Barcelona Metro, Subway System, Barcelona Underground Guide
Page Content
This page contains essential information on the Barcelona metro underground system specifically tailored for a tourist visitor. The metro network offers you a fast, clean and efficient transport system to get around and explore all the major tourist attractions in the city.
Barcelona’s metro system comprises a network of 11 lines. Two operators, Barcelona Metro Transit TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and Barcelona Regional Railway FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) run the metro system. TMB operates 8 lines, FGC runs 4 lines. TMB operated lines are: L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L9, L10 and L11 and the FGC lines are L6, L7, L8. Each line is identified by a colour and number. Barcelona’s metro is a popular means of transport for both tourists and locals due to its safety, efficiency and reliability, with trains running every few minutes during peak hours. It offers comprehensive coverage over the heart of Barcelona, with stops that go practically to all parts of the city. See the following metro stations page which covers all metro lines with their stops and indicates if they have a lift or other accessibility options for persons with a disability.
It is simple to navigate the metro system using the Barcelona metro map which is present on the walls of each of the metro stations. Metro maps are also present in the metro trains themselves making it simple to plot out your journey. You can also pickup a free metro planner map from the manned metro booths at the entrance to most metro stations.
The way to use the metro map is to find your journey starting metro station and your end metro station – we give you the metro stops next to all the major attractions in Barcelona in all our guides throughout the website. You can then use our metro map to plot your route. Where you see one metro line crossing with another metro line you can change lines if the map has a circle joining those two lines. You would not pay for an extra ticket if you need to change metro lines provided that your total metro journey time is not more than 75 minutes and provided you don’t leave the metro system during this time.
Barcelona Metro services generally operate between 05:00 – midnight, although many lines and services open earlier on weekends or during peak times of the year and operate later into the evening. During some major celebrations in the city the metro system will operate 24 hours per day. We give a full operating timetable for the metro further down on this page. The metro system is punctual and reliable – Barcelona Metro trains run every 2 to 5 minutes at peak times – meaning Barcelona’s tourist attractions are conveniently accessible without you having to wait around for too long.A great way to visit the city is to get the BCN Essentials pass that includes a special ticket with unlimited journeys along with an app with a city audio guide that covers all the main city attractions. This is like having your own personal guide to the city with the transport included. The other way that vistors can get around the city to see tourist attractions is with the hop on hop off tourist buses for which there are two main operators: Barcelona City Tours and Bus Turistic.
Ticket machines for the metro can be found at all station entrances; these accept cash payments (notes or change) as well as credit cards. You can choose your preferred language on the metro ticket booths making it easy to understand the on-screen instructions. Barcelona’s metro system is an affordable option for tourists visiting Barcelona, offering excellent value for money. This article will cover the Barcelona metro system in depth and outline some of the best tickets for tourists to get on a trip to Barcelona.
The main hubs for the metro system are at Plaça Catalunya (at the top of Las Rambls), Passeig de Gracia and Plaça d’Espanya. These metro stations have multiple different metro lines that you can change at to take you anywhere you want in the city.
Barcelona metro zone system
The transport zone system in Barcelona is a way of ordering distance and working out pricing for the city’s public transportation network. The transport system includes buses, trams, and the metro system.
The city is divided into six zones, with Zone 1 being the most central zone and Zone 6 the outer most zone. Most tourist visitors to the city would only be interested in travelling in the Zone 1 area which has all the major Barcelona tourist attrations including Gothic Quarter, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Battlo and FC Barcelona etc. Barcelona International Airport is included in Zone 1 however a special metro ticket is needed to travel to BCN airport from the city centre.
| Barcelona metro underground system |
Barcelona Metro Tickets Explained
The ticket price information on this page is valid until:
31 December 2023
Locals in Barcelona would normally use the T-Casual ticket which offers 10 rides on the metro system in one ticket. However the T-Casual ticket is not necessarily the best choice of metro ticket for a tourist visitor. Tourist visitors typically need to take many journeys per day which could easily use up the 10 journeys offered by the T-Casual.
