How to Get From Barcelona Airport and Move Around the City Comfortably

Getting from Barcelona Airport (El Prat) to the City

There are several ways to get from the airport to the city center or wherever you’re headed. What’s best depends on where you’re staying, how much luggage you have, and whether you’re traveling solo or with family.

TAXI

If you want to keep it simple and comfortable—especially if you have kids or lots of bags—grab a taxi. They’re waiting right outside both terminals. The ride to central Barcelona (like Plaça Catalunya) costs about 30–50 euros, depending on traffic and time of day. Travel time is around 20–40 minutes. Quick, easy, no fuss.

AEROBUS 

If you’re traveling light and want a cheaper option, hop on the Aerobus. It’s an express shuttle that goes directly to the city center with stops at Plaça Espanya, Plaça Universitat, and Plaça Catalunya.
• Runs every 10 minutes
• Ticket: 6.75 euros one way, 11.65 euros round trip
• Travel time: about 30 minutes

RENFE Train (R2 Nord line)

Another option is the RENFE R2 Nord train, which runs from Terminal 2 (T2) straight into the city. You’ll get to Passeig de Gràcia station in about 20–30 minutes, and the ticket costs around 4.60 euros if you use a T-Casual pass.
Heads up: if you land in Terminal 1 (T1), you’ll need to take a free shuttle to T2 first.

METRO L9 Sud

There’s also the L9 Sud Metro line, which connects both terminals to the metro system. A single ticket costs 5.50 euros, but you’ll need to switch lines to get to the city center. It’s doable, but maybe not ideal if you’re dragging luggage or kids along.

RENTING A CAR 

If you’re planning to explore areas outside of Barcelona, renting a car at the airport makes sense.
But here’s the thing: parking in the city isn’t easy, and it isn’t cheap.
• Underground parking garages charge around 2.50–3 euros per hour and 15–25 euros per day, depending on the location.
• Street parking (green and blue zones) is 2–4.25 euros per hour, and it’s usually free at night and on weekends.
And never leave anything in the car. Even in paid parking lots, it’s not uncommon for windows to get smashed if something valuable is visible inside.

Getting Around Barcelona

Once you’re in the city, there are plenty of ways to get around easily.

Taxis & Apps

For short trips, taxis are super convenient. I always recommend downloading FreeNow, Bolt, Uber, or Cabify—they make it easy to grab a ride without standing around waiting.
• Average ride costs: 5 to 25 euros, depending on distance and time of day
• Base fare: around 2.55–2.75 euros
• Per kilometer: about 1.25–1.40 euros during the day (slightly higher at night)
• Waiting time: around 30 euros per hour

Public Transport

If you plan on using public transport a lot, buy a T-Casual card. It’s valid for 10 rides on buses, metro, trams, and even RENFE trains within zone 1 (which includes the airport).
• Price: 12.55 euros in 2025
• A single ride on a normal ticket costs 2.55 euros
One important thing—this ticket is personal, so you’ll need one for each person traveling.
The metro and buses work pretty well, but keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing on public transport is unfortunately common here.

Getting Around During a Photoshoot in Barcelona

If you’ve booked a photoshoot in Barcelona (which I totally recommend!), we usually move between locations by taxi. It’s quick and stress-free.

• Taxi rides between locations typically cost 10–15 euros
• Travel time: 10–20 minutes between spots

This makes it easy to shoot in up to three different locations in one session! Whether you’re after individual portraits, a family photoshoot in Barcelona, or a couple’s session, you’ll get a great variety of shots and vibes.

Final Tips

If you want to know more about where to stay in Barcelona, check out my other guide on the best neighborhoods to book your accommodation.
And if you’re looking for a Barcelona photographer to capture your trip—whether it’s a vacation, a family shoot, or something special—I’d love to create those memories with you!