Transportation in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that knows about the importance of public transportation. In that sense, the entire city is reached either by Metro, Bus or Tram.

On the other hand, driving in Barcelona has its complications. Actually, many people who own a car will use it most likely on nearby escapades, but not so much to move around the city.

Learn how to move around Barcelona by public transport and make the most of your trip.

Get the Barcelona Transport Pass here

How to move around Barcelona

Barcelona features three main transport systems: metro, bus and tram. All systems use the same transport ticket and were designed as a network that covers the entire city and the outskirts.

Barcelona Metro

The metro is the most popular transportation system in the city. Overall, is the fastest and easiest way to move around Barcelona.

Barcelona Bus

More than 200 bus lines and 17 night routes operate in Barcelona, making it a fast and unexpensive way for getting to your destination, anytime of the day.

Even though the Tram in Barcelona doesn’t cover the entire Barcelona surface, it services some areas of the city not well connected in the past. The Barcelona Tram is extremely modern, works smoothly and it’s very pleasant to use.

FGC Railways

The FGC Railway (Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat), is a network of urban and suburban trains that connect Barcelona with other cities in Catalonia, such as Sant Cugat, as well as touristic areas like Montserrat.

Cable cars and funiculars

These transport systems service mainly touristic spots in the city. You can get to Montjuic, Barceloneta or Tibidabo whilst enjoying the best views in Barcelona.

Biking in Barcelona

Barcelona is a bike friendly city, especially in recent years, thanks to the city’s effort in mantaining and creating new bike routes. If you rent a bike, you can move around Barcelona pretty much everywhere.

Taxis in Barcelona

Taxis in Barcelona are plentiful and non expensive, so it's the best choice for a quick trip. It's also the fastest way of getting to the airport from the city center (aprox. 30€).

Barcelona Transport Passes 2020

The Barcelona transport system is divided into six zones. Zone 1 covers all the Metropolitan area of the city, so unless you’re planning to travel outside Barcelona, you should stick with Zone 1 tickets.

All transport passes are integrated and be used for Metro, Buses, Tram and FGC Railway. RENFE short distance train service works with separate tickets. These are the most popular tickets:

Single TicketT-DayT-Casual T-FamiliarT-UsualT-Grup

This ticket only works for a single ride of any length for up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Important: this is the only ticket that does not allow transfers from the metro to bus, tram or FGC Railway and only works for Zone 1. Price: 2,40€

Aimed to tourists, this ticket gives you unlimited use of the whole transport system for one day. Notice that it's valid from the moment you validate until the end of the day, (it doesn't work for 24 hours). Requires passport number and it's a one-person ticket. Price: 10,50€ (Zone 1).

It's worth for 10 rides of any lenght and allows transfers without charging a new ride for up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This ticket is only for individual use. Price: 11,35€ (Zone 1).

Multi person ticket worth 8 rides. It can be used for 30 consecutive days since activation. Price: 10,00€ (Zone 1).

This ticket is only for individual use. Offers unlimited rides for 30 consecutive days, so it's the right choice for a long stay. Price: 40,00€ (Zone 1).

Multi person ticket worth for 70 rides. It can be used for 30 consecutive days since activation. Price: 79,45€ (Zone 1).

Hola BCN Transport Pass

Hola BCN is a transport pass that offers unlimited access to the entire Barcelona transportation network. Features 2, 3, 4 and 5 day tickets, helping you save money in your process of discovering Barcelona. It covers metro, buses, tram, FGC Railway and Renfe suburban trains.

Get the HOLA Barcelona Pass

Barcelona Airport and Cruise Transfers

Here you'll find all information you need about getting from Barcelona airport to the city center, as well as how to get to Barcelona from the Cruise Port.

A private transfer is the fastest and most comfortable choice to get from the airport to your accommodation.

Getting from the airport to Barcelona

There are many ways of getting from El Prat Airport to Barcelona. We have compiled a list of them so you can decide which one suits you better upon your arrival. Check it here.

Getting to Barcelona from the Cruise Port Terminal

The Barcelona Port Cruise is one of the most important in the Mediterranean. The biggest cruise companies in the world have Barcelona as one of their main destinations and also as a point of departure.

If you’re coming to Barcelona on a Cruise, check here for recommendations on the best ways for getting to Barcelona from the Cruise Port Terminals.