Jazmin Li
Barcelona Airport, also known as El Prat Airport, is a mere 8-14 kilometres from the city centre, making it a great location to explore during a long layover. The quickest way to get downtown is by taxi, which takes around 25 minutes, or by Aerobus, which takes 30-35 minutes. There are plenty of things to do near the airport, such as visiting La Casa del Semáforo y el Cuartel de Los Carabineros, an abandoned spot with stunning natural beauty, or exploring the iconic La Sagrada Familia. For those who want to stay closer to the airport, there are various eateries, lounges, and a gym available.
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What You'll Learn
Relax at the airport spa or a nearby beach
If you're looking to unwind near Barcelona Airport, you can choose between relaxing at the airport spa or unwinding at a nearby beach.
Airport Spa
The Aqua Salon Spa, located in Terminal 1's departure area near Gate A, offers a range of services to help you relax and rejuvenate. Sanctifly members can enjoy discounts on massages and facials, melting away travel stress and leaving you feeling refreshed and energised for your journey.
Platja del Prat Beach
For those seeking sunshine and sea, Platja del Prat is a convenient option. This long stretch of sandy beach, located right behind the airport, is ideal for walking, running, swimming, or simply relaxing. However, it's important to note that it can be noisy due to its proximity to the airport, and there are no shower or locker facilities available. You can access it by circling the airport or taking a short taxi ride.
Beaches Near Barcelona
If you have a longer layover and don't mind venturing further, Barcelona and the surrounding areas boast several beautiful beaches. The city itself has a series of beaches, and nearby towns like Sitges, Callela, and Salou offer a combination of sandy shores, historical charm, and lively entertainment. These towns are easily accessible by train or bus, providing a great opportunity to explore beyond the airport.
Beach Resorts
For a more comprehensive beach experience, consider visiting beach resorts near Barcelona Airport, such as Calafell and Calella. These resorts offer clean, safe, and award-winning family-friendly beaches with gentle slopes into the warm and calm sea. They feature a variety of amenities, including beach bars, cafes, showers, and toilets, as well as nearby attractions like castles, museums, and nature reserves.
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Visit the Picasso Museum and other city sights
If you have a long layover at Barcelona El Prat Airport, you might want to consider heading into the city centre, which is only 8.6 miles away and is well-connected by public transport. One of the must-see attractions in Barcelona is the Museu Picasso (or Picasso Museum), which houses an extensive collection of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The museum is located in the La Ribera neighbourhood of the Old City and occupies five adjoining medieval palaces on Montcada Street, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. With a total of 4251 of Picasso's works on display, it is a key reference for understanding the artist's formative years and his relationship with the city of Barcelona. The collection includes two of Picasso's first major works, 'The First Communion' (1896) and 'Science and Charity' (1897), as well as works from 1917 and the series 'Las Meninas' (1957).
To get to the museum from the airport, you can take the Aerobus, which departs from Terminals 1, 2B and 2C every few minutes and costs under €6 each way. The metro is another option; the L9 (orange) line connects the airport to the city, and you can get to the museum by changing to the L1, L5 or L3 line at the city centre. A one-way metro fare costs €4.50. On Mondays to Thursdays, the metro runs from 5 am to midnight, on Fridays from 5 am to 2 am, and it runs 24 hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
After visiting the Picasso Museum, you can explore other sights in the Gothic Quarter, such as the labyrinthine streets of El Born, or head to the beach to relax in the Spanish sunshine. If you're looking for food and drinks, Barcelona offers a variety of options, from traditional Mediterranean cafes and tapas bars to sit-down restaurants serving local specialities.
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Shop at the airport or in Barcelona's city centre
Barcelona El Prat Airport has a wide range of shopping options, with 92 shops split between Terminals 1 and 2. Terminal 1, where most flights depart from, has the most shops, with 61 in total, and Terminal 2 has 31 shops. In Terminal 1, you'll find shops like Cal Pere, a wine shop offering local and international wines, Sibarium Delicatessen, selling high-quality Spanish produce, and a range of fashion and accessory shops, including designer brands like DKNY, Dolce and Gabbana, and high-street stores like Zara. There are also duty-free shops, souvenir shops, and convenience stores. Terminal 2 also has duty-free shops, the official Barcelona FC store, La Botiga del Barça, and fashion shops like Adolfo Dominguez, Mango, and Massimo Dutti.
