
Barcelona is served by one airport, the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), located 12-15km from the city centre. The airport is also known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport, El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, or simply El Prat Airport. It is the second-largest and second-busiest airport in Spain, the busiest international airport in Catalonia, and the sixth busiest in Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport |
| Other Names | El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, BCN Airport, El Prat Airport |
| IATA Code | BCN |
| ICAO Code | LEBL |
| Location | 12-15 km (7.5-9.3 miles) southwest of Barcelona city centre |
| Elevation | 6 metres above sea level |
| Municipalities | El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, Sant Boi |
| Runways | 3 (06L/24R, 06R/24L, 02/20) |
| Terminals | 2 (Terminal 1, Terminal 2) |
| Busiest Routes | Barcelona–Madrid ("Air Bridge") |
| Airlines | Level, Vueling, Air Nostrum, EasyJet, Ryanair, Iberia, Norwegian Air International, EasyJet Switzerland, Wizz Air, Transavia, Lufthansa, Air Europa |
| Passenger Traffic | 52 million+ (2019), 41.6 million (2022), 49.9 million (2023) |
| Transport | Train, bus, taxi, metro (L9) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- BCN Airport's official name is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
- El Prat Airport is located 12-15km from Barcelona's city centre
- Terminal 1 is the main terminal at BCN Airport
- El Prat Airport is the second busiest airport in Spain
- The airport is a hub for airlines like Vueling, Level, and Air Nostrum

BCN Airport's official name is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is also known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport, El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, and El Prat Airport. The airport was renamed by the central Government of Spain on 21 December 2018 to honour Josep Tarradellas, the first Catalan president under the current Spanish Constitution. The name change was made as a tribute to the 30th anniversary of his death.
Barcelona Airport is the busiest airport in Catalonia and one of the most occupied aviation hubs in Europe. It serves numerous destinations, including domestic, international, and intercontinental routes. The airport houses all the major airlines, from international or conventional carriers to domestic or low-cost providers. Terminal 1 is the main terminal and underwent a massive renovation completed in 2009. It primarily handles Schengen and international flights and features a wide variety of shopping and dining options. Terminal 2 mostly serves domestic and non-Schengen destinations, along with most of the airport's low-cost flights.
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Barcelona's first airfield, located at El Remolar, began operations in 1916, but due to limited expansion prospects, a new airport was opened at El Prat in 1918. The airport has witnessed several significant events and incidents throughout the years, including various airline crashes and the inauguration of regular services to other cities.
Airports and Luggage Search: A Coordinated Security Effort
You may want to see also
Explore related products

El Prat Airport is located 12-15km from Barcelona's city centre
El Prat Airport, also known as Barcelona Airport (BCN), is located 12-15km from Barcelona's city centre. It is situated in the southwest of the city, in the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi. The airport is easily accessible by both train and bus, and taxi services are also available. El Prat Airport is the main international gateway to Barcelona and is one of the busiest airports in Spain and Europe.
El Prat Airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the main terminal handling Schengen and international flights. Terminal 2 mostly serves domestic and non-Schengen destinations and is spread over three interlinked sections known as T2A, T2B, and T2C. The airport has a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as a spa lounge and a luxury beauty salon.
The airport was first opened in 1918 and was recently renamed Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport to honour the former Catalonian president. El Prat Airport is the second-largest airport in Spain, after Madrid-Barajas International Airport, and it is the busiest airport in Catalonia. It serves as a hub for airlines such as Level, Vueling, and Air Nostrum and is a focus city for EasyJet and Ryanair.
Over the years, El Prat Airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic, with over 52 million passengers in 2019. The airport offers a wide range of international flights and is known for its low-cost airline traffic, attracting budget-conscious travellers. El Prat Airport is an important aviation hub, providing convenient access to Barcelona and the surrounding areas.
El Prat Airport's proximity to Barcelona's city centre makes it a convenient option for travellers visiting the city. With its range of transportation options, modern facilities, and efficient services, El Prat Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Barcelona to the rest of the world. The airport's continuous development and expansion reflect its significance in the region's tourism and economic growth.
Airports in Turmoil: Impact of Government Shutdown
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Terminal 1 is the main terminal at BCN Airport
Terminal 1 (T1) at BCN Airport is a remarkable facility, spanning approximately 550,000 square metres. It is one of the largest terminal buildings in the world, ranking as the fifth-largest. The terminal underwent a massive renovation that was completed in 2009, and it now primarily handles Schengen and international flights. T1 is divided into four levels, with arrivals at level 0 and departures at level 3. The first level also houses a large 20,000-square-metre shopping zone with various shops and dining options.
The terminal's five modules, designated for different destinations and gates, are labelled A, B, C, D, and E. Each module serves specific areas, making navigation intuitive. For example, boarding areas A, B, and C are located on the T1 first floor, while boarding areas D and E, dedicated mainly to non-European flights, are on the third floor.
Passengers travelling with children will find preferential access in the security filter on level 3. T1 also offers a variety of transportation options, including car, taxi, and public transport such as the metro and bus. A free airport shuttle bus operates between Terminals 1 and 2, and the R2 Nord train line connects the airport to the city centre.
Deer Valley Airport: A Phoenix Gateway to the Skies
You may want to see also
Explore related products

