Your options at a glance
Option | Journey time | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
Taxi | 25–35 min | €35–45 to the centre |
Private transfer | 25–35 min | From around €40 |
Aerobús | 25–35 min | €7.75 single, under-4s free |
Train (R2 Nord) | 25–30 min | From €2.90 |
Metro (L9 Sud) | 45–60 min | €5.90 airport ticket |
Taxi
Official black-and-yellow taxis wait outside both terminals. Fares are metered, with an airport supplement, and it’s the easiest option when the kids are tired. You can also book one at the airport through apps such as FREENOW, Cabify or Uber, which show the fare upfront, though wait times vary and the rules on app-booked cars are changing. Most taxis don’t carry child seats, so if you want one, pre-book a transfer or bring your own.
Quickest with kids: A taxi or pre-booked transfer takes about 25–35 minutes to the centre.
Good value: The Aerobús runs every 5–10 minutes to Plaça de Catalunya, and under-4s ride free.
Child seats: Most taxis don’t carry them, so book a transfer with child seats in advance.
Check your terminal: The train only leaves from Terminal 2; from Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus first.
Private transfer with child seats
A pre-booked transfer means a driver meets you in Arrivals with the right child seats already fitted. It’s ideal for babies and toddlers, late arrivals and big families. Book a few days ahead and give your children’s ages.
Aerobús
The Aerobús A1 (Terminal 1) and A2 (Terminal 2) run to Plaça d’Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya every 5–10 minutes, day and night. There’s space for luggage and pushchairs, and children under 4 travel free. A single ticket costs €7.75 and a return €13.30 (the return journey is valid for 90 days). Buy tickets online or in the Aerobús app and scan the QR code on your phone when you board, or buy them from the machines at the stops, from the staff at the main stops or from the driver, who all take card or cash (maximum €20 change). The Barcelona Card, Barcelona Card Family and Hola Barcelona card aren’t valid on the Aerobús.
Train and metro
The R2 Nord train runs from Terminal 2 to Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gràcia about every 30 minutes. From Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first. The L9 Sud metro serves both terminals, but it needs a special airport ticket and usually a change of line, so it’s slower with children and luggage.
Using the Hola Barcelona card? Swap your voucher for your card at a metro ticket machine at the airport. The card’s time only starts when you first tap in. See our Hola Barcelona card guide.
Using the Barcelona Card or Barcelona Card Family? Buy online before you travel, then collect your cards from a Turisme de Barcelona information point. At the airport there are points at T1 Metro, T2 Metro and Terminal 2 (daily 8.30am–8pm), so you can use the card on the metro into the city. See our Barcelona Card guide.
