PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Barcelona has a well-connected public transport system, which also happens to be the cheapest form of transportation in the city. Thanks to this, you can easily move throughout the city and even beyond its limits.

Where to buy the ticket 

One of the safest options for buying tickets is using the ticket machines, where you can find a wide selection of options. These machines are located at every metro station, train station, and major bus stop. They operate 24/7 and accept both card and cash payments. You can also buy a ticket immediately upon arrival at the airport, note that there is only one machine at Terminal B, located before the train platform.

Alternatively, you can buy a ticket from the driver, especially when boarding a bus. Card payments are also accepted.

You can also purchase tickets online through the official TMB app (iOS: TMB iOS, Android: TMB Android) or on the TMB website. However, even if you buy tickets online, you must pick them up in person, which makes it less convenient.

Buses in Barcelona

The main bus hub is Plaça Catalunya, surrounded by boarding points for various lines covering all of Barcelona.

Buses run frequently during the day, and several night buses operate on circular routes. These can take you almost anywhere in the city, but they often take longer due to extensive routes. The system can also be confusing for newcomers.

At night, it is often better to take a taxi, which is not as expensive as expected and can quickly and easily take you to your destination.

In general, if you're staying near the city center or surrounding areas, you likely won’t need to use buses much, as the metro system is extremely efficient.

When boarding a bus, use the front door only, as that’s where you'll find the ticket validator.

Trams

Barcelona has two separate tram networks: Trambaix and Trambesòs, consisting of six lines (T1 to T6).

Trams typically run through areas where other types of public transport are less accessible, especially in the wider city center. They function similarly to buses, as you need to validate your ticket using the onboard machines after boarding.

The map with all the stations is here.

Trains 

Trains are part of Barcelona's integrated transport system, though tourists usually use them the least within the city. Most travelers encounter trains when traveling from the airport or heading to destinations like Montmeló and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Trains are a great option for traveling outside the city. If you choose to travel by train only, you should familiarize yourself with zone-based pricing, which differs slightly from other transport types, as trains are operated by a different company.

Train operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 5:45 a.m. – 12:05 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 5:50 a.m. – 2:15 a.m.
• Sunday: 5:50 a.m. – 12:02 a.m.

Tourist bus

A popular and scenic way to explore the city is the Barcelona Bus Turístic, a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus with an open roof. You can get on at many locations across the city and enjoy a relaxing ride while listening to informative commentary about the sights. You can find the map here.

Metro

The metro is the most popular and user-friendly form of public transport in Barcelona. The system is easy to understand and covers the entire city.

Barcelona’s metro has 12 lines, three of which (L1, L9, and L11) are fully automated and without a driver. The network includes 186 stations, operated either by TMB and FGC.

Metro entrances are marked with a white "M" in a red diamond. Each station includes maps showing the lines that operate there, making it easy to determine if you’re in the right place. Once you are inside, you’ll need to validate your ticket at the turnstile.

The metro is accessible, as most stations are barrier-free and include wide gates for travelers with luggage or strollers. Each station announces current and next stops, which are also displayed on digital screens inside the metro.

Metro lines are identified by colors and numbers, from L1 to L12, not by names.

One of the best ways to save money is to buy a T-casual card, which gives you 10 individual journeys on the metro, buses, trams, and trains within the city for about €10. This is cheaper than buying single tickets each time. Each trip must be completed within 75 minutes and does not include airport transfers or trips to Montmeló.

Another great option is the Hola BCN! card, which offers unlimited travel for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. Prices range from €15 to €35, depending on the duration. It’s ideal for tourists planning frequent travel.

Note: Metro tickets do not cover travel to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. You’ll need a separate Renfe regional train ticket to Montmeló.

T-casual cards are also valid on buses, making it easy to combine bus and metro rides under one fare if your journey is under 75 minutes.

Metro operating hours

• Monday to Thursday: from 5 am to midnight
• Friday and the day before a public holiday: from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m
• Saturday: all day from 5 am
• Sunday: from midnight to midnight, i.e. all day
• Holidays (January 1, June 24, September 24 and others): from 5 am to midnight
• December 24: from 5 am to 11 pm

Tips

However, if you want to plan your routes in advance, it's worth noting that there is no single app that covers all types of transport.

If you plan to use public transport frequently during your stay in Barcelona, consider purchasing a tourist card. These cards not only include free transport but also offer discounts at over 70 museums, shops, and restaurants. Learn more here: Tourist Cards Info

Another Way of Getting Around: Biking

Another great way to get around Barcelona is by bike. And if you don’t have a bad relationship with bicycles, you should definitely give it a try, you won’t regret it! With a bike, you’re independent, free to move at your own pace, and can get almost anywhere in the city center with ease.

Barcelona is generally a very cycling-friendly city, as seen in its extensive cycling network, which exceeds 150 kilometers of bike lanes. In the city center, there are cycle paths almost everywhere, even along the main streets.

You’ll quickly notice red and white bikes all over the city. These belong to the bike-sharing service Bicing, which unfortunately is not available to tourists.

However, if you want to experience Barcelona from the seat of a bike, there are many rental companies that cater to visitors. For example, you can use the Donkey Republic bike-sharing system, easily recognizable by their orange wheels. You can rent their bikes through a mobile app.

Other rental options include companies like A-Bike and Born Bike.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you plan to rent a bike for multiple days, remember that you’ll need to store it somewhere overnight, which can be a problem due to the risk of theft.

Cost

As with most bike-sharing services, the price depends on the rental duration. The shortest rental periods are usually 2 hours, and you'll pay around €5 for that.

If you’re renting for a full day, you can get a better deal, around €15 for a day’s rental in Barcelona.

Types of Bikes Available

Most rental companies offer classic city bikes with a low step-through frame and adjustable seat height. Many of them have gears, so you won’t have to struggle riding around town on a single-speed bike. Some bikes also come with a front or rear rack, which is convenient if you want to carry a backpack or small bag.

In some rental shops, you can also find road bikes, trekking bikes, or mountain bikes, though these only make sense if you plan to venture outside the city, where you’ll need a more specialized bike.

Electric Bikes and Scooters

Recently, there has been a growing number of companies offering electric bikes and scooters. Electric bikes can be a great option in Barcelona, especially if you’re looking for extra comfort and ease while exploring the city.