Metro in Barcelona
Tips for Buying Tickets, 2026 Prices, Network Map and Practical Information
The Barcelona metro network is operated by two companies: Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), which share the network.
Two operators – one fare system, one ticket
- Barcelona uses a unified ticketing and fare system managed by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM).
- All tickets are valid on both operators, TMB and FGC
- For passengers this means you do not have to worry about which company operates the line you are using.
(Image: Fototenes, CC BY-SA 2.0 license)
How to Choose the Right Metro Ticket in Barcelona
There are several ticket types available for using the metro.
Which one is best for you depends on how often you plan to use public transport during your stay.
A popular option among visitors is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, a multi-day transport pass.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card – the Right Ticket for Regular Use of the Metro
We also like using the Hola BCN Card during our stays in Barcelona. It makes getting around the city simple and convenient.
Its advantages at a glance:
- Unlimited travel on:
Metro, bus, tram and suburban trains (Rodalies) for the entire validity period. - Airport transfer included:
The metro connection to and from the airport is covered (regular price: €11.80 return). - Flexible durations:
Available as a 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-day multi-day transport pass. - Low daily cost:
The price per day ranges from €8.72 to €9.35 in 2026 — excellent value for a major European city.
Hola BCN Ticket: easy and affordable unlimited metro use including the airport transfer. Conveniently, you can buy the ticket online.
Convenient and Time-Saving:
👉 Here you can go directly to the provider.
You won’t need to figure out the fare system first — you already have the correct ticket.
This saves time and ensures a stress-free start to your holiday.
➡️ More information on “Hola Barcelona Travel Card: Is it worth it?” can be found in this travel guide.
Whether you need a single ticket, a 10-journey ticket (T-Casual), or the practical Hola BCN multi-day transport pass:
➡️ Here you will find all essential information and current prices in this guide.
With our ticket-buying tips, you will quickly find the right ticket and enjoy smooth, hassle-free metro travel.
The right ticket can help you save both time and money (Image: ©travelguide.barcelona)
Metro network in Barcelona – Lines and network map
There are 12 metro lines in Barcelona (as of 2026).
The lines do not have individual names — they are numbered L1 to L12.
Each line is colour-coded to make navigation easier.
⬇️ Download: Metro Barcelona network map
A free printed version of the metro map is available at any ticket office.
Overview of Current Metro Lines (2026):
By Metro from Barcelona El Prat Airport to the City Centre
Barcelona El Prat Airport is located about 15 kilometres southwest of the city centre. The Barcelona Metro provides a fast and reliable connection between the airport and the city via Line L9 Sud.
Airport Stations – How Long Does the Journey to the City Centre Take?
Both airport terminals have their own metro stations (Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2). They are well signposted and easy to find.
- A train runs towards the city every 7 minutes.
- Travel time: Around 31 minutes to the main interchange stations (Torrassa, Collblanc).
- Advantage: You avoid traffic congestion and reach Barcelona reliably.
Barcelona El Prat Airport is well connected to the metro network.
Route of the Airport Metro Line
Line L9 Sud, which connects Barcelona El Prat Airport with the city, has a total of 15 stations:
Aeroport T1 – Aeroport T2 – Mas Blau – Parc Nou – Cèntric – El Prat Estació – Les Moreres – Mercabarna – Parc Logístic – Fira – Europa | Fira (transfer to L8) – Can Tries | Gornal (transfer to L10 Sud) – Torrassa (transfer to L1, L10 Sud) – Collblanc (transfer to L5, L10 Sud) – Zona Universitària
⬇️ Download: Metro Map / Barcelona L9 Sud Line
Important Information About Using the Metro from the Airport
Line L9 Sud does not run directly into the city centre.
However, you can easily reach major destinations such as Plaça Catalunya, La Rambla, the Sagrada Família or the Gothic Quarter with only one transfer.
Recommended interchange stations:
- Can Tries | Gornal → L10 Sud
- Torrassa → L1 (red line), L10 Sud
Direction: Plaça de Sants, Espanya, Universitat, Catalunya, Arc de Triomf - Collblanc → L5 (blue line), L10 Sud
Direction: Sants Estació, Diagonal, Verdaguer, Sagrada Família
How Much Does a Metro Journey to the City Centre Cost in 2026?
