Terminal 1 at Barcelona-El Prat Airport – modern architecture combined with comfort and service for travelers.
Terminal 1 – Easy Navigation
The modern Terminal 1 seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with high levels of comfort and service for travelers. To make navigating this extensive facility simpler, the terminal is organized into four levels and five clearly labeled modules.
Levels and Modules in Terminal 1
The terminal’s five modules, designated for different destinations and gates, are labeled A, B, C, D, and E. Each module serves specific areas, making navigation intuitive.
The terminal is divided into the following four levels:
- Level 0: Arrival area (La Plaza).
- Level 1: Departure area, featuring boarding gates A, B, and C. This level houses check-in kiosks for airlines such as Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Vueling. It also provides access to the Puente Aéreo shuttle connection between Barcelona and Madrid.
- Level 2: Includes additional check-in kiosks, passport control, and other traveler services.
- Level 3: Dedicated to airlines such as Iberia, Air Canada, and Brussels Airlines. It also offers a Fast Lane option for families with children under 15.
Good signage – easy orientation
Terminal Transfer at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
The terminals T1 and T2 are separated by runways, making walking impractical. A free shuttle bus operates daily, including weekends and holidays, to facilitate transfers between terminals. This shuttle is distinct from the one connecting to Barcelona city center.
Shuttle Bus Operating Times:
- 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM & 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Every 7 minutes
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Every 5 minutes
- 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM: Every 10 minutes
Watch for this sign indicating the shuttle bus.
Shuttle Bus Stops:
- T1, Level 3: Departures (not available 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM)
- T1, Level 0: Arrivals
- T2, Section B: Departures
- T2, Section C: Public road
Transfer Times:
- T1 → T2 B/C: ~10 minutes (shuttle bus)
- T2 → T1: ~14 minutes (shuttle bus)
- Within T2: 2–5 minutes on foot between sections B, C, and A
The runways are located between Terminal 1 (on the right in the picture) and Terminal 2 (on the left) (Picture: Eric Salard, CC 2.0 license)
Connection to Local Transport
Metro
Terminal 1 has its own metro station located directly beneath the building, offering a fast and convenient connection to the city center.
The Terminal 1 metro station is located directly below the terminal building (Image: 9pm, CC 4.0 license)
Aerobús
The Aerobús is an airport shuttle bus that stops right in front of the terminal building and provides a comfortable ride to the city center.
Aerobús: The stop for the shuttle bus to the center of Barcelona is right at the terminal building.
Train R2 Nord
The R2 Nord train line connects the airport to the city center. However, the train station is located at Terminal 2. A free airport shuttle bus operates between Terminals 1 and 2, allowing you to reach the train station easily and continue your journey on the R2 Nord train to the city center.
The R2 North train line takes you directly from the airport to the city center without changing trains (Image: © Luis Rentero Corral)
Parking at Terminal 1
Travelers arriving by car or rental vehicle will find plenty of parking spaces available at Terminal 1. Parking facilities are located within a short distance from the terminal and provide options for both short-term and long-term stays. You can also book your parking spot in advance for added convenience.
➤ For detailed information on parking fees and reservation options, visit our dedicated parking information page.
Shopping, Duty-Free and and Gastronomy in Terminal 1
Waiting at the airport for hours is rarely enjoyable. However, in the modern Terminal 1 at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, you can make the most of your time by shopping or dining at one of its many restaurants. This terminal offers more than some shopping malls.
Shopping
You’ll find a wide range of stores featuring well-known brands on Levels 1 and 3 of Terminal 1.
Here is a small selection of shops:
Adidas, Adolfo Dominguez, Barcelona Duty Free, Burberry, Chocolat Factory, FC Barcelona Boutique, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Relay, Swarovski, Victoria’s Secret, Zara… and many more.
There is also a pharmacy (Farmacia) conveniently located on Level 3.
FC Barcelona store at the airport – great selection for fans
Restaurants and Cafés
Terminal 1 at Barcelona-El Prat Airport boasts an excellent selection of restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta and pizza, classic burgers, or even Argentine cuisine, there’s something to satisfy almost every taste.
You’ll also find a variety of cafés:
Costa Coffee, Coffee Republic, Dots Bakery, illy, Häagen-Dazs, Malvón, O Mamma Mia (pasta & pizza), McDonald’s, Burger King, Medas Grill, Pans & Company, Mediterranean Terrace, La Tramoia… and more.
Tasty Food & Drink in Terminal 1 at El Prat Airport
Services and Facilities
Lost and Found
- Location: Level 0
- Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Contact: +34 932 596 440 | objetosperdidosbcn@aena.es
Note: Items left on aircraft are managed by airlines.
VIP Lounges
- Pau Casals Lounge (Level 2): Awarded world’s best airport lounge in 2013 by Priority Pass.
- Colomer VIP Lounge (Level 1): For Barcelona-Madrid shuttle passengers.
- Joan Miró VIP Lounge (Level 2): For passengers traveling outside the Schengen area.
Family Services
- Play Areas: Three zones (Levels 1 and 3).
- Nursing Room: Dedicated space for mothers (Level 3).
Facts and Figures
- Opening: 2009, designed by Ricardo Bofill.
- Area: 550,000 m².
- Capacity: Up to 90 flights per hour and 100,000 passengers daily (pre-pandemic).
- Future Projects: The planned T1S terminal is expected to increase capacity by an additional 15 million passengers. However, construction has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2025
How do I get from Terminal 1 to the city center?
There are several ways to get from Terminal 1 of Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city center. You can take the metro, which stops directly inside the terminal. Another option is to take the Aerobús shuttle bus, which also departs directly from the terminal. If you take the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 2, you can take the R2 Nord train to the city centre. Taxis are also available 24 hours a day outside the terminal.
For more information and tips about Barcelona-El Prat Airport, see our online airport guide.
How much time should I allow for terminal transfers?
The time required for connecting flights depends on various factors:
- Do you need to switch terminals?
- Will your luggage be automatically transferred, or do you need to collect it and check it in again?
Below is a general guide to the transfer times:
- If you need to switch terminals, allow at least 10–14 minutes of pure transportation time on the shuttle bus.
For more detailed information and tips on Barcelona-El Prat Airport, visit our Online Airport Guide.
How Can I Get from One Terminal to Another at El Prat Airport?
The two terminals at Barcelona-El Prat Airport are located relatively far apart. To make traveling between them easier, a free airport shuttle bus is available.
For additional tips and detailed information about Barcelona-El Prat Airport, check out our online airport guide.
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