Typically tourist are in the city for around 2 to 5 days and may want to use the metro system many times without concern that their tickets will run out of journeys. In addition, tourists may wish to travel to Barcelona Airport on the metro which the normal T-Casual pass does not cover you for. There is a special metro pass that are more suited for a tourist visit called the HolaBCN card.
The BCN Essentials pass offers unlimited travel on Barcelona’s public transport, including the metro, tram, and RENFE airport train, as well as admission to the top Barcelona attractions Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. With an audio guide and interactive maps included, it’s like having a personal tour guide to show you the city. Explore Barcelona at your own pace with this all-in-one pass that is sent to you by email immediately after your order.
Click here to learn more about the BCN Essentials Pass
HolaBCN Card: Barcelona Tourist Travel Pass
This card can be purchased for 3, 4 or 5 days validity.
Unlike the
Barcelona Card
it is exclusively a travel card and does not give discounts on entrance tickets to Barcelona attractions. See our page on the Hola Barcelona Travel Pass for more detailed information on this card. One advantage of the HolaBCN card
over the T-Casual ticket (see below) is that it offers unlimited journeys between the following hours:
Unlimited journeys between certain hours: 05:00 – 23:00
You can also use the HolaBCN card to travel to Barcelona airport on the metro system – something you cannot do with the T-Casual ticket.
Another advantage of the HolaBCN card over the T-Casual ticket is that you can buy the T-Casual online before your trip which can help you with your planning and give you peace of mind you have your transport costs covered before you arrive in the city.
Click here to learn more about the Hola Barcelona Travel Card which gives you unlimited travel on Barcelona public transport.
Buying individual tickets for each journey to see tourist attractions is not economical or time effective unless you will be making only 3 journeys on public transport. Much better is to buy the BCN Essentials Pass with unlimited metro journeys and an audio guide to all the main attractions, or, if you just want unlimited metro journeys card the HolaBCN card
Barcelona Card – Transport and Discount Ticket
The Barcelona card not only gives you free unlimited transport but it
entitles you to discounts on the entrance fees to attractions, shows, restaurants and souvenir shopping etc as well.
If you want unlimited number of journeys on public transport for the duration of your holiday with discounts on activities consider the Barcelona Card. It can save you a lot of bother in buying tickets and save you money.
Barcelona Card
Unlimited number of journeys on public transport: Free
Click here to learn more about Barcelona Card transport and discount ticket
T-Casual Transport Ticket
| T-Casual Ticket |
You can buy tickets for individual journeys for the metro but if you are here for more than one day or intend taking more than 5 journeys on the metro or buses it’s best to buy the T-Casual ticket (see below).
Metro Ticket Price
Single ticket: €2.40
The T-Casual ticket (Zone 1 ticket) is another type of transport card which you can purchase at the entrance to any metro station. Unlike the Barcelona Transport Card a T-Casual ticket will only entitle you to 10 journeys on the metro, FGC (FGC run train lines similar to the metro around the city centre) buses, tram and RENFE all Zone 1 areas. The main city centre areas are all in Zone 1 however note that the T-Casual is not valid to Barcelona Airport.
It is possible to buy a T-Casual for each of the other 6 zones however to see most of the Barcelona attractions in the city centre.
A T-Casual will save you the trouble of buying individual tickets for each journey as well as saving you money. If you consider the price of a normal single journey ticket you will see that with a T-Casual you can save some money for 10 journeys.
Metro Ticket Price
Single ticket: €2.40
T-Casual ticket: €11.
35
For 10 journeys with T-Casual you can save: €12.65
T-Casual is valid indefinitely within a calendar year. However the card will expire one month after the new tariffs are released in January each year.
You can buy a T-Casual from any metro stop and from the Airport at the entrance to the RENFE train. Please note that the T-Casual (Zone 1) is valid for journeys in Barcelona City Centre Zone 1 on the metro, FGC and TMB buses, Tram and RENFE. However the T-Casual is not valid on the metro to Barcelona airport.
If you need to travel outside of Zone 1 you can buy a different T-Casual zone ticket that will cover you for other zones.
T-Casual Zone 1 ticket validity for transport to Barcelona Airport?
The T-Casual zone 1 ticket is valid for some selected transport to Barcelona Airport but not others. The T-Casual however cannot be used on the Barcelona Metro to the Airport.
