Transport in Barcelona
In case you haven’t noticed, the most popular and most efficient medium of transport in town has only two wheels: mopeds & motorbikes, and more recently, bicycles, are just about everywhere. (And yes, you can rent them!)
If you don't feel that adventurous, there are still have plenty of ways to move around.
Public Transport
Fares: There are special 2- 3- 4- and 5-day cards valid on city buses and the subway.
Otherwise you can get by with a 10-ride card called T-10, also valid on city buses, subway and some commuter trains. Fares vary according to distance and are arranged several concentric rings called zones. If you stay in town, then the T-10 card for one zone should be enough. The same T-10 card may be used by several people as long as they travel together.
Metro operating hours:
05:00 to 24:00 H
Monday to Thursday / Sundays & Holidays
05:00 to 02:00 H
Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays eve
See a metro map !
How to get there?
Cabs & Taxis
Almost as ubiquitous as the two-wheelers, Barcelona cabs sport the colours of the wasp: yellow and black.
They've got a very practical fixture that let you know from a distance if the cab you see coming down the street is occupied or vacant: a small box on the top of the car with either a green light on -meaning it's vacant) or a number (indicative of the rate being applied).
On the rear lateral window, they have a consumer rights sticker detailing (in English, Spanish and Catalan) rates, extra charges and other customer oriented info. Check it once and spare yourself any argument.
Call a Cab: - Barna Taxi: 933 577 755
- Radio-Taxi: 932 250 000
- Fono-Taxi: 933 001 100
- Taxi Col·lectiu: 933 182 182
- Taxi Groc: 933 222 222
Special Tourist Buses
A very good idea, too good, actually: waiting lines are so long and the buses get so crowded it's worth dedicating some effort and use the "regular" city buses instead.
Unless you definitely want a ride on the upper open deck.
To and From the Airport
By bus:
The Aerobus starts on Catalonia Square, has several stops on its way (Psg. Gracia, Aragon St., Sants Station, Espanya Sq.) and takes to the airport in just 35 min. They run every 15 min. and drop you right at the doors of Terminals A B and C.
By Train:
You can catch the train to the airport at the following Renfe stations: Sants, Clot-Aragó, Arc de Triunf and Catalunya. They run every 30 min. and take about 20 minute to reach there. It's the cheapest option.
Cabs are another option as the airport is not that far away.
Special Transport
Montjuïc Funicular: from the Paral·lel metro station on Line 3, the Montjuïc Funicular will take you up Montjuïc Hill. (Runs from 09:00 to 20:00H).
There you can either walk to the Miró Foundation, or wander through Montjuïc many gardens or even get an impressive ride to the very top of the hill with the
Fond of old tramways?
Then, don't miss the Tramvia Blau (Blue Tramway), which started to operate in 1902. It will take you from the bottom of the Tibidabo Hill (J.F. Kennedy Sq.) further up the hill (Dr. Andreu Sq.) with a couple of stops on request on the way (including one for the Science Museum).
It operates daily only in summer (June 21st to September 14th), otherwise, only on week-ends and holidays. (A regular bus does the service on working days.)
From the ending at Dr. Andreu Sq. you can get a ride on the Tibidabo Funicular up to the top of the Tibidabo Hill.
Moving and or shopping along Psg. De Gracia and Diagonal?
Then your best option is the Tomb Bus, which runs up the Psg. De Gracia from Catalonia Sq. , then up the Diagonal to Pius XII Sq. and back, along Barcelona main shopping areas. It's air conditioned and comfortable and has plenty of space to keep your shopping bags. Tickets are sold on the bus.
