Travelling in Barcelona

Once you arrive at Plaza Catalunya, the central and main place of Barcelona, you can buy your ticket in the automated teller machines or in the TMB information and attention points available in stations.

These tickets from TMB network are valid for metros, bus, trams, Ferrocarrils (FGC) and Rodalies de Catalunya.

Fares from the 1st of April to the 30th of June 2011 (-5%):

Avoid single ticket, which is only valid for one trip (1.45€).

Better choose the following pass, more economical:

T-Dia 1 zona: 5,90€

This is the one that you have to favour if you have planned to make a lot of travels by transports in one day. Unlimited number of trips. Individual use.

If you have planned to repeat these trips for several consecutive days, rather opt for the option “Subscription”: this will be cheaper. Unlimited number of trips. Individual use.

2 Days: 11,50€

3 Days: 16,50€

4 Days: 21,00€

5 Days: 25,00€

However, Barcelona’s city is small and it is possible to get from one neighbourhood to another by foot. If you prefer walking, you will minimize the number of trips by public transport. In this case, we highly recommend you the following pass:

T-10 1 zona: 7,85€

This pass offers you up to 10 trips, usable anytime. This pass can be used by several persons, that is to say that after a validation, it can be reused by the people accompanying you. You are allowed to make until 3 connections without any charge, in a limited time of 1h15.

/!\ Be careful ! The connections will be deducted if you take 2 times the same line in the time allowed by the ticket.

Rent a Scooter

You want to prevent yourself from the traffic of a big city like Barcelona: rent a Scooter!
DH-Rent provides you very special offers to get about the city for some days or for more long time. You will be able to rent 50cc and 125cc:

50 cc
1 day: 16 Euros (+13 Euros insurance)
3 days: 46 Euros (+25 Euros insurance)
1 week: 95 Euros (+30 Euros insurance)
1 month: 130 Euros (+60 Euros insurance)

125 cc
1 day: 18 Euros (+13 Euros insurance)
3 days: 52 Euros (+25 Euros insurance)
1 week: 100 Euros (+30 Euros insurance)
1 month: 140 Euros (+60 Euros insurance)

The store is located in Barcelona: Calle Aragó 117.
You can ask for more information at this telephone number: 0034 93 226 34 00 or go directly on their website: http://www.dh-haotian.com/.


You are coming to Barcelona for your holidays? Find right now the perfect apartment for your holidays, click here!

Barcelona Taxi

A Taxi offers a low-cost and convenient way to get to the city centre - the fare is around 25 euros and the journey takes around 25 - 30 mins (depending on traffic). Prices are very reasonable, and if you are three or more in your party, it’s definitely the most economical.
-
To give tip to the cab driver is welcome in Barcelona, but not required. If you want to tip, then give only 5 to 10 % of the taxi fare. The official Barcelona taxis are yellow and black with a green light on the roof indicating that it is free.
-
If you want to drive with a taxi in the heart of the city, could it be that a taxi is not the best choice. Most parts of the city centre are pedestrian zones, and the roads from the city center can run quite small and full of traffic. In such situation, you have two options, the Barcelona transport system (subway and buses)or walk.
-
-
Here are some telephonenumbers of taxicompany's in Barcelonas:
-
Tele: (0034) 93 225 0000
Tele: (0034) 93 303 3033
Tele: (0034) 93 284 8888
Tele: (0034) 93 330 0300
Tele: (0034) 93 339 9262
Tele: (0034) 93 433 1020
Tele: (0034) 93 357 7755
Tele: (0034) 93 300 2314
Tele: (0034) 93 300 1100
-
Taxi for disabled persons
-
Wheelchair access Taxis in Barcelona
Tele: (0034) 93 322 2222
Tele: (0034) 93 3070707
Tele: (0034) 93 420 8088

Ave express train - Barcelona <> Madrid

The Madrid-Tarragona-Barcelona line was inaugurated on February 20, 2008. 17 trains run now every day between the hours of 6am-9pm. This line is now one of the world's fastest long-distance trains in commercial operation, with non stop trains covering the 550 km between the two cities in just 2 hours 38 minutes, and those stopping at all stations 3 hours. It previously took almost six hours. It was originally forecast that, after reaching Barcelona in 2004, the line would run at 350 km/h the maximum capable speed of the new Siemens AVE trains which have replaced the Talgo Bombardier AVE S102, after the installation of level 2 of the ETCS/ERTMS, which is scheduled to be installed in 2008. But on the AVE's first day of operating at 300 km/h to Tarragona the Minister of Public Works, Magdalena Álvarez, stated that the maximum commercial operating speeds of the AVE on all lines would be 300 km/h . It is forecast that the AVE will substantially replace air traffic on the Barcelona - Madrid route.

