Trains In Barcelona

Navigating Barcelona by Train & Metro

Barcelona boasts a comprehensive public transportation network, making it easy for travellers to explore the city and its surroundings. Here’s everything you need to know about using trains, the metro, and other transit options during your visit.

🚇 Barcelona Metro: Lines, Stations & Tourist Attraction

The Barcelona Metro is operated by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) and consists of 12 lines, each identified by a number and color. Key lines include:

L1 (Red Line): Connects Hospital de Bellvitge to Fondo, passing through central hubs like Plaça de Catalunya and Universitat.
L3 (Green Line): Runs from Zona Universitària to Trinitat Nova, serving major attractions such as Passeig de Gràcia (near Casa Batlló) and Liceu (close to La Rambla).
L5 (Blue Line): Extends from Cornellà Centre to Vall d’Hebron, with stops at Sagrada Família and Diagonal (near Passeig de Gràcia).
L9 Sud (Orange Line): Connects Barcelona-El Prat Airport (Terminals 1 and 2) to Zona Universitària, facilitating airport transfers.

For a detailed map of all lines and stations, refer to the official Barcelona Metro Map.

🎟️ Ticket Options & Pricing (2025)

Barcelona offers various ticketing options to suit different travel needs:

Single Ticket: €2.65 for a one-way journey within Zone 1.
T-Casual: €12.55 for 10 journeys, valid for one person.
T-Usual: €22.00 for unlimited journeys within 30 consecutive days.
T-Dia: €11.55 for unlimited journeys within a single day.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card: Offers unlimited travel across metro, bus, tram, and suburban trains for 2 to 5 consecutive days. Prices range from €18.10 (2 days) to €42.10 (5 days). This card also includes airport transfers via metro or train.

Note: Standard single tickets and T-Casual cards are not valid for airport metro stations; a separate airport ticket is required.

✈️ Airport Transfers

By Metro:

L9 Sud Line: Connects both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Barcelona-El Prat Airport to Zona Universitària.
Fare: €5.70 for a single journey.

By Train:

R2 Nord Line: Runs from Terminal 2 to Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gràcia stations.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Fare: €4.90 for a single journey.

Tip: The Hola Barcelona Travel Card covers both metro and train airport transfers.

🗺️ Metro Stops Near Major Attractions

Sagrada Família: L2 (Purple Line) and L5 (Blue Line) – Sagrada Família Station.
Park Güell: L3 (Green Line) – Lesseps or Vallcarca Stations.
La Rambla: L3 (Green Line) – Liceu Station.
Camp Nou: L3 (Green Line) – Palau Reial or Les Corts Stations.
Barceloneta Beach: L4 (Yellow Line) – Barceloneta Station.

🚉 Day Trips by Train

Barcelona’s strategic location allows for numerous day trips via train:

Sitges: A coastal town known for its beaches and festivals. Approximately 36 minutes from Barcelona.
Girona: A historic city with medieval architecture. Around 40 minutes by high-speed train.
Tarragona: Famous for its Roman ruins and Mediterranean beaches. Approximately 1 hour by train.
Montserrat: Home to a monastery and unique mountain formations. About 1.5 hours via train and cable car.

For more detailed information on day trips, visit Barcelona Day Trips by Train.

💡 Travel Tips

Operating Hours: Metro services run from 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends.
Accessibility: Most stations are equipped with elevators and ramps for wheelchair access.
Safety: While public transport is generally safe, always keep an eye on personal belongings to prevent pickpocketing.
Ticket Validation: Ensure you validate your ticket before boarding; failure to do so may result in fines.

For more travel tips and guides on exploring Barcelona on a budget, visit Barcelona Budget Travel Guide.