Bcn Airport: Finding Your Way In Barcelona

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is located in El Prat de Llobregat, around 10-15km from the centre of Barcelona. It is the second-largest airport in Spain and one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe, serving as a major transport link for the whole of Catalonia. The airport has two terminals and three runways, and is adequately connected to Barcelona's city centre by public transport and taxi.

Transport to the city centre

Barcelona El-Prat Airport (BCN) is located around 12 kilometres southwest of the city centre. There are several transport options for getting from the airport to the city centre.

Aerobus

The Aerobus is the fastest way to reach the city centre by public transport. It costs €5.90 one way or €10.20 return, and the journey takes around 35 minutes. Buses depart every 5-10 minutes from both terminals, with stops at Plaça Espanya, Gran Vía-Urgell, Pl. Universitat, and Plaça Catalunya in the city centre.

Subway/Metro

The L9 Sud (or orange line) connects the airport to the city centre. The subway entrance is outside Terminal 1 and next to Terminal 2. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes and costs €4.60.

Train

The R2 Nord train line connects the airport to the city centre, although the train only stops at Terminal 2. The journey takes around 35 minutes and costs €4.50 one way.

Taxi

A taxi from the airport to the city centre will take around 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The average cost is between €25 and €35.

Private Transfer

Booking a private transfer from the airport to the city centre offers a personalised and exclusive service. The average journey time is 20-30 minutes, and prices start from €19 per vehicle.

Terminal 1 and 2

Barcelona Airport, also known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is located in El Prat de Llobregat, Catalonia, just 10km from the Catalonian capital. The airport has two terminals, which are 4km apart.

Terminal 1, which opened in 2009, handles the majority of the airport's traffic. It was designed by Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill to accommodate large numbers of people and improve their experience with better services. Terminal 1 contains 101 gates and over 20,000 square meters of shopping areas. It is also the headquarters of Vueling, a Spanish low-cost airline. The ground level of Terminal 1 hosts the arrivals area, while the first level is for departures. Boarding areas A, B, and C are located on the first floor, and most passengers begin their journey here. The second level has airport lounges and passport controls, while the third level has boarding areas D and E, dedicated to non-European flights. There is also a designated outdoor smoking area on this level.

Terminal 2 operates about 30% of the flights coming and going from Barcelona Airport. Most of the airlines that fly in and out of Terminal 2 are low-cost and regional companies, including Ryanair and EasyJet. Terminal 2 is divided into three interconnected sections: T2A, T2B, and T2C. T2B is the old terminal building, while the other two zones were added later as the airport grew in popularity. T2A mainly serves non-Schengen flights, T2B is reserved for Schengen flights, and EasyJet and EasyJet Switzerland fly from and to T2C. The distance between these three sections is easily walkable. Terminal 2 also has shopping and dining options, although on a smaller scale compared to Terminal 1.

Travelling between the terminals is easy, with a free shuttle bus running between them approximately every 6 to 11 minutes, 24 hours a day. The journey between the terminals takes a maximum of 15 minutes.

Check-in and waiting times

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is located 12 km southwest of Barcelona city centre, Spain. It is the second-largest airport in the country and one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving as the main international gateway to the city of Barcelona. The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2A, Terminal 2B, and Terminal 2C.

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport well in advance to allow for check-in, baggage drop, and security procedures. For international flights, it is generally advised to arrive at the airport three hours before the scheduled departure time, while for domestic flights, two hours is usually sufficient. However, it is important to note that these are just guidelines, and actual waiting times may vary depending on several factors.

To avoid lengthy queues, many airlines recommend online check-in, which can be done up to 36 hours before departure. This allows passengers to confirm their attendance, choose their seat, and even purchase additional baggage if needed. Some airlines also offer self-service check-in machines at the airport, which are typically available 24 to 48 hours before the flight. These machines provide a convenient alternative for those who prefer not to check in online.

