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Airport Transportation

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Also known as: Barcelona Airport, El Prat Airport, Barcelona El Prat Airport.

BCN · LEBL · Barcelona

Airport facts

Name
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
IATA code
BCN
ICAO code
LEBL
City
Barcelona
Country
Spain
Coordinates
41.2971, 2.0785
Time zone
Europe/Madrid

About Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the airport for Barcelona and Catalonia, in Spain, and the country's second-busiest airport. It sits mainly in El Prat de Llobregat, by the sea, about 15 km (9 miles) southwest of Barcelona city center.

Vueling has its main base here, and Iberia, Ryanair and easyJet fly many routes across Spain and Europe. Long-haul flights go to New York, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Newark, Montréal, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Seoul and Beijing, among others; Level, the low-cost long-haul airline, is based here too. In 2025 the airport handled a record 57.5 million passengers.

There are two terminals, about 4 km apart by road. Terminal 1, opened in 2009 on the west side, handles about 70% of flights. Terminal 2, on the north side, is split into 2A, 2B and 2C; Ryanair and others use 2B, and easyJet uses 2C. A free shuttle bus links the two.

From the airport, most travelers head into central Barcelona, along the coast to Castelldefels and Sitges, or north to the Costa Brava, Girona and Andorra. The Aerobús, Metro L9 Sud and R2 Nord trains all run into the city.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Aena

Runways

Three (06L/24R, 06R/24L and 02/20)

Passengers per year

About 57.5 million in 2025, a record

Terminals

Two: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (2A, 2B, 2C)

Main airline

Vueling (main base)

Arrival tips for Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Check whether you land at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 before anyone comes to meet you; most full-service and long-haul flights use Terminal 1, while Ryanair and easyJet use Terminal 2.

Flights from other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks. If you come from outside the Schengen area, such as the UK or the Americas, you queue at passport control, where non-EU visitors are registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System; eGates speed things up for some passports. After baggage claim you pass through customs into the arrivals hall.

Follow the signs to your transport. The Aerobús stops outside both terminals and runs straight to Plaça de Catalunya. Metro L9 Sud has stations at both terminals, and R2 Nord trains leave from Terminal 2 for Sants and Passeig de Gràcia; from Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus first. Official taxis wait at the ranks outside each terminal, and pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.

Spain is on Central European Time (CET), one hour ahead of the UK, and uses the euro.

Ground transportation

The Aerobús and the metro are the easy budget options; a taxi or pre-booked car is simplest with luggage, late at night or outside the city.

  • Aerobús to Plaça de Catalunya

    Express coaches from both terminals straight to Plaça de Catalunya in the city center. Frequent and simple, with room for suitcases.

  • Metro L9 Sud

    Stations at both terminals, with connections to the rest of the metro network. Slower to the center than the Aerobús, with changes for most areas.

  • R2 Nord train

    Rodalies trains about every 30 minutes from the Terminal 2 station to Sants and Passeig de Gràcia. From Terminal 1, take the shuttle bus first.

  • Taxi from Barcelona airport

    Official taxis wait at the ranks outside both terminals. Door to door, with an airport supplement on the meter.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups and trips to Sitges, the Costa Brava or Andorra.

  • City bus 46

    TMB bus 46 links the airport with Par·lel avenue; night buses run when the metro is closed.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Free shuttle bus

    A free bus links Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (stopping at 2B). Train passengers arriving at Terminal 1 take it to reach the R2 Nord station at Terminal 2.

  2. Metro L9 Sud

    The metro also stops at both terminals, though you need a ticket.

Terminals

Terminal 1

The main terminal, opened in 2009 on the west side of the airport, handling about 70% of flights, including most long-haul and full-service airlines. Divided into modules A to E.

Terminal 2

The older terminal on the north side, split into 2A, 2B and 2C. 2B is used mostly by Ryanair and other low-cost airlines, 2C only by easyJet. It has the R2 Nord train station.

Airlines and destinations

This directory lists the main airlines at Barcelona; check your booking for the terminal.

easyJet T2

Cities across Europe (Terminal 2C)

Airline guide

Iberia

Madrid and Spanish cities

Airline guide

Level

Long-haul routes to the Americas

Ryanair T2

Destinations across Europe (Terminal 2B)

Airline guide

Vueling

Cities across Spain, Europe and North Africa

Airline guide

Airport lounges

  • VIP lounges, Terminal 1

    Terminal 1 has two lounges for eligible passengers.

Parking

Terminal 1 parking lots

About 12,000 spaces next to Terminal 1.

Terminal 2 parking lots

About 12,000 spaces at Terminal 2.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Barcelona airport from the city center?

Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about 15 km (9 miles) southwest of Barcelona city center, in El Prat de Llobregat. The Aerobús runs straight to Plaça de Catalunya, the Metro L9 Sud stops at both terminals, and R2 Nord trains run from Terminal 2 to Sants and Passeig de Gràcia.

Which terminal at Barcelona airport, T1 or T2?

Terminal 1 handles about 70% of flights, including most full-service and long-haul airlines. Terminal 2 is used by low-cost airlines: Ryanair and others in 2B, and easyJet only in 2C. Check your booking, as the two terminals are about 4 km apart.

How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Barcelona?

Take the free shuttle bus, which runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The Metro L9 Sud also stops at both terminals, but you need a ticket. Allow time, as the terminals are about 4 km apart by road.

Is there a train from Barcelona airport to the city?

Yes. R2 Nord Rodalies trains run about every 30 minutes from the station at Terminal 2 to Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gràcia. If you land at Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first. The Metro L9 Sud is another rail option from both terminals.

What is the Aerobús in Barcelona?

The Aerobús is an express coach from both terminals of Barcelona airport straight to Plaça de Catalunya in the city center. It runs frequently, has room for luggage, and is one of the simplest ways into town.

Do I go through passport control arriving in Barcelona?

Only if you arrive from outside the Schengen area, for example from the UK, the US or Latin America. Flights from Schengen countries arrive without passport checks. Non-EU visitors are now registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System at the border.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from BCN