T-Casual zone 1 ticket is valid on the following means of transport to airport:
1.
RENFE train
2. TMB airport bus N46
3. TMB night buses N18 and N17
T-Casual zone 1 ticket is not valid for the following transport to airport:
1. The airport metro stops Aeroport T1 or Aeroport T2 on Metro Line L9 Sud
2. The Aerobus (the express bus service to the airport).
For the metro journey to Barcelona Airport you need to buy a special airport metro ticket. See our page on travelling to Barcelona airport by metro for more information.
A little known point about the T-Casual ticket. The T-Casual ticket can be used on more than one means of transport and all be counted as a single journey provided that your journey is less than 1 hour and 15 minutes. This means, for example, you can make changes at metro stops (provided you don’t leave the metro), then leave the metro and jump on a bus to finish your journey or vice versa as long as the total length of the journey is less than 1 hour and 15 minutes.
NOTE you cannot re-enter the metro once you have left it – this would count as another journey.
If you want to see the extent of the travel Zones we have provided a link to the FGC Zone map. Please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat to read this. Barcelona train Zones
How to use the T-Casual? (or any metro ticket)
Once you’ve purchased your T-Casual ticket and want to use the metro you have to put the ticket into a ticket validation machine at the metro entrance. The machine checks the ticket and then marks it on the back with a printed day and time stamp. You then have to pull the ticket out of the machine slot, and in that instant, the turnstile lock is released, and you can pass through.
Each time you use the T-Casual ticket you will see how many journeys you have left on the LCD display of the ticket validation machine.
For using a T-Casual on a TMB bus there is a small ticket validation box inside the bus that you have to put your ticket in to validate it.
Take Care of your T-Casual
The T-Casual card can be damaged if you keep it in your pocket and crease it. If the card becomes unreadable by the ticket validation machine due to damage, take the card to the metro attendants box and say ” Esta tarjeta no funciona” Which means this card does not work. They will then issue you with a new T-Casual card free of charge with the respective number of journeys that was left on the old card.
Thanks due to Sudir, USA for asking the above question.
It’s a good idea to have change as well as notes because some entrances are unmanned and have automated ticket machines. Some of these automated ticket machines will only accept change.
| Metro ticket booths |
Navigating the Barcelona metro system
All main entrances have a wall map to help you plan your journey. However you can also ask the ticket booth attendant for a free metro map or “mapa” to take with you.
See our page on the Barcelona metro map
How To Estimate Your Metro Journey Time
Here is a good guideline to estimate your journey time on the metro. As a general rule of thumb allow 2 minutes per stop. Some stops are quicker and some slightly longer but over all this rule of thumb works well to give you an estimate of travel times with a little time built in for possible small delays etc.
If you need to change metro lines then add an extra 10 minutes for the change. You will only need to wait 5 minutes between trains at the most. On Sundays the metro runs a little less frequently in which case add an additional 10 minutes waiting time to your overall calculation Thanks due to Sophie, UK for asking this question.
You can find out more information about the T-Casual ticket by visiting our dedicated page on T-Casual ticket frequently asked questions.
Metro Timetable
The operating hours for the metro system are shown in the table below.
Normally you won’t have to wait more than 5 minutes for a train to arrive.
Metro operating hours
| Month | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 05 and 06 January | Thursday – Friday | 05:00 – 02:00 |
| January – December | Monday – Thursday | 05:00 – 00:00 Midnight |
| Friday – Saturday | 05:00 – 2:00 | |
| Sunday | 05:00 – 00:00 Midnight | |
| Public Holiday | 05:00 – 00:00 Midnight | |
| 24 December | Sunday | 05:00 – 23:00 |
| 25 December | Monday | 05:00 – 02:00 |
| 26 December | Tuesday | 05:00 – 00:00 Midnight |
Important note: The operation times shown in the table above will change if there is a public holiday or “fiesta” normally the metro will operate throughout the night on the eve of the public holiday but it is recommended to check the operational hours during these times with an attendant at a ticket booth to confirm.
