A great way to get around Barcelona is by using the metro. The Barcelona metro system can take you almost anywhere in the city: nearly all of Barcelona’s attractions are accessible by metro. For Montjuïc and Tibidabo attractions, however, you’ll need to use different transportation. The entire ‘zona alta,’ or the upscale Sarrià – Sant Gervasi neighborhood, is not within the metro’s reach but is served by the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) city trains, effectively part of the same network as the metro.
Barcelona Metro Explained
The Barcelona metro is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to get around the city. Modern, reliable, and fast — it’s the preferred mode of transport for many locals.
Thanks to the city’s integrated public transport system, you can use the same ticket for the metro, buses, trams, FGC trains (zone 1), and Rodalies de Catalunya trains within zone 1 — making it incredibly convenient for both residents and visitors.
If you’re wondering how the metro works, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ve gathered everything you need to know to travel confidently by metro in Barcelona — from understanding the different lines and ticket options to how to access the metro, its opening hours, and much more.
🎥 Tip: Since I know how intimidating it can feel to use public transport in a foreign country, I’ve also made a video guide that walks you through every detail — from choosing the right ticket to navigating stations like a local (without getting lost!). If it’s your first time in Barcelona and you want your trip to go smoothly, don’t miss this video!
⭐ Book your public transport pass here!
How the Barcelona Metro Works
First of all, you should know that Barcelona’s metro system is made up of more than 10 lines, each covering a different area of the city. The good news is that the entire city of Barcelona is within Zone 1, which makes things simple — when buying a metro card, you just need to select a ticket for Zone 1.
Each passenger must travel with a valid ticket, which can be purchased at any metro station from the ticket machines or conveniently through the T-mobilitat app on your phone.
The metro runs frequently throughout the day, so you’ll rarely wait more than a few minutes for the next train. It’s also very accessible and convenient, operating from early morning until late at night — and on weekends, the metro runs all night long, making it an easy and reliable way to get around Barcelona at any hour.
Metro Lines in Barcelona
Barcelona’s metro network is managed by two different companies: the city transport company Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), recognizable by the red M, and the regional Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), recognizable by the orange (nowadays green) symbol.
There are 12 metro lines in Barcelona (8 from TMB, 4 from FGC) that can take you throughout the city.
- L1 (red): Hospital de Bellvitge – Fondo
- L2 (purple): Paral·lel – Badalona/Pompeu Fabra
- L3 (green): Zona Universitària – Trinitat Nova
- L4 (yellow): Trinitat Nova – La Pau
- L5 (dark blue): Cornellà Centre – Vall d’Hebron
- L9 Nord (orange): La Sagrera – Can Zam
- L9 Sud (orange): Aeroport T1 – Zona Universitària
- L10 Nord (light blue): La Sagrera – Gorg
- L10 Sud (light blue): Foc – Collblanc
- L11 (light green): Trinitat Nova – Can Cuiàs
- L6 (purple): Catalunya – Sarrià
- L7 (brown): Catalunya – Av. Tibidabo
- L8 (pink): Espanya – Molí Nou/Ciutat Cooperativa
- L12 (violet): Sarrià – Reina Elisenda
Each metro line runs on its own dedicated track, which means that once you’re inside the station, you just need to find the correct platform and wait for your train.
Switching lines is very easy once you’re on the metro — you usually don’t need to tap your metro card again unless you’re transferring from the metro to the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) trains.
Barcelona Metro Map
As mentioned earlier, the metro in Barcelona can take you almost anywhere in the city. To make planning your trips easier, here’s a handy map of the Barcelona metro, including the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) lines, which primarily serve the northern areas of the city, such as the upscale Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighborhood. With this map, you can see how the lines connect, plan your transfers, and navigate the city like a local.
Barcelona Metro Tickets
Metro tickets can be purchased at ticket counters and machines in metro stations (including at Barcelona airport) or through the T-Mobilitat app.
Tickets are available in various formats: you can buy a single journey ticket, a ten-trip ticket, a day ticket, or a ticket for 30 to 90 days. As a tourist, you can also buy special cards, such as the Hola Barcelona Travel Card valid for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days.
Moreover, these tickets are also valid for regular bus services, the tram, and zone 1 of the FGC trains and Rodalies de Catalunya regional trains.
⚠️ However, be aware! Outside the Barcelona area, beyond zone 1, a different fare applies. You also need a different metro ticket for the journey to and from the airport, the Bitllet Aeroport.
Payment at the machine can be made with cash, debit, credit card or contactless.
⭐ Book your public transport pass here!