After check-in, passengers with checked baggage will proceed to the baggage drop-off counters, where their luggage will be weighed and labelled. Passengers travelling with only carry-on baggage and a valid boarding pass can proceed directly to the security checkpoints. It is important to keep in mind that during peak travel periods, such as the start or end of vacations, long weekends, and special occasions, the airport can become extremely busy, resulting in longer waiting times.

Security checks at Barcelona Airport include passing through metal detectors and X-ray scans for luggage. All liquids carried in hand luggage must be presented for examination, and electronic devices like laptops need to be removed from bags for separate inspection. Passengers are advised to arrive early, especially for international flights, as these checkpoints can sometimes experience unexpected queues and delays.

Once passengers have cleared security, they can proceed to their designated gate areas. For those travelling to non-Schengen countries, documentation control is required, where passports, visas, and vaccination certificates may be checked. It is recommended to arrive early at the passport control posts as well, as queues and unforeseen waits can occur.

In summary, while official recommendations suggest arriving two to three hours before departure for international flights, some travellers suggest allowing even more time to ensure a stress-free experience. However, others have reported that two hours is generally sufficient, and in some cases, even 90 minutes has been enough. Ultimately, it is advisable to stay updated on flight status, follow airline and airport recommendations, and arrive early to account for any potential delays or last-minute changes.

Amenities and services

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is located in El Prat de Llobregat, just 10km from the city centre of Barcelona, Catalonia. It is the second-largest airport in Spain and one of the busiest on the Mediterranean Coast, serving over 52.5 million travellers in 2019. The airport has two terminals and three runways, with a wide range of amenities and services for travellers.

BCN Airport has a variety of retail options, including duty-free areas, and food outlets serving traditional tapas and Spanish wine. There are also baggage wrapping, cleaning, and luggage storage services, as well as meeting rooms and business facilities. For families travelling with children, there are dedicated family services and children's play areas.

The airport provides essential services such as pharmacies and medical facilities, banks, ATMs, and currency exchange services. There is also a chapel and a multi-denominational prayer room for those who wish to pray or reflect.

For travellers seeking relaxation before their flight, there are lounges and spa facilities, including a luxury beauty salon. Showers are available at Air Rooms in Terminal 1.

BCN Airport offers special assistance and amenities for passengers with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable and accessible travel experience.

The airport has a range of transport options for travellers arriving or departing, including public transportation, buses, taxis, private transfers, and car rental services. The L9 Sud metro line connects both terminals to the city centre, and there are several public transport bus lines and intercity and international bus services.

BCN Airport also provides essential travel services such as travel agencies and tour operators, and a lost and found office. With its range of amenities and services, BCN Airport is well-equipped to meet the needs of travellers passing through.

Hotels near the airport

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is located in El Prat de Llobregat, just 10km from the city centre of Barcelona. There are several hotels near the airport, including:

Sleep&Fly

Located in the business centre area of Terminal 1, Sleep&Fly offers rooms with free WiFi. The hotel has a 24-hour reception and is a great option if you need to stay overnight in the airport.

INNSiDE by Meliá Barcelona Aeropuerto

This hotel is just 1.2 miles from the airport and features an innovative design, a delicious buffet breakfast, and spacious rooms. A great option for a brief stopover or business trip to Barcelona.

Centre Esplai Albergue

Just 2 miles from the airport, Centre Esplai Albergue guests can reach the centre of Barcelona in 40 minutes by bus and Metro. The hotel is nicely decorated and very clean, with a restaurant offering tasty meals at reasonable prices.

BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel

This modern hotel is located close to the airport and offers a seasonal swimming pool. All rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed, and guests praise how clean the hotel is and the nice breakfast.

Salles Ciutat del Prat Barcelona Airport

This design hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport, which is located 2.5 miles away. It features a sauna, gym, indoor pool, and rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. A stylish and comfortable option with excellent accessibility.

Best Western Plus Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto

Best Western Plus Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto is 2.6 miles from the airport and offers a free airport shuttle, a heated pool, and free Wi-Fi. Guests praise the comfy beds and the breakfast buffet.

Frequently asked questions