How to get from Barcelona El Prat Airport to the city in 2026: the L9 Sud metro with the €5.90 airport ticket, the R2 Nord train (T-casual valid), the Aerobús and taxis compared.
At a Glance
- Airport
- Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN)
- Journey time
- ~30 min on L9 Sud to Zona Universitària, then L3 to the centre / ~25 min on R2 Nord to Passeig de Gràcia
- Fare estimate
- €5.90 airport ticket (metro) / T-casual journey on R2 Nord
- Metro line
- L9 Sud
How to Get from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport to the City
The L9 Sud connect the airport with central Barcelona, and are usually the most predictable way to travel at busy times.
Travel Tips
- The T-casual is not valid at the Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 metro stations. Buy the €5.90 airport ticket, or use a Hola Barcelona card.
- The airport ticket covers your whole metro journey into the city, including the change to L3 at Zona Universitària.
- If you already have a T-casual, take the R2 Nord train from Terminal 2 instead: it accepts the T-casual and reaches Sants and Passeig de Gràcia in about 20 to 25 minutes.
- From Terminal 1 to the R2 Nord train, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2.
- The Aerobús runs directly from both terminals to Plaça d'Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya. It is a separate service with its own ticket.
- A taxi to the city centre usually costs €35 to €45.
Paying for the Journey
Payment methods: T-casual (10 journeys, Zone 1) · Single ticket (metro and TMB buses) · T-dia (unlimited for one day) · Airport ticket (for the L9 airport stations) · Hola Barcelona travel card (48 to 120 hours) · T-usual (30 days, Zone 1).
💡 The T-casual (€13.00 for 10 journeys) costs €1.30 a trip against €2.90 for a single, and covers metro, buses, trams, FGC and Rodalies in Zone 1. It is not valid at the airport metro stations, where you need the €5.90 airport ticket or a Hola Barcelona card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the metro from Barcelona Airport to the centre?
The airport ticket costs €5.90 in 2026 and covers the metro journey from Aeroport T1 or T2 into the city, including changes. Hola Barcelona card holders ride free.
Can I use the T-casual from the airport?
Not on the metro: the T-casual is not valid at the airport metro stations. It is valid on the R2 Nord Rodalies train from Terminal 2, which is often the best choice if you already have a T-casual.
Do I need to change trains to reach the city centre?
On the metro, yes: L9 Sud ends at Zona Universitària, where you change to L3 (green) for Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia. The whole trip takes about 45 to 55 minutes. The R2 Nord train goes directly to Sants and Passeig de Gràcia.
Which is fastest: metro, train or Aerobús?
For Passeig de Gràcia and the Eixample, the R2 Nord train is usually quickest. For Plaça de Catalunya and the Rambla, the Aerobús is direct and simple. The L9 metro suits destinations along L3 or on the western side of the city.
See also: Barcelona Metro ticket prices · Payment card guide · Full Barcelona Metro guide
Source: TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona). Journey times and fares are indicative, so verify before travel.