Do you want to use public transportation efficiently and affordably during your trip to Barcelona? Then this guide is perfect for you! Whether it’s the metro, bus, or tram, Barcelona’s well-developed transit network allows you to reach every corner of the city quickly and reliably.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using public transportation in Barcelona—from transport options and ticket choices to navigating schedules without knowing Spanish or Catalan, and much more.
About the author, Vicki: As someone who chose Barcelona as my home and has been trying to explore every corner of Spain for years, I’m excited to share my personal highlights and secret tips with you. From Spain’s bustling must-see attractions to its serene hideaways far from the beaten tourist paths.
What to find out in this post
- 1 Short and sweet: Public Transport in Barcelona
- 2 The Means of Transportation in Barcelona: An Overview
- 3 Tickets & Fares: Which is best for you
- 4 Use of public transportation
- 5 Transfer to and from the airport
- 6 Alternative Ways to get around Barcelona
- 7 Wrapping it up…
- 8 Common Questions about Barcelona’s Public Transportation
Short and sweet: Public Transport in Barcelona
Barcelona has a well-developed public transportation system that lets you get around the city quickly, easily, and affordably. You’ll probably use the metro most of the time, but you might also hop on a bus occasionally.
Two ticket options are especially popular with tourists: the Hola BCN! day passes, which offer unlimited rides for a set number of days, and the T-Casual tickets, which provide ten single rides.
BARCELONA INFO BOX
Where to stay in Barcelona: Hotel Santa Marta (Great hotel in the center near attractions & beach) or W Barcelona (Luxury option directly at the beach)
The most popular activities & tours in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia Ticket – Skip the Line
Camp Nou – Barça Museum und Tour
Barcelona Card – More than 25 Attractions
Getting there: Make sure to check for the best flight deals on Flight comparisons like Skyscanner
Transport: T-Casual Ticket (10-trips-Ticket for € 12.15) or Hola BCN Day Ticket
Want to rent a car? You can find great deals on RentalCars. It gets cheaper from El Prat Airport.
Barcelona Must-Have: Practical Spanish Travel Dictionary or Catalan Travel Dictionary and Barcelona-Guide
The Means of Transportation in Barcelona: An Overview
| Means of Transport | Price per Ride | Leaves every… | Coverage | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | from €1.22 or included in the Hola BCN Ticket & Barcelona Card | 2-7 minutes (every 10-15 minutes at night) | all of Barcelona | Mon–Thu, Sun, public holidays: 5 am–12 pm Fri, day before public holiday: 5 am–2 am Sat: non-stop |
| Bus | from €1.22 or included in the Hola BCN Ticket & Barcelona Card | Depending on the route | all of Barcelona | 24 hours (depending on route)/ night bus |
| Tram | from €1.22 or included in the Hola BCN Ticket & Barcelona Card | 6-20 Minutes | low coverage | Mon–Thu, Sun, Fri: 5–00 am Fri, Sat, days before a holiday: 5–2 am |
| Train | from €1.22 or included in the Hola BCN Ticket & Barcelona Card | Depending on the route | Connects the Barcelona train stations with the surrounding areas | Depending on the route + Ferrocariles: Mon–Thu, Sun, public holidays: 5 a.m.–12 p.m. Fri: 5 a.m.–2 a.m. Sat, days before public holidays: non-stop |
| Cable Car | from € 10.50 | Depending on the number of visitors (approx. every 10-15 minutes) | Montjuïc and port | Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec: 10 am – 6 pm March-May, Oct: 10 am – 7 pm June-Sept: 10 am- 9 pm Dec, Jan 1 & 6: 10 am- 2:30 pm |
| Funicular | from €1.22 or included in the Hola BCN Ticket & Barcelona Card | 10 Minutes | Montjuïc | Fall/Winter: Mon–Fri: 7:30 am–08 pm Sat, Sun, public holidays: 9 am–08 pm Spring/Summer: Mon–Fri: 7:30 am–10 pm Sat, Sun, public holidays: 9 am–10 pm |
Metro (Subway)
Barcelona’s metro (subway) is likely the city’s most frequently used means of transportation. The metro network is very well developed, meaning that you can reach almost every corner of the city quickly and easily.
Especially during rush hour, the metro is usually the fastest means of transportation in the city.
Bus
The bus in Barcelona will take you to even the most remote corners of the city. You will find a bus stop on almost every corner, and the buses depart every few minutes.
However, depending on the time of day, it may take a little longer due to heavy traffic in the city center.
Barcelona’s bus system has the big advantage of running 24 hours a day. At night, there is the practical option of taking a night bus, which connects the different parts of the city less frequently but still regularly.
Tram
The tram in Barcelona has a long history. However, the metro is much more popular nowadays, so only a few parts of Barcelona still have tram tracks.
Unless you are in one of these areas, a tram ride is not really an option.
Train (Ferrocaril & Rodalies)
The trains in and around Barcelona allow you to quickly and easily reach the surrounding areas or travel between the city’s main train stations.
