How to travel from Barcelona Airport to the city centre: complete guide for travellers

How to get from El Prat Airport to Barcelona

The Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the main gateway to the Catalan capital. Located just 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the city centre, it handles over 50 million passengers a year, making it one of the busiest airports in Europe. Knowing how to get from the airport to Barcelona quickly, comfortably, and affordably is essential to start your trip on the right foot.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the available transport options, with a special focus on the most flexible and efficient choice: hiring a car at the airport. Discover why thousands of travellers choose DoYouSpain to find a cheap rental car to get from the airport to the city centre of Barcelona.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): the main gateway to the city

The El Prat Airport features two main terminals: T1 and T2. Terminal 1 is the most modern and serves the majority of international flights, while Terminal 2 — divided into T2A, T2B, and T2C — mainly handles low-cost airlines.

The distance from both terminals to Barcelona city centre is approximately 15 kilometres. Depending on the mode of transport, the journey to the heart of the city takes between 20 and 40 minutes.

How to get to Barcelona city centre from El Prat Airport

Do you know all the ways to get from El Prat to Barcelona? There are several ways to travel from the airport to Barcelona city centre cheaply or with added comfort — it all depends on your needs. Here, we explain the most popular options.

Aerobus Barcelona: Timetables, prices, and route

The Aerobus is one of the most popular choices among travellers. It departs every 5 to 10 minutes from both terminals and connects directly with key points in the city centre, such as Plaça Espanya, Gran Via, and Plaça Catalunya. The journey takes about 30 to 35 minutes, and a return ticket costs around €13. While it’s convenient, it may be less economical for groups.

Metro (L9 Sud): Connections and key stops

The L9 Sud Metro Line links the airport to areas like Zona Universitaria, and connects with other lines that take you to the city centre. It doesn’t go directly to Plaça Catalunya, so one or two transfers are usually needed. The journey takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes, with a single ticket priced at €5.50. Metro operating hours are Monday to Thursday from 05:00 to 00:00, Friday until 02:00, all night Saturday, and until midnight on Sunday.

Renfe Train: Where it takes you

The Renfe commuter train (R2 Nord) departs from Terminal 2 and stops at stations like Passeig de Gracia and Estacio de Sants, offering fast and affordable connections. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you’ll need to take the free shuttle bus to reach Terminal 2.

Car hire at Barcelona Airport: Flexibility and advantages

Without a doubt, hiring a car at Barcelona Airport is the best choice if you’re looking for comfort, schedule freedom, and savings — especially for families, business trips, or groups. One of the biggest advantages is that you can explore not just Barcelona, but also surrounding attractions at your own pace.

With DoYouSpain, you can find a cheap rental car all over Barcelona in minutes, with the best conditions on the market.

Urban Buses (TMB) and Night Buses (NitBus): Routes and frequency

Lines 46 (daytime) and N16, N17, N18 (nighttime) connect the airport with different parts of the city. These are very affordable options, but tend to be slower and may not have much room for luggage.

Taxis and VTC: Prices and travel time

A taxi offers door-to-door convenience, with fares to the city centre ranging from €30 to €40, depending on traffic and time of day. VTC services are also available through mobile apps, though prices can vary with demand.

rent a car in El Prat, Barcelona

Hiring a car at Barcelona Airport: the best choice for freedom of movement

Looking to explore Barcelona without any hassle? The best option is to rent a car as soon as you arrive at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Car hire offices are available in both terminals, just a short walk from the arrivals area.

With DoYouSpain, you can compare prices from thousands of rental companies and choose from a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs — from compact cars for solo trips to larger models ideal for group travel.

Tips for driving around Barcelona

When driving in the city, keep these key points in mind:

  • Low Emission Zones (LEZ): Barcelona has restrictions for high-emission vehicles. Make sure your car meets the required standards before entering restricted zones.
  • Parking: The city features blue zones (paid parking), green zones (for residents), and some free parking areas. You’ll also find plenty of public and private car parks across the city.
  • Recommended routes: To avoid congestion in the city centre, it’s a good idea to use the ring roads. They provide fast connections to the main motorways leading to the rest of Catalonia.
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For many travellers, especially those looking to fully discover Barcelona, a rental car is the most practical choice.

From Barcelona-El Prat Airport, there are many ways to reach the city centre — but none offer the same level of flexibility, comfort, and value as hiring a car.

With DoYouSpain, finding a cheap rental car from the airport to Barcelona city centre is quick and easy, with competitive rates and vehicles to suit every type of traveller. In just two minutes and a few clicks, your reservation will be ready. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at +34 964 830 995 or via the online Customer Area. Don’t wait — rent your car in Barcelona with DoYouSpain today!