Introduction
Imagine you've just disembarked from your cruise ship in Barcelona, surrounded by suitcases and hundreds of other passengers looking for transportation at the same time. At that moment, the question arises: how can you get to the city center or the airport in the fastest and most comfortable way?
The Port of Barcelona has several cruise terminals. If you dock at Moll Adossat (A, B, C, D, E, or H), you will need transportation because the distance to the city center is more than 2 km. However, if you disembark at the World Trade Center, you can walk to Las Ramblas in just a few minutes.
In this 2025 guide, we show you the most practical options, with approximate times, connections, and local tips so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.
Featured snippet: From the Port of Barcelona, you can get to the city center or the airport by taxi/private transfer, Cruise Bus, metro, or Aerobús. The best option depends on your luggage, available time, and final destination.
Transport options from the Port of Barcelona
Time to downtown: 10–15 min (depending on traffic).
Time to the airport: 20–25 min.
Time to Sants Station: ~20 min direct.
Advantages: door-to-door service, speed, and convenience. Ideal for luggage or if you have a flight or train on the same day.
Please note: taxis are always available at Moll Adossat, but during busy periods there are often long queues of passengers waiting.
You can book your transfer in advance from any terminal at Moll Adossat or the World Trade Center. The driver will wait for you at the exit with your name, avoiding queues and waiting times.
Destination: World Trade Center (next to the Columbus Monument, at the beginning of Las Ramblas).
Time: 10–15 min from Moll Adossat.
Useful for: tourists who want to explore the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, or nearby areas on foot.
Please note: there is no direct connection to the airport. If your final destination is outside this area (Eixample, Sants, Gràcia), you will need to connect by subway, bus, or taxi.
Typical route to the city center: Drassanes (L3) → Plaza Cataluña / Passeig de Gràcia.
Time: ~25 min total from the port (including walk or Cruise Bus to Drassanes).
Connection to Sants: L3 Drassanes → Sants Station (~25–30 min, with transfers and walking).
Advantages: economical and frequent option.
Please note: less convenient with luggage; includes transfers and walking sections.
How to get there: Port → Cruise Bus or subway → Plaza Cataluña/Plaza España → Aerobús.
Total estimated time: 40–60 min depending on combinations.
Price: €6.75 (one way) / €11.65 (round trip).
Advantages: direct and frequent connection to the airport.
Please note: this involves at least one combination from the port.
Quick comparison (times and best use)
| Option | To the center (approx.) | To the airport (approx.) | To Sants (approx.) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cab / Transfer | 10–15 min | 20–25 min | ~20 min | Avoid queues, families, lots of luggage |
| Cruise Bus | 10–15 min (Colón) | — | — | Stroll along Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter |
| Metro (L3 + combos) | ~25 min | 50–60 min | 25–30 min | Travel light, use public transportation |
| Aerobus (via downtown) | — | 40–60 min | — | Economy connection from Plaza Cataluña/Spain |
Many cruise passengers choose EasyTaxiBarcelona to avoid the long taxi queues at Moll Adossat and travel directly to the airport, their hotel, or Sants Station without any complications.
Practical tips for your relocation
- Flight on the same day of arrival: choose taxi/direct transfer to the airport.
- AVE high-speed train or long-distance train from Sants: the fastest option is taxi/transfer (~20 min).
- Just a few hours in the city: Cruise Bus drops you off at Las Ramblas.
- Remote terminals (A–H at Moll Adossat): best option is taxi/transfer.
- World Trade Center: from there you can walk to downtown.
- Large families or lots of luggage: it's best to book a private transfer.
- High season: book in advance; the port gets crowded.
FAQ
Moll Adossat (A, B, C, D, E, and H) and World Trade Center.
There are marked stops at all terminals; demand is high at Moll Adossat.
From the World Trade Center, yes; from Moll Adossat, we recommend taking a taxi or the Cruise Bus.
There is no direct public transportation. You must combine the Cruise Bus/subway with the Aerobús or book a taxi/private transfer.
Approximately 20–25 minutes to the airport and 20 minutes to Sants Station, depending on traffic.
Conclusion
Getting from the Port of Barcelona to the city center, the airport, or Sants Station is easy, but your choice will depend on the terminal where you disembark, your luggage, and your schedule.
If you want to avoid the taxi queues at Moll Adossat, at EasyTaxiBarcelona we offer private transfers from all terminals. We pick you up at the exit, help you with your luggage, and take you directly to your hotel, the airport, or Sants without waiting or complications.