Barcelona Public Transport Card Prices
Below you will find some examples of the prices of metro tickets in Barcelona.
| A one-day pass (T-Dia) | € 10,50 |
| Eight-ride ticket (T-Familiar) | € 10,00 |
| Ten-ride ticket (T-Casual) | € 11,35 |
| Airport Ticket (Bitllet Aeroport, metro ticket to and from the airport) | € 5,15 |
| Hola Barcelona Travelcard 48 hours | € 16,30 |
| Hola Barcelona Travelcard 72 hours | € 23,70 |
| Hola Barcelona Travelcard 96 hours | € 30,80 |
| Hola Barcelona Travelcard 120 hours | € 38,00 |
Note: Children up to 4 years old travel for free.
Most Popular Metro Cards
As a visitor, it can be tricky to decide which metro card best fits your travel plans. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the top 5 metro cards I always recommend to my clients. Each card has its advantages depending on how long you’re staying and how often you plan to use public transport — so take a look and find out which one suits you best.
1. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card
If you plan to use public transport frequently during your vacation or city trip in Barcelona, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card (formerly known as the Hola BCN! Travelcard) is the best option for you.
This card allows unlimited travel on public transport in Barcelona, including transport to and from the airport.
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card is valid for the chosen period on the metro, buses, trams, zone 1 of the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) trains, and zone 1 of the Rodalies de Catalunya regional trains.
You can easily order the Hola Barcelona Travel Card online or buy it on the spot from the ticket machines in the metro. One card is needed per person.
When you order the Hola Barcelona Travel Card online, you need to collect the card from the machines in the metro or from the tourist offices at Barcelona Airport or in the city.
This card is valid from the moment of activation for the pre-selected period.
👉 Read more about the Hola Barcelona Travel Card here.
2. The Ten-Ride Ticket or T-Casual
The ten-ride ticket, known as the T-Casual (formerly T-10), is the most commonly used public transport card among locals in Barcelona.
Firstly, it’s inexpensive (only about one euro per trip) and can be used on all public transport in the city (metro, buses, trams, zone 1 of the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat city trains, and zone 1 of the Rodalies de Catalunya regional trains).
A T-Casual card can be purchased from ticket machines in the metro and costs just €11.35.
This card is valid for 10 trips on public transport in Barcelona. You can transfer during your journey (e.g., from bus to metro or vice versa) without it costing you an extra trip as long as you make the transfer within an hour and a quarter (75 minutes).
Note: The T-Casual is not valid for the trip to and from the airport. For that, you need a Bitllet Aeroport. The T-Casual also cannot be used by multiple people at the same time. For that purpose, the T-Familiar is a better option.
3. The Eight-Ride Ticket or T-Familiar
The T-Familiar is a public transport card that allows you eight trips on the metro (and all other public transport in Barcelona) and can be shared and used simultaneously with others. This makes it an interesting alternative for travelers with a small group: you only need to buy one pass and share it.
You can make up to 8 trips within 30 days. For each trip, you have a maximum of 75 minutes and can transfer if needed.
The T-Familiar is available at metro ticket machines for €10.
Please note that this card is not valid for the metro ride to and from Barcelona Airport. For that, you need the Bitllet Aeroport.
4. The Airport Ticket or Bitllet Aeroport
When traveling by metro to and from El Prat Airport in Barcelona, you need to buy a special public transport ticket, the so-called Bitllet Aeroport.
This metro ticket is the only public transport card that grants access to Barcelona Airport, in addition to the Hola Barcelona Travelcard and the Barcelona Card.
The Bitllet Aeroport is available at all metro ticket machines and costs €5.15 per trip.
You need to buy one ticket per person for traveling from Barcelona Airport to the city by metro or vice versa.
The metro line connecting Barcelona Airport to the city is the brand-new L9 Sud and has two metro stations at the airport; one for each terminal (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). Depending on your arrival and departure terminal, you need to use one or the other metro stop.
To enter and exit the metro at Barcelona Airport, you need to swipe your public transport card through the machine. Only the Bitllet Aeroport, Hola Barcelona Travelcard, Barcelona Card, T-Dia, T-Usual, T-Jove, T-16, and Tarjeta Rosa are valid for this purpose.
5. The Barcelona Card
Last but not least, with the Barcelona Card, you get free public transport throughout Barcelona along with discounts (and sometimes even free entry!) to many museums and attractions in Barcelona, as well as certain shops and restaurants. Order your Barcelona Card online and start enjoying all these great benefits upon arrival.
⭐ Book your public transport pass here!
Barcelona Metro Operating Hours
The Barcelona metro operates from Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 AM to midnight (until 2:00 AM on Fridays). On Saturdays and public holidays like New Year’s, the metro operates continuously from 5:00 AM throughout the day and night. So, you can easily go out on the weekends and return to your hotel or home by metro, regardless of the time.
Barcelona Metro Accessibility
Barcelona’s metro is increasingly accessible to people with disabilities.
