The Rodalies R2 Nord (R2N) train line runs directly from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city centre. It brings you straight into the city without having to change trains, stopping at important stations such as:
- Barcelona-Sants (main station)
- Passeig de Gràcia
- El Clot-Aragó
At these stations, you can easily transfer to Barcelona’s public transport network, including the metro and buses.
➡️ More information on public transport in Barcelona can be found here.
The R2 Nord line is part of the Rodalies de Catalunya suburban rail network, which connects Barcelona with the wider region. The line continues northwards and terminates at Maçanet-Massanes (towards Girona).
Be careful not to take the wrong train
If you are travelling from the city centre to the airport, make sure you board the R2 Nord (Aeroport) train.
- Only the R2 Nord train goes directly to the airport.
- The lines R2 and R2 Sud do not serve the airport. They terminate at El Prat de Llobregat, where you would need to change to the R2 Nord to reach the airport.
⬇️ Download: Rodalies de Catalunya network map
Only the R2 Nord line serves the Aeroport station at the airport.
Where is the train station at Barcelona-El Prat airport?
Barcelona-El Prat Airport has its own Rodalies train station:
Aeroport Station – Terminal 2
- The station is located about 200 metres from Terminal 2B.
- It is connected to Terminal 2 via a pedestrian bridge.
- Inside Terminal 2, simply follow the signs marked “R” (Rodalies) and “R2 Nord”.
Arriving at Terminal 1
If you arrive at Terminal 1, take the free airport shuttle bus, which takes you directly to Terminal 2. From there, it is only a short walk to the Aeroport train station.
The train station “Aeroport” is within easy walking distance of Terminal 2.
How long does the train journey to the city centre take?
The train is the fastest public transport option between the airport and the city.
- Journey time to Barcelona-Sants: approx. 20 minutes
- Journey time to Passeig de Gràcia: approx. 27 minutes
How often does the train run? – Timetable 2025
Trains depart every 30 minutes from Aeroport station.
From the airport → city centre
- First train: 05:40 am
- Last train: 12:06 am
From the city centre → airport
Trains run every 30 minutes from Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, and El Clot.
- First train from Sants: 05:13 am
- Last train from Sants: 11:09 pm
⬇️ Download: Timetable for train line R2 North
With the train, you can reach Sants station in just under 20 minutes.
Current ticket prices (2025): Single ticket or Hola BCN multi-day ticket?
Aeroport station is located in Zone 4 of the Rodalies network.
- Single ticket, Zone 4: €4.90 (2025)
- Valid to: Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona El Clot, Sant Andreu Comtal
- Children under 4 travel free of charge
Important:
A standard train ticket does not include onward travel on the metro or bus in Barcelona. For further travel, you will need an additional ticket.
Note:
If you land after 12 am, you can use the metro, the Aerobús or a taxi to reach the city.
You can buy single tickets for the train from the ticket machines at the station.
Travel for free with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card
The Hola BCN multi-day travel card is popular among visitors, as it makes using Barcelona’s public transport system simple and convenient.
The pass is valid on all public transport services in Barcelona, including:
- Metro
- Buses
- Trams
- FGC trains
- Montjuïc Funicular
- R2 Nord train to and from the airport
Advantages of the Hola Barcelona Travel Card:
- No need to navigate different fare zones
- Unlimited travel throughout the city
- No queues at ticket machines – you already have your ticket
- Available for purchase online
Prices for the Hola Barcelona Travel Card (2025)
2 days / 48 hours: €18.10 (€9.05 per day)
3 days / 72 hours: €26.30 (€8.77 per day)
4 days / 96 hours: €34.40 (€8.60 per day)
5 days / 120 hours: €42.10 (€8.40 per day)
➡️ You can find more information about the Hola Barcelona Travel Card here.
One card for all public transport in Barcelona – the “Hola Barcelona Travel Card”.
Our tips for buying tickets
This saves time and avoids stress upon arrival.
👉 Click here to go directly to the provider.
Single tickets for the train can be purchased from the ticket machines at Aeroport station.
Conclusion: Taking the Train
The R2 Nord train is the fastest way to travel directly from the airport to the city centre.
For holders of the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, this transfer is completely free.
With its short travel time, good connections and ease of use (especially when travelling with the Hola BCN Card), the train is, in our view, a convenient and efficient transfer option.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2025
Is it possible to take the train from El Prat airport?
In addition to the metro, bus and taxi, you can also transfer by train from the airport to the center of Barcelona. To do this, take the R2 Nord train line, which takes you directly from the “Aeroport” station at Terminal 2B to the city center without changing trains.
You can find more information about transferring by train on our website.
How long does the train journey take from Barcelona-El Prat airport to the city center?
The journey from the airport to the center of Barcelona takes about 20 minutes to Barcelona-Sants station and about 27 minutes to Passeig de Gràcia.
For more information and tips, visit our website.
Latest update: December 11, 2025
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