There are many ways to get around in and around Barcelona, whether by public transport or private means. Think of the metro, taxi, bus, bicycle, or car. If you want to know the best transport options during a city trip to Barcelona, what the costs are, or how to get from A to B in a busy city like Barcelona, then read on. On this page, I will tell you everything you need to know about transportation in Barcelona.
The Best Transport Options
How to get around in Barcelona
There are many ways to get around in Barcelona. Some of the most popular include the metro, buses, taxis, and of course walking. Nowadays, you also see many scooters, e-scooters, and cyclists navigating the city. Naturally, it is also possible to rent a car or come by car, although parking is becoming more expensive and scarce.
A good and affordable way to get around the city is of course by public transport. Thanks to the extensive public transport network, it is possible to reach almost every part of the city with little effort and at a relatively low cost. The metro in particular is a fast and efficient means of transport for getting around Barcelona.
To find out which transport combination is the fastest or most convenient, you can use Google Maps. By entering your departure point and destination, you’ll quickly get an overview of transport options (by car, bike, public transport, or on foot). Keep in mind that travel advice is live and may vary depending on traffic or if it is nighttime.
Other Transport Options in Barcelona
As a tourist, you can also make use of the hop-on hop-off buses that tour the city, or rent a car, scooter, or a bicycle to explore Barcelona on your own. And what about the cable cars in the city that offer stunning views over Barcelona?
- Hop-on hop-off buses: The double-decker buses that guide tourists around the city are also a popular means of transport in Barcelona. They’re ideal for those who want to see a lot in a short time or who have limited mobility.
- Cars: You can travel to Barcelona with your own car or rent one locally. This can be done through traditional car rental companies such as Hertz or Avis, or via car-sharing services like BlaBlaCar and Ubeeqo. If you come with your own car, make sure you have a valid environmental permit and book a parking garage in advance.
- Bicycles: Barcelona is a bike-friendly city with many bike paths and routes. You can rent a bicycle from a reputable rental company or use one of the public shared bikes you’ll find on the streets, and set off to explore.
- Taxis: Taxis are often the fastest and most comfortable way to travel. They’re convenient for short distances or when you’re in a hurry. Taxis in Barcelona are recognizable by their black and yellow colors. These days, companies like Uber and Cabify also offer ride services.
- Scooters: Scooters are a very popular mode of transport among the locals in Barcelona. They allow for quick movement through the city and can be parked almost anywhere. As a visitor, you can rent a scooter or use shared scooters from companies like eCooltra and Yego.
- Cable cars: You’ll find cable cars in various parts of the city. These aerial gondolas take you to the highest points in Barcelona and treat you to breathtaking views along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transportation in Barcelona
What is the best way to get around in Barcelona?
The best mode of transportation in Barcelona depends on your specific needs and destinations. In general, the metro is often considered one of the best ways to travel quickly through the city, especially during rush hours.
If you’re staying mainly in the city center, you can see a lot just by walking.
Buses are convenient for routes not served by the metro, and bikes are a great option if you want to explore the city in a more relaxed and eco-friendly way.
To summarize:
- Metro: Fast and efficient for reaching most parts of the city.
- Bus: Useful for routes not covered by the metro or if you enjoy looking out the window while traveling.
- Bicycle: Ideal for eco-conscious travelers and cycling enthusiasts.
- Walking: Perfect for exploring the historic city center.
- Taxi: Convenient for short trips or when you’re in a hurry.
- Hop-on Hop-off bus: Great if you want to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Tip: If you plan to use public transport frequently and want access to museums and attractions, purchasing a Barcelona Card or Hola Barcelona Card can be a cost-effective option.
What Is the Best Transportation To and From the Airport?
If you’re landing at Barcelona’s airport, there are several options for getting to the city center, depending on your destination. In short, here are the main choices:
- Metro: With a special ticket, you can take the metro from the airport to Barcelona. However, you’ll need to transfer a few times to reach the city center, and the journey can take quite a while.
- Bus: Bus line 56 travels from the airport to Plaça d’Espanya. It’s a convenient option if you’re traveling on a budget.
- Aerobús: These shuttle buses are a bit more expensive than regular city buses, but they run 24 hours a day and take you quickly to the city center.
- Train: There is a train station at Terminal 2. It offers an easy and fast connection to Barcelona and surrounding towns.
- Taxi: The most expensive option, but also the fastest and most comfortable.
👉 Click here to read more about traveling to and from Barcelona Airport.
What Are the Transportation Options at Night?
After midnight, most metro, train, and bus services stop running. However, there are still several alternative transportation options available to help you reach your destination, including:
- NitBus, or night buses, which operate throughout Barcelona;
- Taxis, which you can hail on the street or find at designated taxi stands;
- Shared bikes and scooters, available throughout the city.
Tip: On Saturday nights and during holidays, the metro also runs throughout the night. Just keep in mind that you may occasionally encounter some rowdy or intoxicated individuals during these late hours.
Do You Need a Car in Barcelona?
Having a car in a city like Barcelona—where traffic is often heavy, parking is scarce and expensive, and where most places are easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport—is usually an unnecessary luxury. Many locals prefer other means of transport and only have a car if they need it, for instance if they live in Barcelona but work outside the city.
That said, a car can still be useful for making day trips outside the city or if you want to do a roadtrip in Spain.
