Barcelona, as one of the largest metropolises in Europe and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast, simply could not exist without a carefully thought-out and extensive public transport network. In addition, the influx of tourists contributed to the development of the city's transport system. Barcelona's transport system includes: metro, bus, tram, rail, funicular, cable car and taxi. This system is operated by several companies such as FGC and TMB, all of which are managed by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità, (abbreviated ATM), is the main transport division of Barcelona, covering not only the city, but also its many suburbs.
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1. Tariff zones
The Province of Barcelona includes the city and its surroundings. It is in accordance with this that the division is made into several transport zones (for the city and the region). If the purpose of your trip is to relax directly in the city, you should take the city’s unified zonal network as a basis. If you plan to walk around the area, the cost of the ticket will increase depending on the distance from your destination.
The integrated fare system means that for travel on different modes of transport (metro, bus, tram, railway network Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya and Rodalies de Catalunya) you need to buy one ticket. This system allows you to use different types of transport (transfer within a specified time, travel in the areas indicated on the ticket).
The unified tariff system includes 296 municipalities, which are divided into 6 tariff groups and sectors, and zones 2-6 are so large that they are divided into parts and letters are added to designate them (for example, 3A or 2B). Only zone 1 is united and indivisible. It includes the center of Barcelona, which is of greatest interest to tourists. If a visitor to the capital of Catalonia wants to see the sights, he does not need to go deep into Barcelona. This way he will save money. We remind you that the cost of travel on the metro, bus, tram and electric trains is the same.
2. Tickets and passes
There are many types of public transport tickets in Barcelona. Let's take a closer look at each of them. Please note that children under 4 years old do not need a ticket. For traveling without a ticket you will be fined 100 euros. You can purchase tickets from special machines in the metro and at ground transport stops, at points of sale and information centers, Servicaixa, tobacco kiosks.
Bitllet senzill - Single trip ticket:
This is an individual non-integrated ticket, valid only for one trip on TMB buses, metro stations (except for Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 of line L9 Sud) or funicular Montjuïc.
Ticket price: 2,55 euros.
Bitllet aeroport - ticket to/from the airport:
This is an individual, non-integrated ticket for one trip on the L9 Sud line between Aeroport T1, Airport T2 and other metro stations. Valid only in the metro.
Ticket price - 5.50 euros.
T-Dia - one-day pass (24 hours):
This is an individual ticket valid for 24 hours after validation, which can be used for multiple trips on all types of public transport within the Barcelona zonal network, as well as one trip (round trip) on the lineL9 Sud from/to Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 stations. The fare and features of this ticket are determined by ATM.
Ticket price:
- for zone 1 - 11,20 euros;
- for zone 1-2 - 17,10 euros;
- for zone 1-3 - 21,50 euros;
- for zones 1-4 - 24 euros;
- for zone 1-5 - 26,85 euros;
- for zones 1-6 - 30,05 euros.
T-casual - ticket for 10 trips:
This is an integrated multi-personal card for ten trips on different types of public transport in Barcelona: TMB and FGC and on RENFE trains. Not valid for Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 stations on line L9 Sud. The fare and features of this ticket are determined by ATM.
Ticket price:
- for zone 1 - 12,15 euros;
- for zone 1-2 - 23,90 euros;
- for zone 1-3 - 32,55 euros;
- for zones 1-4 - 41,85 euros;
- for zone 1-5 - 48,10 euros;
- for zones 1-6 - 51,15 euros.
You need to place the ticket in a special slot of the machine (slot), then take it out and calmly go through the turnstile. The date and time are indicated on the back of the ticket. There is a board at the turnstile showing how many more times you are allowed to go through. You can also give this ticket to your travel companion, but if they use it, it will obviously count as another trip. It is worth noting that with such a ticket you can change to another type of transport three times free of charge in each zone during the specified time. But if, say, you get off the subway, get on the bus, and then want to re-enter the subway, you will have to re-validate the ticket and you will lose the right to another trip.
The maximum time between the first use of a ticket and the last transfer: in zone 1 - 1:15, in zone 1-2 - 1:30, in zone 1-3 - 1:45. , in zone 1-4 - 2:00, in zone 1-5 - 2:15, in zone 1-6 - 2:30.