Most metro stations are wheelchair accessible thanks to elevators running from street level to the platforms, and there are blind paths, tactile buttons to open doors, and loudspeakers that announce the next stop and when doors open and close.
If you are traveling with a stroller or large luggage (such as a bike or suitcase), there is usually a wider sliding door at the metro entrance for easier access.
Once inside the metro, there are reserved seats for the elderly and pregnant women, and spaces suitable for wheelchairs, bikes, buggies, and strollers.
Most metros also have small ramps at front and rear entrances to minimize the height difference between the metro floor and the platform.
However, not all metro stations in Barcelona have an elevator. You might want to avoid certain stops if you are traveling with a wheelchair, stroller, or heavy luggage, such as Plaça de Sants (L1 and L5), Espanya (L1, L3, and L8), Urquinaona (L1 and L4), Clot (L1), Maragall (L4 and L5), Verdaguer (L4 and L5), Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica (L4).
Tips for Using the Barcelona Metro
- Download the Barcelona Metro TMB Map app for the fastest and easiest route or use Google Maps.
- Ticket machines are available at every station, and larger stations also have staffed ticket counters.
- Free metro maps are available at the counters at larger stations.
- Keep your metro ticket with you throughout your ride as there might be inspectors.
- Beware of pickpockets, especially near ticket machines and in crowded areas.
- On escalators, the unspoken rule is: stand on the right, walk on the left.
- You can now travel to and from Barcelona Airport using the L9 Sud metro line. For this, you need to purchase the Bitllet Aeroport (€5.15 per person) from the ticket machines.
- If you have questions, consult the customer service points in the metro at stations like Diagonal (L3 and L5), Universitat (L1 and L2), and La Sagrera (L1, L5, L9 Nord, and L10).
Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Barcelona Metro
You can use the metro every day. From Monday to Thursday, the metro runs from 5:00 AM until midnight. On Fridays it runs until 2:00 AM, on Saturdays it runs all night, and on Sundays it closes again at midnight. On special holidays, such as New Year’s Eve, the metro also runs all night.
The validity of your ticket depends on the type you choose. With a T-Casual, T-Familiar, or Hola Barcelona card, you can travel within the indicated period or number of rides. With the T-Mobilitat card, you can reload your card with extra rides or day passes whenever needed. You can always check your remaining balance or rides at the ticket machines or when passing through the gates.
For short visits, the Hola Barcelona Travel Cards (2, 3, 4, or 5 days) are very popular. For occasional use or solo travelers, the T-Casual is ideal, while the T-Familiar is a great option for groups or shared use.
Yes. With a T-Casual or T-Familiar, you can transfer to bus or tram within 1 hour and 15 minutes of checking in, without using an extra ride. With a Hola Barcelona Card, Barcelona Card, or a day pass, transfers are unlimited during the validity of the card.
Tickets are available at ticket machines and service desks in all metro stations, including Barcelona Airport. You can also buy and store tickets on your phone using the T-Mobilitat app.
Hold your card against the scanner at the gates when entering and exiting the station. When switching between metro lines, you usually do not need to scan again, unless transferring to the FGC trains.
Yes, most metro stations are equipped with lifts, escalators, and adapted entrances. For detailed accessibility information, consult the TMB website.
The metro runs very frequently — usually every 2–5 minutes during peak times and every 5–10 minutes at other times. It’s a reliable and fast way to move around the city.
Yes, children up to 4 years old can travel for free. It’s recommended to carry proof of age, such as an ID card or a copy of their passport.
Yes, you can take your bike on the metro, except on weekdays between 7:00–9:30 AM and 5:00–8:30 PM.
Only adults (18+) may travel with dogs that are considered potentially dangerous, and only one dog per person is allowed. Dogs are permitted on the metro (except during peak hours: 7:00–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM). Dogs must wear a muzzle, be kept on a leash, and have a microchip. You must also carry the certificate showing the dog is registered in the local municipal registry (if you live in Barcelona) or the EU Pet Passport (if visiting). Dogs cannot sit on seats, and escalators cannot be used with a dog.
Yes, there is a dedicated metro connection to Barcelona Airport. You will need a special ticket for this journey: the Bitllet Aeroport.
Yes. If you live in Barcelona and use public transport daily, a subscription pass is recommended. Options include:
– T-Usual: a monthly pass for unlimited travel for 30 days.
– T-Grup: 70 rides within 30 days, ideal for sharing with family or friends.
– T-Jove: unlimited travel for 90 days for travelers under 25.
Yes, the metro is generally safe for both residents and tourists. Stations and trains are regularly patrolled by security, and there are CCTV cameras and emergency buttons. As in any major public transport system, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and during rush hour, to avoid pickpockets. Traveling in the evening or at night is usually safe as well, particularly on the main lines and stations.
