Ruth Haines
Madrid and Barcelona are two of the most popular destinations in Spain for tourists. Both cities have large international airports, with Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN/LEBL) and Madrid Barajas Airport serving millions of travellers per year. When deciding whether to fly into Madrid or Barcelona, travellers often consider factors such as convenience, price, and connections. While some sources suggest that Madrid has more non-stop flights from different cities, others claim that there is no significant difference between the two airports in terms of ease of flying home.
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What You'll Learn
Madrid is the cheapest airport to fly into in Spain
Madrid is a popular destination for travellers to Spain, and for good reason. The city boasts incredible medieval architecture, beautiful parks, and a fantastic collection of Spanish and Latin American art. It is also home to one of the cheapest airports to fly into in Spain: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport.
Firstly, Madrid is served by a single airport, making it easy to navigate and find the best flight for your needs. This airport is also the fourth busiest in Europe in terms of passenger traffic, so you know it is a popular choice. Additionally, Madrid has nonstops from more cities than Barcelona, making it a convenient option for those who want to avoid layovers.
Another factor contributing to the affordability of flying into Madrid is the availability of budget-friendly airlines. For example, Ryanair offers affordable flights to Barcelona and other destinations in Western Europe, making Madrid a great gateway to the rest of the continent.
When flying into Madrid, it is beneficial to book in advance and take advantage of flexible dates to secure the best prices. Tools like the 'Flexible Dates' calendar on Expedia can help you find the cheapest days to fly and score great deals. It is also worth considering the convenience of your chosen airport. While Madrid's airport is just eight miles from the city centre, Barcelona's main attractions are well-organised and easily accessible from the airport, making it a more compact and walkable city.
In addition to affordable airfare, Madrid offers budget-friendly accommodation options. The average hotel price in Madrid for a single guest is $60, compared to $85 in Barcelona. Both cities offer a range of transportation options, with Madrid's metro system being highly efficient and affordable.
So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly vacation in Spain, Madrid is a great choice. With its convenient airport location, popular airlines, and a range of affordable accommodation and transportation options, Madrid can be your gateway to exploring Spain without breaking the bank.
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Barcelona Airport has two terminals
Barcelona Airport, also known as the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is located in the Catalan autonomous region of Spain, southwest of Barcelona's city centre. The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, which are approximately 4km or 2.4 miles apart. These terminals are connected by a free shuttle service that operates 24 hours a day, with buses departing every 6 to 11 minutes and taking around 10 to 14 minutes to travel between the terminals.
The older Terminal 2 (T2) was the only terminal building at the airport before 2009. It consists of three interconnected sections: T2A, T2B, and T2C. T2B is the original terminal building, while the other two sections were added later to accommodate the airport's growing importance and popularity. T2 primarily handles regional, domestic, and low-cost flights, with T2A dedicated to non-Schengen flights and T2B serving Schengen flights. EasyJet and EasyJet Switzerland operate from T2C.
Terminal 1 (T1), the newer terminal, was inaugurated in 2009 and was designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill. It spans almost 550,000 square metres and is one of the ten largest terminals in Europe. T1 handles the majority of the airport's traffic, including international, European, and Schengen flights, as well as some non-Schengen and low-cost flights. The terminal has three levels: the ground level for arrivals, the first level for departures, and the second level for airport lounges and passport controls. Boarding areas A, B, and C are located on the first floor, while boarding areas D and E, primarily for non-European flights, are on the third level.
Barcelona Airport is a significant transport hub, serving as a base for the Spanish low-cost airline Vueling. It is also served by a number of other airlines, including Air Europa, Iberia, EasyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and Air France. In 2018, the airport handled a record 50.2 million passengers, highlighting its importance as a gateway to Barcelona and the surrounding region.
