Lois Larson
Barcelona's only international airport, El Prat, is located 12 km southwest of the city centre. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the larger and more modern of the two. While some reviews claim that the airport is easy to navigate, others complain about long queues at passport control and unclear signage. The airport offers a range of facilities, including an on-site spa, salon, fitness centre, and multiple VIP lounges. There are also luggage storage facilities and free Wi-Fi available. In terms of transportation, the airport is connected to the city centre by metro, bus, and train, with options for late-night travel as well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of navigation | Sources suggest that Barcelona El Prat airport is easy to navigate, with clear signage and a logical layout. However, some passengers have reported issues with long queues at passport control and baggage claim, which may complicate the transit process. |
| Terminals | There are two terminals, T1 and T2, with T1 being the main terminal and the newer development. T2 largely supports budget airlines. |
| Transport options | The airport is served by the L9 Sud metro line, the suburban R2 train line, and various bus routes, including the Aerobus to Plaça de Catalunya. |
| Facilities | Barcelona El Prat offers a range of facilities, including VIP lounges, luggage storage, a spa, a salon, a fitness centre, children's play areas, and a chapel/prayer room. |
| Proximity to the city | The airport is located 12km southwest of Barcelona's city centre, with a train journey of around 30 minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
Transport options to the city centre
Barcelona El-Prat Airport is located just 12-13km from the city centre and is very well connected, with a variety of transport options available to get you from the airport to the heart of the city. The journey time is typically between 20 to 50 minutes, depending on your chosen mode of transport, the time of day, and the traffic conditions.
Metro
The airport is directly connected to the city centre by the Orange L9 Sud Line (L9S), which stops at both terminals. The closest stop to the city centre is “Zona Universitària”. The metro journey takes approximately 30 minutes, but it's worth noting that you'll need to change to the green, red, or blue lines if your final destination is more central.
Train
The suburban R2 line connects the airport with the city centre, with trains running northbound towards Barcelona Sants station, Passeig de Gràcia, and towns north of the city. The train station is a 3-minute walk from Terminal 2 and trains run every 30 minutes, with a journey time of around 30 minutes.
Bus
The Aerobus is a common mode of transport from the airport to Placa de Catalunya in the city centre. Line A1 serves Terminal 1, and Line A2 serves Terminal 2, with tickets costing €5.90 for a single or €10.20 for a return. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, the local bus network is the cheapest option, although these routes have more stops. The number 46 bus runs from the city centre to both terminals, and you can use the T-Casual transport ticket on this route. The journey takes about 30-35 minutes, depending on the terminal.
Taxi
Taking a taxi from the airport to the city centre is a convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. Official airport taxis are available from ranks outside the terminals, and the journey to the city centre takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on road conditions.
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Long passport control queues
Barcelona's only international airport, El Prat, has two terminals: Terminal 1, the main terminal, and the older Terminal 2. While some travellers have praised the airport for its ease of navigation, others have complained about long passport control queues.
In 2017, passengers took to social media to complain about long queues at the Barcelona airport's passport controls. Sources at the Catalan Department of Territory and Sustainability confirmed a 40-50 minute wait, almost twice as long as normal. The Department claimed that the delay was due to a lack of police staff. However, the Spanish police attributed the situation to several flights arriving together in a short period of time.
In response to the long queues, the Barcelona city council sent letters to the Minister of Infrastructure and the Delegate of the Spanish Government in Catalonia, demanding more police staff at the airport. The letter expressed concern that the situation was affecting travellers' comfort and damaging Barcelona's image.
To avoid long queues at passport control, passengers can consider using the Fast Track service, which allows passengers to pass through security checkpoints quicker by avoiding the queues. However, it is important to note that this service is only available for departing passengers and must be purchased separately from VIP lounge tickets.
Additionally, passengers can save time by checking in online in advance and using self-service check-in machines at the airport. By following these tips and allowing ample time for clearance and transfer, travellers can minimise potential delays caused by long passport control queues at Barcelona Airport.
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Terminal facilities
Barcelona Airport, also known as El Prat, is located 12 km southwest of the city centre. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the main terminal and the newer development. Terminal 1 covers almost 550,000 square meters and is listed among the 10 largest European terminals. It is spread across 3 levels, with the ground level hosting the arrivals area and level 1 for departures. Level 2 has airport lounges and passport controls, while level 3 has boarding areas D and E, dedicated to non-European flights. Terminal 1 also has a large shopping and dining area, with unique products and luxury brands.
