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 2024) 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.
Line L9 Sud connects the airport with central Barcelona. Covering a distance of 20 kilometers, it includes a total of 15 stations.
If your destination is not directly on one of these stops, you can transfer from Line L9 to four other metro lines (L1, L3, L5, and L10 Sud). This allows you to reach almost all major destinations in Barcelona with just one transfer. Conveniently, this metro line also provides direct access to the Barcelona Trade Fair (Fira). On the metro map, Line L9 is marked in orange.
➤ 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 center.
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 center? – Current ticket prices 2024
“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: €5.50 per one-way trip (as of 2024)
- 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 travelers 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 €5.50 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 2024)
The card is available for durations ranging from 2 to 5 days. Current prices are as follows:
- 2 days (48 hours): €17.50
- 3 days (72 hours): €25.50
- 4 days (96 hours): €33.30
- 5 days (120 hours): €40.80
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.
You can easily purchase the Hola BCN ticket online in advance from home.
➡️ 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 Math for You…
Which is the cheaper alternative for a weekend trip to Barcelona? The Hola Barcelona Travel Card or traditional single tickets?
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).
4) Combined Ticket for Local Transport and Sightseeing: Barcelona Essential Pass
Would you like to explore Barcelona’s most famous attractions? Then the Barcelona Essential Pass might be just what you need. It includes:
- The Hola Transport Card for unlimited travel on public transport.
- Free entry to the Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
- A 10% discount on many other attractions, including Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Camp Nou, the hop-on hop-off bus, and more.
➡️ Find more information about the Barcelona Essential Pass.
Travel Time of the L9 Sud 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 center (e.g., Plaça de Catalunya): Approximately 50 minutes. To get there, you need to transfer to line L1 at Torrassa station.
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.
What Are the Advantages of Taking the Metro from the Airport?
- Reliability
The metro is unaffected by traffic or congestion, ensuring consistent journey times. In a city like Barcelona, known for its heavy traffic, the metro offers a stress-free and reliable alternative to taxis or buses. - Accessibility
The 15 stations on Line L9 South are fully accessible, making them easy to navigate for all travelers, including those with disabilities or limited mobility. Whether you’re traveling 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 traveling from the airport to the center of Barcelona. Here is an overview of the alternatives:
- By Train Directly to the City Center:
From the “Aeroport” train station, the R2 Nord train runs directly to the city center, 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 online. - 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 center (image: © Tom Cripps).
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ 2024
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 2024?
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 €5.50 (one-way, as of 2024).
Alternative: Many travelers 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 Barcelona Airport ↔ 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.
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