Introduction
Landing in Barcelona is always exciting, but after a flight you usually just want to get to your hotel as soon as possible. With suitcases, children or simply accumulated fatigue, the first question is usually: how to get from the airport to the center of Barcelona in the most comfortable and fastest way?
The Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about 15 km from the city and handles more than 40 million passengers a year, so it is not unusual that the transfer to the center is one of the main doubts of visitors.
In this 2025 guide you will find a clear comparison of prices, times and advantages of each means of transport so that you can choose the one that best suits your trip.
Featured Snippet: The most common ways to get from Barcelona Airport to the center are: cab or private transfer (20-30 min, from 35 €), Aerobus (35 min, 6,75 €), train (30 min, 5,50 €), metro (40 min, 5,50 €) and night bus (50 min, 2,40 €).
Transportation options from the airport to downtown
Time: 20-30 minutes to Plaza Cataluña or neighborhoods such as Eixample, Gràcia or Barceloneta.
Approximate price: from 35 € (2025).
Advantages: speed, convenience and door-to-door service.
Disadvantages: higher price than public transportation.
You can book a private transfer with EasyTaxiBarcelona and have a driver waiting for you at the terminal.
Time: about 35 minutes to Plaza Cataluña.
Price: 6,75 € (one way) or 11,65 € (round trip).
Frequency: every 5-10 minutes.
Advantages: fast, economical and direct.
Disadvantages: does not work in the early morning.
Time: 30 minutes to Passeig de Gràcia.
Price: 5,50 €.
Terminal: only operates from T2.
Advantages: inexpensive and connects well to major stations.
Disadvantages: frequency every 30 min.
Time: 40 minutes to Zona Universitària.
Price: 5,50 €.
Advantages: good frequency.
Disadvantages: Longer trip and requires transfers.
Time: 45-55 minutes to the center.
Price: 2,40 €.
Advantages: the cheapest option in the early morning.
Disadvantages: low frequency.
Quick Transport Comparison (Prices 2025)
| Transportation | Approx. time | One way price | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cab / Transfer | 20-30 min | 35-40 € | Comfort, families, late flights |
| Aerobus | 35 min | 6,75 € | Traveling to the center without spending too much |
| Train (R2) | 30 min | 5,50 € | Passengers in T2 with destination Sants/Gràcia |
| Subway (L9 Sud) | 40 min | 5,50 € | Connections to peripheral neighborhoods |
| Night bus | 50 min | 2,40 € | Early morning, low-budget flights |
If you prefer to avoid schedules and transfers, a private transfer with EasyTaxiBarcelona is the most direct option to get to your hotel.
Practical tips for your relocation
- If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, the private transfer is the most comfortable option.
- If your hotel is in the Eixample or near Plaza Cataluña, the Aerobus is fast and convenient.
- If you are going to Sagrada Familia or Las Ramblas, a cab avoids transfers.
- If your flight arrives early in the morning, night buses are the only public option.
- Book your private cab in advance to avoid queues.
FAQ
Just outside both terminals, with official black and yellow cabs.
No, it is an exclusive ticket for the Aerobus service.
T1 has direct Aerobus; T2 connects with the train.
Yes, by subway, bus and Aerobus.
Cab or private transfer, for convenience door to door.
Conclusion
Barcelona offers multiple ways to get from the airport to the city center. The choice will depend on your budget, schedule and priorities: speed, comfort or savings.
If you want to start your trip with total peace of mind, at EasyTaxiBarcelona we pick you up directly at the terminal, follow your flight and take you to your destination without any worries: a comfortable, safe and reliable option.