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Madrid's airport is 8 miles from the city centre
Madrid–Barajas International Airport is conveniently located just eight miles from the city centre. There are several options for making the 18-kilometre journey into the heart of the city. The fastest and most convenient option is to take a taxi. The airport's official white-and-red-striped taxis are available from ranks at all terminals, and the journey to the city centre takes around 20 minutes in normal traffic conditions. There is a fixed rate of €30-€33 for the journey, including any destination within the M-30 Zone at any time of day.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, private transfer companies operate from the airport to the city centre. These services offer door-to-door transfers in style and comfort. Alternatively, you can opt for a rental car, which gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
For those on a budget, Madrid's efficient public transportation system provides several options. The Pink Metro Line 8 offers a quick connection to the city centre in just 20 minutes, with frequent trains running throughout the day. This line connects to other lines, allowing easy access to different parts of the city. The cost of a single metro ticket, including the airport extra fee, is around €4.50-€5.00.
Another affordable option is the suburban train, with tickets priced at €2.60. The train journey takes around 20 minutes to the terminus and then an additional 15 minutes to reach the city centre, requiring a transfer to Line 10 at Nuevos Ministerios Station. Finally, the airport express bus provides a convenient connection to Atocha Station in 45 minutes for just €5.00.
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Barcelona Airport has three runways
Barcelona Airport, officially known as the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, has three runways. The airport's first runway was built in 1948, and the second was constructed between 1948 and 1952. The airport's runways took on their current configuration between 1965 and 1970.
The airport's runways are named 06L/24R, 06R/24L, and 02/20. The first two are parallel to each other, while the third is a cross runway. Runway 07L-25R has been lengthened to 3,352 metres and widened to 60 metres. The airport's maximum runway length is 3,743 metres.
The airport has undergone several expansions over the years. In 2009, a new terminal (T1) was added, providing the airport with the infrastructure and capacity to become the definitive reference airport for the Mediterranean region. The airport's area expanded from 8.45 to 15.33 square kilometres (3.26 to 5.92 square miles).
In 2011, the airport's name was officially changed to Barcelona-El Prat, in response to a request from the Town Council of El Prat de Llobregat. This was to ensure a standardised name, as the media and public often used "Barcelona" and "El Prat" interchangeably. On 1 March 2019, the airport's name was changed again to include "Josep Tarradellas", honouring the historic role of the President of the Generalitat de Catalunya on the 30th anniversary of his death.
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Barcelona Airport has plenty of hotels nearby
Barcelona Airport, also known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), is located 1.7 miles (2.8 km) from El Prat de Llobregat city centre. There are 190 hotels to choose from within 5 miles of the airport. Barcelona Airport Hotel is a modern hotel located close to the airport. It offers a seasonal swimming pool, and all rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed. Another hotel located just 1.2 miles from the airport is Sleep&Fly, which offers 24-hour reception, free WiFi, and spacious rooms. The hotel also provides a delicious buffet breakfast and clear instructions for tax returns and check-in.
The Renaissance Hotel in Barcelona is located closer to downtown but is still near the airport and is less expensive and more high-end, according to a review on TripAdvisor. The Hotel Porta Fira is also located near the airport, as well as a bus and metro station, and the Gran Via 2 Mall. The Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower is another highly-rated hotel near the airport, with a shuttle service and helpful staff.
If you are looking for a place to stay that is a little further from the airport, there are many options to choose from. The B&B Hotel Barcelona Viladecans is located in Viladecáns, 3.1 miles from Barcelona El Prat Airport and just 722 feet from Viladecans railway station. The Ibis Barcelona Aeropuerto Viladecans features a 24-hour snack bar, and rooms with flat-screen TVs. The Ibis Cornellà is a modern hotel located just 3.1 miles from the airport, offering air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen satellite TV.
Barcelona is a very accessible city, especially due to its compact size and ease of getting around on foot. The main attractions are well-organised within a short distance of each other. The city also has an extensive public transport network, with buses, metros, and taxis, making it easy to get to and from the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Barcelona is a more accessible city for a short trip, mainly because of its compact size and ease of getting around on foot.
Madrid is bigger than Barcelona, stretching over 233 square miles inland across the heart of Spain.
The cheapest airport in Spain is Madrid, followed by Barcelona.
Madrid's airport is bigger than Barcelona's, with Barcelona just outside the Top 10 of European airports.