Barcelona Metro Map & Routing on the App Store
Description
Barcelona Metro is the navigation app that makes travelling by TMB Metro public transport in Barcelona simple
From the Sagrada Família to the Park Güell, cheering on FC Barcelona or rooting for RCD Espanyol, whether you’re a Barcelona native on your commute to work or sightseeing fresh from Barcelona–El Prat Airport we’ll show you the best way to get where you’re going in Barcelona. We make taking the metro easy.
Tap, tap, tap!
Pan and zoom your way across Barcelona with ease using our simple, interactive maps. We’ll even show your route on the map
Plan journeys, sharpish
Search for stations and find your way using the world’s fastest route planner
No internet? No problem
Maps and journey planning even work offline
Regular map updates
Auto-magic updates keep our maps always up-to-date and box fresh
Every step of the way
Step-by-step guide means you’ll never get lost again
Save your faves
From finding your way back home, to taking the stress out of commuting, and all the places in-between.
Your personal Shortcuts are never more than a swipe away
Barcelona VIP features:
An ad-free experience
Proper VIP treatment, with no ads, ever
Priority support
Problem with the app? We’ll be there to help you out
We’re the world’s number one for public transport apps, check out our world-famous Tube Map London, New York Subway Map and Paris Metro Map apps today
Visiting Madrid, Paris or Berlin soon? We’ve got you covered there too. Take our apps with you, just search Mapway on App Store
Barcelona VIP available as an in-app subscription: 1,99 € monthly or 5,49 € annually, or as a one-off purchase of 14,99 €. Prices may vary by location. Cancel at any time, for any reason. Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, at the cost of your chosen price tier.
Subscriptions can be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to Account Settings in your iTunes Account. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when a subscription to that publication is purchased, where applicable. Read our terms in full at https://www.mapway.com/terms-conditions/
Version 4.1.0
Our maps are the best in the world, and for this update we’ve focused on making them even better. Helping you get around the city with style
Ratings and Reviews
2.7K Ratings
Great!
We just used this for our trip to Barcelona and it was perfect.
The route planner is easy to use and it has a nice map feature to show you exactly how many stations you’re going, what line you’re taking next, and how long overall your trip will take. It was great having this as a dependable resource while traveling around the city. You can also search using your current location if you’re not sure what the nearest station is. Recommended!
The route planner is easy to use and it has a nice map feature to show you exactly how many stations you’re going, what line you’re taking next, and how long overall your trip will take. It was great having this as a dependable resource while traveling around the city. You can also search using your current location if you’re not sure what the nearest station is. Recommended!Thank you very much! We hope you had a great time in Barcelona. 😀
Amazing
The app works great. As long as you know how to navigate a little bit, you’ll have an easy time using this app. It’s simple and very helpful. Helped me from getting lost countless times
T-raveller
Very accurate and easy to use.
As a New Yorker I found it to be better than the subway apps that we have. Well doneThe developer, Mapway Limited, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.
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Barcelona metro, metro system, Barcelona metro guide
Page Content
This page contains basic information about Barcelona’s metro system, which offers you fast, clean and efficient transport to get around and explore the city.
The Barcelona metro system has 11 lines. Two operators, Barcelona Metro Transit TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and Barcelona Regional Railway FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya), operate the metro system. TMB manages 8 lines, FGC manages 4 lines. The lines managed by TMB are: L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L9, L10 and L11 and FGC lines – L6, L7, L8. Each line is marked with a color and a number. The Barcelona Metro is a popular means of transportation for tourists and locals alike due to its safety, efficiency and reliability. During peak hours, trains run every few minutes. It offers full coverage over the heart of Barcelona, with stops that go to almost every part of the city. See the next Metro Stations page for a description of all metro lines, stops, and if they have a lift or other accessibility for people with disabilities.
Navigating the metro system is easy with the Barcelona metro map, which is posted on the walls of every metro station. Subway maps are also available on the subway trains themselves, making it easy to map directions.
You can also pick up a free subway planner map from the subway kiosks at the entrance of most subway stations.
