Ruth Haines
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is just 14 kilometres from the heart of the city, so if you have a long layover, you can easily get downtown and enjoy Barcelona's beautiful architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and world-famous sights. The Aerobus is the easiest and most affordable way to get to the city centre, but you can also take the metro train or a taxi. If you're staying near the airport, you can visit one of the nearby beaches, such as El Prat, Gava, or Castelldefels. If you're heading into the city, you can stroll along La Rambla, visit the iconic La Sagrada Familia, explore Park Güell, or check out the historic La Boqueria market. Football fans can visit Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona, and art lovers can visit the Picasso Museum or the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall. If you're looking for food and drinks, the airport offers traditional Mediterranean cafes, tapas bars, and sit-down restaurants serving local fare.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport |
| Nicknames | BCN Airport, El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto, El Prat Airport |
| Location | 13-15km from Barcelona city centre |
| Transport Options | Private transfers, taxis, aerobus, airport train, public transport, shuttles, buses, nightbus |
| Terminals | 2 (T1 and T2) |
| Amenities | Bureau de change, facilities for people with a disability, left luggage, lost property, restaurants, shopping, tourist information desks, VIP Lounges, free airport shuttle bus, free Wi-Fi, prayer room, outdoor terrace, spas, children's areas |
| Nearby Attractions | Beach, city of Barcelona |
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What You'll Learn
Relax at the Aqua Salon Spa or in an airport lounge
If you're looking to relax at Barcelona El Prat Airport, the Aqua Salon Spa in Terminal 1 offers massages and facials to help melt away your travel stress. Sanctifly members can use points to get a discount on spa services.
There are also four airport lounges available at BCN, including the Canudas Lounge in Terminal 2 and the Pau Casals Lounge in Terminal 1, which Sanctifly members can access with points. Priority Pass members can also access lounges at the airport. These lounges offer a quiet and comfortable space to relax and stretch your legs before your flight.
In addition to the spa and lounges, BCN Airport has a prayer room open daily from 06:00-22:30, located in Terminal 1 before security on the first floor. It's a quiet and respectful space for reflection and meditation. If you'd prefer some fresh air, there's also an outdoor terrace in Terminal 1, surrounded by restaurants and cafes. It's a great spot to soak up some sun, but it's often used as a smoking patio, so it may be busy.
For a more active way to relax, there's a beautiful natural landscape just outside the airport. Stroll along the wooden path towards the beach or hike the unpaved trail surrounded by trees. If you have more time, you can even take a short taxi ride to Platja del Prat, a beach located right behind the airport. However, there are no shower or locker facilities available on this beach, and it can be quite noisy due to its proximity to the airport.
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Visit the beach or go into the city centre
Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is approximately 13 kilometres from the city centre and is well connected by various modes of transport. The journey time from the airport to the centre is typically between 20 to 50 minutes depending on the type of transport and traffic conditions.
If you want to visit the beach, there is a beach right next to the airport. This long stretch of sandy beach is great for walking, running, swimming or relaxing. Platja del Prat is located right behind the airport, but it will take a bit more time than expected to get there as you have to circle the airport first. Your best option is to hop in a taxi for the short ride.
If you want to head into the city centre, you can take a taxi, aerobus, train, metro, bus, or private transfer. The Aerobus is a fast (35 minutes) and economical (€12.25) shuttle bus that connects Barcelona - El Prat airport (Terminals 1 and 2) with the city centre of Barcelona (Place de Catalunya). The route includes 3 stops at strategic points in Barcelona: Pl Espanya, Gran Via-Urgell, and Pl Universitat. A taxi ride to the city centre will cost you a minimum of €20 and will take 20 to 25 minutes.
The city centre of Barcelona is known for its unique and intriguing architecture, with its historic centre lined with charming buildings, shops, restaurants, pubs, and museums. You can take a tour of Antoni Gaudi's colourful buildings, such as Casa Batlló, La Sagrada Familia, and Park Güell. You can also grab a bite to eat in the lively Boqueria Market, or head to Las Ramblas or the Gothic Quarter in the evening.
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Eat at top-quality restaurants
If you're looking for a top-quality dining experience at Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), Terminal 1 is the place to be. The terminal has been renovated by the architect Ricardo Bofill and offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and food shops. Here are some top-quality restaurants to consider:
Porta Gaig
If you have some time to spare, Porta Gaig is considered one of the best restaurants in the entire airport. The menu is overseen by noted Catalan chef Carles Gaig, who trained under Juan-Mari Arzak and owns two restaurants in Barcelona.
Dehesa Santa Maria
For top-quality Iberian dishes, Dehesa Santa Maria is a great choice. They use the freshest products and ingredients to create delicious meals. There are three locations in Terminal 1, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to try their cuisine.
Quasi Queviures
Located in Terminal 1, Quasi Queviures is a great spot for Spanish cuisine. It offers a solid selection of tapas, hearty cooked raciones, and to-go items.
