Guide to Barcelona Airport Bus Options to Barcelona City Centre

Guide to Barcelona Airport - Bus Options to Barcelona City Centre

On landing in Barcelona Airport there is no lack of transport choices into Barcelona downtown area. Actually, there are many to the point that it can now and again be befuddling - you may end up bouncing on to the first mode of transport that tags along when, indeed there is an elective choice that is significantly more suited to your prerequisites. There are three separate sorts of transport that head from Barcelona Airport into Barcelona downtown area.

When enquiring about bus options at the Barcelona tourist information offices you will often only be informed about the airport express bus - the Aerobus. This is the common option to reach the city from the airport and back, however, there are also the Barcelona Metropolitan Transport buses (TMB buses) that run to the city centre from the airport along with a Night bus (operated by MOHN) which operates during the night. These buses are less frequent and stop at fewer places, however they are also cheaper and you can use the transport card (T10) on them.

The Aerobus (Express bus service) to Barcelona City centre From Barcelona Airport

When catching the bus it is important to check the terminal that you are flying out from. Terminal 1 and 2 are 4-5km apart and so it can add a lot of time to your journey if you get the wrong bus and are forced to make your way between terminals (on the shuttle bus).

The same Aerobus company provides shuttle buses to both T1 and T2. All of the buses look the same. However, the buses travelling to T1 are called the A1 and the buses travelling to T2 are called the A2. You will find the bus number on the front of the bus.

The Aerobus services are are run by private bus companies offering a express bus service to Barcelona city centre from Barcelona Airport. They are very convenient as they run, on average, every 12 minutes and leave from outside each of the two airport terminals. The Aerobus for T2 stops outside Terminal 2A, Terminal 2B and Terminal 2C. A single tickets costs €5.90 and a return ticket costs €10.20 (valid for 15 days ) - which is more than four times the price of a Barcelona Metropolitan Transport Bus (TMB bus) journey.

However, they are built specifically to cater for travellers to and from the airport - seating is comfortable and there is a large amount of luggage space.

The TMB Airport Bus #46 to Barcelona City centre From Barcelona Airport

The TMB Airport Bus #46 runs on average every 20 minutes . It is far cheaper than the Aerobus and you can also use the T10 ticket for this journey. The TMB bus has less space on it than the Aerobus, so it could be less comfortable when travelling with lots of luggage. It is worth comparing the TMB bus route to the Aerobus route to determine which one will drop you closest to your desired location.

The Airport Night Buses N17 and N16 to Barcelona City centre

Once the TMB day bus and the Aerobus have stopped running the only available bus service is the Airport Night Buses N17(T1) and N16 (T2A, T2B and T2C). They run approximately every 20 minutes from 21:55 04:45 .

How to Recognize The Different Barcelona Airport Buses

You can distinguish between the different buses by their colours and their numbers.

TMB Airport day bus (No.46). Stops at both terminals T1 and T2. The bus is red.

The Aerobus for T1 and T2 is light blue and says "Aerobus" down the side in large letters.

Airport Night Bus (N17) - Stops at Terminal T1 and N16 stops at Terminal 2A, 2B and 2C.

The bus is one of the easiest ways in which to travel to and from Barcelona city centre to Barcelona airport. It can often be just as quick as a taxi and, if you are travelling alone or in a pair, will work out cheaper.

If you have special needs (i.e. wheelchair, special luggage, travelling 5 or 6 people) is better to book in advance your taxi from Barcelona Airport to your destination.