✈ī¸ Barcelona Airport (BCN)

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport â€ĸ Complete Guide 2025
55M+
Passengers (2024)
2
Terminals
—
Airlines
—
Destinations
🚇 Transport Guide đŸĸ Terminals 🏨 Hotels 🛎ī¸ Services đŸ…ŋī¸ Parking ❓ FAQ

Airport Overview

Barcelona Airport (BCN), officially known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is Spain's second-largest and second-busiest airport after Madrid-Barajas. Located just 15 kilometers southwest of Barcelona city center, it serves as the main international gateway to Catalonia and the wider Mediterranean region. In 2024, the airport reached a historic milestone by welcoming over 55 million passengers, making it one of the top 10 busiest airports in Europe.

đŸŽ¯ Quick Facts: One of the busiest airports in the region with excellent connectivity and modern facilities.

Terminals Guide

Terminal 1 (T1)

Opened: June 2009

Size: 548,000 m² (5th largest in the world)

Design: Modern architecture by Ricardo Bofill

Capacity: 30 million passengers/year

Layout:

  • Floor 0: Arrivals Hall, Baggage Claim
  • Floor 1: Premium Check-in, Lounges
  • Floor 3: Departures, Check-in, Security

Gates:

  • Gates A: Schengen flights
  • Gates B: Non-Schengen flights
  • Gates C: Schengen flights
  • Gates D: Non-Schengen flights

Main Airlines:

Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, United Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines

Terminal 2 (T2)

Sections: T2A, T2B, T2C

Original Building: 1968 (renovated)

Expansion: 1992 (Olympics)

Capacity: 25 million passengers/year

Terminal 2B:

  • Oldest section (1968)
  • Mainly Ryanair operations
  • Train station nearby

Terminal 2C:

  • Exclusively EasyJet flights
  • Gates M (non-Schengen)
  • Gates R (Schengen)

Terminal 2A:

  • Large aircraft capable (Boeing 777)
  • Gates U (Schengen)
  • Gates W/Y (non-Schengen)

Main Airlines:

Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, Transavia, Wizz Air, Norwegian

🔄 Terminal Connection: Free shuttle bus service operates between T1 and T2 every 5-7 minutes, 24/7. Journey time is approximately 10-15 minutes. The shuttle is clearly marked in green and stops at designated areas outside each terminal.

Transport to Barcelona City Center

Barcelona Airport offers excellent connectivity to the city center through various transport options. Whether you prioritize speed, comfort, or budget, there's a solution for every traveler.

Transport Price Duration Frequency Best For Operating Hours
Aerobus €7.25 one-way
€12.50 return		 35 minutes Every 5-10 min Tourists, City Center 24/7
Metro L9 €5.50 32 minutes Every 7 min Budget travelers 5:00 AM - Midnight
Train R2 Nord €4.90 25 minutes Every 30 min Sants, Passeig de Gràcia 5:42 AM - 11:38 PM
Bus 46 €2.65 40 minutes Every 20 min Cheapest option 4:50 AM - 11:50 PM
Night Bus N17/N18 €2.65 50 minutes Every 20 min Late arrivals 9:55 PM - 4:45 AM
Taxi €35-45 20-30 minutes On demand Groups, comfort 24/7
Private Transfer €45-60 20-25 minutes Pre-booked Door-to-door 24/7
💡 Pro Tip: The Hola Barcelona Travel Card offers unlimited public transport (including airport connections) for 2-5 consecutive days, starting from €17.50. It's a great value if you plan to use public transport extensively during your stay. Book online in advance for the best rates on Aerobus and private transfers.

Aerobus - Best for Most Travelers

The Aerobus is the official airport shuttle providing direct service between both terminals and Barcelona city center. It's the most popular choice for tourists due to its convenience, frequency, and reasonable price.

  • Route: T1/T2 → Plaça Espanya → Gran Via-Urgell → Plaça Universitat → Plaça Catalunya
  • A1 Line: Serves Terminal 1
  • A2 Line: Serves Terminal 2
  • Luggage: Ample space for suitcases
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
  • WiFi: Free onboard

Metro L9 Sud - Budget Option

The orange line (L9 Sud) connects both airport terminals with the Barcelona metro network. While it requires at least one transfer to reach the city center, it's an economical option.