Contrary to stereotypes about Spain, trains here are surprisingly punctual.
A distinction is made between long-distance trains and regional trains, known as Cercanías, as well as Ferrocarriles, which serve very nearby areas in and outside of Barcelona.
Cable Car
The cable car is a real highlight, as it offers incredible city views. However, due to its high price, it is rather less suitable as a mere means of transport.
It connects Montjuïc, one of Barcelona’s local mountains, with the harbor. On a clear day with nice weather, the ride is highly recommended.
Funicular de Montjuïc
The last means of transport in the city is the so-called Funicular de Montjuïc. This is a funicular railway that takes you up Montjuïc Mountain.
The benefit of this ride is that you can access it with a standard ticket. The funicular will take you to the viewpoints and the fortress of Montjuïc.
Tickets & Fares: Which is best for you
Now that you know the different means of transport in the city, in this section, I would like to discuss ticket options and fares in Barcelona.
Note: From 2024, a €0.50 fee will be applied to the initial purchase of the rechargeable ticket.
| Ticket Option | Ticket type | Price | Is worth it | Validity | Airport metro included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billet Senzill | Single Ticket | €2.55 | for up to 4 trips | One trip (up to 2 hours) | No |
| T-Casual | 10-trip ticket | €12.15 | for 5 trips or more | 10 Trips | No |
| T-Usual | 30-Day Ticket | from €21.35 | from 18 trips (in one month) | 30 Days | No |
| T-Familiar | Multiple personal 8-trip ticket | €10.70 | for families or groups of 8 or fewer rides in total | 8 trips | No |
| Billet Aeroport | Airport Ticket (Metro) | €5.50 | For airport trips by metro | One trip (on the L9 to/from the airport) | Yes |
| Hola BCN Ticket | day ticket for unlimited travel | from €17.50 | Tourist Pass, including transportation | 2-5 Days | Yes |
| Barcelona Card | Tourist Pass including transportation | from €53 | when visiting various attractions. | 3-5 Days | Yes |
Billet Senzill (Single Ticket)
The Billet Senzill is Barcelona’s single-ride ticket, valid for various modes of public transport. You can buy it at any metro ticket machine or directly from the bus driver.
Who is this ticket best for? It’s only worth it if you travel solo and plan to take fewer than five trips. For five or more, the T-Casual ticket is the better option.
T-Casual
I most often recommend the T-Casual ticket, which gives you ten rides on public transport. It’s also the one I personally use the most.
The only downside is that the ticket can only be used by one person at a time.
Who is this ticket best for? It’s perfect if you stay in the city for a few days, are centrally located, and don’t mind walking a bit.
T-Usual
The T-Usual ticket is a monthly pass. While it’s primarily intended for residents, tourists staying in the city for an extended period can also purchase it.
This ticket allows one person to use public transport in Barcelona for 30 days.
Who is this ticket best for? The T-Usual ticket is ideal for those staying in the city longer (18 or more monthly trips—if you’re taking fewer trips, the T-Casual ticket is a better option).
T-Familiar
As the name suggests, the T-Familiar ticket is designed for families or groups.
This ticket includes eight rides and isn’t limited to one person; multiple people can use it at the same time.
Note: Each ride will be deducted per person using the ticket.
Who is this ticket best for? The T-Familiar ticket is perfect for families or groups planning to take up to eight trips in total.
Billet Aeroport (Airport Ticket)
The Airport Ticket (Billet Aeroport) is specifically for the metro line L9 to the airport, as standard tickets are not valid for this route.
If you choose another form of transport to or from the airport, you’ll need a different ticket.
Who is this ticket best for? It’s ideal for anyone planning to take the metro to or from the airport.
Hola BCN Ticket
The Hola BCN! ticket is a one-day ticket available for two to five days. During the selected period, you can make unlimited journeys on public transport.
Who is this ticket best for? This ticket is worthwhile for anyone who travels a lot by public transport, e.g., if you are staying a bit out of town or have any difficulties walking, for example, if you are traveling with older people or small children.
Extra info: Also available online, e.g., via GetYourGuide.
Barcelona Card
The Barcelona Card is a tourist pass that offers unlimited transportation and access to more than 25 sights in the city during the selected period.
Who is this ticket best for? This ticket is only worthwhile for those who want to visit many sights in the city.
Extra info: Also available online, e.g., via GetYourGuide.
Use of public transportation
This section contains everything else you need to know about traveling by public transport in the Catalan capital.
Purchasing your ticket
Buying tickets in Barcelona is really simple. Every train and metro station has ticket machines that can easily be switched to English. Just select your ticket, pay with cash or card, and you’re ready to go.
If you opt for a tourist pass like the Hola BCN! or Barcelona Card, you can conveniently purchase them online, for example, through GetYourGuide. Remember to exchange your online voucher for a valid ticket when you arrive at the airport or a tourist information center.
Finding the proper connection is usually straightforward in Barcelona (even without any knowledge of Spanish or Catalan), especially if you use the metro.
The transfers between the different lines are usually well-marked, and the metro maps are easily understood.
