BARCELONA AIRPORT

The cheapest way of getting into town at EUR 2.80 for a single, but as it leaves only every 30 minutes (08 and 38 on the hour until 22:38), it’s only recommended if you’re

• Arriving at Terminal 2 (otherwise it involves a ride with the terminal transfer bus)
• Heading to an area near the train stops: Estació Sants, Passeig de Gracia (intersection of Aragó and Passeig de Gracia) or Estació de França by Born/Barceloneta (get off at Passeig de Gracia and wait two minutes for the next train for this stop)

However, the trains are air-conditioned and comfortable (most have standard power plugs, too) and in rush hour, the 20-30 minute ride is as fast as going by taxi.

The Aerobus leaves every 6 to 15 minutes and takes about 20-30 minutes, but you’ll often have to queue for up to 30 minutes to get on the bus. A single costs around EUR 5, making it economical if you travel solo, but not much cheaper than sharing a cab being three or four. The bus is fine, however, if you’re staying near Gran Via, as the bus makes stops at Plaça Espanya, by Urgell and by Plaça Universitat before its final destination at Plaça Catalunya.

Buses to both terminals leave from Plaça Catalunya in front of El Corte Inglés. Make sure that you get on the right bus. The queue can be very long at Plaça Catalunya, but buses will always leave empty seats to pick up passengers at the stops by Passeig de Gràcia (below Aragó) and Plaça Espanya, so you’re usually better off getting it from there.

The ride into town is about 15-20 minutes outside rush hour, and 20-45 minutes in rush hour. However, there can be a 20-30 minute queue for taxis, so if your Spanish is passable, then you may want to call (+34 93 307 0707 Taxi Mercedes) and book a taxi, stating which terminal you’re at, and you’ll be given the number of the taxi that will pick you up at the middle curb. The taxi fare is about EUR 20-35 depending on what part of town you are going to and how much luggage that you are carrying. Some drivers are known to slap on supplements at will for tourists. The legitimate supplements are a EUR 3 airport supplement, a EUR 1 baggage supplement per suitcase, and a EUR 2 night supplement past midnight.