El Prat Airport is the second busiest airport in Spain
El Prat Airport, also known as Barcelona El Prat International Airport, is located 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) southwest of Barcelona, Spain. It is the second busiest airport in Spain, serving the Barcelona area and the Catalonian capital city. The airport has several nicknames, including BCN Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, and El Prat Airport.
El Prat Airport is a major international airport, serving as a hub for several airlines, including Iberia, Vueling, Level, and Air Nostrum. It is also a focus city for easyJet and Ryanair. The airport consists of two terminals and three runways, offering a range of services and facilities for passengers. Terminal 1 (T1) is the main terminal, handling Schengen and international flights, while Terminal 2 (T2) primarily serves domestic and non-Schengen destinations, along with low-cost flights.
In terms of passenger traffic, El Prat Airport is the busiest airport in Catalonia and the sixth busiest in Europe. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport handled a record 52,686,314 passengers, surpassing the previous year's numbers by 5%. El Prat Airport has continued to recover from the pandemic, serving over 41.6 million passengers in 2022.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1918 when it opened as a new airport to replace Barcelona's first airfield at El Remolar, which lacked expansion prospects. El Prat Airport witnessed its first scheduled international flight in the same year, with a Latécoère Salmson 300 plane arriving from Toulouse, France, en route to Casablanca, Morocco. Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and renovations, including the construction of additional runways, taxiways, terminals, and other facilities to accommodate the growing passenger traffic.
Today, El Prat Airport is a bustling aviation hub, serving numerous domestic, international, and intercontinental destinations. It is easily accessible from Barcelona's city centre, located approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) away, and provides various transportation options for travellers, including public transportation, buses, taxis, and private transfers.
Arizona's Air Travel: Airport Options and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The airport is a hub for airlines like Vueling, Level, and Air Nostrum
The airport serving Barcelona, Spain, is called the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (IATA: BCN, ICAO: LEBL). It is also known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport, El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, El Prat Airport, and BCN Airport. The airport is located 12-15 km (7.5-9.3 mi) southwest of the city centre, in the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi.
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport is a hub for several airlines, including Vueling, Level, and Air Nostrum. Vueling is a low-cost airline that operates from Terminal 1, which opened in 2009 and primarily handles Schengen and international flights. Vueling has an operational base at the airport, with most of its traffic being domestic and European. The airline was created through a merger with Clickair in July 2009, and it offers flights to various destinations, including Lisbon, London, and Madrid.
Level is another airline that utilizes Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport as a hub. Level is a low-cost long-haul airline formed by International Airlines Group (IAG), which consists of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and Aer Lingus. Level operates flights to destinations such as Los Angeles, Oakland, Punta Cana, and Buenos Aires.
Air Nostrum, also known as Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, is a regional airline based in Valencia, Spain. While it does not have a dedicated hub, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, including those from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport. Air Nostrum serves over 50 destinations and is a member of the Oneworld alliance.
In addition to these airlines, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport is also a focus city for other carriers, including Iberia, EasyJet, and Ryanair. The airport is the second-largest and second-busiest in Spain, and it is a significant aviation hub in Europe, serving numerous domestic, international, and intercontinental destinations.
Phuket Airport Food Guide: Best Local Eats
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The name of BCN airport is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport.
The airport was formerly known as El Prat Barcelona Airport or Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
The airport was renamed to honour the former Catalonian president, Josep Tarradellas.
Some other names for BCN airport include BCN Airport, El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, El Prat Airport, and Barcelona Airport.











