-

The route between Madrid and Barcelona by the provinces of Madrid, Guadalajara, Soria, Zarazoga, Huesca, Lleida, Tarragona and Barcelona. 29 percent of the Spanish population, 11.5 million people, live in these provinces. Conurbations are the regions Madrid (3.2 million inhabitants), Barcelona (1.6 million inhabitants) and Zaragoza (0.6 million). (Status of all data: 1998). The stations between Madrid and Barcelona are usually altitudinal free mostly on interconnection curves connected. Among other things leads a 21.2 km long stretch of track at Zaragoza and a 13.1 km-long section of Lleida.

-

Length of pipe: 744 km

Maximum speed : 300 km/h, geplant: 350 km/h

-

-

Barcelona Metro

The Barcelona Metro was build in 1924 with the construction of the 'Gran Metro' between Lesseps and the Plaça de Catalunya, part of the modern line 3. Two years later the 'Metro Transversal' (now part of line 1) was built between the Plaça de Catalunya and la Bordeta to link the city centre with the Plaça d'Espanya and Montjuïc, the site of the 1929 Universal Exhibition.
In modern times the network consists of nine lines managed by two different operators: Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), which manages the major underground lines; and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC - Catalan Government Railways), which manages three integrated commuter lines running out into the extended metropolitan area. Fares are integrated into Autoritat del Transport Metropolità, a city-wide system that also includes local and regional buses and some regional train services. 98% of its railtracks are subsurface.

-

Metro timetables

From Monday to Thursday, Sunday & holiday
5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Fridays
5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Saturdays and day prior to 1/1, 24/6, 15/8 and 24/9
Non-stop service

Prices
Zones --Euros
1 -------1.30€
2 -------1.95€
3 -------2.70€
4 -------3.60€
5 -------4.60€

-
L1 Hospital de Bellvitge - Badalona Centre - L2 Fira 2 - Morera - L3 Zona Universitària - Trinitat Nova - L4 Trinitat Nova - Sagrera-Meridiana - L5 Cornellà Centre - Vall d'Hebron - L6 Pça Catalunya - Reina Elisenda - L7 Pça Catalunya - Av. Tibidabo - L8 Pça Espanya - Molí Nou-Ciutat Cooperativa - L9 Aeroport Terminal Sud - Can Zam - L10 Zona Franca - Gorg - L11 Trinitat Nova - Can Cuiàs

Reus Airport

Reus Airport is approximately 106 km from Barcelona city centre and approximately 15 km from Tarragona.

Reus airport offers good access to Salou, Port Aventura theme park, Cambrils and Tarragona and the beaches of the Costa Dorada.

Some Low cost flights arrive to Reus Airport.

How to get to Barcelona city center from Reus Airport

Bus

There is a public bus that leaves from Reus airport to Barcelona. It leaves from directly outside the door of arrivals at Reus airport. It’s operated by the company Hispano Igualadina, and you can buy tickets in the ticket office in the arrivals terminal.

The journey time is one and a half hours, and it costs 11 euros for a single ticket and 18 euros for a return. The bus travels to Barcelona Sants bus station. The time table is adapted to coincide with flight arrivals.

Car Hire

There are various car hire companies at Reus airport and they offer some competitive deals. The advantage of hiring a car is that you can enjoy your holiday at your own pace and explore areas of the coast not served by public transport.

Girona Airport

Girona Airport is 103km (64.2 miles) North East of Barcelona or about 1hr 20 mins train ride from Barcelona centre. Some budget airlines mention "Barcelona" in their descriptions of Girona airport so that you know when you fly to these small airports it's possible to make a connection between the airport and your ultimate destination - Barcelona. One other point to note is that Girona is often spelt with an "e" Gerona. Both names are correct but one name is in Spanish and the other is in Catalan.

Most "Low cost" flights from Ryanair flight to Girona Airport.

How to get to Barcelona center from Girona Airport?

Bus

The Barcelona bus is probably the most convenient method of transfer between Girona Airport and Barcelona city centre. The bus service is run by an independent company and has no direct business association with Ryan Air. However Barcelona Bus arranged its times of departure and arrival to co-incide with the arrival and departure of Ryan Air flights.

When relying on the Barcelona Bus to transfer you to Girona Airport on time for a flight, it's worth remembering that the Barcelona Bus and Ryan Air are separate companies.