  • Stations: Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2
  • Connections: Transfer at Torrassa (L1), Collblanc (L5), or Zona Universitària (L3)
  • Note: Standard metro tickets (T-Casual) NOT valid for airport stations
  • Special ticket required: €5.50 single journey

R2 Nord Train - Fast Option (Terminal 2 Only)

The Renfe train provides the fastest connection to central Barcelona, but it only serves Terminal 2. If arriving at Terminal 1, you'll need to take the free shuttle bus first.

  • Stops: Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, El Clot
  • Station location: 3-minute walk from T2B
  • T-Casual accepted: Yes (10 journeys for €12.55)
  • Luggage: Limited space during peak hours

Hotels Near Barcelona Airport

Whether you need a place to rest during a long layover or want to stay near the airport before an early flight, Barcelona offers several quality options within minutes of the terminals.

Inside the Airport

Sleep & Fly Hotel Barcelona (Terminal 1)
📍 Located inside T1 Business Center, Floor 1
💰 €120-180 per night | Day use: 3h (€60), 6h (€90)
⏰ 24/7 reception
✨ The ONLY hotel inside the airport - walk straight to your room!
📞 +34 93 375 86 11
✓ Free WiFi | ✓ Coffee machine | ✓ Shower | ✓ Gym access

Within 2-5 km (Free Shuttle Service)

INNSiDE Barcelona Aeropuerto by Meliá

€90-150/night | 2 km from airport
Free 24h shuttle | Pool | Gym | Modern design

Barcelona Airport Hotel

€80-140/night | 3 km from airport
Free shuttle | Pool | Soundproof rooms

Renaissance Barcelona Airport

€100-180/night | 4 km from airport
Free shuttle | 259 rooms | 14 meeting rooms

Four Points by Sheraton BCN Airport

€85-155/night | 5 km from airport
Free shuttle | Pool | Fitness center | Restaurant

El Prat Town (5-10 km)

  • NH Sant Boi: €60-100/night - Business-oriented, 10 min drive
  • Ciutat del Prat: €70-110/night - Classic style, Mediterranean restaurant
  • Hostal Cal Siles: €40-70/night - Budget option, 15 min to airport
🚌 Shuttle Information: All hotels near the airport offer free shuttle service. From T1, shuttles depart from Parking G. From T2, shuttles pick up at zones T2A and T2C. Some hotels run regular schedules (check times), others require advance call. Not all shuttles operate 24/7 - confirm with your hotel if arriving late.

Airport Parking

Barcelona Airport provides over 20,000 parking spaces across multiple parking facilities, accommodating both short-stay and long-stay needs.

Terminal 1 Parking (13,000 spaces)

  • PA (Express): Short stay, closest to terminal, connected by air bridge
  • PB (General): Medium to long stay, 5-minute walk
  • PG (Long Stay): Economy parking, shuttle bus to terminal

Terminal 2 Parking (7,000 spaces)

  • PC (Express): Short stay, connected by air bridge
  • PD (General): Medium stay parking

Pricing Guide (Indicative)

Duration Price Range
First Hour €3.50 - €5.00
24 Hours €20 - €30
3 Days €50 - €70
1 Week €80 - €120
2 Weeks €130 - €200
VIP Parking Premium rates + valet
💰 Save Money: Book parking online in advance for discounts up to 30%. Long-stay parking (PG) is the most economical for trips over 4 days. Disabled parking spaces are available in all car parks - clearly marked and reserved.