You can buy your ticket at the entrance to El Prat Airport Station or at any metro station. Please note that this ticket is not valid for use on the Aerobus Airport Express.
Be careful with this ticket because if it gets damaged, the machine will not be able to read it. If this happens, bring it to the station staff's window and tell them that the card no longer works (in Spanish "Esta tarjeta no funciona"). After this, you will be given a new card free of charge with the number of travel rights that you have left.
T-usual - 30-day ticket:
This is an individual pass with which you can travel without restrictions for 30 days. The maximum time between the first use of a ticket and the last transfer is 75 minutes. The ticket is also valid for Airport T1 and Airport T2 on line L9 Sud. This is of no use to ordinary tourists. It will be used more by those who plan to stay in Barcelona for a month. This is an individual ticket and cannot be transferred to someone else, as can be done with T-casual.
Ticket price:
- for the 1st zone - 21,35 euros;
- for zone 1-2 - 28,75 euros;
- for zone 1-3 - 40,35 euros;
- for zone 1-4 - 49,40 euros;
- for zone 1-5 - 56,65 euros;
- for zone 1-6 - 60,70 euros.
Here's what some tickets look like:
While in Barcelona, pay attention to one feature of the turnstiles. If it is a regular turnstile (without a glass door), punch your ticket from the machine on the left and go through the turnstile to the right of the machine. Otherwise, it will be considered a violation of the rules. If it is a glass door turnstile, stamp your ticket from the machine on the right and go through the turnstile to the left of the machine. Turnstiles with glass doors can only be found in some metro stations and on RENFE trains.
You can find out about all types of travel tickets and cards on the official website of TMB: https://www.tmb.cat/en/barcelona-fares-metro-bus/single-and-integrated/choose-ticket.
3. Tourist cards
In large European cities, tourist cards are available to make life easier for tourists. It's the same in Barcelona. There are several types of travel cards that offer different packages. They allow you to save on excursions and public transport. However, you must decide for yourself whether you want to buy such a card or whether you prefer a regular ticket. This depends on many factors, such as the duration of the trip, the number of attractions visited, etc.
Barcelona Card — This card gives you the right to unlimited use of Barcelona public transport (metro, bus, tram, commuter trains), Aeroexpress to/from Barcelona airport, access to more than 20 museums and attractions for free, 26 museums with a discount, get discounts at some restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, as well as a city map and metro map as a gift.
Card cost (in the office/on the website):
- 72-hour, for adults - 55/49,50 euros;
- 72-hour, for children 4-12 years old - 32/28,80 euros;
- 96-hour, for adults - 65/58,50 euros;
- 96-hour, for children 4-12 years old - 42/37,80 euros;
- 120-hour, for adults - 77/69,30 euros;
- 120-hour, for children 4-12 years old - 47/42,30 euros.
You can purchase the card in offices or on the official website: https://bcnshop.barcelonaturisme.com/shopv3/en/product/buy/1/barcelona-card.html?o=. You will also find additional information there.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card is a kind of unlimited travel pass for use on most types of transport within 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours. This is the metro, tram, day bus, funicular Montjuïc, commuter train RENFE, travel to/from the airport.
Card cost (in the office/on the website):
- 48-hour - 17,50/16,62 euros;
- 72-hour - 25,50/24,22 euros;
- 96-hour - 33,30/31,63 euros;
- 120 hours - 40,80/38,76 euros.
You can purchase the card in offices or on the official website: https://bcnshop.barcelonaturisme.com/shopv3/en/product/947/hola-barcelona-travel-card-.html?o=b. You will also find additional information there.
4. Barcelona Metropolitan
The Barcelona Metro is a vital component of the city's transport system. Most roads are underground, although there are many above-ground stations in the suburbs.
According to the official website ATM, the metro of the capital of Catalonia consists of 11 full-fledged lines and L12- (split from L6in 2016 and consists of only two stations), controlled by two different organizations: 1-5 and 9-11 is led by ATM< /font>, 6-8 and 12 - FGC. Part of the metro system is also a funicular located on Mount Montjuïc.
More about the Barcelona metro >>.
5. Bus in Barcelona
The Barcelona bus network includes more than a hundred routes: from 6 to 196. As you can see, not all bus numbers are included in this interval. The movement of buses, like most metro lines, is determined by the TMB company. The total length of the routes is about 920 kilometers, and the number of stops exceeds a thousand.
