Quick Facts
- Opened
- 30 December 1924
- Operator
- TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona)
- Stations
- 159
- Lines
- 12 (L1–L5, L9N, L9S, L10N, L11 + FGC)
- Daily riders
- ~1.0 million
- Network
- 120 km
- Zones
- 6 zones (Zone 1 covers all central Barcelona)
- Payment
- T-Casual (10-trip), single ticket, Hola BCN pass
The Barcelona Metro is one of Europe's most extensive and visitor-friendly urban rail systems. Opened on 30 December 1924, it operates 159 stations across 12 lines (including FGC and Trambaix/Trambesòs integrated services) and 120 km of track.
The metro is primarily operated by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and is integrated with FGC suburban rail, Renfe Rodalies commuter trains, and the city's tram and bus networks under the ATM (Autoritat del Transport Metropolità) zonal fare system. A single integrated ticket covers multiple modes of transport.
Barcelona's metro is notable for its Art Nouveau influences at historic stations, and the network radiates from the city centre, connecting Gaudí landmarks, beaches, and all major tourist areas. The L9 Sud airport line is a notable recent addition — it connects El Prat Airport directly to the metro network, though it currently has a gap in the middle of the city (L9 Nord and L9 Sud are not yet connected).
The fare system uses the T-Casual card — a 10-trip integrated transport card valid on metro, buses, FGC, trams, and Rodalies within Zone 1. The T-Casual costs €11.35 for Zone 1 (€1.135 per trip). Single trips cost €2.40. The Hola BCN tourist pass gives unlimited 48–120 hours of travel.
Barcelona's metro runs 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights (and the night before public holidays), making it one of the few European metro systems to offer full overnight weekend service.
How to Pay
Payment methods: T-Casual (10-trip integrated) · Single trip ticket · T-Usual (30-day unlimited) · Hola BCN tourist pass · Contactless bank card (select gates).
💡 The T-Casual (€11.35 for 10 trips in Zone 1) is the best value for visitors — it works on metro, buses, FGC, trams, and Rodalies. At €1.135 per trip it's half the cost of single tickets.
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge — flat zone-based fares at all times. L9 airport supplement of €4.60 one-way for airport trips. — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Barcelona Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Barcelona Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: T-Casual (10-trip integrated), Single trip ticket, T-Usual (30-day unlimited), Hola BCN tourist pass, Contactless bank card (select gates).
💡 The T-Casual (€11.35 for 10 trips in Zone 1) is the best value for visitors — it works on metro, buses, FGC, trams, and Rodalies. At €1.135 per trip it's half the cost of single tickets.
| Journey | Off-Peak (EUR) | Peak (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip (Zone 1) | €2.40 | €2.40 |
| T-Casual (10 trips Zone 1) | €11.35 | €11.35 |
| Airport L9 supplement | €4.60 | €4.60 |
| Hola BCN 48 hours | €16.40 | €16.40 |
| Hola BCN 72 hours | €23.80 | €23.80 |
| Hola BCN 120 hours | €35.00 | €35.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the T-Casual and how does it work?
The T-Casual is a 10-trip integrated transport card (€11.35 for Zone 1). Each trip is validated for 1 hour 15 minutes and you can transfer between metro, bus, tram, FGC, and Rodalies within that time using the same trip. Buy at TMB ticket machines at any station.
How do I get from Barcelona Airport to the city?
Take L9 Sud metro directly from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 — about 30–35 minutes to Zona Universitaria, then change to L3 for Passeig de Gràcia/Plaça Catalunya. There is an additional €4.60 airport supplement on top of the standard zone fare (€2.40), so total is €7.00 one way.
What is the Hola BCN tourist pass?
The Hola BCN pass gives unlimited travel on metro, buses, FGC, trams, and Rodalies for 48h (€16.40), 72h (€23.80), 96h (€29.20) or 120h (€35.00). If you take 3+ trips per day it pays off. Note: the airport supplement is included in Hola BCN when travelling to/from El Prat Airport.
Does the Barcelona Metro run at night?
Yes — Barcelona runs its metro 24 hours on Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning, plus the night before public holidays. On other nights it closes around 00:00–02:00 depending on the line, with Nit Bus (night bus) services covering the city.
Which metro line goes to Sagrada Família?
Lines L2 and L5 both stop at Sagrada Família station. The L5 (blue) is usually faster from the city centre — from Plaça de Catalunya take L1 to Verdaguer then L5, or from Passeig de Gràcia take L2 directly (4 stops).
Is the L9 airport metro direct from Terminal 1?
Yes — L9 Sud has a station at Terminal 1 (Aeroport T1). Terminal 2 is served by a free shuttle bus to T1, or you can take the nearby L9 El Prat Aeroport station. The airport supplement (€4.60) is charged on top of standard fares for all airport section journeys.
Is the Barcelona Metro accessible?
Most central stations have lifts. L9, L10, and newer sections of L1 and L3 are fully accessible. Some older stations on L4 and parts of L2 have limited accessibility. Check the TMB Accessible Metro map before travel.
Can I take the metro to Park Güell?
The closest metro is Lesseps (L3) or Vallcarca (L3) — both a 15–20 minute walk uphill to the park. Alternatively, Bus 116 (from Alfons X, L4) runs directly to the park entrance. A bus is easier than the walk from the metro.
Source: TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.