The metro map will help you find the starting metro station and the final metro station – we indicate the metro stops near all the main places of interest in Barcelona in all our guides on the site. You can then use our metro map to get directions. Where one metro line intersects with another metro line, you can change the lines if there is a circle on the map connecting the two lines. You will not be charged for an additional ticket if you need to change to another metro line, provided that the total travel time on the metro does not exceed 75 minutes, and if you do not leave the metro system during this time.
As a general rule, Barcelona metro services run from 05:00 to midnight, although many lines and services open earlier on weekends or during peak times of the year and run until late in the evening. During some major holidays in the city, the metro system will operate 24 hours a day.
Below on this page we provide the full schedule of the subway. The metro system is punctual and reliable – Barcelona Metro trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours – meaning you can get to Barcelona’s attractions without having to wait long.
Ticket machines can be found at all entrances to the station; they accept both cash (bills or change) and credit cards. The Barcelona metro system is an affordable option for tourists visiting Barcelona, offering excellent value for money. In this article, we will detail the Barcelona metro system and describe some of the best tickets that tourists can purchase when traveling to Barcelona.
Barcelona Metro Zone System
Barcelona’s transport zone system is a way to organize distances and calculate prices for the city’s public transport network. The transport system includes buses, trams and the metro system. The city is divided into six zones, with zone 1 being the most central and zone 6 the outermost. Most tourists visiting the city will only be interested in getting around in zone 1, where all the main attractions of Barcelona are located, including the Gothic Quarter, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batlo, FC Barcelona, etc.
Barcelona International Airport is part of Zone 1, however a special metro ticket is required to travel to BCN Airport from the city centre.
| Barcelona metro system |
Barcelona metro tickets: explanation
The ticket price information on this page is valid until:
31 December 2023
Barcelona locals usually use the T-Casual ticket, which offers 10 metro rides on a single ticket. However, the T-Casual ticket is not necessarily the best metro ticket choice for a tourist. Tourists usually make many trips per day, which can easily use the 10 trips offered by T-Casual. Tourists usually stay in the city for 2 to 5 days and may want to use the metro system many times without fear that their tickets will run out of trips. In addition, tourists may wish to take the metro to Barcelona Airport, which is not covered by the regular T-Casual pass. There is a special metro ticket that is more suitable for a tourist visit called the HolaBCN card.
The BCN Essentials Pass offers unlimited access to Barcelona’s public transport, including the metro, tram and RENFE airport train, as well as entrance to Barcelona’s top attractions, the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell. With an audio guide and interactive maps included, it’s like having a personal guide to show you around the city. Explore Barcelona at your own pace with this Universal Pass, which will be emailed to you immediately after ordering.
Click here to learn more about the BCN Essentials Pass
HolaBCN Card: Tourist Travel Pass
This card can be purchased for 3, 4 or 5 days. Unlike the Barcelona Card, this is a travel card only and does not give discounts on entry tickets to Barcelona attractions. For more information about this card, see our Hola Barcelona Travel Pass page. One advantage of the HolaBCN card over the T-Casual ticket (see below) is that it offers unlimited travel during the following hours:
Unlimited rides during certain hours: 05:00 – 23:00
You can also use the HolaBCN card to travel to Barcelona airport by metro – something you cannot do with a T-Casual ticket.
Another benefit of the HolaBCN card over a T-Casual ticket is that you can buy a T-Casual online in advance of your trip, which will help you plan ahead and ensure you have covered your travel expenses before arriving in the city.
Click here to find out more about the Hola Barcelona Card, which gives you unlimited travel on Barcelona’s public transport.
Buying tickets every time before traveling on public transport, if you are going to make more than 3 trips, is not very economical and takes a lot of time. It is much better to purchase the HolaBCN, T-Casual or the Barcelona Card.
Barcelona Card – travel and discount ticket
The Barcelona Card not only entitles you to unlimited travel on Barcelona’s public transport, but also allows you to receive discounts on entry to attractions, shows, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc.
If you want unlimited public transport travel during your holiday with entertainment discounts, consider the Barcelona Card option.
This card will save you the hassle of purchasing tickets and save you money.
Barcelona Card
Unlimited travel on public transport: Free
Click here to learn more about transport and concession tickets Barcelona Card
T-Casual
| T-Casual pass |
You can buy tickets for individual metro rides. But if you are here for more than one day or plan to make more than 5 trips by metro or buses, then it is best to buy a T-Casual ticket (read on).
