Jazmin Li
Barcelona El Prat Airport is generally considered a safe place to spend the night, with security guards and police/security personnel patrolling the airport to ensure the safety of travellers. However, there have been reports of travellers being robbed while sleeping in the airport, especially in the public area before the security check, where homeless people and gangs have been known to target travellers' luggage. To minimise the risk of theft, it is recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security, keep an eye on your belongings, and be aware of your surroundings. For added comfort and security, travellers can book short-term or overnight rooms in the terminal's small hotel or utilise nearby hotels with free airport shuttles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Barcelona Airport is generally safe at night, with security guards and police/security personnel patrolling the area. However, there have been reports of theft and robbery, especially in the pre-security areas. |
| Sleeping Areas | Travellers can sleep in the public areas of the airport, such as near the check-in/ticket counters. There is also a small hotel in the terminal's public area offering short-term and overnight rooms. |
| Amenities | Barcelona Airport provides basic amenities such as mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and free unlimited WiFi. |
| Precautions | It is recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security. Knowing the location of the security office and looking for video cameras can also enhance safety. |
| Transportation | The airport is approximately a 25-30 minute train ride from the city, with trains running from 06:00 to 23:30. There is also a green shuttle bus operating between terminals 1 and 2 all night. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in Barcelona Airport is possible, but there are risks
Sleeping in Barcelona El Prat Airport is possible, but there are risks. While the airport is generally considered safe and well-lit, there have been reports of travellers being robbed while sleeping in the airport, especially in the public areas of the airport where homeless people and non-travellers wander and sleep. To reduce the risk of robbery, it is recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security, and to keep an eye on your belongings at all times. There have also been reports of gangs stealing luggage, so it is advised to sleep in shifts with a travel partner, if possible.
If you plan to sleep in Barcelona Airport, it is a good idea to know where the security office is located and to look for video cameras in the area where you plan to sleep. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to keep your valuables secure, as pickpockets and bag-snatchers are common in Barcelona.
While sleeping in the airport is possible, there are alternative options available. There is a small hotel in the terminal's public area that offers short-term and overnight rooms, as well as several nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles. If you are on a tight budget, you may consider cancelling your last day of stay at your hotel and spending the night in the airport, but it is important to weigh the risks and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Additionally, if you have a long layover or are waiting for a rescheduled flight, you may want to consider exploring the city of Barcelona. The airport is approximately a 25-30 minute train ride from the city centre, with trains running from 06:00 to 23:30. Just be aware that Barcelona, like any big city, has its dodgy areas and you may want to avoid certain neighbourhoods at night, such as parts of the Raval area, Barri Xines, and the southern end of Las Ramblas.
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There are hotels in the airport and nearby
There are several hotels in and near Barcelona Airport, which is located 1.7 miles from El Prat de Llobregat's city centre. The airport is well-lit and generally considered safe, so you will likely be fine staying in a hotel nearby.
One option is the Barcelona Airport Hotel, which is very close to the airport and about 800 metres from Mas Blau metro station. The metro ride to the centre of Barcelona takes about 45 minutes. The hotel provides spacious, air-conditioned, and soundproofed rooms, with tea and coffee-making facilities. It also offers a free shuttle bus service and a good breakfast selection.
The Ibis Barcelona Aeropuerto Viladecans is another hotel located 3.1 miles from Barcelona El Prat Airport. It features a 24-hour snack bar and rooms with a flat-screen TV. The staff are kind and helpful, and the hotel is clean.
The Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower is a 10-minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes from the heart of Barcelona. It offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking views.
The Best Western Alfa Aeropuerto provides a free airport shuttle service, a heated pool, and free Wi-Fi. It is also located just a 10-minute drive from the airport.
Hostal Cal Siles is located in El Prat de Llobregat, a 15-minute drive from Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The rooms are clean, spacious, and well-equipped, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
There are also several other hotels located within a 10 to 20-minute drive from the airport, including the Sercotel Sant Boi, Hotel El Castell, Travelodge Barcelona Cornellá Fira, and Ibis Cornellà.
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There are ways to improve your safety when sleeping in the airport
While Barcelona Airport is considered a safe place to spend the night, there are still ways to improve your safety when sleeping in any airport. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choosing a Sleeping Spot
Look for designated sleeping areas or quiet zones within the airport. Aim for a location with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances, but stay within well-populated areas for safety. Well-lit areas with a constant flow of people can deter potential criminal activity. If possible, opt for spots near round-the-clock security or surveillance cameras.
