Barcelona-El Prat Airport has been connected to the modern and well-developed Barcelona metro network since 2016. As a result, this connection is often not mentioned in older travel guides or on some websites.
Here, you will find the most important and up-to-date information (as of 2026) about metro connections between the airport and Barcelona, helpful tips for purchasing tickets, and useful advice for a stress-free transfer. This guide will save you valuable time and effort upon your arrival.
The L9 Sud metro line connects Barcelona-El Prat Airport with the western part of Barcelona. It does not go directly to the city centre. However, with just one change, you can reach central stations such as Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter.
Interchange options on Line L9 South:
- Can Tries | Gornal → L10 South
- Torrassa → L1 (Red Line), L10 South
Towards: Plaça de Sants, Espanya, Universitat, Catalunya, Arc de Triomf - Collblanc → L5 (Blue Line), L10 South
Towards: Sants Estació, Diagonal, Verdaguer, Sagrada Família
The L9 Sud line also takes you directly to the Barcelona Exhibition Centre (Fira). The L9 line is marked in orange on the route map.
⬇️ Barcelona Metro Route Map
⬇️ Route Map of Metro Line L9 Sud (Airport Line)
Metro line L9 Sud takes you quickly from the airport to the city centre.
Stops on the Airport Line L9 Sud
Aeroport T1 – Aeroport T2 – Mas Blau – Parc Nou – Cèntric – El Prat Estació – Les Moreres – Mercabarna – Parc Logístic – Fira – Europa | Fira (transfer: L8) – Can Tries | Gornal (transfer: L10 Sud) – Torrassa (transfer: L1, L10 Sud) – Collblanc (transfer: L5, L10 Sud) – Zona Universitària
Where is the metro station at the airport?
Both terminals (T1 and T2) at Barcelona-El Prat Airport have their own metro stops, which are well signposted and easy to locate.
- In Terminal 1, the L9 Sud metro station is on level 0 and marked as “Aeroport T1”.
- The station at Terminal 2, called “Aeroport T2”, is situated directly in front of the terminal building.
The metro station Aeroport T1 is located directly inside Terminal 1 (image: travelguide.barcelona).
There is a short walk from Terminal 2 to the Aeroport T2 metro station (image: © travelguide.barcelona)
Which ticket to use for the trip from the airport to the city centre? – Ticket prices 2026
“Airport Ticket” for travel to and from the airport
ATTENTION: Standard tickets, such as the single ticket or the 10-trip T-Casual ticket, are NOT valid for trips to or from the airport!
For this route, you must purchase the special “Airport Ticket,” which is available at ticket machines.
- Cost: €5.90 per one-way trip (as of 2026)
- Children under 4 years travel for free
Airport Ticket: special ticket for travel to and from the airport (image:© travelguide.barcelona).
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card: An Affordable Option for Visitors
For travellers visiting Barcelona, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card offers a more affordable alternative to the expensive Airport Ticket. If you plan to use public transportation during your stay, this convenient travel pass is highly recommended.
The card is also valid for the L9 Sud airport metro line, saving you the additional €5.90 typically required for the Airport Ticket.
Unlimited Mobility
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card allows unlimited travel on the following modes of public transport within the selected validity period:
- Metro (including the L9 Sud line to the airport)
- City buses (TMB)
- Trams
- Suburban trains (FGC, Zone 1)
- Regional trains (Rodalies de Catalunya, Zone 1)
- Montjuïc Funicular
Validity Period and Prices (as of 2026)
The card is available for durations ranging from 2 to 5 days. Current prices are as follows:
2 days / 48 hours: €18.70 (€9.35 per day)
3 days / 72 hours: €27.30 (€9.10 per day)
4 days / 96 hours: €35.60 (€8.90 per day)
5 days / 120 hours: €43.60 (€8.72 per day)
One card for all local transport – the Hola Barcelona Travel Card
Our Tips for Buying Tickets
1) Local Transport – Buy a Day Ticket Online in Advance
With just one card (Hola BCN Card), you can use the transport services of all four operating companies in the city – without constantly queuing at ticket machines or dealing with small change. This simplifies your travel and saves time.
👉Click here to go directly to the provider (in English).
Advantages of the Hola Barcelona Travel Card
- No hassle after landing: You don’t need to worry about purchasing tickets upon arrival.
- Time-saving: There’s no need to familiarize yourself with the local fare system; your ticket is ready to use.
- Airport transfer included: The card allows you to use the L9 Sud metro line to and from the airport, which isn’t accessible with single tickets or the T-Casual (formerly T-10).
➡️ You can find more information about the Hola Barcelona Travel Card here.
2) Hola Barcelona Travel Card or Single Ticket? We’ve Done the Maths for You…
Which is the cheaper alternative for a weekend trip to Barcelona? The Hola Barcelona Travel Card or traditional single tickets?
