Barcelona Transport: Metro, Airport & T-Casual vs. Hola
Last Updated on 31/01/2025
Barcelona is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Europe, thanks to its efficient and well-connected public transport system. The metro, buses, and trams link the city’s top attractions, and various travel cards help visitors save money. This guide covers how to get from the airport to the city centre, an overview of public transport options, and a detailed comparison of the T-Casual and Hola Barcelona travel cards.
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How to Get from Barcelona Airport to the City Centre
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the city’s only international airport, located just 15 km from the city centre, making it easy to reach via public transport. Below are the main options:
1. Aerobús (Airport Shuttle Bus)
- Route：Direct connection between the airport and Plaça de Catalunya (city centre).
- Frequency：Every 5–10 minutes from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
- Ticket Prices：One-way: €7.25; Return: €12.50
- ➡️ Pre-book tickets（to save time）
2. Metro L9 Sud
- Route：Connects the airport to the metro system, allowing easy transfers.
- Frequency：See metro schedule below.
- Ticket Prices：€5.70 (special airport fare).
- If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider the Hola Barcelona pass for unlimited travel.
- ➡️ Pre-order a transport card
3. R2N Commuter Train (Rodalies de Catalunya)
- Route：Direct to major train stations, including Sants Station and Passeig de Gràcia.
- Ticket Prices：€4.90 (single journey).
- Pros：
- ✅ Fastest option (20–25 minutes to city centre)
- ✅ Ideal for those staying near Sants or Passeig de Gràcia
- I personally use this method to get to the city centre that day
4. Other Options: Taxi & Private Transfers
- Taxi：Official airport taxis cost €30–40, depending on traffic.
- Ride-sharing (Uber/Bolt)：Ideal for those with heavy luggage or late-night arrivals.
- Private Transfers：Best for families or groups wanting a hassle-free journey.
- ➡️ a private transfer service between the airport and the city centre
Getting Around Barcelona – Public Transport Options
Barcelona’s public transport network includes the metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains (Rodalies). Most tickets are valid across these systems.
1. Metro (Subway)
The Barcelona Metro is the fastest way to get around, covering most attractions.
- The metro stations most commonly used by tourists include:
|
Metro Station |
Nearby Attractions |
|
Barceloneta |
Beach, Port area, Local Tour meeting point |
|
Catalunya |
Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter |
|
Liceu |
La Rambla, Gothic Quarter |
|
Plaça Espanya |
Arenas Shopping Centre, Plaça d’Espanya, Magic Fountain, Spanish Village |
|
Sagrada Familia |
Sagrada Familia, Passeig de Gràcia, Hospital de Sant Pau |
|
Passeig de Gràcia |
The extended area: Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), etc |
|
Palau Reial |
Camp Nou (Barcelona Football Stadium) |
| Estació de França |
Trains to other cities, suburbs, Local Tour meeting point |
- Barcelona Metro Operating Hours
|
Days |
Operating Hours |
|
Monday – Thursday |
05:00 – 24:00 |
|
Friday & Public Holiday Eves |
05:00 – 02:00 |
|
Saturday |
24 Hours |
|
Sunday |
Runs from Saturday non-stop until midnight |
📌 Important: Contactless payments are not available at metro gates. You must buy a ticket from vending machines.
2. Bus
Buses are useful for reaching areas not covered by the metro.
Most buses run from 4:25 AM – 11:00 PM.
Check exact timetables on the official TMB website.
3. Night Bus (NitBus)
Barcelona’s NitBus service covers the city and nearby areas at night.
- Operating Hours：10:40 PM – 6:00 AM (every 20–30 minutes).
- Main stop：All NitBus routes start from Plaça de Catalunya.
If arriving late at night, NitBus is an option, but taxis, Aerobús, or the metro may be more convenient with luggage.
Barcelona Transport Ticket Comparison – T-Casual vs. Hola Barcelona (2025 Update)
Barcelona offers several transport passes to suit different travel needs. Below is a comparison of single tickets, T-Casual, and Hola Barcelona passes:
| Ticket Type | Price (€) | Usage | Metro (Excl. Airport) / Bus / Tram | Airport Metro (L9 Sud) | Rodalies (Zone 1 Train) |
| Single Ticket (City) | €2.65 | 1 Trip | Ｏ | Ｘ | Ｘ |
| Single Ticket (Airport) | €5.70 | 1 Trip | Metro only | Ｏ | Ｘ |
| T-Casual | €12.55 | 10 Trips | Ｏ | Ｘ | Ｏ |
| Hola Barcelona (48h) | €18.10 | Unlimited for 48h | Ｏ | Ｏ | Ｏ |
| Hola Barcelona (72h) | €26.30 | Unlimited for 72h | Ｏ | Ｏ | Ｏ |
| Hola Barcelona (96h) | €34.40 | Unlimited for 96h | Ｏ | Ｏ | Ｏ |
| Hola Barcelona (120h) | €42.10 | Unlimited for 120h | Ｏ | Ｏ | Ｏ |
📌 Which ticket should you choose?
- T-Casual：Ideal for short stays or those using public transport less frequently. Does not include the airport metro but covers Rodalies Zone 1 trains.
- Hola Barcelona：Best for frequent travellers, as it includes unlimited metro, bus, airport metro, and Rodalies Zone 1 trains. If taking 5+ trips per day, this is the best value.
- Single Tickets：Suitable for occasional rides, but costs add up quickly.
Summary
- Airport Transfers：Options include Aerobús, Metro L9 Sud, R2N train, taxi, or private transfer.
- City Transport：Metro, buses, and trams are the best ways to get around. Use Google Maps to plan routes.
- Best Travel Pass：Choose T-Casual or Hola Barcelona based on your travel frequency to save on transport costs!
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