Barcelona-El Prat Airport is Spain's second busiest airport and a major Vueling hub in Europe, as well as a key reference point for intercontinental routes to North and South America.
Located approximately 12 km southwest of the city center along the coast, it combines Catalonia's tourism appeal with significant business traffic, with frequent flights to all major European capitals.
How to get to Barcelona International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BCN
Parking near Barcelona International Airport
Terminal 1 has parking areas P1 and P2, located right in front of the main entrance, while Terminal 2 is served by parking P4, slightly farther away but still reachable on foot in a few minutes.
Those seeking a more economical option can opt for parking P0, designed for extended stays, connected to the terminals with continuous free shuttle service.
Approximately 3-4 euros per hour at P1/P2/P4, while P0 for long stay drops to 8-12 euros per day.
How to get to Barcelona from BCN
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Barcelona Airport Transfer (Private): Arrival or Departure
Barcelona: Private Transfer to/from El Prat Airport
Barcelona Airport Private Arrival Transfers
Barcelona: Private One-Way Airport Transfer
From BCN to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend the minimum possible | TMB bus 46 or Metro L9 South with combined ticket | ~2.55-5.90€ |
| Reach Plaça Catalunya in the most direct way | Aerobús (approx. 35 min, departures every 5-10 min) | 7.45€ |
| Continue immediately to another city or Costa Brava | Metro L9 South + change at Barcelona Sants | 5.90€ |
| Reach the cruise ship terminal directly | Taxi (approx. 30 min) or Aerobús + taxi from Plaça Espanya | ~45€ / ~27€ |
El Prat → Barcelona Sants
Barcelona Sants station, the hub for AVE trains to Madrid and regional trains along the coast, is reached via Line L9 South changing at Torrassa on Line L1: a practical route for those continuing their journey without passing through downtown.
El Prat → Plaça Catalunya
Aerobús remains the fastest way to reach the heart of tourist Barcelona, with its terminus right on Plaça Catalunya, just steps away from Las Rambles and the Gothic Quarter.
El Prat → Camp Nou / Les Corts
For Barcelona's stadium, the most convenient combination is Aerobús to Plaça Espanya followed by a short taxi or Metro L3 to Les Corts, avoiding the longer changes on the L9.
El Prat → cruise ship terminal (Moll Adossat)
There is no direct connection from the airport: the Moventis shuttle between the city and cruise terminal leaves from downtown, so a direct taxi (approx. 45€) is best, or Aerobús to Plaça Espanya with a brief taxi to the piers.
Car rental at Barcelona International Airport
The main car rental companies — Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Goldcar — have dedicated desks at Terminal 1, with car collection areas within walking distance.
At Terminal 2, the service is more limited: those renting a car and arriving at T2 should expect to relocate to the T1 dedicated area.
Bring your driver's license, identity document, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit, and photograph the vehicle's condition when picking it up. Spanish citizens and those from other EU/EEA countries can drive with just their national license; for all others an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required.
Hotels near Barcelona International Airport
In Terminal 1
Sleep'n Fly is in Terminal 1, open 24 hours a day: those departing from T2 must take the free shuttle between the two terminals.
Best for: Layovers of a few hours or dawn flights from T1, when a bed to rest for a few hours is enough.
- Rooms inside the terminal, useful for a rest of 3 or 6 hours or just a shower
- Open every day of the year, at any hour
- Few rooms, 21 rooms and 4 suites: they fill up in peak periods
- T2 passengers need the shuttle to reach the hotel
Recommended hotels
Airport area and El Prat
The INNSiDE Barcelona Aeropuerto has a free shuttle that always runs for T1 and T2, every 20-40 minutes; the estimated waiting time is 25-45 minutes.
Best for: Departures before 6 or late-evening arrivals, with a short transfer.
- The shuttle runs at any hour, even at night, with a call to the hotel
- The hotel is about 2 km from the terminals, away from the city and its traffic jams
- Only one bag per person on the shuttle, waits of up to 45 minutes
- Around it there are only industrial areas: for dinner you stay in the hotel
Recommended hotels
Sants and Fira
From Barcelona Sants the R2 Nord line reaches T2 in about 20 minutes, with one train every 30 minutes; the Aerobus also stops at Plaça Espanya.
Best for: Those who want a compromise: the city close by, a direct train to the airport and mid-range hotels.
- Train to the airport without changes, with an urban ticket
- Plaça Espanya, Montjuïc and the Fira can be reached on foot or by metro
- The train runs every 30 minutes: with dawn flights it is worth checking the first service
- Outside the tourist areas: the district is less lively in the evening
Recommended hotels
- Via Sants Hotel Barcelona, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Five minutes on foot from Sants station and ten from Plaça Espanya and the Fira, with a direct train to T2. View availability
- Hampton by Hilton Barcelona Fira Gran Via Opposite the Gran Via Fira, about 5 minutes on foot from the metro and 10 km from the airport; suited to those with trade fairs or meetings. View availability
Plaça Catalunya and Eixample
The Aerobus reaches Plaça Catalunya in about 35 minutes, every 5-10 minutes and 24 hours a day; by taxi it takes 20-30 minutes.
Best for: One or more nights in the city, with the Rambles, Passeig de Gràcia and the Gothic Quarter a few steps away.
- Aerobus terminus a few steps away, with no changes while carrying luggage
- The Rambles, the Gothic Quarter and Passeig de Gràcia are reachable on foot
- A very busy area, noisy even at night
- Smaller rooms and higher rates than in Sants
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 5
- with Priority Pass
- 5
- paid entry
- from €48
- earliest opening
- 04:30
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport is divided into two distinct terminals: T1, more modern and designed by Ricardo Bofill, hosts most mainline flights; T2 (in turn subdivided into modules A, B, and C) is historically the hub for low-cost carriers.
Between the two terminals, separated by several kilometers, a free shuttle service operates: it is therefore essential to verify in advance which terminal your flight departs from to avoid arriving late.
Map of Barcelona International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do I know if my flight departs from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2?
This information is always shown on your boarding pass and booking confirmation: traditional airlines mostly operate from T1, while historically low-cost carriers operate from T2.
Q. Is it possible to walk between the two terminals?
No, the two terminals are several kilometers apart: you need the free shuttle bus, which takes about 10 minutes.
Q. Does the train serve both terminals?
No, the train station only serves Terminal 2; from there, T1 passengers must use the internal shuttle.
Q. What is the fastest way to get to Plaça Catalunya?
The Aerobus, which connects both terminals directly to Plaça Catalunya with no intermediate changes.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Premium VIP Lounge (T1), Sala VIP Colomer (T1), Sala VIP Joan Miró (T1), Sala VIP Pau Casals (T1) and Sala VIP Canudas (T2).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is €48, at Sala VIP Canudas (T2).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 04:30: Sala VIP Pau Casals (T1).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
