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Have you booked your holiday in Barcelona, landed at the airport and made it through baggage claim without any issues? Now there are just two questions left: how do you get to the city centre of Barcelona with all your luggage after a long journey, and what is the fastest and most convenient way to reach your AB Apartment Barcelona apartment?

First, the good news: the airport (and in fact the whole city of Barcelona) is very well connected, and no matter which terminal you arrive at, you’ll have a wide range of transport options to choose from. Whether you’re travelling in a large group, on your own, with family or as a couple, we’ll show you the best options available.

The easiest option: the Aerobus, a direct bus from the airport

The Aerobus is Barcelona’s official airport shuttle and is generally the fastest and most convenient way to reach the city centre. Buses depart from both airport terminals at very frequent and regular intervals, heading straight into the city and making several stops along the way before reaching the final stop at Plaça Catalunya. The service runs 365 days a year, including public holidays and weekends. This means you do not need to worry about which day of the week you arrive.

In just over half an hour, you’ll arrive in the centre of Barcelona, making it a relatively quick and easy option.

At Plaça Catalunya, you’ll find direct connections to the L1 red line and the L3 green line of the metro. Renfe trains and FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) services also stop here, along with several bus lines that make it easy to get around the city.

Price

€7.45 (one way)

€12.85 (return)

Children under 4: free

Tickets are valid for 90 days from the date of purchase. For return tickets, the return journey is valid for a further 90 days from the date of the outbound trip.

Tickets can be easily purchased on the official website or directly from the bus driver at the stop. For some time now, it has also been possible to buy tickets on the spot from the ticket machines.

Journey time to Plaça Catalunya: approx. 35 min.

The affordable option: taking the train to the city centre

If you arrive at Terminal 2, it is worth considering a train journey as a convenient way to get into the city. Alternatively, if you land at Terminal 1 and still want to take the train, you can simply use the free shuttle bus that connects the two terminals and then follow the same steps.

The station is only about 200 metres from Terminal 2 and the route is well signposted. Simply follow the signs for “Renfe” or “Trains”. The train is a good alternative to the Aerobus if your accommodation is close to the following stops, as it allows you to avoid traffic jams and rush hour congestion.

The city stops and journey times are as follows:

Estació de França (approx. 38 min)

Barcelona Clot d’Aragó (approx. 32 min)

Passeig de Gràcia (approx. 26 min)

Barcelona-Sants (approx. 19 min)

These stops also offer good metro connections. Trains run every 30 minutes, but always check the timetables before travelling.

Another advantage compared to the Aerobus is the cost. A single ticket costs just €4.60 (you can buy it from a local ticket machine) or you can use a Hola Barcelona travel card, which is valid for several days.

The simple option: travelling by bus

We have already introduced the Aerobus, but it is not the only bus that takes you from the airport into the city. There is also the regular bus number 46, which runs much more frequently than the airport bus and is also significantly cheaper, with a flat fare of €2.90. It takes longer, but you save money. In short: more time, lower cost.

Of course, there is no extra luggage space on the regular bus, unlike the Aerobus. However, if your stay in the city is short and you are travelling with hand luggage, this should not be an issue. Another advantage is that you can use a T-casual ticket or the Hola Barcelona travel card. For more information about the T-casual and other ticket options, we have created a blog post with everything you need to know.

The bus runs only from the airport (both terminals) to Plaça Espanya. From here, you can change to the metro if needed. Metro lines L1 (red line) and L3 (green line) both depart from this station. You can find more information about the bus stops here.

If you arrive at the airport late at night, Barcelona’s night buses are a good alternative. The N18 operates from both terminals at Barcelona Airport, while the N17 departs exclusively from Terminal 1. Both routes go all the way to Plaça Catalunya, making them a convenient option for those staying in the city centre. These buses generally run from 23:00 to 05:00, so they are a practical choice, although we recommend checking their websites for the latest schedule updates. As with bus number 46, the journey is longer than the Aerobus, taking approximately 35 to 45 minutes, but it is a more affordable option.

The most comfortable option: getting into the city by taxi

A taxi is probably the fastest and most comfortable option we suggest on this list, but it is certainly not the cheapest. At the airport, taxis are easy to find by following the taxi signs. There are official taxi ranks where taxis are assigned to passengers. Once you get into a taxi, simply tell or show the driver the address of your accommodation and, in around 30 minutes, you will be in the city.

If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or as a group, a taxi can be well worth it. The fare may depend on the terminal (Terminal 1 is further away than Terminal 2), the distance to your accommodation and the time of day (taxis are slightly more expensive at night), but the price is usually around €35 to €45.

Good to know:

• All taxis use a taximeter that shows the exact fare. In addition, an airport surcharge is added at the end. This is standard practice, and the amount is shown in small print at the bottom of the meter. It is also common for taxis to apply a minimum fare of €20 for trips from the airport, regardless of the distance travelled.
• There are also surcharges, for example for trips to the port or at night. A list of these surcharges is usually displayed inside the taxi.
• In general, taxis in Barcelona are very reliable and professional.
• Please only use official yellow and black taxis.

Of course, you can also use a more personalised service such as Cabify or Free Now. These providers are increasingly available across the city, but it is best to check in advance what options are available during your stay.

The easiest option: take the metro directly to your apartment

Depending on where your accommodation is located in Barcelona, taking the L9 Sud metro line can also be a good option. It stops at both airport terminals. However, as it does not serve the city centre, including areas like Plaça Catalunya, it is best suited if your apartment is near El Prat de Llobregat or Hospitalet de Llobregat. The service runs every 7 minutes between 5:00 am and midnight from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, it runs until 2:00 am, and on Saturdays, it operates non-stop throughout the night. Be sure to check the official website for any changes, as on certain days, such as Christmas Day, the service usually only runs until 11:00 pm.

Price: €5.90 (one-way ticket)

As you can see, Barcelona offers a wide range of transport options to get from the airport to the city centre and beyond. Whether you prioritise speed, affordability or comfort, there is an option to suit every type of traveller. From the Aerobús to regular buses, trains, taxis and even the metro, each choice comes with its own advantages depending on your budget, the size of your travel group and how much luggage you are carrying.

We recommend planning ahead by taking into account your arrival time, destination and personal preferences. Whether you are staying in the lively city centre of Barcelona or in a quieter neighbourhood, one of these options will get you to your apartment with ease. And if you are staying at an AB Apartment Barcelona, you can rest assured that our well-connected locations and friendly team will help ensure your Barcelona experience gets off to a smooth, stress-free start.

No matter how you choose to travel, welcome to Barcelona! Your journey through this vibrant and exciting city is only just beginning.