The stops are easy to recognize: they are either marked with a special sign or represent a well-known stop complex. Most of them have a special platform that makes it easier to enter the bus. In order for an approaching bus to stop, you need to give a hand signal to the driver.
When boarding the bus, you must validate your ticket. If you don't have one, you can buy a single ticket from the driver. Do not linger long at the entrance and move deeper into the salon. Some seats are reserved for disabled people, pregnant women and senior citizens, so don't sit there. Stops are announced loudly. When approaching your destination, press the "Request stop" button.
Detailed information about the city bus network is available at the stops. Any passenger will understand which route he needs, which direction to go and where to make a transfer. The necessary information is displayed on special screens. The city also has the Tomb Bus (on Diagonal Avenue), the Port Bus (to the port) and the Tibibus (to the amusement park on Tibidabo Hill).
Night bus NitBus:
The night buses of the AMT company deserve special attention. There are 20 routes in total. They run at night (22:00-06:00) to the main destinations of Barcelona at intervals of 20 minutes. The tariff is the same as during the day.
Night bus No. 16, No. 17, No. 18 will take you to the airport. Bus No. 46 and shuttle bus Aerobus will help you with this throughout the day. Detailed information on how to get from the airport to the city center and from the city center to the airport can be found in the article Barcelona Airport.
6. Tram in Barcelona
The tram plays an important role in the transport system of the Catalan capital. It connects remote areas of Barcelona with Ventre. Tram routes are controlled by TRAM, but there are two tram systems - Trambaix and Trambesòs. True, the first tram, the so-called “Conca”, appeared in Barcelona in 1872 and soon covered the entire city, and in the 1900s it was electrified, but first the civil war of 1936-1939 caused great damage to it, and then other circumstances, and by 2000 there was only one tram line left in Barcelona. After trams became more common in European countries, Barcelona also took up the issue, and in 2004 the two systems mentioned above were introduced into the city's transport system. Trambaix belong to the lines T1, T2, T3, Trambesòs - lines T4, T5, T6. These 6 lines cover 29 kilometers and 56 stops.
Tram operating hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday - 05:00-00:00, Friday, Saturday and holiday eves - 05:00-02:00.
Trams in Barcelona are green and white. The letter T and the route number are written on the front.
The Trambaix route connects the area Baix Llobregat with the terminus of the T1, T2, T3 - with an area of Francesc Macià. More than 15 million people travel on these lines every year.
The Trambesòs route links Badalona and Sant Adrià de Besòs with areas close to the center. For example, T4 goes from Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica directly to Estació de Sant Adrià, T5 from Glòries to Gorg station in Badalona. T6 - also up to Gorg, but with Estació de Sant Adrià.
Like other major tourist cities, Barcelona has an old tram called the Blue Tram (Tramvia Blau). Operating since 1901. Its starting stop is the last stop of the brownL7Av metro line. Tibidabo, and the destination is the Tibidabo funicular.
This tram is intended for tourists. The length of the line is 1276 meters, the tram speed is 13 km/h, the road slope is 8%, the elevation difference is 93 meters (rise from 137 meters to 230 meters). Open from 10:00 to 18:00 or 19:30 (depending on the season).
Please note that regular blue tram tickets are not valid. You will have to buy a special ticket from the driver. Ticket price is 3 euros one way and 4.70 euros return.
7. Train in Barcelona
Rail transport connecting Barcelona with its suburbs is operated by two Spanish companies: RENFE and FGC, which are also operators of the Barcelona metro.
The railway network is divided into six conventional zones, the center of which is the main Barcelona Sants station (Sants-Estació). From many stations you can transfer to the city's metro lines, which makes moving around the city much easier.
Sants Estacio station serves both local and long-distance trains. The most convenient way to get to the city's main stations is by train. The electric train runs from the airport to Barcelona 1-2 times per hour. You can use both single tickets and different passes.
Electric trains run from 05:00 to 00:00, and on Saturday - around the clock.
8. Funicular in Barcelona
Barcelona has three funiculars.
Montjuïc Funicular (Montjuïc) is the most famous funicular in Barcelona. It connects the Paral.lel metro station (lines L2, L3) and the famous Mount Montjuic and its attractions.
