A 2026 Guide to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Updated: January 28, 2026
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), better known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is Catalonia’s largest and busiest international airport. It’s also the home of Spain’s largest low-cost airline, Vueling.
Located around 15 kilometers southwest of the city center, BCN welcomes more than 50 million passengers annually, making it Spain’s second busiest airport after Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). This comprehensive guide to Barcelona Airport will answer all your questions and help you navigate this international airport with ease on your next visit or layover.
Table of contents
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) at a glance
- Where is Barcelona Airport?
- Barcelona Airport: Terminal Overview
- Lounge Access at Barcelona Airport
- What restaurants are available at Barcelona Airport?
- Shopping at Barcelona Airport
- Hotels near Barcelona-El Prat Airport
- Amenities at Barcelona Airport
- The best way to get to Barcelona Airport
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) at a glance
Location: 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Terminals: Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 (A, B & C)
Transport: Aerobus (bus), L2 Sud (metro), or R2 Nord (train)
Parking: Long Stay, General, Express, and VIP parking services are offered at both airport terminals.
Lounges: Lounges are available at both terminals and can be accessed for a fee.
Shops & Restaurants: A variety of shops and restaurants are available airside, including Duty Free.
Nearby Hotels: A number of hotels are available close to the airport, offering a free shuttle service and comfortable amenities. Barcelona airport even offers a Sleep&Fly service inside Terminal 1.
Amenities: Free WiFi, work stations, children’s play areas, pet facilities, currency exchange, luggage storage, and more.
Where is Barcelona Airport?
Address: 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Phone number: +34 913 21 10 00
How do you get to Barcelona Airport?
Barcelona-El Prat is located just outside the city center, in the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi.
Getting there by train
R2 Nord: The R2 Nord runs roughly every 30 minutes, starting at Maçanet-Massanes and passing through Barcelona-Sants Estació (19 to 24 min to T2), Passeig de Gràcia (26 to 27 min to T2), and El Clot Arago (32 min to T2).
The airport train station is located at Terminal 2 (T2). If you are flying from Terminal 1 (T1), you will need to take the regular free shuttle bus between T2 and T1.
Trains tend to run from early morning (around 05:30) until around 23:30 or midnight, however exact departure times vary. A single train ticket to/from the airport is usually around 5 EUR.
Getting there by metro
L9 Sud: The L9 Sud (South) connects Barcelona-El Prat Airport (both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) to the Barcelona metro network. Trains run roughly every 7 minutes from the airport to Zona Universitària.
To access the airport using the L9, you will need to purchase an Airport Ticket, which costs 5.70 EUR. Hola Barcelona Travel Card is valid for airport trips and unlimited travel during its validity (2–5 days).
Getting there by bus
Aerobus: If your accommodation is located in the city center, the most efficient way to get to and from Barcelona Airport is by using the Aerobus. The Aerobus has two routes, which run every 5-10 minutes, 24 hours a day, and take around 30-35 minutes depending on traffic.
Tickets cost 7,45 EUR (one-way) or 12,85 EUR (return) and you will need to purchase a ticket before you board.
A1: Travels between Plaça Catalunya and Terminal 1, stopping at Plaça d’Espanya, Gran Via – Comte d’Urgell, and Plaça Universitat.
A2: Travels between Plaça Catalunya and Terminal 2, stopping at Airport Terminal 2B, Airport Terminal 2C, Plaça d’Espanya, Gran Via – Comte d’Urgell, and Plaça Universitat.
Bus 46: A more affordable option is to take Bus 6 from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to Plaça Espanya. The public bus service runs every 15 to 20 minutes, from early morning until late night (around 05:00 to 00:30), and costs the same as a TMB bus fare.
Night Buses (N16 / N17 / N18): If you arrive very late or early (when regular buses/trains are limited), there are a handful of night buses that run between the airport and the city. Like the 6 route, you can pay onboard using a Credit/Debit card or use the TMB travel card.
Getting there by car
If you plan to drive to the airport from the city center, you’ll need to take the C-31 Sud or C-32 motorway and follow signs for Aeropuerto / El Prat. Follow signs for “Salidas / Departures”. It’s free to drop off passengers at the Express Parking area for 10 minutes.
