Barcelona
Accommodation and Transport
Save time and money, with our guide to where to stay and how to get around.
Accommodation and Transport
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Introduction
So the time has come that you know you are coming to Barcelona! You have the dates, have the flights but need to think about where you will stay. Not only this, but of course will need to get from the airport to the town centre, and then around the city too once you are here. Over this section we will go through where exactly to stay and how to tackle transfers in and around the city.
Let’s split this section into two categories. First the accommodation itself. We will go through hotels, hostels and apartments and see what best suits you. Whether you are here on a romantic weekend getaway, travelling around Europe on your year out, or here on a party weekend with the boys, we will go through where you need to stay and the best types of accommodation in each.
In the other category, lets go through the transfers. Barcelona has a large transport network including busses, trains and taxis. It can be quite confusing for a first time visitor so we will lead you through how best to take on each option and how to get to each place you will want to be visiting.
BCN (EL PRAT) Airport
Goes from either terminal one or terminal two.
Transport, BCN Airport
Aero bus
By far the most popular option, the Aerobus takes 25-30 minutes and goes from either terminal one or terminal two and takes you to both Placa Espanya and Placa Catalunya. It is a bit more expensive than the train, 5.90€ one way or 10.20€ for a return ticket, however it is much faster and you can see the city as you come in.
For many people this will also be the most relaxing option.
Transport, BCN Airport
Airport Taxi
Of course, the fastest way is to get a private taxi. For many people this will also be the most relaxing option, as it takes you direct to your door. It does however, come at a cost. A taxi from either terminal to the city centre will be in the region of 35€. Beware if you have luggage there is also a fee to add on top. Depending on where you are staying the Taxi may not be able to take you direct to your door. A few streets in the Old City are pedestrianised.
Can take up to an hour
Transport, BCN Airport
Metro
The cheapest way to get to Barcelona city centre is by train. It is only 1€ with a T-Casual travel card, however it does take quite a while. The train can take up to an hour and goes directly to Passeig de Gracia train station. From here you can get metro, bus, taxi or walk to your accommodation.
Truly magnificent wine list
Transport, BCN Airport
Private Bus
The cheapest way to get to Barcelona city centre is by train. It is only 1€ with a T-Casual travel card, however it does take quite a while. The train can take up to an hour and goes directly to Passeig de Gracia train station. From here you can get metro, bus, taxi or walk to your accommodation.
Other Airports
Both are around 90 minutes away from Barcelona city centre.
Transport, Other Airports
Girona and Rues
One important thing to check when you are flying to Barcelona is whether you are arriving at the main city terminal, or Girona or Reus which are slightly further away. Both are around 90 minutes away from Barcelona city centre. The best thing you can do is take the bus to the train station and then take the train to Barcelona city centre. Overall this will cost about 30€. For anyone looking for group transfers from here please contact us for more information.
Barcelona Port
The port is wonderfully central
Transport, Port
Ferry Port
Many people will be arriving to Barcelona from the port. Whether you are on a cruise ship going around the Mediterranean, or coming to the city from one of the Balearic islands or Italy, thousands of people each day arrive in to the port. The port is wonderfully central and you can indeed walk from it straight onto La Rambla if you look for the Columbus Statue. The fact that it is very central also means that anyone looking to go anywhere else, such as Sagrada Familia, does not have to pay that much for a taxi. Anywhere in the city should be no more than 10€.
Sants Train Station
There is also an extensive bus and metro link from this station
Transport, Trains
Train
Barcelona’s high speed routes to Madrid and France connect through Sants train station. This station is not quite in the centre of town, or within walking distance of the old town, so you will need to connect on further from here. There is of course a taxi rank outside the station, and nowhere you want to go in the city should cost more than 10€. However, there is also an extensive bus and metro link from this station. Multiple bus routes run through and the metro is linked by the Green and Blue lines. For any trip on bus or metro you just need to buy a T-Casual for 11€ and then its 1€ per journey.
Getting Around the City
You can buy the same ticket for both
Transport, City Centre
Metro and Bus
The bus and metro are linked as you can buy the same ticket for both. Simply head on down to your nearest metro stop and purchase a T-Casual. This ticket is 11€ and enables you to travel 10 journeys. Under new rules come in recently it is now one ticket per person. However, the good news is you can change metro line as many times as you like, that still only counts as 1 journey. Both the Metro and busses are extensive, but the metro comes with an easy to follow map. There are no stations in the Gothic quarter itself due to the old city ruins being far beneath ground. However, you can get right up to the entrance of the quarter at several stations.
These red Bicing bikes are for locals only
Transport, City Centre
Biking
Around the city you will see city bikes. Unlike other cities, such as London, these bikes are not for tourists. These red Bicing bikes are for locals only, however there are many places you can hire bikes in the city for an hour, a day or even longer. One of the most popular things to do is take a bike tour of the city. Click here for more information.
When it is raining it suddenly becomes very difficult to get a taxi in the city.
Transport, City Centre
City Taxi
Uber and the like are banned in Barcelona. Because of this you will have to hail down a cab. This is easy enough as long as it is not raining! When it is raining it suddenly becomes very difficult to get a taxi in the city. However, they are not too badly priced all round. Anywhere in the city centre is reachable for less than 10€. Do agree a price before setting off however, as sometimes the drivers will throw on all kinds of extra fake charges, such as for bags or extra passengers.
It is sunny 300 days a year
Transport, City Centre
On Foot
Where possible, walk! Not only is it free, Barcelona is a wonderful city with amazing architecture round each corner. It is sunny 300 days a year and therefore should be a lovely walk! Just one word of advice. When walking in touristy areas, try avoid using a map or getting your phone out. Pick pockets work extremely fast in the city, and you may find you lose an item if you are not looking after it properly.