This funicular has been in operation since 1928. It belongs to the metro and has the same tickets as other types of public transport. If you go to the Paral.lel metro station by metro, you do not need to buy a new ticket - you will simply transfer to the funicular, as from one station to another.
The funicular covers 758 meters of road in 2 minutes and rises to a height of 76 meters. It can carry 400 passengers at the same time.
The upper station of the funicular is adjacent to the lower station of the Montjuic cable car. This cable car takes you to the top of the Montjuïc mountain, where the Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc) is located.
Opening hours of the funicular in the autumn-winter season:
- Monday-Friday - 07:30-20:00;
- weekends and holidays - 09:00-20:00.
Opening hours of the funicular in the spring-summer season:
- Monday-Friday - 07:30-22:00;
- weekends and holidays - 09:00-22:00.
Funicular Valvidrera (Vallvidrera) - this “mountain elevator” is located in the area of the same name Barcelona and connects the Peu de Funicle train station (the closest metro station on the Reina Elisenda L6 line) >Metro del Vallèswith the top of Mount Tibidabo. The funicular was opened in 1906. In 1998 it was modernized. The length of the road is 729 meters, height – 165 meters. It can transport 50 people at the same time. On weekdays it runs every 6 minutes, on weekends and holidays the interval increases.
This funicular has the same fares as the metro.
Tibidabo Funicular (Tibidabo) is the oldest funicular in Barcelona. It was opened in 1901. Moreover, it is the longest - 1152 meters.
This funicular connects Plaça del Doctor Andreu and Mount Tibidabo, where many attractions are located.
Ticket price:
- with an entrance ticket to the amusement park - 4.10 euros; otherwise - 7.70 euros.
9. Cable car in Barcelona
Telefèric de Montjuïc - has been operating since 2007. The cable car moves 55 glass cabins at a speed of 2.5-5 m/s and covers a distance of 752 meters at an altitude of almost 85 meters. The starting station is Parc de Montjuïc, the intermediate one is Mirador (you can get out), the final one is Castell de Montjuïc. Cabin capacity is eight people.
Cable car address: Avinguda de Miramar. To get there you need the Montjuïc Funicular from Paral·lel line L2, L3, or bus No. 55 and No. 150.
Operating mode:
- January-February - 11:00-18:00;
- March-April-May - 11:00-18:30;
- June-July-August-September - 11:00-19:00;
- October - 11:00-18:30;
- November-December - 11:00-18:00.
Ticket price:
- for adults one way - 10,50 euros, round trip - 16 euros;
- for children 4-12 years old one way - 8,50 euros, round trip - 11,60 euros;
- for children under 4 years old - free.
One-way tickets can only be purchased on site, at the ticket office. If you buy your return ticket online, you will receive a 10% discount, which is reflected in the above prices. To buy your ticket online, visit the official website: https://www.holabarcelona.com/tickets/cable-car-montjuic-barcelona. You will also find additional information there.
The Transbordador Aeri del Port cable car has been operating since 1931 and connects the Barcelona port area, the Maremagnum shopping and entertainment center and Barceloneta beach with Montjuic mountain. Its length is 1300 meters. One of the pillars on the shore is the Tower of St. Sebastian, 78 meters high. Passengers are taken there by elevator. In the middle of the road stands the 107-meter tower of Jaime I. The last stop is the Miramar station on Montjuic mountain (57 meters above sea level). The cabin can accommodate 19 people. The duration of the trip is 10 minutes.
This is what the route looks like from above:
Operating mode:
- January-February - 11:00-17:30;
- March-April-May - 10:30-19:00;
- June 1 - September 11 - 10:30-20:00;
- September 12 - October 27 - 10:30-19:00;
– October 28 – December 31 – 11:00–17:30.
Ticket price:
- one way - 12,50 euros, round trip - 20 euros;
- children under 6 years old travel free of charge.
To get to San Sebastian's Tower, take metro line L4, stop Barceloneta, or take to bus V15, V19, 45, 59, D20, 47. To get to Mirimar Tower, take metro line L3, stop Paral·lel (and 16 minutes walk) or bus №55, №150.
For more information, visit the official website: https://www.telefericodebarcelona .com/en/telefericodebarcelonaen/.
