Master the city's excellent public transport system
Barcelona boasts one of Europe's most efficient and extensive public transportation networks. The integrated system operated by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) includes metro, buses, trams, and trains, making it easy and affordable to reach any part of the city and surrounding areas.
With over 12 metro lines, 100+ bus routes, modern trams, and excellent connections to nearby cities, getting around Barcelona is convenient, fast, and cost-effective. Most areas are within a 10-minute walk of a metro station or bus stop, ensuring you're never far from public transport.
The Barcelona Metro is the backbone of the city's transportation network, with 12 lines covering 166 stations across 123 kilometers. Clean, safe, and punctual, the metro is the fastest way to navigate Barcelona.
12 color-coded lines (L1-L12) connecting all major neighborhoods and attractions. Lines L9/L10 reach the airport. Most tourist destinations are within Zone 1.
The metro operates with extended hours throughout the week, with 24-hour service on weekends to accommodate Barcelona's vibrant nightlife and social scene.
Major interchange stations connecting multiple lines make transfers easy. Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça Catalunya, and Diagonal are the busiest hubs.
Barcelona's extensive bus network complements the metro with over 100 routes covering areas not served by underground trains. Modern, accessible buses run frequently throughout the day and night.
Over 100 daytime routes operating from 5:00am to 11:00pm. Red buses serve main routes with high frequency. Look for digital displays showing real-time arrival information at stops.
17 night routes operating when the metro is closed (except weekends). All routes pass through Plaça Catalunya. Service from 11:00pm to 5:00am every 20-30 minutes.
Express lines connect residential areas to city center faster. Aerobus provides direct airport service. V-routes (Vertical lines) offer quick north-south connections.
All buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible with ramps. Priority seating available. Audio announcements of upcoming stops in Catalan and Spanish.
Barcelona operates two modern tram networks (Trambaix and Trambesòs) with 6 lines connecting city districts and suburbs. Trams are quiet, comfortable, and fully accessible.
Serves western areas including Zona Universitària, Cornellà, and Sant Feliu. Connects with metro lines L3, L5, L9/L10. Perfect for reaching university campuses and business districts.
Serves eastern neighborhoods from Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica to Glòries and Sant Adrià. Excellent for accessing beaches, parks, and the modern 22@ tech district.
Monday-Thursday: 5:00am - Midnight. Friday-Saturday: 5:00am - 2:00am. Sundays: 6:00am - Midnight. Trams run every 4-8 minutes during peak hours.
Above-ground travel offers scenic city views. Spacious interiors with plenty of room for luggage, strollers, and bikes. Less crowded than metro during peak times.
Barcelona is a bike-friendly city with over 200km of dedicated bike lanes. Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly, and often faster way to get around, especially for short to medium distances.
Barcelona's public bike-sharing system with 500+ stations across the city. Electric and mechanical bikes available. Perfect for residents and long-term visitors.
Multiple operators offer dockless electric scooters rentable via smartphone apps. Convenient for quick trips around the city center and beachfront areas.
Tourist-oriented bike rental shops offer city bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes for hourly or daily rental. Guided bike tours available throughout Barcelona.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is located 12km southwest of the city center. Multiple transportation options connect the airport to Barcelona with journey times of 25-40 minutes.
Orange Line L9 Sud connects both terminals to major metro stations. Most economical option requiring metro ticket valid for Zone 1 + Airport supplement.
Direct airport shuttle running every 5-10 minutes to Plaça Catalunya with stops at major points. Air-conditioned, spacious buses with luggage space.
R2 Nord line connects airport to central Barcelona stations (Passeig de Gràcia, Sants). Economical but requires walking between terminals and train station.
Official taxis and pre-booked private transfers offer door-to-door service. Most convenient for groups, late arrivals, or travelers with heavy luggage.
Barcelona's integrated ticketing system allows you to use the same ticket across metro, buses, trams, and FGC trains within Zone 1. Choose the option that best fits your travel needs.
T-Casual card offers best value for multiple trips. Hola Barcelona card perfect for tourists using transport frequently. Walking between nearby attractions saves money and offers great city views.
Metro and buses are crowded 8-9:30am and 6-8pm on weekdays. Travel outside peak times when possible. Weekends are generally less busy except Saturday afternoons.
Download TMB app for real-time schedules and route planning. Google Maps works perfectly for Barcelona public transport. Moovit app offers detailed journey planning with live updates.
Watch belongings on crowded metro trains, especially tourist lines. Validate tickets before boarding to avoid fines. Stand right on escalators to let others pass on the left.
Beyond Barcelona's metro system, regional trains connect the city to nearby towns, beaches, and mountains. Perfect for day trips and exploring Catalonia.
Commuter trains connecting Barcelona with coastal towns, airport, and inland areas. Main hub at Barcelona Sants station with connections throughout the metropolitan area.
Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat operates mountain lines to Tibidabo, Montserrat, and Pyrenees ski resorts. Integrates with metro at Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya.
Barcelona is committed to accessible transportation. Most metro stations, all buses, and trams are wheelchair accessible. Look for the wheelchair symbol on metro maps.
Over 95% of metro stations have elevators. Check TMB website for specific accessibility information. Station staff available to assist during operating hours.
All buses are low-floor with ramps and designated wheelchair spaces. Priority seating near front doors. Audio and visual stop announcements for hearing/vision impaired passengers.
Level boarding on all tram lines. Spacious interiors with dedicated wheelchair areas. Audio announcements and visual displays at every stop.
TMB Access app provides real-time accessibility info. Elevator status updates and alternative routes when elevators are out of service.
Always validate your ticket before boarding metro/bus/tram. Inspectors conduct regular checks with €100 fines for invalid tickets. Keep your ticket until you exit the metro station.
Let passengers exit before boarding. Move to the center of metro cars during rush hour. Don't block doors or stand on the left side of escalators.
Offer priority seats to elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those with small children. These seats are clearly marked near vehicle doors.
Keep noise levels reasonable. Use headphones for music/videos. Avoid loud phone conversations. Barcelona locals value peaceful commutes.
Book reliable taxi and transfer services for hassle-free airport pickups and city transportation