Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport

Barcelona’s El Prat is the gateway to Catalonia and a major base for Vueling, along with Iberia, Level, and a heavy load of European low-cost and leisure traffic. Its layout catches people out: the two terminals are several kilometres apart, so getting the terminal right — and the transfer between them — is the first thing to sort.

The terminals

Terminal 1 is the large, modern main terminal, where most flights now operate, including Vueling and the full-service carriers. Terminal 2, the older building, handles some low-cost flights. They are not walkable from each other; a free shuttle bus connects them, and the Metro also links the two. Always check your terminal before you set off, especially heading to the airport from the city, because a wrong guess means a shuttle ride across the site.

Getting into Barcelona

There are three main ways in, and they suit different terminals and budgets:

• Metro Line 9 Sud (L9) serves both T1 and T2 and connects into the city’s metro network. It requires a special airport fare.
• Rodalies R2 Nord commuter train stops at Terminal 2 (reach it from T1 by the shuttle) and runs to central stations like Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gràcia.
• The Aerobús express bus runs from both terminals to Plaça Catalunya in the heart of the city in around 35 minutes, frequently.

The airport is about 12 km southwest of the center, so taxis are a short, metered ride and a reasonable option, particularly with luggage or a group.

Worth knowing

For most travelers the Aerobús is the simplest door-to-center option, while the train and metro win on price. Give yourself time if your connection or your companion’s flight splits across T1 and T2 — the shuttle plus the distance is not something to attempt on a tight margin.