Important: Standard single tickets and 10-journey passes (T-Casual) are not valid for travel between the airport and the city centre.
You have two ticket options:
Airport Ticket
- Price: €11.80 (return ticket, 2026)
- Available at ticket machines
- Valid for all passengers aged 4 and above
Our Recommendation: Hola Barcelona Travel Card (Multi-Day Transport Pass)
This multi-day transport pass for Barcelona’s public transport network also includes the airport transfer – no separate airport ticket required.
Prices 2026:
2 days / 48 hours: €18.70
3 days / 72 hours: €27.30
4 days / 96 hours: €35.60
5 days / 120 hours: €43.60
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card is an easy and affordable way to explore the city while covering your airport transfer. You can purchase the card online!
👉Click here to go directly to the provider.
Advantages Compared to the Airport Ticket
- Unlimited travel on all public transport
- Airport transfer included – no additional ticket required
With the 48-hour pass, you pay only €6.90 more than for the Airport Ticket, but you can use Barcelona’s entire public transport network without any restrictions.
Operating Hours of the Metro to the Airport
The metro does not run 24 hours a day to the airport. Operating hours vary depending on the day of the week:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 – 24:00
- Friday: 5:00 – 2:00
- Saturday: 24-hour service
- Sunday: until around 24:00
➡️ You can find alternative transport options in our Airport Guide.
The metro takes you into the city comfortably and independently of traffic conditions.
Getting to Barcelona’s Top Attractions by Metro
By Metro to the Sagrada Família
The Sagrada Família is very easy to reach by metro. The station Sagrada Família is located directly at the entrance. The following lines stop here:
- Line L2 (purple)
- Line L5 (blue)
From the station, it is only a short walk to the main entrance.
By Metro to Park Güell
Park Güell is located on a hillside and is not directly connected to the metro network. You can take Line L3 (green) to Lesseps. From there, it is about 1 kilometre on foot.
Alternatively, you can take Line L4 (yellow) to Alfons X. From this station, it is also roughly a 20-minute walk (around 1 kilometre) to the park.
As an alternative to the metro, several bus lines go to Park Güell — for example, Bus 24 or Bus D40.
The metro makes it easy to reach the Sagrada Família (Image: © travelguide.barcelona).
Important Information About Tickets for the Sagrada Família and Park Güell
Please note that tickets for both attractions can only be purchased online, and demand is very high — especially during peak season.
We therefore strongly recommend booking your tickets early.
If standard tickets are sold out, you may still be able to visit the attraction through guided tours or combination tickets.
You can compare different ticket options here:
Funicular de Montjuïc – A Part of Barcelona’s Metro Network
Connecting Montjuïc with the City
The well-known Montjuïc funicular connects the metro station Paral·lel (Lines L2 and L3) with the station Parc de Montjuïc on the Montjuïc hill.
The Funicular de Montjuïc is fully integrated into Barcelona’s public transport network and appears on many official metro maps.
Tickets for the Funicular de Montjuïc
The same tickets used for the metro are valid for the funicular — including the convenient Hola Barcelona Travel Card (multi-day transport pass).
Montjuïc – A Place Rich in History and Views
At 127 metres high, Montjuïc is a popular destination offering spectacular views and excellent photo opportunities.
The park that stretches across the hill was created for the 1929 International Exposition, and the area is home to several sports facilities and the impressive Palau Nacional.
The Funicular de Montjuïc is very popular with visitors to the city. You can use the same tickets as on the metro. (Image: © Yeagov_Cat)
Tips for Using the Barcelona Metro
How to Use Your Metro Ticket Correctly
Validate Your Ticket
At the entrances to the platforms, you will find machines that check the validity of your ticket and validate it.
If the ticket is valid, the turnstile will open automatically.
Use the Correct Validator
Make sure you insert your ticket on the correct side of the turnstile — a common mistake among first-time visitors.
After validation, be sure to remove your ticket from the machine and keep it with you.
Insert the ticket on the left and pass through on the right (Image: © travelguide.barcelona).
Keep Your Ticket
Keep your ticket with you until you exit your destination station, as you may be asked to present it during inspections.
Some stations also have ticket validators at the exit.
Operating Hours of the Barcelona Metro
The Barcelona Metro begins operating every day at 5:00 a.m.
