a cost-effective solution for travelers who plan to use public transport in Barcelona frequently.
Current Prices (2025):
2 days: €18.10 · 3 days: €26.30 · 4 days: €34.40 · 5 days: €42.10
This card allows unlimited travel by metro, bus, tram, and train within Barcelona, including the airport route.
It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore the city flexibly and without limits.
You can purchase the HolaBCN card online in advance. ➡️Click here to go directly to the provider.
➤ Find more detailed information about the Hola BCN day ticket here.
Terminals at Barcelona-El Prat Airport – Overview and Tips
Barcelona-El Prat Airport features two passenger terminals: the modern Terminal 1 (T1), inaugurated in 2009, and the older Terminal 2 (T2). A free shuttle bus operates between the two terminals, making it easy to transfer between them.
Each terminal has dedicated parking facilities. Detailed information about parking options and the current fees for 2025 is available on our special page: “Parking at the Airport.”
Below is an overview of the key features and services at the terminals:
Terminal 1 (T1) – The Airport’s Modern Main Terminal
Terminal 1 stands out as the airport’s primary terminal, covering an impressive area of approximately 550,000 m².
Check-in and baggage handling:
- 258 check-in counters and 15 baggage carousels ensure efficient service for travelers.
Shopping and dining:
- A diverse selection of shops, restaurants, and cafés provides convenience and comfort for passengers.
Local public transport connections:
- Metro: The L9 Sud metro line has a stop directly at Terminal 1.
- Aerobús: A rapid shuttle bus service links the terminal to the city center.
Terminal 1 at El Prat Airport: Spacious, modern, and easy to navigate. Advantage: Excellent local transport connections (Image: © travelguide.barcelona)
➤ For detailed information on shopping, dining, and transportation options between the terminals, refer to our comprehensive Guide to Terminal 1.
Terminal 2 (T2) at El Prat Airport
Terminal 2 is the smaller and older of the two passenger terminals at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. It is mainly used by low-cost airlines and offers functional infrastructure.
Transport links
- Aerobús: There is a stop directly in front of the terminal.
- Metro: The L9 Sud stop is located below the terminal.
- Train: The ‘Aeroport’ train station is about 200 metres from the terminal.
Terminal 2 is smaller, but also well connected to local transport (Image: Azchael, CC 4.0 Licence).
Caution: Risk of Confusion at Barcelona’s Airports
In the Barcelona region, there are two additional airports besides the main airport, Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), which are also often referred to as “Barcelona Airport.” Here is a brief overview:
- Barcelona-El Prat (BCN): Located just 15 kilometers from the city center, it offers a fast and convenient connection to Barcelona.
- Girona-Costa Brava Airport: Situated approximately 90 kilometers north of the city, this airport is frequently used by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair. It provides good transfer options, making it a cost-effective alternative.
- Reus Airport: Located around 100 kilometers southwest of the city, this airport is better suited for destinations outside Barcelona.
Important Note: How to Avoid Confusion
To ensure you arrive at the correct airport, pay close attention to the official abbreviations:
- Barcelona-El Prat: BCN (IATA) or LEBL (ICAO).
- These codes are especially helpful when searching for flights online.
There are three airports in the Barcelona region – be careful not to mix them up!
Facts and Figures About Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the second-largest in Spain and one of the most important airports in the Mediterranean region. It handles around 19 million passengers annually.
Name and Location
- Spanish name: Aeropuerto de Barcelona-El Prat
- Catalan name: Aeroport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat
- Opening: Established in 1918 at its current location
Development and Growth
- 1963: Reached 1 million passengers for the first time
- 1992: Expanded and modernized for the Barcelona Olympic Games
- 2009: Terminal 1 opened (500,000 m²), earning multiple awards
Capacity and Statistics
- Runways: Three runways enable up to 90 flights per hour
- Peak Passenger Numbers: 53 million in 2019
- Pandemic Impact: Passenger numbers dropped to 19 million in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19
The modern Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the second-largest airport in Spain (photo: © Joe Shlabotnik).
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2025
Is there a metro stop at Barcelona-El Prat Airport?
Since 2016, Barcelona-El Prat Airport has been connected to the Barcelona metro network. The ‘L9 Sud’ metro line serves both Terminal 1 (inside the building) and Terminal 2 (outside the building). Both stops are clearly signposted within the airport.
You can find more information about Barcelona-El Prat Airport in our online airport guide.
How far is El Prat Airport from the center of Barcelona?
El Prat Airport is located just 14 kilometers southwest of central Barcelona.
It is well-connected to Barcelona’s public transport system, allowing you to reach the city center quickly by metro, shuttle bus (Aerobús), or train (R2 Nord).
For more information and tips, please visit our website.
Which airport in the Barcelona region is better?
There are three international airports in the Barcelona region:
- El Prat Airport
El Prat Airport is just 14 kilometers from the city center and is directly connected to the metro network. Its convenient location and accessibility make it the first choice for many travelers visiting Barcelona. - Girona Airport
Located about 90 kilometers from Barcelona, Girona Airport primarily serves low-cost airlines like Ryanair. It offers good transfer options to the city, making it an affordable alternative for budget travelers. - Reus Airport
Reus Airport is approximately 100 kilometers from central Barcelona. This airport is more suitable for destinations outside Barcelona and is less commonly used for trips to the city itself.
For more information and tips, please visit our website.