When it comes to airports in Barcelona, there is strictly only one major international hub: the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). However, if you include the nearby airports frequently used by budget airlines, your options expand. Today, let’s explore the differences between them.
The Main Hub: Barcelona-El Prat
El Prat Airport is located about 12 kilometers from the city center. It’s the largest airport in Catalonia and the second busiest in Spain. The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2. T1 is the newer terminal, handling most international flights, while T2 primarily serves budget European airlines and regional routes.
There are several ways to get from the airport to the city center. The Aerobus airport shuttle is the most popular choice, with a one-way ticket costing €5.90 and a travel time of about 35 minutes to Plaça de Catalunya. If you’re not in a hurry, taking the Metro’s L9 Sud line is cheaper at around €4.50, though it requires a transfer. You can find more details on the official Barcelona airport website. A taxi has a fixed rate of €30 to the city center, which is quite reasonable if split among four people.
Alternative Options: Nearby Airports
Besides the many Barcelona airport transport options at BCN, two other airports are often mentioned. One is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), located about 100 km north of Barcelona, primarily used by budget airlines like Ryanair. The other is Reus Airport (REU), situated about 110 km to the south. It’s smaller and also a hub for low-cost carriers.
Although these two airports are marketed as ‘Barcelona’ airports, they are a 1.5 to 2-hour journey from the city, requiring a dedicated bus trip or a rental car. If the ticket price difference isn’t significant, it’s recommended to fly directly into BCN to save time and hassle. However, if you find an incredibly cheap flight to one of these alternative hubs, it’s still a viable option—just be sure to factor in the extra travel time and cost compared to the main Barcelona Airport.
Quick Comparison Table
This table provides a quick comparison of the three airports:
| Airport Name | Code | Distance to City | Main Airlines | City Transport |
|---|
| El Prat | BCN | 12 km | Iberia, Vueling, etc. | Metro/Bus/Taxi |
| Girona | GRO | 100 km | Ryanair | Airport Bus |
| Reus | REU | 110 km | Ryanair, Wizz Air | Airport Bus |
Personal Recommendation
If it’s your first time visiting Barcelona or if you’re traveling with heavy luggage, I highly recommend choosing BCN airport. While budget airline fares can be tempting, the value diminishes once you add the cost and time of the bus journey to and from the city center. Unless you’re a backpacker with plenty of time to spare, El Prat is by far the most convenient option.
Also, a quick reminder: there’s a free shuttle bus between terminals T1 and T2, but you should allow at least 30 minutes for the transfer. If you have a connecting flight, double-check which terminal you need to be at. The airport can get very crowded on weekends and holidays, so it’s advisable to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight.