Semon
Semon, located in Terminal 1, offers an airy and modern atmosphere. Their menu includes a variety of hot and cold tapas, raciones, and even caviar. It's a great choice for a quick bite without sacrificing quality.
Mussol
Mussol, located in Terminal 1, specialises in grilled meats and vegetables. They also offer traditional options like cheeses and french fries topped with butifarra and a fried egg.
If you're feeling adventurous and have a long layover, you might want to consider leaving the airport and heading into downtown Barcelona, which is only 8.6 miles away. The city is known for its culinary delights and offers a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and preferences.
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Shop at duty-free and luxury stores
Barcelona Airport has a wide range of duty-free and luxury stores for you to explore. If you're looking for some last-minute duty-free shopping, you can visit the two largest duty-free shops in Terminal 1 (T1), which offer tobacco, perfume, cosmetics, food, drinks, and promotions. Additionally, Barcelona Duty Free can be found on Level 1 and Level 3 of the Sky Centre, as well as near Gates E and D. For a more express option, there is also the Express Duty-Free on Level 1 and Level 0.
For sports enthusiasts, there are a few options to choose from. You can visit the Barça Store or Buff on Level 1, or browse the La Botiga del Barça football club store on Level 1. If you're looking for sunglasses or sportswear, Sunglass Hut and JD Sports are also available.
When it comes to health and beauty, Barcelona Airport has a pharmacy on Level 3 (Landside) and Level 0. You can also find well-known brands such as Ray-Ban, The Fashion Place, and Victoria's Secret. For a touch of luxury, La Perla offers high-class Italian women's underwear and men's pyjamas.
If you're travelling with children, there are a few options to keep them entertained. The Story Store, located in T1, offers children's clothes, soft toys, and accessories. Additionally, Wonkandy in the duty-free area and the Toy Store in T2 provide a range of options for younger travellers.
For electronics, Tech&Fly and Capi are available in T1 and T2, respectively. And, of course, there are always gifts and souvenirs to browse, with options like Natura, Ale-Hop, and Relay in T1, and a range of shops in T2 offering books, clothes, souvenirs, and perfume.
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Use the free airport Wi-Fi
If you have a long layover at Barcelona El Prat Airport, you can use the free airport Wi-Fi to stay connected and entertained. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of the airport's free Wi-Fi during your time there:
Get Organised and Productive: Use the airport's Wi-Fi to catch up on any pending tasks or projects. Check your emails, respond to pending messages, or finish that report you've been working on. If you're travelling for work, this can be a great opportunity to get some work done without distractions.
Stay Entertained: If you're looking for some entertainment to pass the time, take advantage of the Wi-Fi to access streaming sites or download movies, TV shows, or books to enjoy during your flight. You can also catch up on your favourite online videos, play mobile games, or discover new podcasts to listen to during your travels.
Research and Plan: If you have a long layover and plan to explore Barcelona, use the Wi-Fi to research nearby attractions, restaurants, and activities. You can also check for any events or festivals happening during your layover. Create a list of must-see places and plan your transport options to make the most of your time in the city.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Use video calling or messaging apps to check in with your family and friends. Let them know about your travels, share photos, or simply enjoy a virtual catch-up session while you have access to reliable Wi-Fi.
Online Shopping: If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, browse online shops and treat yourself to something special. You can also use this opportunity to purchase any last-minute travel essentials or gifts for your loved ones back home.
Remember to follow basic cybersecurity practices when using public Wi-Fi, such as avoiding sensitive activities like online banking or sharing personal information on unsecured websites.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a long layover, you can visit nearby destinations, but with a layover of 6-8 hours, you can explore the city. You can visit Barcelona's beaches, such as El Prat, Gava, Castelldefels, and Fillipines Beaches, all within a short taxi ride from the airport. You can also visit Barceloneta Beach, which is a convenient distance from the city centre and has a spacious and lively harbour with hammocks, restaurants, and Wi-fi. If you're a football fan, you can visit Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona. For shopping, Terminal 2 of Barcelona Airport has popular Spanish brands such as Desigual, Mango, and La Botiga del Barca.
Barcelona Airport is close to many tourist attractions, such as La Casa del Semáforo y el Cuartel de Los Carabineros, an abandoned spot with stunning natural beauty, and Casa Batlló, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by the famed architect Antoni Gaudí. You can also visit La Sagrada Familia, an iconic, unfinished cathedral designed by Gaudí, and Park Güell, another one of his major works.
Barcelona Airport has plenty of eateries offering tasty food, including traditional Mediterranean cafes, tapas and beer bars, and sit-down restaurants serving Spanish cuisine. Outside the airport, you can visit Tapa Tapa or Lara Grill Barcelona for amazing street food. The Poble Sec area is one of the best options for tapas in the city.
The quickest way to get to the city centre is by taxi, which takes around 20-25 minutes. The Aerobus is also a fast (30-35 minutes) and affordable option to get to Plaza de Catalunya, Barcelona's city centre.