Blacklane Chauffeur Service: For a smooth and comfortable journey, book a Blacklane to or from Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Founded in the city of Berlin back in 2011, Blacklane offers premium door-to-door chauffeur services in Barcelona, making your airport transfer effortless and stress-free.
Parking at Barcelona Airport
Barcelona-El Prat Airport offers official AENA Parking at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which includes parking services based on your needs and preferences. AENA Client Club members will receive a discount on all parking facilities at El Prat.
Parking at Terminal 1
Long Stay: The long-stay car park at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the best option for parking your vehicle while you’re on vacation or a longer trip.
The car park is located a few minutes from T1, it is connected to it 24 hours a day by a free shuttle service.
Access to the Long Stay car park is only authorised for vehicles with a prior booking and a flight departing from T1.
General: The general car park building offers direct access to Terminal 1. It’s the best option for visitors who plan to stay less than 4 days, or are picking up or dropping off passengers.
Parking rates
1–30 minutes: €0.05775 per minute
31–120 minutes: €0.055 per minute
From 121 minutes onward: €0.050 per minute
Daily caps
Maximum per day (up to 4 days): €20.95
Maximum per day (from the 5th day onward): €16.00
Perferente: Preferente parking at Barcelona-El Prat is a new parking lot located on level 2 of the North area (modules A, B, C, D, E and F) of the General Car Park in T1, offering direct access to the terminal building for a special rate.
Express: Express parking is located on the roadway next to the T1 departures area. The first 10 minutes are free, but then you must pay the amount for the full time from when you parked, according to the current rate. The maximum stay is 2 hours.
VIP: VIP parking offers a concierge-style service where your car is parked for you just outside the terminal and returned upon arrival.
Parking at Terminal 2
General: The General parking garage is located just a few metres away from terminal T2, with spaces laid out opposite terminals T2 A, T2 B, and T2 C. It is the best option for visitors who plan to stay less than 4 days, or are picking up or dropping off passengers.
Express: Express parking can be found on the roadway of the Terminal 2 (A, B and C) departures/arrivals area. The first 10 minutes are free, but then you must pay the amount for the full time from when you parked, according to the current rate. The maximum stay is 2 hours.
VIP: The same VIP service is offered to passengers at T2.
Motorcycles: There are several unguarded areas designated for motorbikes in T2, which are free of charge to use.
Premium / VIP services: Alongside parking, AENA also offers a quick access Fast Lane service that enables preferential access to security checkpoints, speeding up waiting times. A premium meet & assist service is also available.
Barcelona Airport: Terminal Overview
Barcelona Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the main terminal, which was opened in 2009. This terminal handles the majority of flights, including most international, long-haul, domestic, and Schengen services.
Terminal 1 is divided into 5 modules which serve different regions:
Module A: Flights to Madrid
Module B: Schengen flights
Module C: Air Nostrum and regional services
Module D: Non-Schengen Europe
Module E: Non-Schengen rest of world
Terminal 2 is the oldest terminal, and it’s divided into three sections: T2A, T2B, and T2C. It is mainly used by low-cost carriers and regional airlines. Gates are grouped with signs for Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
T2B: The main central hub for check-in and most departures/arrivals
T2A & T2C: Additional halls, with some airlines (e.g., easyJet) using T2C gates
Which airlines fly from Barcelona-El Prat?
Terminal 1
Aegean Airlines
Air Algerie
Air Canada
Air China
Air Europa
Air France
Air Nostrum
American Airlines
Arkia
Asiana Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Avianca
British Airways
Brussels Airlines
China Eastern
Croatia Airlines
Delta Air Lines
EgyptAir
El Al Israel Airlines
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Finnair
Iberia
ITA Airways
KLM
LATAM
LEVEL
LOT Polish Airlines
Lufthansa
Qatar Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Jordanian
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Swiss International Air Lines
TAP Portugal
Tunisair
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Vueling Airlines
Terminal 2
Aer Lingus
Air Arabia Maroc
Air Transat
Azerbaijan Airlines
Blue Bird Airways
EasyJet / EasyJet Europe
Eurowings
Fly One
Icelandair
Jet2.com
Luxair
Norwegian Air Shuttle & Norwegian Air Sweden
Pegasus Airlines
Ryanair & Ryanair UK
SATA International
Smartwings
SunExpress
Transavia
Volotea
Wizz Air
Lounge Access at Barcelona Airport
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have lounge access for comfort and convenience, all of which are operated by Sala VIP. Day passes for all lounges can be purchased through AENA VIP.