Metro ticket price
Single ticket: €2.40
T-Casual (Zone 1 ticket), another type of transport card that can be bought at the entrance of any metro station. Unlike the Barcelona Card, the T-Casual ticket only entitles you to 10 trips on the metro, FCG trains (FCG – metro-like trains that run around the city center), buses, trams and RENFE trains. All travel is within Zone 1 only.
All major areas of the city center are in Zone 1, however please note that T-Casual does not operate to Barcelona Airport.
However, you can purchase a T-Casual for each of the other 6 zones to see most of Barcelona’s attractions in the city centre.
With the T-Casual ticket, you save money by not having to spend time buying tickets before every trip. If you take the price of a regular ticket for one trip, you will see that with T-Casual you can save some money on 10 trips.
Metro ticket price
Single ticket: €2.40
T-Casual ticket: €11.35
For 10 trips with T-Casual you can save: €12.65
T-Casual is valid an unlimited number of times during a calendar year. However, the card expires one month after the new rates are published in January of each year.
T-Casual ticket can be bought at any metro station or at the railway entrance. RENFE platforms at Barcelona airport. Please note that the T-Casual ticket (Zone 1) is only valid in the center of Barcelona in Zone 1 on the metro, FCG trains and TMB buses, trams and RENFE trains.
However, T-Casual does not operate on the metro to Barcelona Airport.
If you need to travel outside Zone 1, you can buy a T-Casual ticket for another zone.
Is the T-Casual Zone 1 ticket valid for airport transport?
The T-Casual zone 1 ticket is valid for some of the selected modes of transport at Barcelona Airport, but not others. However, T-Casual cannot be used on the Barcelona metro to the airport.
The T-Casual Zone 1 ticket is valid for the following modes of transport to the airport:
1 . Train RENFE
2 . Bus N46
3 . Night buses TMB N18 and N17
The T-Casual Zone 1 ticket is not valid for the following airport transfers:
1. Airport metro stops Aeroport T1 or Aeroport T2 on the L9 Sud metro line
2 . Aerobus (express bus to the airport).
To travel to Barcelona airport by metro, you will need to purchase a special metro ticket to the airport.
Read more about this in our article on traveling to Barcelona airport by metro.
A little-known moment about the T-Casual ticket. The T-Casual pass can be used on several modes of transport, while the trip will be charged as one if the total travel time on several modes of transport is no more than 1 hour and 15 minutes. This means that, for example, you can change trains at metro stops (assuming you are not exiting the metro), then exit the metro and transfer to a bus to complete your trip, or vice versa, provided that the total duration of the trip is less than 1 hour 15 minutes. NOTE: You are cannot re-enter the subway after you left it – this will count as another trip.
If you would like to see Barcelona’s transport areas, we have provided a link to the FCG map. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view the map. Barcelona Railway Zones
How to use the T-Casual ticket? (or regular metro ticket)
To use a T-Casual ticket on the subway, you must insert it into the control device at the entrance to the subway.
The device will validate the ticket and stamp it with the date and time. Then you must pull the ticket out of the slot of the machine, at which point the turnstile lock is released and you can go through.
Each time a T-Casual ticket is used, the number of trips remaining will be displayed on the LCD display of the control device.
TMB buses have a small box inside where the T-Casual ticket must be inserted when traveling.
Proper handling of the T-Casual ticket
If the T-Casual is crumpled in your pocket, it will be damaged. If the ticket control device cannot read the ticket because it has been wrinkled, contact the metro staff and say – “Esta tarjeta no funciona”, which means “This card does not work”. You will be given a new T-Casual ticket absolutely free of charge, taking into account the trips used.
Thanks to Sudir from USA for raising the issue of the non-working ticket.
We advise you to carry not only banknotes, but also small change, because there are no cashiers at some stations, and tickets are sold in vending machines.
Some machines only accept change.
| Subway ticket offices |
Orientation in the Barcelona metro system
All main metro entrances have a map to help you plan your trip. At the same time, you can ask the cashier for a free metro map or “mapa”.
