how to move around the city
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: BUSES AND METRO IN BARCELONA
THE METRO
Barcelona has an extensive subway system (called the Metro) that is quick, convenient, and safe.
Metro Schedule:
Sunday-Thursday and some holidays: 5am-midnight
Friday: 5am-2am
Saturdays and some holidays: Non-stop service
Occasionally, strikes (huelgas) may impact service. Click here for TMB updates.
THE BUS
The bus costs the same as the metro and uses the same ticket. The bus may take longer than the metro, but offers more routes.
NOTE: You have to be at a bus stop (on the line of that particular bus) and wave at the driver for the bus to pick you up. You also signal (with a red button inside the bus) when your stop is coming up so that the driver knows to stop and open the doors for you.
Bus Schedule: 5am-11pm
Night Bus Schedule (Nitbus): 11pm-6am
IMPORTANT: The Night Bus runs on different routes than the daytime buses. It is best to use Google Maps when deciding which bus to use.
Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya
In addition to the Metro, there is a high-speed train service called Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) with 2 main train lines which connect 2 different parts of the city with the suburbs.
Note: Your same travel card is valid within city limits but if travelling outside the city, you'll need to pay for different tickets required for the suburbs (Zones 2, 3, and 4).
You can also transfer from the metro to the FGC (or vice versa) without leaving the station by taking the L7 or the L5.
taxis
The best option when there is no public transportation available and not that expensive! We recommend using taxis when travelling alone at night.
In Barcelona, it is relatively easy to find a taxi. If you can’t seem to locate one with a green light (the signal that they are unoccupied), you should head to the nearest busy street, where they tend to line up and wait for new passengers.
The FREE NOW app is the most popular method of calling a taxi to where you are and is nearly identical to the Uber app. Benefits of using the app are that you can pre-select drivers and have a record of your ride if you accidentally forgot something in the vehicle or have a complaint or concern about the service. You can also save favorite drivers. Uber, Lyft and Cabify are currently back and forth in legislation as to whether they will be allowed in the city.
You can also call for a cab, although you should keep in mind that the meter normally starts running when the driver receives the call, not when you enter the taxi. Radio Taxi: 933 033 033 Servi Taxi: 933 300 300
The starting meter price on taxis changes by time of day (more expensive late at night and during rush hour) and you normally pay a small supplement for luggage. If you believe you have been overcharged for taxi service, just ask for a receipt with the driver’s identification number. The receipt should list your pick-up point and destination. There is no need to argue with the driver as you can make a claim (reclamación) directly with the company.
USEFUL WEBSITES/APPS
For the prices of transport cards, click here.
To check out the TMB Official Website (metro & buses), click here.
To check out the FGC Oficial Website, click here.
Google Maps - You can make maps available OFFLINE so that you always have access even without internet connection.
TIP: Before you leave home, check Google Maps for the best way to get from point A to point B. You'll see all the options for public transportation, taxi, walking, etc.
TRANSPORTATION CARDS
HOW TO BUY A METRO PASS
You can buy Metro passes at any Metro stop, train station and FGC station. The easiest way is at the machines. There are a variety of types of tickets.
If you are having trouble purchasing a long-term ticket (1 month or 3 months of unlimited travel), have a damaged ticket or have questions, there is a TMB office with staff at the Universitat Metro Station.
WHAT CARD TO BUY
Any transportation card you get to travel within Barcelona city needs to be Zone 1. To travel outside the city, check how many zones your ticket needs to include depending on how far you are going. You will be fined if you travel into zone 2 suburbs without the correct card.
BILLETES SENCILLOS - SINGLE USE RIDES
You can purchase a single ride ticket for about 2,40€ on the bus in cash or in metro machines but this is an expensive option!
There is a single metro pass to go to or from the airport and to use the rest of the metro system for just one ride. This cost approximately 5.15€. You can find more ways to travel to and from the airport here.
T CASUAL (T10) - Costs roughly 11,50€
Good for 10 rides within Barcelona and can only be used by 1 person. If 2 people try to use the same ticket (scanning it one after the other), it will not accept the ticket the second time.
For your first week in Barcelona, we recommend you get this card to see how much you use public transportation to get your classes, internship, etc. You should then decide which transportation card will be best for you.
T-USUAL (T-Mes / T-Month) - Costs roughly 20€
This is a card that provides unlimited travel for 1 person during 30 days.
NOTE: You must write an ID number on the card (we suggest your drivers license number) and the user must carry the matching ID at all times.
T-JOVE (T-Young) - 40€
If you are under 30 years old and staying for more than 2 months, consider getting a T-Jove (T-Young) pass which is a card that gives you unlimited travel for 90 days.
NOTE: You must write an ID number on the card (we suggest your drivers license number) and the user must carry the matching ID at all times.
If you have any visitors coming we recommend that they get the T-10/T-Casual card. If they're going to use more than 10 travels during the time they're here, it may be worth it to get the unlimited 2, 3, 4 or 5 day passes titled Hola Barcelona. These passes offers unlimited rides during the selected amount of consecutive days (and also include the airport metro line).
More information here.
More info for visiting friends and relatives here!
Keep your metro card safe. Lost or stolen cards will not be replaced. If your card gets bent or wet, it is likely to rip in the machines - keep it dry and in your wallet.
Replacing Damaged Cards. If your card stops working or is damaged (but you still have it), show the employees of any metro or train station and ask them to replace it. If there is no one at your local station, go to the TMB office at Plaça Universitat. Remember - lost or stolen cards will not be replaced.
Write your ID number on the card & carry that ID with you. Transportation cards that are unipersonal (for one person only) require your ID and you may need to show the identification, as TMB security performs checkpoints throughout the year at all metro stops and bus lines.
PROGRAMS WITH METRO CARDS INCLUDED
If a metro pass is included in your program, it is important not to lose it as they cannot be replaced.