Sala VIP Pau Casals (Terminal 1, Schengen Lounge): Located in T1, Level 2 (after security in the Schengen boarding area). The lounge offers complimentary drinks, food, Wi‑Fi, flight info, TVs, charging points, showers, meeting rooms, a rest area, and a children’s area.
Access & pricing
Access is available for Priority Pass/LoungeKey/DragonPass/Diners Club, business class and elite airline passengers.
Day passes cost €48.00 per adult and €22.20 per child (6-10). Children under 6 are usually permitted free of charge.
Open 04:30 - last flight.
Sala VIP Joan Miró (Terminal 1, Non‑Schengen Lounge): Located on Level 2 (after passport control toward non‑Schengen gates, near Gate D), and is best for flights outside the Schengen zone (long‑haul/intercontinental) Similar to Pau Casals, the lounge offers snacks, Wi‑Fi, TVs, showers, charging, and rest areas.
Access & pricing
Access is available for Priority Pass/LoungeKey/DragonPass/Diners Club, business class and elite airline passengers.
Day passes cost €51.26 per adult and €24.55 per child.
Open 06:00 - 21:00 daily.
Sala VIP Colomer (Terminal 1, Air‑Bridge / Madrid Shuttle Lounge): This lounge can be found on Level 1 near the Barcelona‑Madrid air corridor, and offers comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi‑Fi, work area, TVs, etc.
Access & pricing
Access is available to Priority Pass and T1 Barcelona-Madrid Shuttle passengers only.
Day passes cost €48.00 per adult and €22.20 per child.
Open 06:00 - 21:00 daily.
Premium VIP Lounge (Terminal 1, Landside): The VIP Lounge can be accessed landside, before going through security, making it ideal for waiting for check-in or meeting guests.
Access & pricing
Complimentary access available for Priority Pass/LoungeKey members.
Sala VIP Canudas (Terminal 2): This is the only lounge within Terminal 2, and can be found at Terminal 2B, Level 1, in the boarding area near Gates U. It provides all the expected lounge amenities, as well as showers and a spa and salon.
Access & pricing
Access is available for Priority Pass/LoungeKey/DragonPass/Diners Club, business class and elite airline passengers.
Day passes cost €48.00 per adult and €22.20 per child.
Open 06:00 - 21:00 daily.
What restaurants are available at Barcelona Airport?
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or sit-down meal, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and places to eat at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), in both Terminal 1 and 2. If you’re looking for quality Spanish/Catalan food one last time before you depart, check out ALAS by Hermanos Torres. Dehesa Santa María and Tapa Tapa offer tapas, salads, and local dishes, while Asador del Mar is best for seafood and Mediterranean fare. Other casual eateries in Terminal 1 include Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee, Caffè di Fiore, and Paul. Fast food joints like Burger King and McDonald’s are also available.
If you’re departing from Terminal 2, check out foodies', a cured‑ham bar with small bites, primarily in the airside area, the Food Market which is open 24 hours, and Mussol for a variety of Catalan classics alongside healthy options.
Get your kit at the FC Barcelona Store. credit@aena
Shopping at Barcelona Airport
BCN has roughly 92 stores located across its two terminals. The selection of stores at T1 is the most varied, featuring popular clothing brands like Zara, Mango, Victoria’s Secret, and Levi’s. Souvenirs can be picked up at the Barça Store (official FC Barcelona merchandise) and many of the travel hub stores dotted around the terminal. There are three duty free areas, the largest of which is Barcelona Duty Free. For something a little different, check out The Gallery In Barcelona, a premium multi-brand store selling luxury fashion (e.g., Montblanc, Hugo Boss, Longchamp) alongside a gourmet bar experience. Terminal 2 has a smaller but similar collection of stores.
