Getting around Barcelona

Public and other transportation options in Barcelona

Barcelona is well-serviced by public transportation (www.tmb.cat).

One-stop transport search
Catalonia has a well-integrated public transit system, and you can find out the fastest way between any two points, addresses, or intersections in any town (or between two towns) with a simple search at mou-te.gencat.cat.

You can even specify which forms of transport you prefer (bus, Metro, train, light rail, etc.), how far you're willing to walk to make any transfers, and it's even all available in English.

Why can't every city do this?

You'll probably take the Metro (subway) the most, since most sights, restaurants, and hotels are within easy distance of a subway station—and walking is by far the best way to see the city.

Ocassionally, taking a bus makes more sense.

Funiculars (cog rails) run up some of the hills around the city, such as Montjuïc; other slopes are fitted with outdoor escalators to ease your way.

There are also a few teleferics (cable cars), but those are really more sightseeing venues than transport options.

Rarely will you need to splurge on a taxi.

Barcelona also has bike rentals and bike lanes.

All major forms of transport (save the tourist cable cars) use the same tickets and passes, and you can transfer freely between them:

Public transport tickets and transit passes

Useful Catalán
bitllet - Ticket
senzill - One way
d'anda i tornada - Round trip
a - To (as in a destination)

uno - One
dos - Two

si us plau - Please
gràcies - Thanks

First rule: get yourself a Barcelona Card. This will get you unlimited free rides on all buses, Metro lines, funiculars, and other forms of city transport—plus gets you into many sights for free (and all others at a discount).

Yes, it costs a bit more than twice as much as the equivalent transport-only pass would (see below). However, given the sky-high admission prices for most sights (museums tend to run €11–€25), it's probably the best investment you can make in a trip to Barcelona.

OK, that said, you can also get individual tickets (bitilles senzills) for €2. These are good on any bus, Metro, tram, or funicular.

There are also multi-day "Hola BNC!" transport cards good for unlimtied travel:

2 days: €13.40
3 days: €19.20
4 days: €24.40
5 days: €29

Forms of transport in Barcelona

Tips & Links

Get a Barcelona Card

The Barcelona Card gets you unlimited rides on all forms of city transport (Metro, bus, funicular, etc.), plus free entry to 20 sights, and discounts (usually 20%) at most other sights, plus on activites, shops, and shows.

It comes with a guidebook, and in 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-day versions ($45–$80).

It's the best investment you make on a trip to Barcelona. » more

How long should I spend in Barcelona?

If you're just passing through, I'd give Barcelona at least two full days.

It is a lovely place to relax, however, so you might be happier spending 3-4 days.

» Barcelona itineraries

Useful links & resources

SIGHTS

Barcelona tourist info: Barcelonaturisme.com (info office), Guiadelocio.com (events mag); Catalunya.com (regional info), Spain.info

Sightseeing passes: Barcelona Card (20+ sights; transport; discounts), Museum Pass (6 sights)

Tours & activities: Viator.com, ContextTravel.com, UrbanAdventures.com, City-Discovery.com, Intrepidtravel.com, Gadventures.com

LODGING

Hotels: Booking.com, Venere.com, Priceline.com, Hotels.com

B&Bs: Booking.com, Bedandbreakfast.com, Airbnb.com, Venere.com

Apartments: Rentalo.com, Vrbo.com, Booking.com, Airbnb.com, Interhomeusa.com, Homeaway.com

Hostels & campgrounds: Hostelbookers.com, Hostelworld.com, Hostelz.com, Booking.com

TRANSPORT

Airfares: