Getting Started on the Barcelona Metro
The Barcelona Metro is the fastest and most affordable way to get around Barcelona. The network covers 159 stations across 12 lines and 120 km of track, connecting the city's key neighbourhoods, transport hubs, and attractions. Around ~1.0 million journeys are made every day.
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.
How to Pay
The best way to pay is with the T-Casual Card & Barcelona Metro Tickets — faster boarding, no queue at the machine, and usually a discount on fares. How to pay for the Barcelona Metro and public transport in 2026 — T-Casual, Hola BCN tourist pass, and single ticket options explained.
All payment options: 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..
Getting from the Airport to Barcelona
L9 Sud metro connects Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 directly to the city — complete guide with fares, journey times, and the airport supplement explained. Journey time: ~32 min from T1 to Zona Universitaria (then L3 to city centre). Estimated fare: €7.00 (€2.40 zone fare + €4.60 airport supplement).
Full airport connection guide →
Key Stations
These are the most important and useful stations on the Barcelona Metro for visitors:
Lines Overview
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Always tap out — some European metros require you to tap your card at exit as well as entry. Failing to do so results in a maximum fare charge.
- Validate your ticket — in cities like Paris and Madrid, ticket validation at the barrier is mandatory. Keep your ticket until you exit.
- Travel off-peak — No peak fare surcharge — flat zone-based fares at all times. L9 airport supplement of €4.60 one-way for airport trips.. Fares are lower off-peak and trains are less crowded.
- Operating hours — hours vary by city and day. Most European metros run reduced hours on Sundays. Check the operator app or website.
- Multi-trip cards save money — T-Casual Card & Barcelona Metro Tickets is cheaper than buying single tickets. Recommended for any visit of 2+ days.
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.
Fare Guide
See the full Barcelona Metro ticket prices guide for all fares, the T-Casual Card & Barcelona Metro Tickets discount, and payment options.
Source: TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and Wikipedia. Information is for general guidance — verify with the operator before travel.