Hotels near Barcelona-El Prat Airport
No matter your budget, Barcelona Airport has overnight options to suit every traveler. These are the most recommended hotels near Barcelona Airport, offering comfort and convenience just a short distance from the terminals (or even right inside).
Location: Terminal 1, Floor 1, Centro de Negocios Aeropuerto de, 08820, Barcelona, Spain
Shuttle service: No
If you want the ultimate in convenience, consider a stay at Barcelona Airport’s Sleep&Fly, a modern airport hotel located within Terminal 1 of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport. Sometimes referred to as Air Rooms, guests can book standard rooms or junior suites equipped with private bathrooms, coffee machines, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also provides shower rooms and hourly room options for transit passengers seeking rest between flights or long layovers.
Location: Plaça de la Volateria, 3, 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Shuttle service: Yes, complimentary 24-hour shuttle
Barcelona Airport Hotel is a four-star business and leisure hotel located in El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, approximately 2.5 km from the airport terminals. It is also a few minutes on foot to Mas Blau metro station which makes it easy to reach central Barcelona in under 30 minutes.
Location: Avinguda del Remolar, 46, 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Shuttle service: Yes, complimentary 24-hour shuttle
Just 5 minutes from BCN, Sallés Hotel Ciutat del Prat is a four-star hotel perfect for business travelers and tourists looking for fast access to the city center and the airport. The hotel has many attractive amenities, such as a pool, sauna, and fitness center. The hotel’s Sinfonia Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by a lounge bar and breakfast buffet.
Location: Carrer de la Vila de Begur, 2, 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Shuttle service: Airport transfer service is available every hour from 04:20 to 08:20 daily, except on Sunday evenings and early Monday mornings, which will incur an additional charge. All transfers require prior reservation and are subject to availability.
This small three-star hotel is roughly 3.7 kilometers from the airport, and features 29 comfortable rooms with air conditioning, TVs, blackout drapes, and modern furnishings. Hotel categories include Classic, Comfort, and Business rooms, all of which offer private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. To reach iconic Barcelona landmarks such as La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya, hop on the metro from Les Moreres.
INNSiDE by Meliá Barcelona Aeropuerto
Location: Plaça del, Polígono Mas Blau II, Plaça Pla de l'Estany, 1-2, 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Shuttle service: Yes, complimentary 24-hour shuttle
Also located just two kilometers from Barcelona–El Prat Airport, INNSiDE is operated by Meliá Hotels International, and caters to business travelers and passengers in transit, with cozy and comfortable amenities and convenient airport access. A 24-hour bar and gym are available on-site.
BEST Western Plus Hotel Alfa Aeroport
Location: Carrer K Zona Franca, Sants-Montjuïc, 08040 Barcelona, Spain
Shuttle service: Yes, a complimentary shuttle transfer operates between both airport terminals and the hotel (5:00–10:30 PM and 6:15 PM–12:30 AM).
The BEST Western Plus Hotel near BCN has been family-run for over two decades, catering to travelers transiting through BCNt or embarking on Mediterranean cruises from Port Nou’s cruise terminal. On-site amenities include a heated indoor saltwater pool, sauna, and 24-hour fitness center.
Amenities at Barcelona Airport
Free Wi-Fi: Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals. You can connect to it through Airport Free Wifi AENA (sometimes shown as Airport_Free_Wifi_AENA).
Charging stations: Charging points and outlets are available in terminals and in designated workstations.
ATMs and currency exchange: Multiple ATMs are available in both T1 and T2. The CaixaBank can be found in Terminal T1, Level 1 and is open from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The CaixaBank in Terminal T2B can be found on Level 0 in the Arrivals area, and is open 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Global Exchange can also be found in the Arrivals area at Terminal 1.
Workstations: Barcelona Airport has 19 work areas (14 in Terminal 1 and 5 in Terminal 2). They have 40 tables and over 320 power outlets for passengers to use.