Airport Services & Facilities

✈ī¸ Passenger Services

ℹī¸
Information Desks

7 locations in T1
4 locations in T2

đŸĨ
Medical Center

24/7 emergency care

💊
Pharmacy

Both terminals

🚔
Police Station

T1 Floor 3, 24/7

đŸ—ēī¸
Tourist Info

T1: Floor 1
T2: Arrivals

đŸ“Ļ
Lost & Found

+34 932 596 440

đŸŊī¸ Dining & Shopping

Restaurants & Cafes: 80+ options including:

  • PortaGaig - Fine dining with views
  • Mussol - Traditional Catalan cuisine
  • Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Caffè Pascucci
  • McDonald's, Burger King, Subway
  • Spanish tapas bars and beer gardens

Shopping: 100+ shops including:

  • Duty-Free (Wines, spirits, perfumes, luxury goods)
  • FC Barcelona Official Store
  • Fashion: Massimo Dutti, Zara, Mango
  • Electronics, books, magazines, souvenirs
  • Catalan gourmet products

đŸ’ŧ Business Facilities

VIP Lounges (6+ locations): Pau Casals Lounge (T1), Canudas Lounge (T1), Colomer Lounge (T2B), plus airline-specific lounges. Features include: complimentary food & drinks, WiFi, showers, newspapers, comfortable seating, charging stations.

Fast Track Security: €5 per person, €4 for Aena Club members. Available at T1 (Floor 3) and T2B (Floor 1). Can be purchased online or at the airport.

â™ŋ Accessibility Services

  • Special Assistance: Book 48 hours in advance through airline or Aena website/app
  • Wheelchair Access: Throughout both terminals
  • Elevators & Ramps: All levels accessible
  • Disabled Toilets: Every floor
  • Reserved Parking: Clearly marked spaces near terminals
  • Sign Language Staff: Available at information desks
  • Service Dogs: Welcome, relief areas available

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Services

🧒
Kids Play Areas

Multiple locations in boarding areas

đŸŧ
Baby Changing

Facilities throughout terminals

🛒
Maxi-Cosi Trolleys

Available at check-in areas

đŸ‘Ē
Family Lounges

Quiet spaces for families

🔒 Additional Services

  • Left Luggage: T1 Arrivals level, from €6-10 per bag per day
  • Baggage Wrapping: Excess Baggage Company, from €7 per item
  • Currency Exchange: Multiple locations, competitive rates
  • ATMs: Throughout both terminals
  • Post Office: T2B ground floor, T1 floor 3
  • Car Rental: 20+ companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, etc.)
  • Free WiFi: "Airport Free Wifi Aena" - unlimited access
  • Mobile Charging: Stations available, some rental options

Airlines & Destinations

Barcelona Airport is served by over 100 airlines connecting to 212 destinations across 62 countries. It's a major hub for European low-cost carriers and a growing intercontinental gateway.

Hub & Base Airlines

Vueling

Spain's largest low-cost carrier (Hub)

Level

Long-haul low-cost airline (Hub)

Ryanair

Europe's largest low-cost carrier (Base)

EasyJet

Major UK and European routes (Base)

Top 10 Busiest Routes (2024)

Destination Passengers
đŸ‡Ē🇸 Palma de Mallorca 2.0M
đŸ‡Ē🇸 Madrid 1.8M
đŸ‡Ŧ🇧 London 1.5M
đŸ‡Ģ🇷 Paris 1.3M
🇮🇹 Rome 1.0M
đŸ‡ŗ🇱 Amsterdam 950K
🇮🇹 Milan 900K
đŸ‡ļđŸ‡Ļ Doha 590K
đŸ‡ĻđŸ‡Ē Dubai 484K
đŸ‡ē🇸 New York 480K

Intercontinental Connections

North America (11 US cities): New York JFK, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Washington DC, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit

Canada: Toronto, Montreal

Asia: Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Tel Aviv

Latin America: Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Lima, Bogotá, Mexico City, Cancún

Africa: Casablanca, Marrakech, Tunis, Algiers, Cairo, Dakar

✈ī¸ Fun Fact: The Barcelona-Palma route was the busiest in Europe in 2024 with 2 million passengers! The historic Barcelona-Madrid "Puente Aéreo" (Air Bridge) was once the world's busiest route before the high-speed rail line opened in 2008.