Go to the Barcelona metro map page
How to estimate metro travel time
Here is a good guide to estimating metro travel time. As a rule, stopping at the station takes 2 minutes. Some stops are faster, some are a little longer, but in general this rule of thumb works well to give you an approximate travel time with a bit of room for possible small delays, etc.
If you need to transfer to another metro line, add another 10 minutes for the transfer. The maximum interval between trains is 5 minutes. On Sundays, the metro runs a little less often, in which case add another 10 minutes of waiting to the total calculation Thanks Sophie, UK for asking this question.
For more information about the T-Casual Pass, see the separate T-Casual Pass FAQ page.
Subway timetable
The operating hours of the metro system are shown in the following table. Usually you won’t have to wait more than 5 minutes for a train.
Metro hours:
| Month | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| January 05 and 06 | Thursday – Friday | 05:00 – 02:00 |
| January – December | Monday – Thursday | 05:00 – 00:00 midnight |
| Friday – Saturday | 05:00 – 2:00 | |
| Sunday | 05:00 – 00:00 midnight | |
| Holiday | 05:00 – 00:00 midnight | |
| December 24 | Sunday | 05:00 – 23:00 |
| December 25 | Monday | 05:00 – 02:00 |
| December 26 | 05:00 – 00:00 midnight |
Important note: On public holidays or during the “fiesta”, the opening hours shown in the table may change.
Usually the day before the holiday, the metro runs all night, but it is better to check the metro hours with the cashier at the station.
Barcelona metro: the most complete information
The Barcelona metro map is a must for tourists. You can argue for a long time that Barcelona is only suitable for walking tours, but the promenade is sometimes pretty exhausting, and the scale of the metropolis cannot be discounted. The metro in Barcelona comes to the rescue.
A bit of history of the metro in Barcelona
The metro in Barcelona started operating in 1924. Two years later, Metropolitano Transversal introduced a second line, combining construction with the opening of the World Expo.
Drassanes metro station
Until 1929 there were 30 stations, currently 198 are in operation. For work, Eduard Munne and Hody F. Rio used the materials from which the cars are made. Now the station is included in the TOP 10 most beautiful stations in the world. Black ceilings, catchy mosaics, and broken-shaped lamps added to her view of the train from the inside.
Features of the Barcelona metro
- The Barcelona metro has 12 lines, which are distinguished by numbers.
- There are a lot of stations, they also intersect with train lines. This fact allows you to get to almost any attraction in Barcelona – the fattest plus of the local metro.
- Stations have two or three platforms.
- Train stops at stations – a few seconds, the interval between train movements – from 2 to 10 minutes.
- Regardless of the season, it is very warm, or rather hot. They say the reason for this is the local rocks of the earth.
- It is not the first time you get to understand the scheme of the local metro, although in fact it is extremely simple. The main thing to remember: all of Barcelona is in the first zone. Starting from the second zone – already a suburb.
- The T-Casual pass can be used on several modes of transport, and the trip will be considered as one if the travel time on different vehicles is no more than 1 hour 15 minutes.
- T-Casual can be used by the whole company at the same time, the ticket is not personal.
T-Casual ticket
The main thing to remember: all of Barcelona is in the first zone. Starting from the second zone – already a suburb. Barcelona metro ticket types
Passengers are offered several ticket options, the prices of which depend on the area of travel and the number of trips.
Price for 2022
- 1 trip – 2.40€
- 10 trips (T-Casual) – 11.35€
- 2 days (unlimited trips Hola Barcelona) – 16.30€
- 3 days (unlimited trips Hola Barcelona) – 23.70€
- 4 days (unlimited trips Hola Barcelona) – 30. 80€
- 5 days (unlimited trips Hola Barcelona) – 38.00€
- Unlimited for a month (T-Usual) – 40.00€
80€ Hola Barcelona tickets can be purchased at at .
Barcelona metro zones
The most common problem tourists face is not understanding the Barcelona metro zoning system. In fact, everything is very simple.
The whole of Barcelona is in the first zone, the suburbs start from the second zone.