Terminal T1, Level 3, Boarding Area D, Boarding Area E, Boarding Area E.
Terminal T1, Level 1, Boarding Area A, Boarding Area B, Boarding Area C, Baggage Claim, Sky Center.
Terminal T2, Level 1, Boarding Area R, Boarding Area S, Boarding Area U, Boarding Area WY
Luggage storage: Luggage storage is only available in Terminal 1. It is located on Level 0 near the arrivals area and Parking T1, and available 24 hours.
Print and copy services: Services are available in Air Rooms/VIP/business centers (which will need to be paid), as well as the lounges which offer printers/copiers.
Showers: Paid shower facilities are offered within lounges and Air Rooms.
Pet facilities: Barcelona-El Prat Airport has four open-air areas with a lawn where passengers can rest along with their pets before boarding. Areas have a water fountain, a bin for animal waste, and areas where pets can be tied up.
Terminal T1. Floor 1
Terminal T1. Floor 3
Terminal T2. Floor 0
Terminal T2. Floor 1
Kids play areas: Multiple children's play areas can be found airside in Terminal 1 and all three sections of Terminal 2.
Terminal 1: Level 3, Near Gate D21
Terminal 1: Level 3, Near Gates E78-E79 (South Dock)
Terminal 1: Level 3, Near Gates D9-D10
Terminal 1: Level 3, Near Gate E73
Terminal 1: Level 1, Near Gates C80-C81 (South Dock)
Terminal 2A: Ground Floor, Arrivals, Baggage Hall A
Terminal 2A: Level 1, Near Gates Y57-Y58
Terminal 2B: Ground Floor, Arrivals, Near Baggage Carousel 29
Terminal 2B: Level 1: Near Gate U34
Terminal 2B: Level 1, Near Gate S25
Terminal 2B: Level 1, Near Gate S22
Terminal 2C: Ground Floor, Near Gate M3
Baby facilities: Breastfeeding areas for nursing mothers are available in Terminal 1.
Terminal 1: Level 1, Sky Center, Near the Sunglass Hut store
Terminal 1: Level 1, Sky Center, Near the VIDAL&VIDAL store
Terminal 1: Level 1, Boarding Area C, Near Gates C70-C71 (Fully Equipped Breastfeeding Room)
Terminal 1: Level 3, Boarding Area D, Near Gates D13-D14
Terminal 1: Level 3, Boarding Area E, Near Barcelona Duty Free
Terminal 1: Level 3, Boarding Area E (Fully Equipped Breastfeeding Room)
Stroller facilities: The airport offers free strollers to families with upcoming flights, and they can be picked up from several designated points. Strollers must be returned before boarding.
Terminal 1: Level 1, Boarding Area A, Near Gate A8
Terminal 1: Level 1, Boarding Area C, Near Gates C76-C77
Terminal 1: Level 1, Boarding Area B, Near Gates B28-B30
Terminal 1: Level 1, Boarding Area B, Near Gates B56-B58
Terminal 2: Level 1, Near Gate R14
Terminal 2: Level 1, Near Gate U31
Terminal 2: Level 1, Near Gate W42
Travelers must return the strollers at the following points:
Terminal 1: Level 1, Sky Center
Terminal 2: Level 1, Boarding Area S, Near McDonald’s
Accessibility: Barcelona Airport is fully accessible with assistance services, wheelchair support, designated facilities and barrier-free access.
Pharmacy & Medical services: Medical first-response teams and defibrillators are found throughout terminals.
Smoking areas: There are three designated smoking areas provided at the airport.
Terminal T1. Floor 1. North courtyard
Terminal T1. Floor 1. South courtyard
Terminal T2. Floor 1
The best way to get to Barcelona Airport
Traveling to or from Barcelona-El Prat Airport is easy when you leave the logistics to professionals. When you book a Blacklane, you can leave behind the hassle of flagging down taxis, navigating parking lots, or dealing with unpredictable traffic. A professional chauffeur will be there to greet you upon arrival or departure, can assist with your luggage, and provide a quiet, comfortable ride. It’s travel made effortless, just the way it should be.
