Jazmin Li
The Barcelona Card is a tourist card that offers free and unlimited public transport, free entry to museums and cultural venues, and discounts on tours, shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is available for purchase at Barcelona Airport, at any of the airport tourist information offices during operating hours. The Barcelona Card can also be purchased online at a discounted price, and then picked up at the airport or other designated locations in Barcelona. It is worth noting that the card is only valid until midnight of the day it is activated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy | Any airport tourist information office during operating hours. |
| Online purchase | 10% discount. |
| Transport | Unlimited free travel by bus, metro, airport, train. |
| Attractions | Free entry to over 25 museums and cultural venues. |
| Discounts | 70+ deals on tours, entertainment, shows, restaurants, shopping, etc. |
| Activation | Activated on first use. |
| Validity | 72, 96, or 120 hours. |
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What You'll Learn
Barcelona Card online discounts
The Barcelona Card is a 3-in-1 transport card, museum pass, and discount card. It offers unlimited free travel by public transport, free entry to over 25 museums and cultural venues, and 70+ deals and discounts on tours, entertainment, shopping, dining, and nightlife.
You can buy the Barcelona Card online at a discounted price before your trip or at tourist information offices in Barcelona at the full price. The card is activated on the first use, so there’s no need to worry about the card expiring before you arrive in Barcelona. After purchase, you’ll receive a voucher via email, which you can print out and exchange for the physical card at Barcelona Airport or other locations in the city.
The Barcelona Card offers over 350€ in discounts on museums, attractions, guided tours, restaurants, and more. When you buy the card, you’ll receive a brochure with all the discounts included. Some of the attractions included with the card are:
- Cosmocaixa, Science Museum
- Gaudi's Masterpieces: Casa Batlló, La Pedrera (Casa Milà), Casa Vicens, and Casa Amatller
- Family Activities: L'Aquàrium, Las Golondrinas, Barcelona Zoo
You can also get a 10% discount when you buy the card online.
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Tourist information offices
Barcelona Airport has two types of information services: airport information and tourist information. Tourist information offices can be identified by the logo for Catalan Tourism displayed above them.
You can buy the Barcelona Card at any of the airport's tourist information offices during their operating hours. The Barcelona tourist office is smaller than some of the tourist information centres in the city, but it offers the same information and advice. The staff can help you plan your trip from the airport to your final destination in Catalunya.
In Terminal T1, exit the security area and immediately turn right. After about 50 meters, you will find the Tourist Info next to the entrance to the airport chapel. In Terminal 2B, the Tourist Info is located about 50 meters to the left of the exit from the security area in the middle of the hall. There is an additional Tourist Info in the lobbies of the L9 metro station in Terminal T1.
- Head office: Plaça de Catalunya, s/n (in front of "El Triangle"). Open Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.
- Cabina Plaça Espanya: Plaça Espanya/ Maria Cristina Av. Open Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
- Cabina Sagrada Família: Plaça de la Sagrada Família. Open Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
- Columbus Monument: Plaça del Portal de la Pau, s/n, 08002, Barcelona. Open Monday to Sunday, from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm.
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Transport from the airport
Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is approximately 13 km from the city centre. There are various transport options available to get from the airport to the city centre, including bus, train, taxi, and private transfer.
Bus
The Aerobus is a convenient option if you're staying close to Plaça d'Espanya or Plaça de Catalunya. It takes around 30-40 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic. The bus stop is located at the exit of Terminal 1, to the left of the Aerobus stop. There is also a night bus, NitBus, which operates between 21:55 and 04:50. A single ticket costs €2.65.
Train
The RENFE train leaves from Terminal 2 and takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre. A single journey costs €2. You can also buy the Hola BCN public transport card, which includes the airport/centre of Barcelona.
Taxi
Taxis are a low-cost and convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The taxi rank can be found outside any of the main terminal exits. The journey to the city centre takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on road conditions.
Private Transfer
A private transfer is a stress-free option that will take you directly to your accommodation. This can be more expensive than other options, but it is convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with a family.
