reduceD mobility ABROAD
We believe that every student should have an equal opportunity to study abroad, and past students with a variety of mobility difficulties have had a fruitful and meaningful study abroad experience in our program!
In general, Barcelona is a fairly accessible city and has a good system of transportation and resources available. That said, you need to remember that sometimes you will be tested on your patience, and you should be prepared to meet some challenges. This is especially difficult for some students with reduced mobility, as the Medieval roots of the city mean that many things are smaller (like apartments and elevators) and there are often uneven streets and sidewalks. Please don't let that stop you! Aside from confronting a few inconveniences, you'll still have the study abroad experience you've always dreamed of!!
PREPARING TO COME ABROAD
The best way to improve your study or intern abroad experience starts before you come. Most importantly, please be upfront with your advisor about your physical accommodations needs and our advising staff on what you will need to make your experience work for you. This will include any needs in the classroom, with transportation, meals, assistance, housing, etc. The more you are able to share with us before you arrive the better we can plan, accommodate and modify the program for you!
TRASPORTATION
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Barcelona has a 100% accessible bus network. Buses of the fleet have reserved seats inside and an access ramp to the vehicle.
Safety belts for anchoring wheelchairs and preventing them from moving around dangerously.
Stop request buttons are placed at a lower height than usual, enabling wheelchair users to be independent on board the bus.
Access the bus map page here, but we recommend you simply use google maps.
All the platforms on the metro system have access ramps and 93% of the stations have lifts. The ticket vending machines are ergonomically designed to enable wheelchair users to purchase their tickets.
Wider access gates make it easy to pass through the ticket barrier. In most stations, a lift takes travelers to the platform area. Train carriages have a space specifically set aside for wheelchair users behind the driver's compartment.
You can browse through the information on every line and its stations by using the metro map here.
Most of Barcelona's Metro network is accessible except for some specific stations (12 out of a total of 165 stations).
Metro stations due to be adapted:
L1: Plaça de Sants, Espanya, Urquinaona and Clot
L3: Espanya
L4: Verdaguer, Urquinaona and Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica
L5: Virrei Amat, Maragall, Verdaguer and Plaça de Sants
Connections between non-adapted lines/operators (train & metro):
Catalunya L1/Rodalies (commuter trains) - L3/FGC (the connection between L1 and Rodalies to L3 and FGC is not accessible in either direction).
Passeig de Gràcia L2/L4 - L3/Rodalies (commuter trains)/Renfe (mainline trains). (The connection between L2 and L4 to L3 and Rodalies/Renfe is not accessible in either direction).
Clot L1 - L2 (the connection between L1, non-accessible station, and L2, accessible station, is not accessible in either direction).
The TRAM network is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.
The trams have low-floor access from the platform and ramps to the doors as well as areas reserved for wheelchair users.
Wheelchair users must board the tram by the door which is indicated by the signage at the platform edge.
There are safety belts inside the cars to secure wheelchairs during travel. This measure is provided in addition to other devices that fully comply with PRM guidelines, such as low-floor platforms or bridging plates to eliminate the gap between the door and the platform.
You can check the tram line and its stations by using the map here.
Most of the FGC trains and facilities are accessible with ramps, lifts, and escalators. However, not all of the are is accessible so do your research before using them.
You can check which stations are adapted by downloading the map of the integrated railway network here.
They provide accessible stations and trains suitable for disabled people who have special needs in getting around but who do not require an assistance service (physical disability only).
To request the assistance service, passengers must telephone 902 24 05 05 at least 36 hours before the date and time of travel.
Wheelchairs must be within the following maximum measurements: width 700 mm, depth 1,300 mm, and height 1,400mm.
You can check which stations and timetables here.
Taxis
Many taxi services in Barcelona and its surrounding area have adapted vehicles, but it will be difficult to find and stop an accessible one on the street, for that reason, we recommend using an app to order a taxi accessible, for example: Free now, Cabify, or Uber.
HOW TO GET TO THE PIRINEUS
Barcelona beaches are designed to have accessible access for people with all needs.
There are designated parking spaces with access routes that lead to the dry sand, both visual and tactile signs and information points, handicapped restrooms, adapted showers with chairs, and wooden footbridges that reach the water as close as possible, although, they do not touch the water, as it could detach the module.
The beaches of Nova Icària (mid-May) and Sant Miquel (mid -une) will have an inclusive changing facility.
Additionally, there are free assisted bathing services that are intended for people with reduced mobility who need personal and technical help to access the water. Most beaches in Barcelona have an assistance service developed for those people who need help entering and exiting the water. A previous booking is required for this assistance service. You can book online here. (Note: No advance booking is required if you just need to borrow equipment or you only need minimal assistance.)
Assistance points
The service is organized around 3 assistance points on the beaches, although the location of these may change depending on alterations in patterns of use, or according to what is considered most appropriate each season. Assistance will be available at:
Sant Miquel Beach
Nova Icària Beach
Fòrum bathing area
Calendar for the assistance service
Nova Icària beach and the Fòrum bathing area:
From 23 to 31 March, on the 1, 29 and 30 and every weekend in April, from 1 to 24 May and from 12 September to 27 October: from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm.
From 25 May to 11 September: 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.
Sant Miquel Beach:
From 1 June to 11 September: 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.
From 12 September to 27 October: 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
Other considerations for the beach assistance service:
Users are advised to come with someone who will be able to help them and make sure they can do the following without further assistance:
- Preparation for bathing.
- Transferral of personal mobility equipment to and from amphibious or hydraulic chairs.
- Accompaniment during bathing.Those who use the service without this personal assistant will only receive assistance in getting to and from the water and while swimming for a maximum of 20 minutes, and other needs will not be covered.
resources
General
US State Department - Information for traveling
Wheelchair Travel - Can I safely charge my power wheelchair abroad?
Catalunya
Barcelona
Barcelona Accessible Tourism website: Resource for activities, transportation options, and sports
AmigosBarcelona. A website that will connect you to locals that have mobility difficulties. They organize events and activities you can join and get to know this community further while in Barcelona.
TIPS FOR accessibility in BARCELONA FROM OTHER STUDENTS
Take your time exploring and getting comfortable using public transportation. It would take a while, so make sure you leave the house with enough time.
Bus is a great way to move around in Barcelona. All buses are accessible and come very often. Also, you can use google maps to see when the next bus will arrive.
Taxi is the best way to go to the airport. You can book an accessible taxi through an app line Free Now, Uber o Cabiffy.
Before booking a reservation online in a restaurant, call the establishment and ask for the accessibility of the table that you are booking. Some restaurants have a second floor with no elevator access, so make sure your table is on the ground floor.
If you feel comfortable, disclose your medical information and the accommodations needed before arrival, in your medical self-assessment or to your advisor, to get the support you need abroad.