Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Aeropuerto Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat · Aeropuerto de El Prat
Barcelona, Spain · Since 1918
Last updated:
About BCN
Barcelona-El Prat Airport, officially Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, is the main international airport serving Barcelona and the Catalonia region of Spain. Located 12 kilometers southwest of Barcelona city center, it is the second-busiest airport in Spain after Madrid-Barajas. The airport underwent significant expansion with the opening of Terminal 1 in 2009, a striking building designed by renowned architect Ricardo Bofill featuring a distinctive curving roof inspired by Mediterranean waves. El Prat is a major base for Vueling, Spain's largest low-cost carrier, and serves as a gateway to Costa Brava, the Pyrenees, and beyond.
Why "BCN"?
BCN is the IATA code derived from Barcelona, Catalonia's capital city on Spain's Mediterranean coast.
Airlines Operating
Vueling, Level, Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Europa, Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian, Transavia, Eurowings, Wizz Air, TAP Air Portugal, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, British Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, El Al, Royal Air Maroc, Pegasus Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Finnair, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot
Terminals
Terminal 1 (T1)
Terminal 1 is the modern main terminal opened in 2009, designed by Ricardo Bofill. It handles the majority of international and domestic flights including all Vueling, Iberia, and major international carrier operations. Features a spacious layout with abundant natural light.
Terminal 2A
Terminal 2A is part of the older T2 complex, primarily used by easyJet. Connected to T2B by an internal corridor. Smaller but functional with basic amenities.
Terminal 2B
Terminal 2B handles mainly low-cost and charter airlines. The smallest of the terminals but with all necessary facilities.
Terminal 2C
Terminal 2C is used for some non-Schengen flights and regional carriers. Connected to T2A and T2B.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at BCN
Showing 8 of 80 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Aerobus express bus to Plaça Catalunya every 5-10 minutes (€7.75, 35 min). Metro L9 Sud to Zona Universitària (€5.50). RENFE train from T2 to Passeig de Gràcia/Sants (€4.60, 25 min). Taxi flat rate €39 to central Barcelona. Bus N17/N18 night buses. Shuttle bus connects T1 and T2 (free, every 5 min).
Taxi
€39 (flat rate to central Barcelona)
25-40 minutes to city center
Public Transport
€7.75 (Aerobus)
35 minutes to Plaça Catalunya to city center
Parking at BCN
Parking available at T1 and T2 with short-stay, long-stay, and VIP options. Pre-booking online saves significantly....
T1 Express Parking
T2 Parking
Long Stay Parking
AENA VIP Parking
Airport Lounges
Colomer VIP Lounge
Independent premium lounge in T1 offering a higher-end experience with shower facilities, a la carte food options, premium wines, and a quieter ambiance.
Sala VIP Pau Casals
Aena-operated lounge in T1 offering Spanish tapas, sandwiches, salads, hot dishes, wines, and spirits. Comfortable seating with runway views. Popular with Priority Pass holders.
The Loft by Brussels Airlines
Star Alliance lounge in T1 serving partner airline premium passengers. European food selection, beverages, and comfortable work and rest areas.
Sala VIP Miro
Located in T2A, this lounge offers a good selection of food and beverages. Named after the famous Catalan artist Joan Miro. Smaller than Pau Casals but less crowded.
Vueling Club Lounge
Vueling's dedicated lounge in T1 for premium passengers. Offers Catalan and Spanish snacks, beverages, and WiFi in a modern setting.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Barcelona Airport Hotel
Directly connected to T1 via covered walkway
Full-service hotel connected to Terminal 1 by covered walkway. Features restaurant, bar, fitness center, and outdoor pool with runway views. Day rooms available for layover passengers.
Nearby Hotels
Ibis Budget Barcelona Aeroport
Near airport, free shuttle to both terminals
Budget-friendly option near the airport with free shuttle service to T1 and T2. Basic but clean rooms ideal for early morning departures.
Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto
Airport commercial area, shuttle available
Melia-operated hotel in the airport area. Restaurant, bar, and comfortable rooms. Shuttle service to terminals.
NH Barcelona Airport
Adjacent to T2, walkable distance
Modern NH hotel right next to Terminal 2. Short walk via covered path. Restaurant, bar, and meeting rooms. Good value for overnight stays.
Capsule Hotels
Sleep & Fly Barcelona
Landside, T1 arrivals area
Compact sleep pods in the terminal for quick rest stops. Each pod has a bed, lighting control, USB charging, and alarm clock. Book by the hour, minimum 2 hours.