Distance & Travel Times to Key Locations

Destination Distance By Car/Taxi By Public Transport
Plaça Catalunya (City Center) 15 km 20-30 min 35 min (Aerobus)
Sagrada Familia 18 km 25-35 min 45 min (Metro + transfer)
Las Ramblas 14 km 20-25 min 40 min (Aerobus + walk)
Passeig de Gràcia 16 km 25-30 min 30 min (Train to Passeig)
Barceloneta Beach 18 km 25-35 min 50 min (Metro)
Camp Nou (FC Barcelona) 12 km 15-20 min 40 min (Metro)
Port Vell / Cruise Terminal 16 km 25-30 min 45 min (Aerobus + Metro)
Barcelona Sants Station 12 km 15-20 min 25 min (Train direct)
Sitges (Beach Town) 35 km 30-40 min 50 min (Bus)
Montserrat Monastery 60 km 1h 15min 2h (Train + Cable Car)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Barcelona Airport from the city center?
Barcelona Airport is located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) southwest of the city center. Travel time ranges from 20-35 minutes depending on your chosen transport method and traffic conditions.
What's the best way to get to Barcelona from the airport?
The Aerobus is generally the best option for most travelers - it's fast (35 min), frequent (every 5-10 min), affordable (â‚Ŧ7.25), and stops at major city center locations. For budget travelers, the Metro L9 (â‚Ŧ5.50) or Train R2 (â‚Ŧ4.90) are good alternatives.
Which terminal do I need - T1 or T2?
It depends on your airline. T1 handles most major international carriers (Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Emirates). T2 is primarily for low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling). Always check your booking confirmation for your specific terminal.
How do I get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2?
A free shuttle bus (green colored) connects T1 and T2. It runs 24/7, every 5-7 minutes, and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Just follow the signs to the shuttle bus stops outside each terminal.
Are there hotels inside Barcelona Airport?
Yes! Sleep & Fly is the only hotel inside the airport, located in Terminal 1 Business Center. It offers overnight stays and day-use rooms (3h or 6h). Several other hotels are located within 2-5km with free shuttle services.
How early should I arrive at Barcelona Airport?
For domestic/Schengen flights: arrive 2 hours before departure. For international flights: arrive 3 hours before departure. T1 is very large, so allow extra time for navigation if flying from there.
Is there free WiFi at Barcelona Airport?
Yes! Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout both terminals. Connect to "Airport Free Wifi Aena" network and complete a simple registration through email, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Can I store luggage at Barcelona Airport?
Yes. Left luggage services are available in Terminal 1 Arrivals level. Prices start from â‚Ŧ6-10 per bag per day. Baggage wrapping service is also available from â‚Ŧ7 per item.
How much does a taxi cost from Barcelona Airport?
Taxis to Barcelona city center cost â‚Ŧ35-45 from T1 and â‚Ŧ30-40 from T2. The minimum airport fare is â‚Ŧ21. Prices include airport surcharge. Journey takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Does Barcelona Airport operate 24 hours?
Yes, Barcelona Airport operates 24/7. However, not all facilities and transport options run around the clock. The Aerobus operates 24/7, but metro service ends around midnight. Night buses (N17/N18) cover late-night hours.

Statistics & Records

2024 Passengers

55,034,955

+10.3% vs 2023
International Traffic

40.7M

74% of total
Domestic Traffic

14.2M

26% of total
Aircraft Operations

348,000

2024
Cargo Handled

181.7M kg

Active Routes

356

Destinations

212

in 62 countries
Airlines Operating

100+

Busiest Month

Aug 2024

5.4M passengers
European Ranking

6th

Busiest in Europe
Spain Ranking

2nd

After Madrid
Record Year

2024

All-time high!
🏆 Awards & Recognition:
• Skytrax: Best Airport in Southern Europe (3x winner)
• ACI: Accredited "Safe Airport"
• Skytrax: Highest Covid-19 Safety Rating
• Over 40M Passenger Category: Highly Commended (2021)

Contact Information

General

Phone: +34 913 211 000

Lost Property

Phone: +34 932 596 440

Location: Terminal 1, Floor 3