Barcelona Airport to City Centre: Compare 4 Transfer Options
Compare taxi, Aerobus, metro and train options to find the right way to travel from BCN Airport to your accommodation.
After a long journey you finally arrive at BCN airport, and the next step is to find a transfer to your accommodation. There is a choice of four main options, each of which has their own advantages and disadvantages. To help you pick the most suitable airport transfer to the city centre of Barcelona we’ve prepared a brief review and comparison of the alternatives.
Overview of Options
The table below provides a birds-eye view of the most popular means of transport. The prices quoted are approximate and subject to change:
| Mode of Transport | Approximate Price | Time to City | Approximate Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €34 per car | 25-35 mins. | 14-16 km. | Service available via the BCN taxi company |
| Aerobus | €7.75 per person | 35 mins. | 15 km. | Buses run regularly and pick up passengers at both terminals |
| Metro L9 Sud | €5.90 per person | 35-45 mins. | 15-16 km. | Requires a change of lines |
| Train R2 Nord | €5 per person | 20-25 mins. | 11-13 km. | Service only from Terminal 2 |
Prices and journey times are approximate and may change. Check the official transport operators for current fares, timetables and service information.
Taxis From the Airport
Taking a taxi from the airport is undeniably the most convenient option – especially if you arrive at the airport late at night. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you to your accommodation without any need to change lines or carry your bags on buses or through underground stations.
There are two options for taking a taxi: pre-booking a local Barcelona Airport to City Center transfer or using a regular street taxi. The fare for street taxis is metered according to the distance driven and the time of day. According to the updated rates for 2026, the urban day fare starts from €2.80 plus €1.35 per km. Meanwhile the night tariff includes an additional €1.66 per km. Special airport surcharge adds €4.60 to the fare. More details about the meter system you can find here. Usually, a taxi ride from the airport to the city centre costs between €30 and €40. However with Go BCN Taxi you can avoid surprises as the fare for a shared transfer to the city is fixed at €34 per car.
Pros and Cons of Taking a Taxi:
Pros
- No changes of transport
- Baggage and children-friendly
- Fixed price for a car
Cons
- Extra cost compared to public transport
Aerobus Service
Aerobus is a public transport solution that connects the city centre to both terminals. The buses provide regular services with a choice of stops in the city to suit everybody. Tickets can be bought on the bus or at self-service machines at the airport. The price for a single journey is €7.75 per person.
The Aerobus is a reliable and straightforward option that saves you the hassle of working out which train to take or having to queue at taxi stands. Bikes and bags can be stored in special racks at the front of the bus.
Pros and Cons of Taking an Aerobus:
Pros
- Ideal for getting to the Plaça de Catalunya area
- Luggage-friendly
Cons
- More expensive than the metro or train
- Bus stop still need to be walked to
- Potential long waits during peak times
Official information: Aerobus fares and tickets.
Metro L9 Sud
L9 Sud is the only metro line to serve the airport with connections to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Metro trains run frequently and are completely driverless. There are many changes at various stations so it pays to check the map and plan your journey ahead.
The main issue with the metro is that a standard regional travel card will not be accepted at the airport stations so you’ll need to purchase a separate airport ticket for €5.90. On the plus side the metro to the city centre is relatively cheap for a solo traveller and the entire ride including the change of linesshould take no more than an hour. However the metro does not go directly to the central district so you may have to change lines again depending on your destination.
Pros and Cons of Taking the Metro:
Pros
- Cheap for a solo traveller
- Goes to both terminals
- Suitable for light bags
Cons
- Only connects to the airport via a change of line
- Airport ticket is an additional cost
Official information: TMB airport metro ticket.
Train R2 Nord
The train is the cheapest and fastest public transport option from the airport. It takes just 20-25 mins to get to Sants or Passeig de Gràcia with a single ticket costing around €5. Cards from the regional public transport network can also be used.
The main limitation is that the train only services Terminal 2. If you arrive at Terminal 1 you will need to take a free bus to Terminal 2 first. Another downside is that the train only runs every 30 mins so there may be long waits if you miss the connection. That said, taking the train can be a good option if you are on a budget or need to get to Sants in the shortest possible time.
Pros and Cons of Taking the Train:
Pros
- Fastest public transport option
- Cheapest option for a solo traveller
- Good for using a travel card
Cons
- Valid for both Terminal 1 and 2
- Less frequent services every 30 mins
- Missed trains can lead to long waits
- Bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 required
Official information: Rodalies R2 Nord line and service.
Public Transport Versus Taxi: A Comparison
As you can see from the comparison above the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city centre is by train or metro.
The next cheapest option is the Aerobus followed by the taxi. However, the price difference can be significant for groups. For a family of four, the metro would cost around €23.6 whereas an airport taxi transfer would start from €34. Although that may seem like a noticeable difference the taxi would save you the hassle of having to change lines and carry your bags.
Public transport can be economical for solo travellers. A direct transfer may be more convenient for families, passengers with luggage, or visitors heading straight to their hotel.
Why Choose Go BCN Taxi
Go BCN Taxi is a popular local Barcelona Taxi company that provides a reliable airport transfer service to the city. They offer a variety of cars for hire with fares starting from €34 for a shared transfer. Drivers are always aware of flight schedules so if your flight is delayed they will adjust the pick-up time accordingly. This helps reduce stress as you don’t have to worry about missing your driver.
The pick-up service is available at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and you have a choice of paying by cash card bank transfer or online. They also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay as a payment option. If you are booking as a company you can request an invoice.
They also offer a direct Barcelona airport to hotels service where the drivers can take you directly to your hotel room. For larger groups or families they have larger vehicles available. You can also find more information about the private transfer Barcelona services on their website.
How to Book Your Transfer
Booking a transfer with Go BCN Taxi only takes a few minutes. You can use the website or the app or contact the team on WhatsApp or by phone. You will need to provide the following information:
- Your flight number
- The date and time of your arrival
- The terminal you are arriving at
- The number of passengers
- The amount of luggage
- Your hotel name and full address
Plan Your Barcelona Airport Transfer
Explore transfer options for your arrival and choose a service that suits your travel plans.
Airport Transfer Details Visit Go BCN TaxiFAQs
What is the Cheapest Way From Barcelona Airport to the City?
There are two cheap ways to get from the airport to the city: the metro and the train. These both charge a fee per person rather than per vehicle so they are ideal if you are a solo traveller with minimal luggage. The cheapest option would be the train from Terminal 2.
What is the Fastest Way From Barcelona Airport to the City?
The fastest way to the city centre is by train – it only takes 20-25 mins. However a taxi ride can also be quick and convenient as it takes you directly to your hotel without any need to change lines or carry your bags.
Does My City Metro Card Work at the Airport?
Unfortunately the metro requires a separate airport ticket which costs €5.90.
How Much Does it Cost to Use Go BCN Taxi?
The price for a shared Barcelona Airport to City Center transfer starts from €34 per car.
Contact Us
Name: Go BCN Taxi
Phone and WhatsApp: +34 600 54 22 29
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