You can purchase the Barcelona Card at the airport, which offers unlimited free travel by bus, metro, airport, and train. The card also includes entry to over 25 museums and cultural venues, as well as discounts on tours, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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eSIMs vs physical SIMs
The Barcelona Card is available for purchase at Barcelona Airport and can be bought at any of the airport tourist information offices during operating hours. You can also buy the card online at a discounted price and then collect it from the airport. The card offers free travel by bus, metro, airport train, and other modes, along with free entry to museums and cultural venues, and discounts on tours, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Now, moving on to eSIMs vs physical SIMs, there are several differences and advantages to each. Let's start with eSIMs:
ESIMs, or embedded SIMs, are virtual SIM cards that are programmed directly into a device's hardware. They do not require a physical chip like traditional SIM cards and can be set up with just a Wi-Fi connection and a compatible phone. eSIMs offer several advantages, including:
- Convenience and Flexibility: eSIMs allow users to switch carriers and plans remotely without needing to physically swap SIM cards. This makes it easier to manage multiple phone numbers on a single device and is ideal for travellers who need a temporary local number.
- Space-saving: By eliminating the need for a SIM card slot, eSIMs free up physical space in the device, allowing for design improvements, particularly in smaller devices like smartwatches.
- Durability: Since eSIMs are built into the device, they are less prone to physical damage or loss.
- Environmental benefits: eSIMs do not produce plastic waste like physical SIM cards, making them a more sustainable option.
- Dual-SIM functionality: Many eSIM-compatible phones allow the use of both eSIM and a physical SIM, enabling users to have two lines on one device.
However, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:
- Limited Carrier Support: Not all carriers and regions support eSIM technology, which may limit options for users in certain areas or with specific providers.
- Security Concerns: While rare, there are potential security risks associated with the remote provisioning process of eSIMs.
- Device Compatibility: eSIMs are primarily available on newer devices, and older models may not support this technology.
Physical SIMs, on the other hand, have been the traditional choice for connecting to cellular networks:
Advantages of Physical SIMs:
- Widespread Compatibility: Physical SIMs are nearly universally supported by carriers and devices, making them a reliable choice regardless of location or carrier.
- Ease of Transfer: Physical SIMs can be easily transferred between devices by simply removing and inserting the card, which is convenient when switching phones or travelling.
Disadvantages of Physical SIMs:
- Inconvenience: Physical SIMs require manual insertion and removal, which can be cumbersome when managing multiple numbers or switching carriers.
- Limited Space: The SIM card slot occupies physical space in the device, which could be utilised for other components or design improvements.
- Durability and Loss: Physical SIM cards can be prone to damage or loss, leading to service disruption.
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Shops and kiosks at the airport
Barcelona El Prat Airport has shops and kiosks in the arrival area where you can buy a Barcelona Card and a SIM card.
The Barcelona Card is available at any of the airport's tourist information offices during operating hours. You can check the operating hours online. The card is valid from the moment you first use it and until midnight of the same day it is activated. This will count as one day.
If you are buying a SIM card, you can purchase it from shops or kiosks in the arrival area. You will need to show your passport at the point of purchase as SIM card registration is required by law in Spain. Shops at the airport will efficiently register cards using details such as your name, passport number, and nationality.
While airport prices are slightly higher, the convenience factor is well worth it. The top recommended providers at BCN airport are Vodafone and Lycamobile for reliable connectivity around Spain.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase a Barcelona Card at the BCN airport tourist information offices during operating hours.
The operating hours of the tourist information offices vary depending on the terminal. The T1 tourist office and T2 tourist office have different operating hours.
Yes, you can buy the Barcelona Card online at a discounted price before your trip. After purchasing, you will receive a voucher via email, which you can print out and exchange for the physical card at the airport.
Buying the Barcelona Card online offers a discount and ensures that you have the card in hand when you arrive at the airport. However, purchasing the card at the airport allows you to buy it conveniently during your arrival without having to plan ahead.
