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 opened on 30 December 1924 and is one of the easiest metros in Europe for visitors. Most lines are run by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), with some suburban lines run by FGC, and all of them share one integrated fare system with buses, trams and Rodalies commuter trains.
How to Pay
The best way to pay is with the T-casual: faster boarding, no queue at the machine, and usually a discount on fares. Barcelona metro tickets in 2026: T-casual €13.00, single €2.90, T-dia €12.00, the €5.90 airport ticket and the Hola Barcelona card compared, with which one to buy for your trip.
All payment options: 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.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge. The same fares apply all day.
Getting from the Airport to Barcelona
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. Journey time: ~30 min on L9 Sud to Zona Universitària, then L3 to the centre / ~25 min on R2 Nord to Passeig de Gràcia. Estimated fare: €5.90 airport ticket (metro) / T-casual journey on R2 Nord.
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 surcharge. The same fares apply all day. 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 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-journey ticket for one person, costing €13.00 for Zone 1 in 2026. Each journey lets you change between metro, bus, tram, FGC and Rodalies for up to 75 minutes. Buy it at any metro ticket machine, which has an English menu.
How do I get from Barcelona Airport to the city?
Take L9 Sud from Aeroport T1 or Aeroport T2 to Zona Universitària (about 30 minutes) and change to L3 for the centre; you need the €5.90 airport ticket. Alternatively, the R2 Nord train from Terminal 2 reaches Sants and Passeig de Gràcia in about 20 to 25 minutes and accepts the T-casual.
What is the Hola Barcelona travel card?
Hola Barcelona gives unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams, FGC and Rodalies in Zone 1 for 48, 72, 96 or 120 consecutive hours, including the airport metro stations. In 2026 it costs from about €18.70 for 48 hours to €43.60 for 120 hours. It pays off if you ride a lot or travel to and from the airport by metro.
Does the Barcelona Metro run at night?
The metro runs all night on Saturday nights. On Friday nights and the night before a public holiday it runs until 2:00, and from Sunday to Thursday until midnight. NitBus night buses cover the city at other times.
Which metro line goes to Sagrada Família?
L2 and L5 both stop at Sagrada Família. From Passeig de Gràcia, take L2 three stops towards Badalona. From Plaça de Catalunya, take L3 one stop to Diagonal, or walk to Passeig de Gràcia, then change.
Does the L9 metro serve both airport terminals?
Yes. L9 Sud has a station at Terminal 1 (Aeroport T1) and at Terminal 2 (Aeroport T2). Both need the airport ticket or a Hola Barcelona card; the T-casual is not valid there.
Is the Barcelona Metro accessible?
Most stations have lifts, and all of L9, L10 and L11 are step-free. A few older stations have only stairs or escalators, so check the TMB accessibility information before you travel.
Can I take the metro to Park Güell?
The nearest stations are Lesseps and Vallcarca on L3, both a 15 to 20 minute uphill walk. A TMB bus such as the 24 gets you closer to the park entrances.
Fare Guide
See the full Barcelona Metro ticket prices guide for all fares, the T-casual discount, and payment options.
Source: TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and Wikipedia. Information is for general guidance, so verify with the operator before travel.