10. Taxi in Barcelona
More than 11 thousand taxis are officially registered in Barcelona. They are very easy to recognize - they are a black car with a yellow door. You can stop them on the street (without breaking traffic rules, of course), find them at a taxi stand, or order them by phone/mobile phone. In case of a call, you will have to add an amount corresponding to the distance you need to travel to your address, but this amount cannot exceed 4 euros.
All cars have meters. There are 3 main tariffs:
- T1 - daytime on weekdays (08:00-20:00): boarding - 2.60 euros, distance 1 km - 1.27 euros ;
- T2 - at night on weekdays (20:00-08:00), during the day on weekends and holidays (6:00 -08:00) 20:00 00), on the night of the first working day after Monday and holidays (00:00-08:00): landing - 2.60 euros, distance 1 km - 1.56 euros;
- 1 hour waiting: 25,60 euros;
- the minimum tariff when calling by phone/mobile phone is 7 euros;
You can pay either in cash or by card. But find out in advance whether there is a terminal in the car. If you pay in cash, have small bills ready, because in Barcelona the driver is not allowed to give change for more than 20 euros.
If you are coming from the airport, the fare is the same as traveling within the city, but you will have to add 3.10 euros. The minimum tariff is 21 euros.
If you forgot something in a taxi and know the name of the company whose services you used, call them first. If you don't know, call the Lost and Found Service (93-70-70-600), the Lost and Found Office (010) or go to Placa de Carles Pi i Sunyer, 8-10.
Why are all taxis in Barcelona black and yellow?
Did you know that all taxis in Barcelona are black and yellow?
Only black and yellow - by special decree of the City Hall of 1926.
By the way, according to Catalan symbolism, black is the color of mourning, yellow is the color of shame. So taxis in Barcelona carry mourning and shame with them.
And, like everything in Barcelona, it is dedicated to the memory of Gaudi.
Antonio Gaudi died in the city that he built: if not for Gaudi, there would be no Barcelona. He owes his worldwide reputation to this half-crazy architect, who created strange buildings without the help of design engineers, drawings, calculations or preliminary plans.
Houses with eyes instead of balconies, palaces with a zoo on the roof, gates carved in the shape of a dragon, lace towers, a dinosaur lying on the roof of an ordinary city-type house, a cathedral, only something reminiscent of that that this is a temple - this man in Barcelona was allowed everything, and he did not spare himself.
Barcelona was a small town until a strange man appeared in it, who carried raw eggs in his pocket (after all, eggs are a symbol of beauty and eternity), and could not stand right angles (because right angles are an invention man, and from God this is a circle), built houses without a roof (NASA came up with the formula for constructing such buildings only a few decades later) and was ready to reflect magic in stone.
Gaudi's talent was noticed by another strange person, a very rich Barcelona entrepreneur - Eusebi Güell, and he allowed Gaudi to build whatever he wanted, where and how he wanted.
This is how Gaudi received the right to solely manage Barcelona. And it must be said that among those who have ever had the right to individually rule any city, few were as merciful to people, art and beauty as he was.
On June 7, 1926, Antoni Gaudi, as usual, walked around the city, stopping to look at the clouds - he considered them perfect creations of nature, a source of inspiration for a creative person.
He was 74 years old. He was very poorly dressed - not because he could not dress better. He simply didn't attach any importance to it.
A tram had recently appeared in Barcelona at that time.
But the old man did not notice the iron monster.
Not a single cab driver moved the carriage, not a single driver dared to start the car - it was obvious that the wounded old man would not be able to pay. No one in the most Christian Barcelona remembered the words from the Gospel of Matthew: “And in everything that you want people to do to you, do so to them. For this is the law and the prophets.” What a law! What a gospel! To which I thank you, other people’s grief does not hurt...
Finally, Barcelona law enforcement officials took him to a hospital for the homeless.
For three days the city searched for its Gaudi - no one thought that he would end up in a hospital for the homeless. He was found by the chaplain of the Sagrada Familia.
Gaudi died without regaining consciousness.
And then the City Hall of Barcelona obliged all cabs and taxi drivers in the city to wear the color of mourning (black) in honor of the great Gaudi and the color of shame (yellow) as a sign of the soullessness of the people.
Gaudi was much more merciful to Barcelona.
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