Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is Barcelona’s international airport and one of the busiest in Spain, south-west of the city near the coast. It is a major base for Vueling and is served by many European full-service and low-cost airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia group carriers.
Terminals and airlines
The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, which are far apart and connected by a free shuttle bus. Each airline uses a set terminal; check your booking before travelling, because arriving at the wrong one costs time.
Transit and connections
Connections on one ticket within the same terminal are straightforward. If you need to change terminal, or if you are on separate tickets and must recheck bags, allow considerably more time. Use our Layover Planner to judge it.
Passenger facilities
Both terminals offer shops, restaurants and lounges, with the larger choice in T1. Check the airport operator Aena’s website for current services.
Official links
- Public transport to Barcelona: ATM โ getting to Barcelona from the airport
- Airport operator: Aena โ Barcelona-El Prat airlines and destinations
Rules and services checked against official sources in October 2026. Airlines and airports change their policies, fares and services regularly: always confirm the details for your own booking on the official pages linked here before you travel.
Transport Links
From the Barcelona metropolitan transport authority, ATM:
- R2 Nord train (Rodalies) leaves from Terminal 2 roughly every 30 minutes, from about 6 am to midnight, to Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Grร cia and El Clot-Aragรณ. From T1, take the free shuttle to T2.
- Metro L9 Sud stops at both T1 and T2 but does not run directly into the centre; you change lines. Integrated fare cards such as T-usual, T-jove and T-dia are valid at the airport stations, but T-casual, T-familiar and T-grup are not.
- Aerobรบs runs from both terminals to the city centre every 5โ10 minutes, with its own ticket outside the integrated fare system.
- Bus 46 links both terminals with Plaรงa Espanya; at night, Nitbus N17 (T1) and N18 (both terminals) run to the city.
- Taxis are available outside both terminals.
Traveler Information
- Check your terminal. T1 and T2 are several kilometres apart; allow time for the free shuttle bus.
- Buy the right ticket. A standard single metro ticket bought in the city may not cover the airport stations.
- Staying in the city? See our Barcelona guide and Spain guide.