If you do not plan to travel outside the city, your goal is tickets for the first zone, with which you can use both the metro and surface public transport. And funiculars. By the way, the first zone is the most budgetary (since it is the closest), the sixth, respectively, is the most expensive.
Where and how to buy a ticket
Barcelona metro machines
You won’t find standard slots where the cashier sells tokens in Barcelona. The process has long been automated.
Plus, by the way, for those who are worried about not knowing the Spanish language, because the Catalans themselves are not always good at English. So, the scheme for buying a ticket in the Barcelona metro:
- Approach the massive red machine gun. They are at all stations without exception, they look like ATMs.
- Select language. Most likely, the choice will fall on English.
- Decide on a ticket. Approximately 10 options will appear on the screen, of different cost and functionality. If you do not plan to travel much, a T-Casual card or a one-time ticket worth 2.40 €
- Payment method – card / cash.
- Don’t forget your ticket behind the plastic door at the bottom of the machine!
- Using a T-Casual ticket is not difficult: you need to insert the card into the control device, wait for the “answer” of the machine and your ticket with a printed stamp of the date and time of the trip. Pick up a ticket, go through the turnstile.
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IMPORTANT! Do not confuse metro lines with train lines. Yes, in Barcelona, electric trains (trains) run, as does the underground underground. Remember: the yellow FGC sign is trains, the red sign with the letter M is the subway.
Miracle Card
The Barcelona Tourist Board has developed and issued a special card for tourists – the Barcelona Discount Card. It gives the right to use the metro and any other mode of transport. In addition, cardholders can:
- Enjoy discounted attractions, sometimes free
- Buy cheap souvenirs at the official souvenir shop for guests of Barcelona in Plaça Catalunya
- Get a discount at a number of restaurants
- Get to the airport for free by train or bus
The Miracle Card lasts 2-5 days. You can reserve and purchase it online. Detailed information about the Barcelona Discount Card at the link .
Barcelona metro opening hours
The Barcelona metro operates according to the following schedule:
- Monday-Thursday: 5. 00-00.00
- to Fridays , pre-holiday and public holidays: 5.00-2.00
- Saturday: around the clock
- Sunday: 5.00-00.00
00-00.00 The road to the key attractions of Barcelona
There is a ranking of the most visited reds of Barcelona. Fortunately, any of them can be reached by metro.
- Sagrada Familia – blue line (L5) and purple line (L2), Sagrada Familia station.
- Spanish Village – red line (L1) or green line (L3), Espanya station.
- Barcelona Aquarium – green line (L3), Drassanes station.
- Dom Mila – green line (L3) or blue line (L5), Diagonal station.
- FC Barcelona Museum – blue line (L5), Collblanc station.
- Zoo – yellow line (L4), Ciutadella station.
- Picasso Museum – yellow line (L4), JaimeI station.
- Miro Museum – green line (L3) or red line (L1), Espanya station.
- IMAX cinema – green line (L3), Drassanes station.
- National Art Museum of Catalonia , green line (L3) or red line (L1), Placa station
Airport and train station
To get to the train station, you need to get to Barcelona Sants metro station.
With the airport, the situation is more interesting, you can get from the city center to the international Aeroport del Prat de Llobregat by metro. The special branch is called L9Sud, goes directly to the airport itself, there are stops at terminal 1 and terminal 2 (metro stations – Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2). However, attention – through the largest transport interchanges of the city (Plaça de Catalunya, Estació Sants and Plaça España) L9 Sud does not pass.
Interesting fact L9 Sud is served by automatic trains – no drivers.
The cost of airport ticket is €5.
15 Travel is free for holders of the Barcelona Card.
OUR ADVICE. If you are going to get from Barcelona airport by metro, we advise you to use the train. It’s much faster and cheaper (€2.40). When the metro fare from the airport is 5.15 €. Another option is to buy the Barcelona Card.
Interesting facts about the Barcelona metro
FGC
The Barcelona metro has dual power – two companies control 12 lines at once:
- FGC (State Railways of Catalonia)
- TMB (Barcelona Transport Subway)
The Barcelona metro system also includes the Montjuïc funicular.
Useful Links
You can also visit the official website of the Barcelona metro (TMB metro). FGC website.
- How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
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How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online.