Food & Dining
Burger King
Fast Food
Standard fast food option available in both terminals.
06:00-22:00
Pans & Company
Sandwiches
Spanish fast-food sandwich chain serving hot and cold baguette sandwiches, salads, and sides. Quick and affordable.
06:00-22:00
Viena
Catalan & Spanish
Popular Catalan restaurant chain serving bocadillos (sandwiches), salads, and hot dishes. Try their famous flautas (thin baguette sandwiches) - a Barcelona institution.
06:00-22:00
Starbucks
Coffee & Cafe
Multiple locations throughout both terminals for reliable coffee and snacks.
05:00-22:00
Eat to Go
Mediterranean
Fresh Mediterranean food including salads, pasta, sandwiches, and local specialties. Good healthy options for travelers.
06:00-22:00
La Botiga
Catalan Deli
Catalan specialty shop and cafe offering local products - jamon iberico, Catalan sausages (fuet, llonganissa), wines, and cheeses. Perfect for last-minute edible souvenirs.
06:00-22:00
Car Rental
Europcar
Arrivals hall, T1 and T2
Avis
Arrivals hall, T1 and T2
Hertz
Arrivals hall, T1 and T2
Sixt
Arrivals hall, T1 and T2
Goldcar
Off-site with free shuttle from T1 and T2
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Duty Free Shopping at T1
T1 has a large World Duty Free area with Spanish wines, Cava, Iberian ham, Catalan products, perfumes, and designer brands. Pick up cava and local treats as gifts.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Beach Walk at Barceloneta
Barcelona's main beach is accessible via Aerobus + Metro. Walk along the Mediterranean waterfront, enjoy the sea air, and grab a paella at one of the beachfront restaurants. Great for relaxing during a long layover.
Stroll Down La Rambla and Gothic Quarter
Walk along the famous La Rambla boulevard from Placa Catalunya to the waterfront, then explore the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic). Free to explore. Enjoy the street performers, flower stalls, and architecture. Allow 4 hours.
Tapas and Pintxos in El Born
El Born neighborhood is one of Barcelona's best areas for tapas. Take the Aerobus to Placa Catalunya then walk. Try patatas bravas, pan con tomate, croquetas, and local cava. The area is also home to the Picasso Museum.
Visit La Sagrada Familia
Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece basilica is Barcelona's most iconic sight. Take the Aerobus + Metro (~50 min). Pre-book tickets online (€26) as same-day entry is often sold out. The interior is breathtaking with its colorful stained glass. Allow 5+ hours with travel.
Park Guell Visit
Another Gaudi masterpiece, this hillside park features mosaic-covered structures and panoramic city views. Book timed entry online (€10). Take the metro to Lesseps or Vallcarca station. Allow 5 hours including travel.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type C, Type F (European)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From €4.50/day
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Euro (EUR/€)
- Exchange: Exchange offices in T1 and T2 arrivals areas. ATMs throughout both terminals.
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Spain. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change (5-10%) is common at restaurants. Not expected in taxis.
ATMs offer the best rates. Avoid airport exchange offices if possible. Many places in Barcelona accept card payments.
Smoking Areas
No indoor smoking areas. Smoking permitted in outdoor areas outside terminal buildings.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +34 934 044 630
Lost and found offices in T1 (arrivals level) and T2. Contact +34 913 211 000.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Spain is part of the Schengen Area. No visa required for EU/EEA citizens. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Passport or national ID for EU citizens. Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond planned stay for non-EU. ETIAS will be required for visa-exempt travelers.
When to Fly
Best time: May-June and September-October for warm weather without peak crowds
Peak seasons: June-August (beach season), Mobile World Congress (February), Christmas/New Year
Insider Tips
T1 handles most international and major airline flights while T2 handles some budget carriers. Free shuttle bus between T1 and T2 runs every 5-7 minutes. The Aerobus is the most popular and convenient way to reach the city center. If going to the train, it departs from T2 - take the free shuttle from T1 if needed. Barcelona is a walkable city so staying near Plaça Catalunya gives easy access to both Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Two terminals: T1 (opened 2009, main terminal by Ricardo Bofill) and T2 (T2A, T2B, T2C). Duty-free shopping focused in T1. Several lounges including Sala VIP Pau Casals and Colomer. Free unlimited WiFi. Left luggage services. Prayer room. Medical center. Kids play area. Pharmacies. Wide dining options.
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