If you have a long layover and want to explore beyond the airport, downtown Barcelona is only 8.6 miles away with good transport links. The city has numerous shopping centres and department stores integrated into its different neighbourhoods. El Corte Inglés, for example, is Europe's largest chain of department stores, offering fashions, accessories, and gourmet foods across four different locations in the city. So, whether you're looking for well-known brands, local shops, or top fashion labels, Barcelona's city centre has you covered.
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Eat and drink at the airport's eateries and bars
Barcelona El Prat Airport has a variety of eateries and bars to choose from while you wait for your flight or during a layover. The airport is about 8.6 miles from downtown Barcelona, so if you have a long layover, you can also head into the city to explore and eat at one of the many restaurants there.
If you're looking for a quick bite, there are traditional Mediterranean cafes serving coffee and light snacks, as well as tapas and beer bars. You can also find well-known fast-food options like Burger King, McDonald's, and Pans & Co. These are mostly located in the departures area after security, so keep that in mind if you're looking for a meal before check-in. There are also three cafeterias open 24 hours a day, ensuring you always have access to food during your time at the airport.
For a more substantial meal, there are sit-down restaurants offering seafood and traditional and modern local Spanish cuisine. In Terminal 1, try Quasi Queviures for Spanish food or Portagaig for a more upscale experience. Terminal 2 has Ribs, an American restaurant serving meat dishes. There are also Basque tapas options at Lizarran, available in both terminals.
If you're looking for a drink and a place to relax, you can purchase access to one of the airport lounges, which offer a quieter environment with food and WiFi. The Canudas Lounge in Terminal 2 and the Pau Casals Lounge in Terminal 1 are options for Sanctifly members.
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Book a hotel room or shower at the airport
If you're looking for a place to rest and freshen up at Barcelona Airport, there are a few options available. Sleep & Fly is the only hotel located inside the airport, in Terminal 1, offering rooms with double beds, private bathrooms, and other amenities. You can stay overnight or book a day room between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. They also offer shower-only packages, which include toiletries and access to lockers, for €20.
In addition to the Sleep & Fly Hotel, Barcelona Airport also has fully equipped guest rooms with similar amenities, including a double bed, private bathroom with a shower, and a TV. These rooms can be booked for a few hours of rest or sleep and are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you're looking to simply freshen up with a shower, the airport's lounges and spas may be a good option. The airport has four lounges, two of which can be accessed by Sanctifly members using points: the Canudas Lounge in Terminal 2 and the Pau Casals Lounge in Terminal 1. The Aqua Salon Spa in Terminal 1 offers massages and facials, and Sanctifly members can use their points to receive a €19 discount on spa services. Heaven on Earth Spa Express, with three airport locations, is another option for hair and nail care, massages, and facials.
For those with longer layovers who don't mind leaving the airport, downtown Barcelona is only 8.6 miles (14 kilometres) away and can be reached in 20-35 minutes by public transit or taxi. There, you can explore the city's famous sights, visit the beach, or enjoy the local cuisine. Remember to allow enough time to get back to the airport and through security, especially during peak season when lines can be very long.
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Frequently asked questions
Barcelona Airport, also known as El Prat Airport, is conveniently located just 8-9 miles from the city centre. If you have a long layover, you can take the Aerobus or metro to the city centre and visit attractions such as La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, La Boqueria market, and Camp Nou. You can also stroll along La Rambla, a famous pedestrian street, or enjoy the beach and tapas bars nearby.
Yes, Barcelona Airport offers a variety of dining options, including traditional Mediterranean cafes, tapas and beer bars, and sit-down restaurants serving Spanish cuisine. There are also fast-food options like Burger King, Pans & Co, and McDonald's.
Yes, Barcelona Airport provides left luggage services at both terminals in the check-in area. The T1 left luggage office is open 24 hours, while T2 left luggage is open from 06:00 to 22:00. Prices start at €6 for 2 hours and increase to €10 for every additional 24 hours.
