How to get here
Barcelona is located on the northeast coast of Spain, along the Mediterranean Sea, and is the capital of Catalonia. The city is well connected to Europe and beyond, making it easy for international visitors to reach.
The airport, Barcelona-El Prat, is about 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of the city centre and serves numerous international and low-cost carriers.
Arriving at the Airport
Taxi: Taxis are available outside both airport terminals. The journey to the city centre typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares usually range from €30 – €40.
Ride-hailing apps: Apps like Cabify, Bolt, Free Now, and Uber operate in Barcelona and are convenient alternatives to taxis. You can book directly from the airport to your hotel or conference venue.
Aerobus: The Aerobús has two lines that run 24 hours a day to Barcelona airport’s T1 and T2. It’s a fast, comfortable airport shuttle connecting Barcelona–El Prat Airport to the city centre, with stops at Plaça d’Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya.
- Lines: A1 (Terminal T1) and A2 (Terminal T2)
- Journey time: ~30-35 minutes depending on traffic
- Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes
- Tickets:
- One-way: €7.45
- Return (valid up to 90 days): €12.85
- Children under 4 travel free
- Combo options: Available with public transport passes like the Hola Barcelona Travel Card
Tickets can be purchased online (through the website or the app) and/ or at the bus stop. For more info, visit the Aerobus website.
Metro: Barcelona’s metro system – Line L9 Sud – connects both airport terminals with the city centre. There are three stations in this line where you can transfer to other lines of the network: Can Tries | Gornal (L10 Sud),Torrassa (L1 and L10 Sud), Collblanc (L5 and L10 Sud) and Zona Universitària (L3). It also goes to Fira de Barcelona (Fira station). The journey from the airport to Barcelona city center by metro takes you 32 minutes.
- Journey time: ~32 minutes
- Tickets: You need a special Airport Ticket (or a travel card like Hola BCN that includes it) for the L9 Sud, as it’s a non-integrated ticket for this specific route.
- Where to buy: Ticket machines in the metro stations at the airport (follow signs) or through the TMB website or app.
Contactless payment (using a bank card, phone, or smartwatch) may be possible on some buses and metro gates, but availability can vary – please check locally before relying on this option.
Getting around Barcelona
Barcelona is a compact, walkable city with excellent public transport, making it easy to explore historic sites, museums, parks, and neighbourhoods.
Metro: The metro system is fast, clean, and safe. A single metro ticket costs around €3, while multi-trip passes like the T-casual (10 trips) or the Hola Barcelona Travel Card offer convenience and savings for regular travel around the city.
Bus & Tram: The city’s bus and tram network covers areas not served by the metro. Tickets are the same as for the metro, and buses run frequently, including evenings.
Taxis & Ride-hailing: City taxis are abundant and can be flagged on the street, booked via apps, or found at taxi stands. Ride-hailing apps like Cabify, Bolt, Uber, and Free Now are easy alternatives.
Biking & E-Scooters: Barcelona encourages cycling with dedicated bike lanes and rental options like Bicing (for locals) or private e-bike/e-scooter rentals like Lime and Donkey Republic (for tourists). It’s a fun way to explore parks, beaches, and historic districts.
Walking: Many of the city’s most famous sights, including the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and Passeig de Gràcia, are best explored on foot. Walking lets you discover hidden squares, local cafés, and historic corners you might miss by vehicle.
City passes & Tickets: Planning to see more of Barcelona before or after the conference? The Barcelona Card and other city passes make it easy – with unlimited public transport, museum discounts, and skip-the-line access to major attractions.
Useful links
Barcelona Metro & TMB transport information
Barcelona Card – The official city pass bundles free transport (same as Hola Barcelona Travel Card) with free museums entry and significant discounts on tours, entertainment, shows and other services.