Getting Around Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that’s easy to explore, thanks to its excellent public transport system. Much of the centre is pedestrianised, making it easy to walk around. But, if you want to travel further, the city has a reliable Barcelona public transportation network of metro, trams, buses, and a rail system that operates just like the metro. The Catalan government prioritises clean energy, so the transport network is sustainable with hybrid and electric vehicles.

There are over 200 km of bike lanes, and you can rent bikes from several hire companies. Since most of the city is flat, cycling is a fun way to explore. Barcelona has several transport hubs where you can catch your ride anywhere in the city.

You can purchase a transport ticket from metro stops, ticket machines, or online. Tickets include options like single rides, multi-trip passes, or tourist travel cards. These cards offer unlimited travel for a set number of days and include reduced fare options for frequent trips.

The integrated system means one ticket works for metro, trams, buses, and the rail network. Payment is simple, with cash or card accepted at most points, making the payment option convenient.

Whether you're heading to a metro stop, visiting Sagrada Familia tours, or planning a day trip, the city’s transport makes it hassle-free and affordable! Let's see all the ways to navigate the city in detail!

For more details, check out the official website: www.tmb.cat

Getting Around Barcelona by Metro

The quickest way to get around Barcelona is by metro or rail transit; the trains are punctual and will take you to all the main attractions. The air-conditioned trains are especially helpful in summer, when Barcelona can get really hot! There are eight metro lines, identified by the number and colour of the line. To find metro stations, look for a sign with a red M.

The Metro (TMB) operates from 5 am until midnight Sunday to Thursday and public holidays. On Fridays and Saturdays, it runs from 5 am until 2 am.

There are 8 lines: L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L9, L10, L11, all managed by the company TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona).

FGC Suburban Rail Service

The FGC (rail system) supplements the metro with its rail network. It operates from 5 am until midnight Sunday to Thursday and public holidays. On Fridays and Saturdays, it runs from 5 am to 2 am.

There are 4 lines: L6, L7, L8, and L12.

Getting Around Barcelona by Bus

Buses are less frequent than the metro, running every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the route. Most bus services begin between 5 and 8 am and end between 10 and 11 pm. You can check bus times and frequency at the bus stops or on the official website: www.tmb.cat

Barcelona also has a bus rapid transit system, which is efficient and easy to use. The local bus services are a great option to get around, especially if you're heading to places not served by the metro.

For night travel, there's the Nit Bus service, which covers most of the city and its suburban area. Most night services start between 10:40 pm and 11:40 pm, and they end between 5 am and 6 am. For more details, visit www.ambmobilitat.cat

Funicular (for Montjuïc)

The Barcelona funicular railway connects the city with Montjuïc Park from the Paral·lel metro station (lines L2 and L3). It only takes two minutes, making it the quickest and most convenient way to get to Montjuïc.

The Funicular operates from 7:30 am to 10 pm Monday to Friday, and from 9 am to 10 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Times are slightly reduced during the winter months.

For more information about the rail transit, metro, and funicular services, visit: www.fgc.cat

Tram

The Tram provides easy access to Barcelona's major shopping areas, residential zones, and even small towns in the metropolitan area. However, if you are staying in the centre, you might not need to use the tram often. There are two Tram lines in Barcelona: Trambaix (T1, T2, T3) and Trambesòs (T4, T5, T6).

Trams operate from 5 am to midnight Sunday to Thursday and public holidays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the trams run from 5 am to 2 am.

Tickets

Getting around Barcelona is simple as you use the same ticket for all transport types. You can buy a single ticket, a ticket for 10 journeys, or a tourist travel card. Be careful, though—tickets may not be valid for the airport.

  1. tickets cost €2.40 and are valid for 75 minutes, allowing unlimited transfers between metro, buses, trams, and FGC trains.
  1. T-Casual ticket allows 10 journeys for €11.35. It’s perfect for tourists, as it’s valid on metro, FGC, buses, trams, and RENFE to Barcelona Airport. It’s only valid in Zone 1, which is where most attractions and museums are.
  2. Hola Barcelona Travel Card gives you unlimited access for 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours on the metro, bus, tram, urban railway (FGC), Montjuïc funicular, and regional railway (Rodalies de Catalunya). Travel to Barcelona-El Prat airport is also included. For more details, visit Hola Barcelona

Companion Pass

The companion pass is available for those accompanying travelers with special needs or disabilities. It allows the companion to travel for free. You can order the pass in advance on the official website: TMB Companion Pass

Accessibility for Wheelchair Users

Barcelona is dedicated to making the city accessible for travelers with reduced mobility or sight impairments. The city has installed lifts, ramps, and widened entrances at many locations to improve accessibility.

Currently, around 90% of the metro stations are accessible, with elevators, wide entrances, and ramps for easy access. However, Plaça Espanya is an exception.

Barcelona’s buses are 100% accessible, with ramps for wheelchair users and allocated spaces with safety rails and seatbelts inside. The Montjuïc Cable Cars are also wheelchair accessible, as are the city’s hop-on hop-off tourist buses.

For more information on accessibility, visit TMB Accessibility

Getting Around Barcelona by Taxis

If you can move to the front passenger seat unaided, you can take any taxi. Taxi Amic specializes in passengers with reduced mobility, with a fleet of adapted vehicles. You can call them at (+34) 93.420.80.88 or book online: Taxi Amic

Mobility in the City for Wheelchair Users

Much of Barcelona features wide, flat areas, and ongoing efforts are being made to lower curbs and improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Many larger museums, attractions, and restaurants are wheelchair accessible, and many smaller bars and cafés have ground floor access and outside seating areas.