The bus stops right outside the airport and will take you to Estacio d'Autobuses Barcelona Nord (Barcelona's main bus terminal) in Barcelona city centre. From there you can catch the metro underground system to take you to your final destination. The nearest Metro stop to the bus station is Arc De Triomf (Red Line, L1) Make sure to leave at the exit called Sortida Nàpols. The metro stop is only 5-10 minutes walk from the bus station.

Important: Also be aware that there are 2 different Barcelona Buses which are both operated by the same company. Make sure to catch the right bus! One bus leaves Girona Airport and goes directly to Barcelona (and vice versa) the other bus only leaves from Girona centre and goes to Barcelona (and vice versa) make sure you're catching the right Barcelona Bus.

Buses timetables : click here.

Tickets cannot be reserved in advance and cost 12 Euros for a single and 21 Euros for a return.
You can also call the Barcelona Bus information line - they have an operator that speaks English:
Barcelona Bus Information Tel: (0034) 93 593 1300

Taxi
This is an expensive option and will cost you around 120 Euros for a one way trip. A better alternative may be to stay in Girona overnight and use public transport the next day, you will also get to see a little of Girona that way.

Car Hire Girona Airport
If you are not in a rush, an attractive option could be to hire a car from either Girona airport or from Barcelona city centre, and drive along the coast. You can then make a detour to one of the many beaches on route along the Costa Brava. When checking for car hire companies it's best to compare a few for prices - you'll be surprised at the difference in rental rates and also to check whether you can pick the car up at one airport and drop it off at the other if you intend to make a one way trip.

Book a cheap flight

1) Book your flight with a "no-frills" budget airline
We've listed all the budget airlines flying from the UK below. Some of these also fly from European cities to Barcelona but you'll have to check which because their schedules are always changing.

"Since the success of EasyJet many other airlines decided to get on board offering a "no-frills" flight service"

To reduce overheads and keep ticket prices low, these airlines only offer bookings through their on-line web sites or by a telephone reservation system. This means you won't be able to book these flights through a travel agency or 3rd party company like expedia or travelocity.
It's important to check their terms and conditions before you book as most of these airlines will not refund your ticket if you change your plans.

2) Book well in advance.
You're most likely to get a low-cost ticket if you book at least a few months in advance of your trip. The Budget airline seats fill up quickly and as they do prices go up.

3) Make mid-week bookings
Bookings made for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are often the cheapest tickets.

4) Take a late night or early morning flight
These flights are always more economical.

5) Consider a different airport
If you can't find any cheap flights to Barcelona International Airport consider flying to Girona Airport instead. Girona is only 1 hour 20 mins north of Barcelona by train.

Barcelona Airport

Barcelona International Airport, also known as El Prat, is the main airport serving Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is located 10 km away from the centre of Barcelona, in El Prat de Llobregat.

The airport is the largest in Catalonia and Spain's second largest behind Madrid Barajas International Airport. It is a main hub for Vueling Airlines and Clickair, and a focus city for Spanair, Air Europa and Iberia Airlines (until spring 2008). The airport mainly serves domestic, European and North African destinations, but Singapore Airlines offers destinations in Asia . US Airways, American Airlines (beginning May 1, 2008), Continental airlines and Delta Airlines in the United States. Aeroloneas Argentinas, Aeromexico and Avianca also offers non-stop destinations to Central America/South America. The airport is undergoing expansion with the construction of a new south terminal, expected to be finished in 2009.

How to get to the city center from the Airport

From Barcelona Airport, you can take the train, a shuttle bus or a taxi to reach the city. The best option is to take the taxi. Costing between 20 and 25 euros and, if you are a group of 3 or more, is the most economical. The other option is to take the “Aerobus” (blue bus). The bus arrives at “Plaça Catalunya” one of the most well-known plazas in the city.

Taxi

A Taxi offers a low-cost and convenient way to get to the city centre - the fare is around 25 euros and the journey takes around 25 - 30 mins (depending on traffic). The best option if you are a group of 3 or more.

Aerobus
The aerobus service is a shuttle bus service that links Barcelona airport to the city centre. This service runs every 15 min's as follows: You can catch the Aerobus from the airport and you have stops either at Placa Espana or Placa de Cataluna in the city centre. From there you can catch the metro.

Monday - Friday

Barcelona Airport to Plaza Catalunya - 06:00 to 24:00

Plaza Catalunya to Barcelona Airport - 05:30 to 23:15

Weekends, festivals and public holidays

Barcelona Airport to Plaza Catalunya - 06:30 to 24:00

Plaza Catalunya to Barcelona Airport - 06:00 to 23:20
Ticket Price 3.90 Euros for a single

Train

The RENFE train will take you from Barcelona airport to the city centre where you can change for the metro system at either Barcelona Sants (Sants Estacio) or Passeig de Gracia stations. Tickets 2.60 euros. Journey time is about 25 minutes.