Securing Your Belongings
Keep your belongings secure to prevent theft. Use your bags strategically as pillows, or invest in a luggage lock. Loop the straps of your bag around your body or place your feet on top of your luggage to comply with airport rules and deter potential thieves.
Personal Comfort and Hygiene
Pack essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to create a cozy sleeping environment. Dress comfortably in layers, and consider your hygiene needs with a basic toiletry kit. Stay hydrated with water, and opt for light snacks like nuts or fruit to avoid disrupting your rest.
Awareness and Preparedness
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and keep an eye on your belongings. Set multiple alarms to avoid missing your flight. Additionally, check the airport's policies beforehand, and be respectful of other travelers and staff.
Airport Lounges and Amenities
If you can access them, airport lounges often offer comfier seating and quieter environments. Some credit cards provide lounge access, or you can purchase a day pass for longer layovers. Lounges may also have showers, and some airports even offer dedicated nap pods or rooms for a fee, providing a more secure sleeping environment.
By following these tips, you can enhance your safety and comfort when sleeping in an airport, making your travel experience more tolerable and restful.
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There are other places to sleep near the airport
If you're looking for places to sleep near Barcelona Airport, there are several options to consider. Firstly, there is the Sleep & Fly Hotel located within Terminal 1. This hotel offers day-use rooms from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and overnight stays are also available. The rooms are equipped with coffee machines, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.
Additionally, there are other hotels in the vicinity of the airport that provide free shuttle services. These include the TRYP Barcelona Aeropuerto, BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel, and Salles Hotel Ciutat del Prat. These hotels offer convenient access to the airport while providing a more comfortable sleeping environment.
For those seeking a more affordable option, there are informal relaxation spots within the airport where you can rest. These include padded benches near Gates B22-B24 in Terminal 1, airside, which tend to be quieter after midnight. There is also seating near the Level 0 Arrivals lounge in Terminal 1, landside, which is less crowded late at night.
If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are private rooms available in Terminal 1, as well as other nearby hotels that can be explored as alternatives to sleeping within the airport itself. These options may provide a better night's rest, especially if you don't mind the additional expense.
Lastly, if you don't mind a short commute, there are hotels located approximately 30 minutes away from the airport by metro or shuttle bus. These options can provide a good balance between proximity to the airport and a peaceful night's sleep.
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Transport options to and from the airport
Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is approximately 13 km from the city centre. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). There are various transport options available to get to and from the airport, which are outlined below.
Taxi
Taxis are a low-cost and convenient way to get to and from the airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. There is a taxi rank outside any of the main terminal exits, and taxis operate all night. The journey to the city centre takes between 20 to 30 minutes depending on road conditions and which terminal you are travelling from.
Private Transfer
Private transfers are a stress-free way to get to your accommodation as they offer a door-to-door service, dropping you off right outside your destination. This can be booked in advance, and you will receive your driver's details a few days before you fly.
Train
The Rodalies R2N train from Terminal 2 will take you to the city centre in around 20 minutes. The train stops at key locations in the city, such as Barcelona-Sants station and Passeig de Gràcia station. You can also buy a travel pass for unlimited travel on public transport, including the train from the airport to the city centre.
Metro
The Orange L9 Sud Line (L9S) connects both airport terminals to the city centre, stopping at "Zona Universitària", which is the closest stop to the centre. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. However, please note that this line does not pass through major transport hubs in the centre, so you may need to change to the green, red, or blue lines.
Bus
There are a few different bus options to get to and from the airport. The Barcelona Airport Aerobus provides a direct line to the city centre. There is also a free airport shuttle bus that runs between the two terminals, and a green shuttle bus that operates all night between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
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Frequently asked questions
Barcelona El Prat Airport security guards generally tolerate sleeping travellers, but there have been reports of gangs stealing bags and luggage in the public areas of the airport. It is recommended to sleep near other travellers or close to security to deter potential thieves. There is also a small hotel in the terminal's public area that offers short-term and overnight rooms.
It is a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
There are several nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles. Alternatively, you can take the green shuttle bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, which operates all night.
Parts of the Raval area, the Southernmost end of Las Ramblas, and small, dark, and empty streets should be avoided at night. It is also recommended to avoid dressing like a tourist and to always be aware of your surroundings to lower the risk of being targeted by pickpockets.