In addition to conventional maps with the route network, the timetables can also be viewed online (also in English)—either here via the provider TMB or conveniently via Google Maps.
For train connections, the best place to find the timetables is on the website of Rodalies Renfe, the regional provider in Catalonia.
Operating Hours
Let’s start with the good news: public transport is available 24 hours a day in Barcelona.
The metro runs from 5 a.m. to midnight on Sundays to Thursdays. On Fridays and the days before public holidays, it operates until 2 a.m.; on Saturdays, it operates around the clock (24 hours).
The regular buses have similar operating times. At night, you can switch to the night buses, which run throughout the entire night – even if the waiting times can be a bit longer.
Trains run according to a fixed timetable. They usually start early in the morning and run until around 10 pm or midnight, although the exact times vary depending on the line.
In theory, this means that you don’t have to rely on a cab to get around the city at any time of the day.
Avoiding the Rush Hour
As in any other major city, Barcelona also has so-called rush hours. These times, public transport and the city’s streets are particularly crowded. If you want to avoid overcrowded transportation, I recommend avoiding these periods if possible. (However, I must admit that Barcelona never really reaches this extremely high traffic volume compared to metropolises like London, Beijing or Tokyo)
The rush hours in Barcelona are usually between :
- 7:30 and 9:30 in the morning
- and between 05:30 and 07:30 in the evening.
Of course, this also depends on the exact lines you use.
You will probably notice the most significant difference when taking the bus, as car traffic also increases at these times, leading to longer journey times.
Safety instructions
Have you heard about pickpockets in Barcelona? They tend to target public transport, especially when it’s crowded, and people lose track of their belongings.
But don’t worry—there’s no need to be overly concerned. Just make sure to keep an eye on your valuables, or better yet, leave them at home or store them in your hotel safe. Keep your bags zipped and close to your body.
If you’re using your phone during the ride, avoid standing too close to the doors. Occasionally, pickpockets will grab phones right before the doors close.
Other than that, the same precautions apply as in any big city.
Transfer to and from the airport
Before you leave for Barcelona: For airport transfers in Barcelona, two of the most popular options—the Aerobus and the airport metro—are not included in most standard ticket options. You’ll need a separate ticket for both. (The only exceptions are the Hola BCN! and Barcelona Card, which both cover the airport metro.)
Another option is the train to the airport, though it only stops at Terminal T2. From there, a free shuttle bus runs every few minutes, taking 15 to 20 minutes to get between the two terminals.
Taking a taxi is always an option if you’re in a hurry outside of peak hours.
Alternative Ways to get around Barcelona
Although the city’s public transportation is a fantastic option, there are also a few other ways to get around.
Bike rental
The first option is bike rental. You can easily rent a bike online, get one from a local provider, or join a guided bike tour through the city, such as this popular tour.
In recent years, Barcelona has continued to expand its road network to create more space for cyclists.
Taxi
As in any big city, Barcelona has a well-developed cab system. You will see the black and yellow taxis everywhere on the streets. Most of the time, you won’t have to wait long for a free one to pass by, which you can simply wave at to stop it.
Alternatively, you can also order a cab via an app. Popular taxi apps include FreeNow or other alternative providers.
Taxi apps
Uber has been banned in Barcelona for some time now. However, this does not mean that there are no other providers which often offer even better prices and work similarly. The most popular alternatives at the moment are Cabify and Bolt.
Walking
Another option is to explore on foot. Barcelona is a fantastic city for walking; theoretically, you could cross the entire city in just a few hours. Believe it or not, Barcelona isn’t as large as it might seem.
Walking is a great way to discover beautiful corners and even more impressive architecture. Even after living here for nearly ten years, I still come across fascinating buildings I hadn’t noticed before.
To navigate easily, you can use Google Maps or the offline app maps.me.
Wrapping it up…
Whew, that was a lot of information! Let’s quickly recap: Barcelona has an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city. You can use either the metro or the city buses. For longer distances or trips outside the city, the commuter trains are your best option.
There are several ticket options, but for most visitors, a day pass (Hola BCN ticket) or the 10-ride pass (T-Casual ticket) will be more than enough.
Common Questions about Barcelona’s Public Transportation
Choosing the correct zone in Barcelona is usually very simple, as the entire city lies in Zone 1. This means you usually only have to select a different zone if traveling outside the city.
Whether you choose the metro or the bus depends entirely on where you are starting from and where you want to go. I recommend that you simply enter your route into Google Maps to find out which means of transportation can get you to your destination the fastest.
It used to be possible to share the 10-ticket with others, but, unfortunately, this is no longer the case. If you are looking for a ticket for several people, you must opt for the T-Familiar Ticket.
A single journey on the metro in Barcelona costs €2.55 per person. A 10-trip ticket (T-Casual) is even cheaper, reducing the price per trip to an average of €1.22.
The buses in Barcelona are 100% barrier-free. However, there are still some metro stations that are not fully accessible. You can check the accessibility of each station on the TMB Accessibility page.
