R2 Nord Train: At a Glance
| Departure | Aeroport station at Terminal 2 |
| Terminal 1 | First take the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 2 |
| Journey time | Barcelona-Sants: approx. 20 min Passeig de Gràcia: approx. 27 min |
| Frequency | approximately every 30 minutes |
| Tickets |
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Would you like to use the metro, buses, trams or trains flexibly during your stay? In that case, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card can be a practical alternative to buying individual tickets.
R2 Nord Route and Stops
The Rodalies R2 Nord (R2N) train runs directly from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city centre.
It takes you directly, without changing trains, to 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 TMB-buses.
The R2 Nord is part of the Rodalies de Catalunya suburban rail network, which connects Barcelona with the surrounding region.
From the airport, the R2 Nord continues through Barcelona towards Sant Celoni / Maçanet-Massanes (towards Girona).
Important: Only the R2 Nord Serves the Airport
If you are travelling from the Barcelona city centre to the airport, make sure you take the R2 Nord towards Aeroport.
- Only the R2 Nord runs directly to the airport.
- The R2 and R2 Sud do not serve Aeroport station. They terminate at El Prat de Llobregat. When travelling to the airport, make sure you board an R2 Nord train with Aeroport as its destination.
⬇️ 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 Airport?
Barcelona-El Prat Airport has its own Rodalies de Catalunya railway station.
Aeroport Station at Terminal 2
- The station is located about 400 metres from Terminal 2B.
- It is connected to Terminal 2B 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, first take the free airport shuttle bus 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.
R2 Nord Journey Times and Frequency
From Terminal 2, the R2 Nord is one of the fastest public transport options for destinations such as Barcelona-Sants and Passeig de Gràcia.
- Barcelona-Sants: approx. 20 minutes
- Passeig de Gràcia: approx. 27 minutes
How Often Does the Train Run? – Timetable 2026
Trains depart every 30 minutes from Aeroport station. If you have just missed a train, you may therefore have to wait up to around 30 minutes.
Airport → City Centre
- First train: 05:40 am
- Last train: 12:06 am
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: Current R2 Nord timetable
The train takes you to Barcelona-Sants in just under 20 minutes.
Note: If you arrive late at night, the Aerobús, which runs 24 hours a day, or a taxi or private transfer may be the most convenient alternatives. Depending on the day of the week, the metro may also still be running.
Which Ticket Do You Need for the R2 Nord Train?
For visitors travelling from Barcelona Airport to the city on the R2 Nord, three ticket options are particularly relevant:
| Ticket | Price / use | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Rodalies single ticket | €5.50 for the journey Airport → Barcelona | if you only want to take the train into the city |
| T-Casual | €13.00 / 10 journeys | if you plan to make further journeys by metro, bus, tram or train |
| Hola Barcelona Travel Card | unlimited public transport during the validity period | if you want to use public transport easily during your stay |
Rodalies Single Ticket: €5.50 to Barcelona
Aeroport station is located in Zone 4 of the Rodalies fare system.
- Single ticket, Zone 4: €5.50 (2026)
- 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 by metro or bus in Barcelona. For further travel, you will need an additional ticket.
Single tickets are available from the ticket machines at Aeroport station.
➡️ More information about Barcelona public transport tickets, including current prices
Single train tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines at Aeroport station.
T-Casual: Also Valid on the R2 Nord to and from the Airport
Unlike on the L9 Sud airport metro line, the T-Casual can also be used on the R2 Nord to and from Barcelona Airport.
In 2026, the T-Casual costs €13.00 for 10 journeys in Zone 1 and is valid within Barcelona’s integrated ATM public transport system on the metro, TMB buses, trams and Rodalies trains.
Good to know: A Rodalies single ticket uses Rodalies’ own fare-zone system, under which the airport journey is calculated as a four-zone trip. Integrated tickets such as the T-Casual use the common ATM fare system instead. This is why you may see different zone numbers for the same journey.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card: Airport Journey and Public Transport with One Pass
If you want to use public transport easily and conveniently during your stay, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card can be a practical alternative.
During its validity period, it includes unlimited journeys on Barcelona’s public transport network, including metro, TMB buses, trams, FGC and Rodalies trains in Zone 1.
The R2 Nord journey to and from the airport is also included.
Through the provider linked here, the card can be booked for 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.
One card for all public transport in Barcelona – the “Hola Barcelona Travel Card”.
Which Ticket Is Best for Your Trip?
- One R2 Nord journey from the airport into Barcelona: Rodalies single ticket
- Several individual journeys during your stay: T-Casual
- Flexible use of public transport over several days: Hola Barcelona Travel Card
Who Is the R2 Nord Train Particularly Suitable For?
The train is a particularly good option if:
- you arrive at Terminal 2,
- your destination is near Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or El Clot-Aragó,
- you want to travel into the city without changing trains.
The train is less convenient if you arrive at Terminal 1 or if your destination is better served by the L9 Sud metro or the Aerobús.
| Connection | Journey time | Change required? | Particularly useful for |
|---|---|---|---|
| R2 Nord train | approx. 20 min to Barcelona-Sants | no | Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gràcia |
| Aerobús | approx. 35 min to Plaça Catalunya | no | Plaça Catalunya, Plaça Espanya |
| Metro L9 Sud | approx. 50 min to Plaça Catalunya | yes – for central destinations | destinations with good metro connections |
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2026
Is There a Train from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the City Centre?
Yes. In addition to the metro, bus and taxi, you can also travel from Barcelona Airport to the city centre by train.
Take the R2 Nord from Aeroport station at Terminal 2B. It takes you directly into Barcelona without having to change trains.
How Long Does the Train Take from Barcelona Airport to the City Centre?
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.
Can I Use the Hola Barcelona Travel Card on the Train from the Airport?
Yes. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card is valid for the R2 Nord journey between Barcelona Airport and the city centre.
Where Is the Train Station at Barcelona Airport?
Barcelona-El Prat Airport’s railway station is located at Terminal 2, section 2B.
It is around 400 metres from the terminal, clearly signposted and accessible via a pedestrian bridge.
Last updated: October 2026
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