Getting Around Barcelona: Your Guide to Public Transportation

Plaça Catalunya Metro Station, Barcelona

If you’ve just moved to Barcelona or are planning to relocate, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get around the city. Luckily, Barcelona has one of the most efficient and affordable public transportation systems in Europe. Whether you’re commuting to work, taking kids to school, or exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces, knowing how to use Barcelona’s metro, buses, and trams will make your life much easier.

Barcelona’s Transport Network

Barcelona’s transport system is run by TMB & ATM, plus regional services. You’ll rely mostly on these:

• Metro (12 train lines: fast, frequent, city + suburbs)

• Buses (day & night routes)

• Trams (modern lines in less central districts)

• Rodalies / FGC trains (for suburbs or weekend escapes)

• Funiculars & cable cars (for hills & viewpoints)

Tickets, Passes & Fares

Most of Barcelona is in Zone 1; if you live centrally, most of your travel will stay within this zone. Here are the ticket / pass options, updated for 2025:

Ticket / Pass	Price / Zones	When to use it
Single Ticket	€2.65 (Zone 1)	Good for occasional trips, when you don’t plan to use public transport every day.
Airport Ticket	€5.70 (metro to/from El Prat)	If you’re going to/from the airport by metro, this is required.
T-Casual	€12.55 (10 trips in Zone 1, more affordable on a per ride basis)	Best for visitors, short stays, or people who ride often but not daily.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card	2-5 days of unlimited travel (e.g. €18.10 for 2 days)	Excellent if you’re new or want simple, unlimited access, including to the airport.
T-Usual (30-day pass)	€22 Zone 1	Ideal if you’ll be commuting, using public transport daily.
T-16	Free travel in home zone for children aged 4 until 16: €4.50 one-off fee for the card	Perfect if your kids will go to school / activities regularly — saves money every day.
Other Group / Youth Tickets	Discount passes (T-jove, large family, etc.)	Useful if you qualify — students, young people, families.

Practical Tips for Using Barcelona's Public Transport System

• Where to buy tickets: Available at ticket machines in all metro stations, tram stops, TMB information offices, and online via the TMB app or T-Mobilitat website. Machines have English and other languages, so they’re easy to use.

• Paper, plastic, or digital: Most single tickets and T-Casual passes still come as paper cards, but Barcelona is moving toward T-Mobilitat, a reusable plastic smart card or digital version in the app. If you’re staying long-term, get the smart card or app — it’s more durable and eco-friendly.

• Validate every ride: Always tap or insert your card at the start of your trip. Fines for failing to validate are high.

• Plan ahead: Use the TMB app, Google Maps, or Citymapper to check schedules and routes, especially if you need to make a transfer or travel outside central Barcelona.

• Peak times: Metro and buses are busiest 8–9 am and 5–7 pm on weekdays. Travel outside these times if possible for a more comfortable ride.

• Service changes: Some stations undergo construction, and services may run less frequently on public holidays or during local festivals (e.g. La Mercè). Always check before you travel.

• Night service: When the metro closes (usually after midnight on weekdays), NitBus lines keep the city connected.

• Bikes, scooters & skateboards: Folding bikes/scooters are allowed anytime on metro, tram, and trains (must be folded). Non-folding bikes are allowed outside rush hour on weekdays, and all day on weekends/holidays. Electric scooters must be switched off while onboard.

• Accessibility: Most stations are equipped with lifts or ramps, but some older ones are not. Plan your route if you’re traveling with a stroller or heavy luggage.

• Safety: Like any big city, keep an eye on your belongings — pickpockets are more common in crowded carriages or tourist areas.

Advice for Families

If you’re relocating with children, here’s what to know to make public transport easier and cheaper for your family:

• T-16 card: excellent for children aged 4-16 — they travel free in your home zone (just pay the one-off €4.50 card fee).

• Youth / student discounts: T-jove and similar tickets give extra savings for teenagers or students.

• Check your address / empadronamiento because the “zone of residence” is based on where you live (where you're officially registered). This affects if the T-16 free travel applies.

• Strollers / luggage: most metro and tram stations are accessible, but some older stations may lack elevators. If you’re traveling with kids or heavy luggage, plan your route ahead.

Getting from the Airport

Here’s what to do when you first arrive in Barcelona:

• Metro L9 Sud connects El Prat with the city — most lines connect with it, but expect transfer(s).

• Aerobus if you have a lot of luggage or arriving late. It drops you in central, usually without transfers.

• Train (Rodalies R2 Nord) is good if your accommodation is near Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, or Clot — often faster for those areas.

Final Thoughts

Barcelona’s public transport system is one of the city’s biggest advantages for new residents. With integrated tickets, affordable monthly passes, and family-friendly options like the T-16 card, getting around is simple and budget-friendly.

At NOVA Barcelona, we can guide you through everything from getting your first T-Mobilitat card to figuring out the fastest route to work or school. Moving to Barcelona should be exciting, not stressful, and knowing how to navigate the city is the first step to feeling at home.