Terminal 2 is the older side, consisting of T2A, T2B, and T2C. This terminal largely supports budget and low-cost airlines, although there are some other flights operating from here as well. T2B and T2C are only a 1-minute shuttle ride away from each other, while T2A is a 2-minute walk from T2B. There is no designated smoking area at Terminal 2, and smoking is only allowed outside the airport facilities.
Both terminals offer facilities such as shops, tourist information points, bureau de change, restaurants, lounges, and car rental services. Terminal 1 also provides facilities for people with disabilities, left luggage services, and lost property.
The two terminals are connected by a free airport shuttle bus that runs every 6-11 minutes, depending on the time of day. The journey between the terminals takes approximately 10-14 minutes.
In terms of transportation to and from the airport, passengers can use the metro (L9 Sud line), bus, taxi, or car rental services. The airport has its own off-site train station, with trains running to the city centre every 30 minutes. The Aerobus is another popular option, with buses A1 and A2 serving Terminals 1 and 2, respectively. For late-night arrivals, there are night buses N17 (for T1) and N16 (for T2).
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Luggage storage
If you prefer to use a cheaper service and leave your luggage in the city centre, there are several options available. City centre lockers are cheaper than airport luggage storage and allow you to store multiple items together in a single unit. Locker Barcelona, located near Plaça Catalunya, is the easiest storage option to reach in the city centre. Luggage storage points can also be found at Plaza Cataluña, Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, Barrio de Gracia, and Sants Central Station. Stasher.com offers another option for booking luggage storage in tested hotels and shops for €5 for a full 24 hours, including insurance of up to €750.
Vertoe is another luggage storage provider with secure and verified luggage storage locations near preferred locations. Luggage can be insured for up to $5000 and prices start at €5.95 per day per item.
Bounce is a luggage storage app and website that partners with local businesses to provide secure spaces for travellers to store their luggage. They charge from €3.90 per day for luggage storage near Barcelona Airport. Bookings come with a $10,000 Bounce guarantee.
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Transfer options
Barcelona El Prat Airport is located 12 km southwest of the city centre. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the main terminal and the newer development. The airport largely serves domestic European destinations, but also includes flights to North America, South America, the Middle East, East Asia, and North Africa.
There are several transfer options to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre. The journey time is typically between 20 to 50 minutes, depending on the type of transport, time of day, and traffic conditions. Here are some of the options available:
- Private Transfer Services: This is a convenient and comfortable option that offers a "door-to-door" service, dropping you off directly at your accommodation. You can book vehicles of different sizes, including standard cars and minivans. It is recommended to book this service in advance online, and you can also book a return journey.
- Aerobus Express Bus: The Aerobus is a common mode of transport from the airport to Plaça de Catalunya. Tickets cost €5.90 for a single trip and €10.20 for a return trip.
- Public Bus Service: There are also regular buses and night buses available. The N17 and N16 night buses serve Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, respectively, and travel to Plaça de Catalunya.
- Barcelona Airport Train: The suburban R2 line connects the airport to the city centre, with trains departing every 30 minutes and a travel time of around 30 minutes. The train costs €2.55 per trip.
- Barcelona Airport Metro: The airport terminals T1 and T2 are connected to the metro line L9 Sud, towards Zona Universitaria. You can purchase a one-day T-dia ticket for unlimited journeys.
- Taxi Service: Taxis are readily available at the airport, but it is important to note that surcharges may apply for weekend travel, late-night travel, and pick-up or drop-off at the airport.
- Shuttle Services: Airport shuttle services provide a cost-effective and convenient option, running at regular intervals to and from the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Barcelona El-Prat Airport is considered easy to navigate by some, but others have complained about long queues at passport control and unclear signage. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the main terminal. The terminal is large with lots to do, but also clear and easy to navigate.
Customs periodically stop passengers to check their bags, which can add 15-20 minutes to the customs clearance time. Under normal conditions, you should allow a minimum of 1 to 1.5 hours total clearance and transfer time. However, some airlines require you to arrive at check-in 2 hours before your flight, so be sure to check with your airline.
Barcelona Airport has its own train station, which is located off-site from the terminals. The train comes every 30 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to get to the city centre. The airport is also served by the metro line L9 Sud, with a one-day ticket costing €5.90 for an unlimited number of journeys. The Aerobus is the most common bus service from the airport to Plaça de Catalunya, with tickets costing €5.90 for a single or €10.20 for a return.
Barcelona Airport has extensive facilities to cater to travellers, including an on-site spa, salon, fitness centre, chapel, prayer room, and children's play areas. There are also VIP lounges that can be accessed for a fee. Luggage storage facilities are available 24 hours a day, and the airport offers 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi.