For optimal display:
Please rotate your smartphone.
|
WITHOUT
Hola Barcelona Card |
WITH
Hola Barcelona Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport transfer by Metro | €11.80 (return) |
Included
|
| Public transport (2–3 journeys/day) | €23.20 (8 single rides at €2.90 each) | Included & Unlimited |
| Total (3 days / 72 h) | €35 | €27.30 |
| Comfort & time savings | ❓ | ✅ |
3) Our conclusion: the Hola Barcelona Card quickly pays for itself
Even if you are only staying in Barcelona for three days, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card pays off.
If you use the card for the airport transfer by metro and only travel twice a day by bus, suburban train, funicular or metro, the day ticket is already cheaper than single tickets. The more you use public transport, the more you save.
With the Hola BCN Card, you won’t have to queue at the ticket machines for long (image: travelguide.barcelona).
Travel Time and Metro Operating Hours
The L9 Sud metro line runs every 7 minutes, minimizing waiting times at the airport’s metro stations. However, the exact travel time depends on your destination:
- To the final stop, Zona Universitària: 32 minutes.
- To the city centre (e.g., Plaça de Catalunya): Approximately 50 minutes. To get there, you need to transfer to line L1 at Torrassa station.
Operating hours vary depending on the day of the week:
The metro in Barcelona starts operating at 5:00 a.m. every day. Special arrangements may apply on holidays and during Christmas.
The operating hours vary depending on the day of the week:
- Monday to Thursday: Closes at midnight.
- Friday and the evenings before public holidays: Open until 2:00 a.m.
- Saturday: Non-stop operation (24 hours).
- Sunday: Closes at midnight.
Advantages of Taking the Metro from the Airport
Reliable and stress-free
The metro is not affected by traffic or congestion, ensuring consistent journey times. In a busy city like Barcelona, known for its heavy traffic, the metro offers a stress-free and reliable alternative to taxis or buses.
Easy access for all travellers
The 15 stations on Line L9 South are fully accessible, making them easy to navigate for all travellers, including those with disabilities or limited mobility. Whether you’re travelling with a wheelchair, stroller, or heavy luggage, the metro stations are designed to accommodate your needs.
Barrier-free access for all travelers to the metro stations on line L9 Sud (image: travelguide.barcelona).
Alternative Transportation Options to the Metro: Bus, Train and Taxi
In addition to the metro, there are several other transportation options for travelling from the airport to the centre of Barcelona. Here is an overview of the alternatives:
By Train Directly to the City Centre:
From the “Aeroport” train station, the R2 Nord train runs directly to the city centre, including stops like Barcelona-Sants, the main station.
By Aerobús:
The Aerobús is another convenient transfer option.
➡️ You can find detailed information about stops, timetables, and prices here.
By Taxi, Available 24/7:
For maximum flexibility and convenience, taxis are available at the airport around the clock. They are ideal if you have a lot of luggage or need to go directly to a specific destination in Barcelona.
Alternative to the Metro: Take the train from the airport to the city centre (image: © Tom Cripps).
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ 2026
Where is the metro station at the airport?
Both airport terminals have their own metro stations:
- Terminal 1 (T1): The “Aeroport T1” station is located on Level 0 inside the terminal.
- Terminal 2 (T2): The “Aeroport T2” station is situated outside the terminal building and is clearly signposted.
For additional information and tips, visit our website.
Which metro line connects Barcelona-El Prat Airport with the city center?
Line L9 Sud connects the airport to downtown Barcelona. It has 15 stations and offers transfers to lines L1, L3, L5, and L10 Sud, making nearly all major destinations in Barcelona easily accessible.
For more details on transferring from the airport to the city center by metro, please visit our website.
How long does the metro ride take from the airport to the city center of Barcelona?
Line L9 Sud runs every 7 minutes, ensuring minimal waiting time at the airport. The travel time depends on your destination:
- To the final stop Zona Universitària, the journey takes 32 minutes.
- To the city center (e.g., Plaça de Catalunya), it takes approximately 50 minutes, with a transfer at the Torrassa stop to the L1 line.
You can find more information and travel tips in our online airport guide.
How much does the metro ride from Barcelona Airport to the city center cost in 2026?
Single tickets and the T-Casual 10-trip card are not valid for trips to or from the airport.
A special airport ticket is required for the metro ride and can be purchased at vending machines. The cost is €5.90 (one-way, as of 2026).
Alternative: Many travellers choose the more affordable Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which covers other public transport options in addition to the metro and allows unlimited travel.
You can find more information in our online airport guide.
Which ticket is the best for the metro from Barcelona Airport to Downtown?
From our point of view, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card is the best choice for visitors to the city of Barcelona who want to use the public transport system during their stay.
You can find more information in our online airport guide.
Last update: 7 January 2026
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