Car Hire

Cheap car hire is available from Barcelona airport terminal B. This page lists all the main car hire rental companies at Barcelona airport with contact information.

Rent a car

There are tons of car rental firms in Barcelona so if you have decided to hire a car and cruise your way around the city then you will be spoilt for choice! Hiring a car in Barcelona can be one of the best ways to get out the tourists trap and discover some of the less visited gems that the city and surrounding areas have to offer. It gives you the liberty to come and go as you please rather than wasting time hanging around endlessly in bus terminals and train stations!
It is often advisable to pre-book your hire car on the internet as this is usually the most economic option. Below we have listed some of the most respected car hire companies in Barcelona with website addresses and their most central offices. However, all these firms have pick-up and drop-off points conveniently located all over the city and at Barcelona's Airports, so once you know where you're staying you can plan your car hire accordingly.

Rent a Car Barcelona

Alamo

Sants Railway Station, Plaza de los Paises Catalans, Barcelona 08014

Tel: +34 93491989

http://www.alamo.com/

Avis

Sants Railway Station, Placa Paisos Catalans, Barcelona 08014

Tel: +34 9333044193

http://www.avis.co.uk/

Europcar

Gran Vía, Cortes Catalanes 680, Barcelona 08010

Tel: +34 933020543

http://www.europcar.com/

Hertz

C/ Tuset 10, Barcelons 08006

Tel: +34 932178076

http://www.hertz.com/

National

C/ Muntaner 45, Barcelona 08011

Tel: +34 933230266

http://www.natcar.com/

Pepecar

C/ Rivadeneyra, Underground car park Saba (off Placa Catalunya) Barcelona 08002

Tel: +34 902360535

http://www.pepecar.com/

Safety when driving in Spain

If you have never driven in Barcelona before it is important to be aware of the driving laws in Spain. British and Australian drivers be sure to get on the right hand side of the road! Special care should be taken during national holidays when the most road accidents occur in Spain because so many more people take to the roads. Obviously, drink driving is illegal and Spain is particularly strict with the limit set at 0.5mg of alcohol per millilitre of blood. Speeding can result in immediately payable fines so always watch your speed!

Speed Limits in Spain:

Motorways: 120 km/ hour

Open Road: 90-100 km/ hour

Town: 50 km/ hour

Sightseeing bus

If you are coming to Barcelona for the first time, or if you are planning to stay in the city for a short time, this is one way of getting to quickly see the city’s monuments and most important tourist sights of interest. The "Bus Turístic"(as it's officially known) offers you an easy and quick way to start your visit to Barcelona and gives you an easy way to "find your feet" so that you can gain an overview of the main sights and then go back more depth later if you wish.

The "Bus Turístic" runs every day of the year, except on the 25th December and the first of January.You'll enjoy three different routes, to discover the main tourist and cultural places of Barcelona, from the two storey buses. What's more, all the routes are now accessible with the same ticket!!!

Journey takes between 40 minutes and two hours, depending on the route. Bus frequency varies between 5 and 25 min.Timetable: from 9:00 a.mYour ticket may be of 1 or 2 days. Along with it, you will receive a complete paper guide in 6 languages featuring the places you may visit at each stop, and also a leaflet with discounts coupons valid at the main monuments, and also at a number of selected shops in the City.

-

-

Route North

Plaça de Catalunya -> Casa Batlló- Fundació Antoni Tàpies -> Pg de Gràcia-La Pedrera ->
Sagrada Familia -> Gràcia -> Park Güell -> Tramvia Blau Tibidabo -> Sarrià ->
Monestir de Pedralbes -> Palau Reial -> Fútbol Club Barcelona -> Francesc Macià-Diagonal ->
MACBA-CCCB

-

-

Route South

Plaça de Catalunya -> Casa Batlló- Fundació Antoni Tàpies -> Pg de Gràcia-La Pedrera ->
Francesc Macià-Diagonal -> Estació de Sants -> Creu Coberta -> Plaça d'Espanya ->
CaixaForum -> Pavelló Mies van der Rohe -> Poble Espanyol -> MNAC -> Anella Olímpica ->
Fundació Joan Miró -> Funicular de Montjüic -> Miramar Jardins Costa i Llobera -> World Trade Center -> Colom -> Museu marítim -> Port Vell -> Museu d´història de Catalunya -> Port Olímpic -> Platja del Bogatell -> Cementiri del Poblenou -> Parc de la Ciutadella-Zoo ->Pla de Palau -> Barri Gòtic