There are special schedules on public holidays and during the Christmas period.
Operating hours vary depending on the day of the week:
- Monday to Thursday: Service ends at 12:00 midnight
- Friday and the eve of public holidays: Service runs until 2:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 24-hour service
- Sunday: Service ends at 12:00 midnight
Traveling with Dogs on the Metro
Dogs are generally allowed on the Barcelona Metro, but several rules apply:
- Assistance dogs, guide dogs and patrol dogs are always permitted.
- Small dogs and pets in transport carriers are allowed, provided they do not disturb other passengers.
- Larger dogs (registered and microchipped) are allowed under the following conditions:
Muzzle required from the moment you enter the station
Short, non-extendable leash (maximum 50 cm distance from the owner)
Dogs may not use the seats - Restrictions during peak hours:
During the school year (11 September – 24 June), dogs are not permitted between 7:00–9:00 and 17:00–19:30. - In summer, on weekends and public holidays, dogs may travel at any time.
- If trains are packed, dogs may be refused entry.
- A maximum of one dog per adult is permitted.
Note: These regulations may change at any time.
Dog in the Barcelona metro – actually he should wear a muzzle (Image: A.Bhat, CC 2.0 licence)
Accessibility of the Barcelona Metro
Using the Metro With Limited Mobility or a Disability
Because the Barcelona Metro has been in operation since 1924, not all stations are fully accessible.
Although upgrades are continually being made, installing lifts in older stations can be extremely challenging.
Out of nearly 190 stations, 8 are currently not fully accessible, which can particularly affect wheelchair users or passengers with strollers.
Stations That Are Not Fully Accessible
- Line L1: Clot, Plaça de Sants, Espanya, Urquinaona
- Line L3: Espanya, Vallcarca
- Line L4: Maragall, Verdaguer, Urquinaona, Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica
- Line L5: Plaça de Sants, Virrei Amat, Maragall, Verdaguer
Non-Accessible Interchanges (Both Directions)
- Line L1: Catalunya (L1/Rodalies ↔ L3/FGC, including L6/L7 and Rodalies)
- Lines L1/L2: Clot (L1 ↔ L2)
- Lines L2/L4: Passeig de Gràcia (S-Bahn ↔ L3/Rodalies)
- Line L4: Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica ↔ Trambesòs
Recommendations for Wheelchair Users
The transport authority TMB recommends that wheelchair users board the metro using the second door of the first carriage.
From this position, the driver has the best visibility and can offer assistance if needed.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2026
How much does a metro ticket cost in Barcelona in 2026?
The Barcelona metro is an affordable way to get around the city. In 2026, a single metro ticket costs €2.90.
For visitors, the “Hola BCN” travel card is a convenient option. This card provides unlimited access to the following public transport options during its validity period (available for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days):
- Metro (including the airport shuttle)
- City buses
- Tram
- Suburban trains (Rodalies and FGC, Zone 1)
- Funicular de Montjuïc
For detailed pricing and tips, visit our online travel guide.
Where can I find a map of the Barcelona Metro?
The Barcelona metro system currently (as of 2026) consists of 12 lines and 180 stations.
You can download a detailed metro map from our travel guide.
Is the Barcelona metro wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility in the Barcelona metro varies due to the network’s long history—it has been operational since 1924. While many stations have been updated, retrofitting older ones is challenging and expensive.
As of 2026: 8 stations out of nearly 190 are not fully accessible. These stations may be difficult to use for wheelchair users or those with strollers.
A list of accessible stations is available on our website.
Can I take the metro from Barcelona Airport to the city centre?
Yes. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about 15 km southwest of the city centre and is connected by its own metro station. The metro offers a quick and easy way to reach the city centre.
Important: Special ticket rules apply when travelling from the airport. Check out our travel guide for tips to save time and money on tickets.
Are dogs allowed on the Barcelona Metro?
Yes, dogs are permitted on the Barcelona metro under specific conditions:
- Assistance dogs, including guide dogs and patrol dogs, are allowed at all times.
- Pets in secure transport containers are permitted, provided they do not disturb other passengers.
- Registered dogs (with an ID chip) may travel on the metro, but specific rules apply.
For more details on traveling with pets, consult our travel guide.
Last update: 1 January 2026
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